Let’s just cut straight to it – this is the first time I’ve put new grips on a bike and been blown away by the difference they make out on the trail. ESI Extra Chunky Grips are the shiz!

I’ve had no complaints with any of my previous grips over the years but TBH unlike other bike components have never given grips much thought other than you hang onto them, they wear out, you replace them with whatever is available/cool at the time. Grips are grips more or less, right?

With my Lizard Skin Lock-On’s worn down to the handlebar a review of SRAM ESI Grips on Flow Mountain Bike got me thinking it might be time to go old school. ESI Grips had just released the ‘Extra Chunky’ grip – a 100% silicone grip that comes in at an extra chunky 34mm diameter when installed. Worth a try I thought!

Out on the trail I’ve been blown away by how good the Extra Chunky grips feel. The wide diameter, shock absorbing, grippy silicone is super comfy and creates a feeling of increased control over regular grips – without being too soft or sticky. No shit. I reckon the extra chunkiness is the key factor here.

Installation is a bit more of hassle vs lock-ons – I used Isopropyl Alchohol to provide some lube (GREAT for cleaning brake discs with BTW). The Extra Chunky’s seem to have a good grip on the surface of my Syncros Bulk handlebar and I’ve had no issue at all with throttling – the grips feel as secure on as lock-ons.

Yeah I recommend these puppies! 🙂