I have been using the KORE Bicycle Components “Gripster” lock on grips now for several months. Here are my final thoughts on the grips

The KORE Gripster is an unusual but functional grip.

The grips on your mountain bike can either make or break your ride. When they work, you don’t notice them, when they are a problem, you can’t think about anything else. Thankfully, the Gripster falls into the former category.

I found that the Gripster lived up to its name, being rather grippy indeed! Gloved hands never seemed to have a problem finding traction here, and frankly, the diamond pattern Krayton covering tended to tear up softer palmed gloves after awhile. One thing is for sure, the Gripster will give you a great purchase on the bars for power moves and general manhandling of your mountain bike.

The slightly ovalized shape didn’t work like other ergonomic grips, but rather were great at generating some leverage for things like wheelies. If you are thinking the Gripster will relieve your hand pain because of their shape, you will be disappointed. If however, you need ultimate leverage and and odd looking grips don’t bother you, these grips may be for you.

If you get these grips, be aware that you will need two three millimeter wrenches to put them on properly. The fasteners can easily fall and roll off underneath something dark and nasty if you are not careful. Once on and positioned where you like them, they are no trouble, and as I mentioned before, they become invisible, as a good component should.

The Gripster comes with a good recommendation from The Bike Lab. Look for more of the Gripster on our Budget Build series featuring the Misfit Psycles Dissent over the next few weeks.