[Closed] Push-on (non lock-on) grips. Worth the extra hassle?

What’s people’s experience with push-ons?

I loathe them. Lockons for me.

I don't need to take my grips off very often, but when I do I'm reminded why I use lock ons.

Lock-ons solved a problem. Grips used to be a right pain to deal with. Either how to make them stick, or how to get them off once they were stuck, or how to clean off the thing that you used to get them off so they would stick again. I'm not going back any time soon. Lock-ons all the way.

Lock on grips have rendered push on's obsolete in my opinion.
Infinitely take off and on able without faff. Often found the outboard clamp uncomfortable but there are loads out there now with just inboard clamps.

prefer push ons, no annoying metalwork, thicker rubber more comfy and lasts longer.

a bit of IPA to slide on, and a squirt to get off ( lift edge spray in and leave for a minute to creep in)

generally prefer patterns that do not have big ridges

Grips are very personal, so only you can know really, obviously only after trying push ons. Personally, I absolutely loved renthal ultra tacky push ons, they were the comfiest grips for me by a country mile. Lovely.

Fitted them using renthal's grip glue which for the most part worked well, even in wet UK conditions. What caused problems was uplift days. The straps on trailers hold the grips tight and they would get pulled out of shape and would move in from the ends of the bars, and would never go back properly again, even after re fitting with the glue. After 3 pairs in 2 years, I went back to lock ons (deathgrip slim/soft). Obviously uplifts haven't been an issue in the last year (not been on any) but I changed back to lock ons just before covid. Lock ons are nowhere near as comfy, but they're nice enough and it's nice not to have ffaff with grips now.

If I had the luxury of a mechanic looking after my bike full time then the renthal ultra tacky push ons would definitely still be on the bike!

some people love the comfort of push ons. I keep meaning to try them again.

Hairspray is your friend for installing and removing. Its really not that hard.

Rental Ultra Tacky push ons, take a few seconds to fit and remove with a bit of brake cleaner, I lock wire mine on also. For uplifts I just fit the strap in the gap between the grip and brake.

Hairspray is your friend for installing and removing. Its really not that hard.

When push-ons were the norm this was a good solution. You'd sneak up and steal the female in your life's hairspray and use 0.000001% of the can to get the job done. In a year or two's time you do it again. Does anyone actually use hairspray anymore? It would be a trip to superdrug for me and the day I died 99.995% of the can would still be in the garage. A confused relative clearing the garage would wonder why a bald man owned hairspray. I suspect they would conclude I was into some pervert sort of garage based pube art.

Lockon here too - the inner weight weenie does wonder why I carry around the extra weight. But then I look down are realise that is the least of my weight related worries.

Yeah I wired mine too, but due to bar set up (Shimano' short levers and me being small) meant that I was running the levers very close to the grips so there wasn't any space between the grips and the levers, so they had to go on the grips. Maybe with longer levers such as guides or Hope's there'd be enough of a gap. As it was, there was no way of avoiding it.

I prefer the feel of ESI grips over any lock on. But I'm currently using ODi Dreadlock's as it's the closest thing to ESI but with a user friendly lock on which out weighs the minor feel difference. However now I've got matchmaker clamps and no need to remove grips I may go back to ESI when the current lockons wear out.

Thanks for the replies all.
I used to run push-ons before lock-ons were available and even with hairspray and wire, they used to move after a while due to water and muck ingress.
So I guess I already knew the answer, but was interested to hear if push-ons are a lot more comfy and reduce fatigue. It sounds like there are benefits, but for most people not enough to offset the increased hassle.

Lol at convert.

Every time I have to fix a bike with push on grips I'm reminded why all my bikes (and everyone in the family) have lock ons.

I always got the impression that the benefits are greatest if you like the skinniest possible grips.

I massively prefer push on but they are more work / harder to get right but superior imo. Having said that I currently have lock-on because what the bike came with.

I prefer lock-on for most of the reasons already mentioned. I would add, I prefer single clamp lock-on grips though as my hands tend to migrate to the end of the bars!

You get more rubber with push ons, great for more comfort on rigid bikes.

You can also get narrower grips with push ones, great for those with small hands

Most decent MTBs have clamps on brake and dropper remotes that are split anyway, so you don't need to remove grips for maintenance.

Use grip glue or spray paint to hold them on.

@convert lol! I have a can of cheap shit hairspray in the garage for the odd time I need to remove/fit push n grips. I too am also bald!!

My daughter still has push-ons though, but she only has little hands.

What’s people’s experience with push-ons?

I've basically not run lock-ons in four years since trying Renthal push on.

Are they significantly better performance than lock-ons?

Yes, much. It's quite remarkable the difference in my experience (back-to-back).

What methods do people use to stick them on and what brands/models do you recommend?

All the IPA/hairspray techniques work well, as does standard Renthal glue, but the grip can twist as described above. The Renthal quick stuff is a much stronger hold in my experience and I no longer bother wiring grips and have done plenty of uplift days since without issue.

I use ESI grips on the XC bike where weight is key and a minor movement of the grip is no big deal (I have never had one move in use!). Putting them on or off is a matter of 1/2 a second with a compressor. They simply float on and off as easy as pie. No need for any glue or anything on the bars. All my other bikes, which will involve me getting airbourne to some degree, have lock-ons. Not prepared to risk grip movements on them at all.

I tried a set of the Renthal Ultra Tacky push on's, with grip wire, meant zero movement.

They really are ultra tacky. But on a riding holiday 18 months ago, they lasted about a week, before I had worn through to the bar. Went for my standard Deity knuckledusters again & they are still on the bike now, not worn out, yet still lovey & soft.

ODI Longneck push on grips for me

Much softer than lock on grips, slightly longer too

Fit using some spray glue and leave to dry and they wont move, used mine in all kinds of weather and they haven't slipped in 2 years

When i comes to removal time i just carefully cut them off, only time they need removing is when they are worn out

All brakes and shifters are hinged these days so no longer need to remove grips to change brakes/shifters etc...

They really are ultra tacky. But on a riding holiday 18 months ago, they lasted about a week, before I had worn through to the bar.

Not calling BS or anything, but what were you doing to them?! My last set lasted me ~2000km and four weeks in the alps. They were pretty bald when I changed them but not worn through to the bar. Not as long lasting (seemingly infinite) as the kevlar set I had before but still..

*edit* they were still sticky when I changed them too 🙂

Depends on a few factors IMO, on a more DH focused bike where you will be more likely to be crashing or uplifting then lock on grips are best. Also if you like to change parts often (bars, grips, shifters etc).

If that isn't you then I find a lot of benefits to using push one. Softer, more comfy, lighter. But they can get damaged more easily and are a pain to put on and keep from ever moving.

ODI Longneck push on grips for me too -

Never had a problem with them slipping - guess it's partly down to the big plugs they use.

Lock-ons just can't compare in the comfort stakes.

Tried some ESI push ons once - almost removed my thumb installing them & hated the feel on the trail.

Ritchey foam push ons on my 29er, fit them, forget them until they wear out after about 2 years, tenner a time job done.

I haven't used lock-ons for years. Too thin, hard and uncomfortable.

Longnecks and Ultra Tackys in this house. No faffing with glue or wire. Slide them on to a Renthal Fatbar with GT85 and they're rock solid in all weathers.

I can remember a time when they were useless. They were a nightmare to fit and remove and if it rained or snowed they'd start spinning. I thought lock-ons made them obsolete. I'm not sure what changed but they're fine now.

With Push-ons, fit a decent bar plug without a hole, or fill/block the hole.

Then put the nozzle of an air compressor pistol nozzle in the small hole on the outer end of the grip, offer it up to the end of the bar, squeeze the trigger and slide it on in one smooth movement.

Remove using the same method. Nozzle up against the hole, blast in air, slide grip off the bar.

I find push ons much more comfortable. A bit of GT85 or IPA then slip them on and I dont have trouble with the twisting.

I prefer foam grips to the lock on rubbers. I ride without gloves for the most part and don't like the way rubber grips go tacky and sticky. Also better feel in the wet.

Foam grips also seem to last much longer. Current grips have been on my bike for three years and only need changing now as the colour has faded.

Given on my shimano brakes the collar can be opened, removing the grips is never a problem. With sram it might be.

One of the keys to getting them to stay put is the type of bars, a peened finish allows water to creep under them, a smooth & shiney finish has held up fine on every set i've fitted.

Years of Race Face Good N Evil mean that any lock on feels harsh. Yes they can be a pain to get off but I just prefer them. I even have Revgrips but went back to push ons.

I use foam push ons. Light. cheap, comfy, never slip

Lockons are good if you keep on taking grips off but I do not.

I bought a box load from superstar for a fiver a pair last month. Purely down to the fact they were a fiver. Use hand gel re covid hand gel to fit. Once dry they don't budge.
No difference to bolt on.
However I possibly needed to do some maintenance the other night and as slip on I didnt. This is the issue.

Much prefer push on for comfort but both main bikes currently on lock ons as that's what they came with/were built with.

Always think push ons need big bar end plugs that are a really right fit as my only concern is yanking them off the end of the bar. Have used a zip tie on the inboard end to stop them sliding inward before. In fact I reckon one round the bar inboard of the grip might work.

My shitty hybrid has some push on Specialized ergo grip things and they are super comfy. Might get a set or two to go onto my other bikes for bit of extra support.

I like foam ones- used to be ESI racer's edge, but they're very delicate, changed to ODI Floats which feel pretty similar but don't fall apart as much. Not sure I'd be such a fan if I didn't have an air compressor but they make fitting and removing so easy (fitting is never hard tbh, with the cable tie trick, but removing them isn't so easy)

ESI or odi vapor here. I prefer the extra foam/rubber not the plastic liner. That said, some lock ons are using cage style liners with voids to allow more rubber at contact points. I've broken quite a few lock on inners though hitting trees. One up and syncros grips.
Kids have dmr sect push one on their dj bikes and they get baggy/loose with water ingress. I've mitigated this by using lock on ends as "water seals" butted up against the ends and it's no longer an issue.

I remember when ‘push ons’ were the only thing available.

installation is not a problem as long as you’re OK cleaning the bars well and using some adhesive to avoid slipping. Removing them for maintenance was the only awkward thing.

when lock-on grips came out I swapped over when my push-ons wore out. Wouldn’t go back now.

Chromag wax push ons here.

Bit of glue and wired on.

I had some fabric lock ons for 3 rides. They were noticably less comfy than the chromag.

3 mtb all with chromag wax.

Ive gone back to push on Rogues, they are more comfortable and alot less hassle now shifter and levers have split clamps.

I have the SQLabs 711, which are a mix of lock on and push on.

They are excellent, the ergonomic shape allows a looser grip on long downhills which has helped with arm pump for me.

I would recommend

never got on with lock ons. as said previously, bit stiff and unsupportive. I fond that the tacky ones overcompensate for lack of soft rubber by being too soft meaning you can feel the inner.

been using Odi Attacks for decades, but recently switched to Odi longneck soft flangeless BMX grips. essentially softer versions of the attack.

installed using a double wrap of PVC insulation tape on the bars and GT85 sprayed on the inside of the grips.

Only slippage occurred after a 4 hour torrential rain ride.

I have sandpaper for palms and like to ride without gloves and twist my hands about it seems. Roadie bar tape dies similarly quickly for me. So grips are very consumable!

I like squishy grips, Lock on's just feel like you're gripping a huge diameter bar wrapped in the thinnest sliver of rubber (which you are). Currently using Supercaz silicone grips.

I find any glue short of superglue gives up eventualy. Superglue the grip gives up around it!

Most decent MTBs have clamps on brake and dropper remotes that are split anyway, so you don’t need to remove grips for maintenance.

+1, when was the last time you had to take the grips off?

How does Gt85 work to stop them slipping?

I use closed end push on grips installed with three zip ties evenly spaced apart inside the grips, they let you slide the grips on with minimal struggle then just pull the zip ties out and the grips are instantly rideable, no waiting for stuff to dry or evaporate, a several mm wide ring made from the ends of old grips butted up against the new grips can help stop water ingress if a skinny zietap or wire doesn't work out due to grips having a flange, DMR sect for example.

Been there done that with push on grips: Windolene, hair spray, hand sanitiser, zip ties and grip wire. They're just a little bit of a faff and there's always the suspicion that they'll let go in a real downpour when I need them most.
I really hate the clamp on the end of the bar, but Bontrager do single clamp grips with enclosed ends. The Bontrager SE Elite is my current favourite - nice and squishy and grippy, and lasts a long time. I love ESI Racer's Edge, but have torn a couple in the past. The Bontys allow you to ride with your hands almost over the end of the bars. Might just be me - grips are a personal thing.
Also worth noting that Trek does clamp-on and push on versions of the Bontrager XR grips, which are plenty thin, so you could (for a price) have a like-to-like comparison.
Also take a look at the new Gusset grips - they seem pretty sweet.

How does Gt85 work to stop them slipping?

it's wet to slide on, then evaporates. also softens the PVC tape a little for added adhesion.
removal is easy. old cut spoke to lift the grip, squirt some GT85 in, work it round a bit and then slide it off.

only thing better is spray glue, but it's not as easy to slide them on and they take ages to dry off (and you need to cut them off if you need to move them!)