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Best Bicycle Grips for Arthritic Hands
Grips cannot treat anything, but diameter, softness and palm support change how pressure lands on a tired hand.
Updated · 4 min read · 5 products evaluated
When hands are stiff or sore, a thin hard grip concentrates pressure on the heel of the palm and the joints at the base of the fingers. A grip with more volume, a softer outer layer or a flared palm platform spreads that load over more skin. That is the only claim worth making here: pressure spread and grip size, not a cure for any condition.
The five grips below all fit a standard 22.2 mm handlebar, and the useful differences are diameter options, cushion material and how the clamp holds. On a trike you steer with both hands and brake with a light squeeze, so a grip that twists on the bar or crowds the brake lever is a problem before softness is.
Short answer
PNW Loam is the best overall because it comes in 30 mm and 34 mm thicknesses on a 22.2 mm lock-on clamp, so you can choose grip volume. Wittkop adds a dedicated palm support zone, and SAPLIZE pairs a soft TPE wrap with two aluminum lock rings. GXCROR uses dual-density silicone, and ATWEINA is the plain, easy-to-fit option at 135 mm.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
PNW Components Loam Lock-On Grips
Riders who want to choose grip volume
Best Palm Support
Wittkop 3-Zone Ergonomic Grips
Riders who want a supported palm
Best Soft Wrap
SAPLIZE Double Lock-On Ergonomic Grips
Riders wanting a firm clamp and soft wrap
Best Silicone Pick
GXCROR Dual-Density Silicone Grips
Riders who like a very soft hand feel
Best Simple Option
ATWEINA Ergonomic Rubber Grips
Riders wanting a simple, easy install
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 5
PNW Components Loam Lock-On Grips
Two thicknesses, 30 mm and 34 mm, with a tacky rubber that cushions vibration.
Best for
Riders who want to choose grip volume
Why we like it
The Loam is a lock-on grip with a single clamp that fits 22.2 mm bars, offered in Regular at 30 mm and XL at 34 mm. The 25A tacky rubber is soft, and the surface combines thin horizontal strips with a thicker pattern to support the palm. The Regular pair is about 90 g and the XL about 120 g.
Compared with Wittkop, it offers more choice of size but no dedicated flared palm platform. Compared with SAPLIZE, it uses one clamp, so tightening matters. The trail styling is not a trike look, but the size choice is the real advantage for sore or large hands.
Key specs
| Size | 30 mm Regular or 34 mm XL |
|---|---|
| Fit and mounting | Single lock-on clamp, 22.2 mm bars |
| Features | 25A tacky rubber, dual-pattern surface, about 90 g Regular pair |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Two thickness options
- Tacky rubber absorbs vibration
- Single lock-on clamp
- Dual-pattern palm surface
Limitations
- Trail styling
- Single clamp needs even tightening
Consider it if
- Riders choosing grip volume
- Soft, tacky feel
Skip it if
- Bars that are not 22.2 mm
- Riders wanting a flared platform
Best Palm Support2 of 5
Wittkop 3-Zone Ergonomic Grips
A German-made grip with a palm support zone and a hex key in the box.
Best for
Riders who want a supported palm
Why we like it
Wittkop builds this grip in three zones, with a non-slip area, a comfort area and a palm support zone, made in Germany from UV and weather-resistant material. A hex key comes with it for installation.
It costs more than basic grips and does not offer a thickness choice like the PNW. The advantage is the flared palm support, which gives the heel of the hand a place to rest. Check the grip length against any twist shifter or brake lever on your trike before ordering.
Key specs
| Features | 3-zone design, UV and weather resistant, hex key included |
|---|
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Palm support zone
- Made in Germany
- UV and weather resistant
- Hex key included
Limitations
- Costs more than basic grips
- Check bar length for shifters
Consider it if
- Riders resting the palm
- Outdoor storage
Skip it if
- Budget-focused buyers
- Bars with twist shifters
Best Soft Wrap3 of 5
SAPLIZE Double Lock-On Ergonomic Grips
A hard core with a medium-soft TPE wrap and aluminum lock rings at both ends.
Best for
Riders wanting a firm clamp and soft wrap
Why we like it
The grip has a hard plastic core with a medium-soft TPE wrap and double aluminum lock rings at each end. It measures 0.87 inch inside diameter and 5.1 inches long, and weighs 2.7 oz per grip with a wide palm support shape and a 12 month warranty.
Two rings hold the grip more firmly than a single clamp, so it will not turn under steady steering. At 5.1 inches it is too long for bars with twist shifters or gadgets already mounted, and the maker warns against over-tightening the screws. It suits plain bars only.
Key specs
| Size | 0.87 inch inner diameter, 5.1 inch length |
|---|---|
| Fit and mounting | Double aluminum lock rings |
| Features | Hard core, medium-soft TPE wrap, 2.7 oz per grip |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Lock rings at both ends
- Wide palm support shape
- Soft TPE wrap
- 12 month warranty
Limitations
- Too long for twist shifters
- Over-tightening can break screws
Consider it if
- Plain handlebars
- Riders wanting a firm clamp
Skip it if
- Bars with twist shifters
- Short-bar trikes
Best Silicone Pick4 of 5
GXCROR Dual-Density Silicone Grips
A shock-absorbing dual-density silicone grip with a 3D non-slip pattern for 22.2 mm bars.
Best for
Riders who like a very soft hand feel
Why we like it
The GXCROR uses dual-density silicone with a 3D non-slip pattern, sized for 22.2 mm bars and sold as a universal grip that also fits scooters. The softer material absorbs road buzz, and the pattern keeps a sweaty palm from sliding.
It gives the softest feel here but the least detail about length, so measure your bar and brake lever clearance before ordering. Soft silicone can wear faster than rubber, and it has no clamp ring detailed, so check how it secures to the bar. It is a comfort pick, not a security pick.
Key specs
| Fit and mounting | 22.2 mm bar fit |
|---|---|
| Features | Dual-density silicone, 3D non-slip pattern, shock absorbing |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Soft dual-density silicone
- 3D non-slip pattern
- Universal 22.2 mm fit
- Absorbs road vibration
Limitations
- Length and clamp detail unclear
- Silicone may wear sooner
Consider it if
- Soft hand feel
- Light steering on paved paths
Skip it if
- Riders needing a locked grip
- Heavy daily use
Best Simple Option5 of 5
ATWEINA Ergonomic Rubber Grips
A plain 135 mm lock-on grip with a ridged surface and hex wrench included.
Best for
Riders wanting a simple, easy install
Why we like it
The ATWEINA is a rubber grip, 135 mm long, with a ridged surface, a single aluminum lock ring and a hex wrench in the box. It fits 22.2 mm bars and comes in a simple black finish.
It is plainer than Wittkop's palm platform or the PNW's two sizes, and it uses a single lock like the PNW. The ridged surface provides modest cushion and grip, and the install is simple. It is a good starting grip if you have not yet found your size, and the 135 mm length gives room for a full hand.
Key specs
| Size | 135 mm length |
|---|---|
| Fit and mounting | Single aluminum lock ring, 22.2 mm bars |
| Features | Rubber, ridged surface, hex wrench included |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Hex wrench included
- 135 mm length
- Ridged surface
- Aluminum lock ring
Limitations
- Single lock ring
- No size choice
Consider it if
- First grip upgrade
- Standard 22.2 mm bars
Skip it if
- Large hands needing 34 mm
- Bars with shifters
Spec Comparison
Key figures side by side. A dash means the brand gives no figure, so ask before you buy if it matters to you.
| Model | Size | Fit | Features | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PNW Components Loam Lock-On Grips Best Overall | 30 mm Regular or 34 mm XL | Single lock-on clamp, 22.2 mm bars | 25A tacky rubber, dual-pattern surface, about 90 g Regular pair | Check price |
| Wittkop 3-Zone Ergonomic Grips Best Palm Support | — | — | 3-zone design, UV and weather resistant, hex key included | Check price |
| SAPLIZE Double Lock-On Ergonomic Grips Best Soft Wrap | 0.87 inch inner diameter, 5.1 inch length | Double aluminum lock rings | Hard core, medium-soft TPE wrap, 2.7 oz per grip | Check price |
| GXCROR Dual-Density Silicone Grips Best Silicone Pick | — | 22.2 mm bar fit | Dual-density silicone, 3D non-slip pattern, shock absorbing | Check price |
| ATWEINA Ergonomic Rubber Grips Best Simple Option | 135 mm length | Single aluminum lock ring, 22.2 mm bars | Rubber, ridged surface, hex wrench included | Check price |
How We Chose These Bicycle Grips for Arthritic Hands
- Diameter and volume
- We checked which grips give a choice of thickness or a wide palm shape, since a fatter grip spreads pressure over more of the hand and asks less of the fingers.
- Cushion material
- We compared tacky rubber, TPE wrap and dual-density silicone, noting how each absorbs road buzz and how much grip a sweaty or stiff palm will keep.
- Clamp security
- We looked at single clamps against double lock rings, because a grip that twists on the bar forces you to squeeze harder, which is the opposite of what sore hands need.
- Length and compatibility
- We noted every grip length and diameter so you can check against twist shifters and brake levers, because a grip that is too long cannot be fitted at all.
What to Look for in a Bicycle Grip for Arthritic Hands
Grip diameter and thickness
A thin grip makes fingers curl tightly, concentrating load on the joints. A thicker grip of about 30 to 34 mm lets the hand rest more open.
Measure your hand across the palm and try a fat grip such as a tennis racquet handle. If you cannot close your fingers around 34 mm, choose the thinner size.
Soft outer layer and vibration
Road buzz travels up the handlebar into the wrist, and a soft rubber, TPE or silicone layer absorbs part of it. Harder grips transmit more.
Press a thumb into the grip: it should dent slightly without feeling mushy. Very soft silicone wears faster, so consider how often and how far you ride.
Palm support shape
A flared palm platform gives the heel of the hand a wider rest than a round tube, which reduces point loading on the same spot.
Check whether the grip has a wing or zone on top. On an upright trike, you sit with hands slightly in front, so a platform angled upward suits that wrist position.
Length against shifters and levers
A longer grip gives more hand room but may overlap a twist shifter or crowd the brake lever. Some grips are too long for bars that already carry controls.
Measure the bare section of bar between the lever clamp and the bar end. Subtract 5 to 10 mm for clearance, then compare it with the grip length.
How to Choose
By Grip Size
| Situation | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hands that prefer volume | PNW Components Loam Lock-On Grips | 34 mm XL size spreads pressure widely |
| Medium hands, palm rest | Wittkop 3-Zone Ergonomic Grips | Palm support zone under the heel |
| Plain 22.2 mm bars | SAPLIZE Double Lock-On Ergonomic Grips | 0.87 inch diameter, 5.1 inch length |
| Unsure of size, easy start | ATWEINA Ergonomic Rubber Grips | 135 mm length at a modest build |
Rubber vs Silicone
- Rubber and TPE
- PNW, SAPLIZE and ATWEINA use rubber or TPE, which holds shape and wears slowly. They give moderate cushion and a firm feel that lets you steer without squeezing hard.
- Silicone
- GXCROR's dual-density silicone gives the softest touch and absorbs the most buzz, but it may wear sooner and carries less detail on length. It suits short paved rides.
Most riders should default to rubber or TPE for durability unless softness matters more than lifespan.
For Riders with Twist Shifters Specifically
- Look for
- A grip short enough to clear the shifter, ideally under the free length of bar. Confirm both length and diameter before ordering, because twist shifters need space beside the lever.
- In this comparison
- SAPLIZE at 5.1 inches is too long for twist shifters, and ATWEINA at 135 mm is also long. Wittkop's length needs checking, so measure your bar before choosing any of them.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- You ride daily and want a supported palm. Wittkop adds a palm zone and German build, while PNW gives two sizes to dial in grip volume.
- Save if
- You ride short paved routes. ATWEINA gives a simple 135 mm rubber grip with a hex wrench, and GXCROR offers soft silicone for a light hand feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will thicker grips help sore hands?
A thicker grip lets the fingers rest more open and spreads load over a larger area, which many riders find easier on stiff hands. It is a pressure and fit matter, not a treatment. Try the 34 mm PNW XL if you need volume, and go back to 30 mm if you cannot close your grip.
How do I measure my bar before buying grips?
Measure the handlebar end diameter, which is 22.2 mm on most adult trikes, then measure the bare length between the brake lever clamp and the end. Compare both numbers against the grip's inner diameter and length, leaving 5 to 10 mm clear of the lever.
Do lock-on grips come loose?
They hold well when the clamp is tightened evenly, and double lock rings such as SAPLIZE's hold more firmly than a single clamp. Do not over-tighten, because the maker warns the screws can break. Check tightness after the first ride and again after a few weeks.
Can I use these with twist shifters?
Only if the grip is short enough to clear the shifter. SAPLIZE at 5.1 inches is too long for twist shifters, and ATWEINA at 135 mm is also long. Measure the free bar length first, and consider a shorter grip made for shifters if clearance is tight.
Do gel or silicone grips wear faster?
Softer materials such as silicone usually wear faster than harder rubber, especially in sun and with sweat. If you ride daily, a tacky rubber like the PNW's lasts longer. If you ride briefly on paved paths, silicone's softness may outweigh the shorter lifespan.
Bottom Line
For sensitive hands, the PNW Loam is the best starting point because you can choose between 30 mm and 34 mm grip volume. Wittkop is worth the extra for a palm support zone, and SAPLIZE gives the firmest clamp. Measure your bar length and diameter first, and do not expect any grip to treat a condition.