Best
Best Silicone Bicycle Grips
Silicone is the softest common grip material, and on a trike the question is how thick, how long and how well it stays on the bar.
Updated · 3 min read · 3 products evaluated
Silicone grips feel plush because the material is soft enough to compress under your palm, and that spreads pressure over more skin than a hard plastic tube does. On a trike, where you steer with both hands and cannot shift weight around, a soft grip takes some of the buzz out of chip seal and brick paths.
The three grips below are all silicone, but they are built differently. One is a dual-density 22.2 mm design with a molded pattern, and two are thick slip-on ESI grips at 32 mm and 34 mm. Slip-on silicone has no clamp, so fit and length matter more than softness.
Short answer
ESI Chunky is the best overall at 32 mm diameter and 130 mm length, a thick slip-on grip that weighs 60 g. ESI Extra Chunky is the softest at 34 mm and 80 g. GXCROR is the easiest to fit with a universal 22.2 mm design and a 3D non-slip pattern, but it gives less detail on length.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
ESI Chunky Silicone Grips
Riders who want volume without the thickest grip
Best for Maximum Cushion
ESI Extra Chunky Silicone Grips
Riders who want the softest, thickest feel
Best Universal 22.2 mm Fit
GXCROR Dual-Density Silicone Grips
Riders replacing worn grips on a standard bar
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 3
ESI Chunky Silicone Grips
A thick 32 mm slip-on silicone grip at 130 mm long and only 60 g.
Best for
Riders who want volume without the thickest grip
Why we like it
The ESI Chunky is a soft silicone grip with a 32 mm diameter and a length of 5-1/8 inches (130 mm). It weighs about 60 g and slides on without adhesive or clamps, and the length can be trimmed to suit your bar. It is made for mountain bikes, but the volume works the same on a trike.
Compared with the Extra Chunky it is slimmer and lighter, so the bar feels less swollen and the grip is easier to wrap with your fingers. Compared with the GXCROR it gives a clear diameter and length to check against your levers. Slip-on grips can rotate on a smooth bar, so check the fit is tight.
Key specs
| Size | 32 mm diameter, 130 mm length |
|---|---|
| Fit and mounting | Slip-on, no adhesive or clamp, trimmable length |
| Features | 60 g per grip; Soft silicone shock absorption |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- 32 mm diameter with clear length
- Only 60 g per grip
- Slip-on, no clamp or glue
- Length can be trimmed
Limitations
- No clamp ring to stop twisting
- Mountain bike styling
Consider it if
- Soft feel with moderate thickness
- Plain bars with room for 130 mm
Skip it if
- Bars with twist shifters
- Riders who want a locking clamp
Best for Maximum Cushion2 of 3
ESI Extra Chunky Silicone Grips
A 34 mm silicone grip at 80 g for the most vibration damping of the three.
Best for
Riders who want the softest, thickest feel
Why we like it
The Extra Chunky has a 34 mm installed diameter and weighs 80 g per grip. The standard length is 5 1/8 inches, and it slips on without adhesive or clamps. ESI built it for riders who prefer a thick, shock-absorbing grip, and the length can be cut to fit.
It is 2 mm thicker and 20 g heavier than the Chunky, which is a real difference in how much material sits between your palm and the bar. That volume absorbs more buzz but can be too large for smaller hands or narrow brake lever reach. Try a thick grip in a shop before committing.
Key specs
| Size | 34 mm installed diameter, 5 1/8 inch length |
|---|---|
| Fit and mounting | Slip-on, no adhesive or clamp, trimmable length |
| Features | 80 g per grip; Soft silicone with maximum vibration damping |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- 34 mm of cushion
- Most vibration damping here
- Slip-on, no glue
- Length can be cut
Limitations
- 80 g per grip
- Can be too thick for small hands
Consider it if
- Long rides on rough pavement
- Large hands
Skip it if
- Small hands or short lever reach
- Bars with twist shifters
Best Universal 22.2 mm Fit3 of 3
GXCROR Dual-Density Silicone Grips
Dual-density silicone with a 3D non-slip pattern, sized to fit universal 22.2 mm bars.
Best for
Riders replacing worn grips on a standard bar
Why we like it
The GXCROR is a dual-density silicone grip with a 3D non-slip pattern, designed for a universal 22.2 mm fit and sold for bikes and scooters. The softer outer layer absorbs shock and the pattern gives a sweaty palm some bite.
It is the simplest of the three for a standard bar, but it gives less detail about length than the ESI grips, so measure the free space between brake lever and bar end before ordering. It has no clamp ring and is not as thick as either ESI. It suits plain replacement more than a comfort upgrade.
Key specs
| Fit and mounting | Universal 22.2 mm fit |
|---|---|
| Features | Dual-density silicone, 3D non-slip pattern, shock absorbing |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Dual-density silicone
- 3D non-slip pattern
- Universal 22.2 mm fit
- Simple replacement
Limitations
- Length detail is thin
- Not as thick as the ESI grips
Consider it if
- Standard 22.2 mm bars
- Wet or sweaty hands
Skip it if
- Riders wanting extra thick grips
- Bars needing a locking clamp
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESI Chunky Silicone Grips Best Overall | 32 mm diameter, 130 mm length | Slip-on, no adhesive or clamp, trimmable length | 60 g per grip; Soft silicone shock absorption | Check price |
| ESI Extra Chunky Silicone Grips Best for Maximum Cushion | 34 mm installed diameter, 5 1/8 inch length | Slip-on, no adhesive or clamp, trimmable length | 80 g per grip; Soft silicone with maximum vibration damping | Check price |
| GXCROR Dual-Density Silicone Grips Best Universal 22.2 mm Fit | — | Universal 22.2 mm fit | Dual-density silicone, 3D non-slip pattern, shock absorbing | Check price |
How We Chose These Silicone Bicycle Grips
- Silicone softness
- We looked at how each grip is built, from dual-density layers to a single soft body, because silicone that is too soft wears fast while a stiffer one transmits more road buzz to the hands.
- Diameter and length
- We compared 32 mm, 34 mm and 22.2 mm bar sizes and the stated lengths, since a grip that is too thick or too long will crowd a brake lever or twist shifter.
- Fit security
- We checked whether each grip slips on or locks on, because a grip without a clamp can rotate on a bar and force the rider to squeeze harder to steer.
- Weight and feel
- We compared the 60 g and 80 g per grip weights, because extra silicone adds cushion but also adds mass at the end of the bar where the hands rest.
What to Look for in a Silicone Bicycle Grip
Diameter and hand size
A thicker grip spreads load across more of your palm, but a very thick one forces your fingers to stretch and makes brake lever reach longer. Smaller hands often prefer about 30 mm.
Wrap your fingers around a drinking glass or tool handle of similar width. If your fingertips cannot meet your thumb comfortably around 34 mm, choose the thinner grip.
Slip-on versus lock-on fit
A slip-on grip holds by friction on the bar. If the bar is smooth or the grip stretches over time, it can spin when you push on the handlebar to steer.
Check the grip fits snugly on a clean, dry bar and does not rotate when you twist it by hand. If it spins, a grip with a clamp ring is a better fit.
Silicone wear and temperature
Silicone is softer than rubber and wears faster, especially where hands rub the same spot. In sun, a soft grip can feel tacky, and in cold it can stiffen.
If you ride daily in a hot climate, choose the firmer dual-density grip. For shorter paved rides, the softer ESI grips will feel better and last well enough.
Length against levers and shifters
A grip that is too long cannot be pushed fully onto the bar if a brake lever or twist shifter sits close to the end. A trimmable grip lets you shorten it.
Measure the bare bar from the brake lever clamp to the bar end. A 130 mm grip needs at least 130 mm, and trimming one is easier than finding a shorter one.
How to Choose
By Hand Size
| Situation | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Medium hands, want volume | ESI Chunky Silicone Grips | 32 mm diameter with a clear 130 mm length |
| Large hands, rough pavement | ESI Extra Chunky Silicone Grips | 34 mm gives the most cushion here |
| Standard 22.2 mm bar, replacement | GXCROR Dual-Density Silicone Grips | Universal fit with a 3D grip pattern |
| Small hands or short reach | GXCROR Dual-Density Silicone Grips | Slimmer than either thick ESI grip |
Thick Slip-On vs Dual-Density
- Thick slip-on (ESI)
- ESI Chunky and Extra Chunky use thick soft silicone at 32 mm and 34 mm, which absorbs the most vibration. They slip on without a clamp, so they rely on a snug fit.
- Dual-density (GXCROR)
- GXCROR layers silicone densities and adds a molded pattern on a standard 22.2 mm size. It is slimmer and easier to match to your bar, but gives less cushion than ESI.
Most trike riders should default to a thick ESI grip unless their hands are small or their levers sit close to the bar end.
For Rough Pavement Specifically
- Look for
- More silicone between the palm and the bar, which means a larger diameter, and a snug fit so the grip does not turn when you brace against bumps.
- In this comparison
- ESI Extra Chunky at 34 mm gives the most vibration damping, with ESI Chunky at 32 mm close behind. GXCROR is the slimmest here and offers the least cushion.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- You ride long distances on rough surfaces and want maximum cushion. The ESI Extra Chunky at 34 mm and 80 g gives the most material between your hand and the bar.
- Save if
- You just need to replace worn grips on a standard bar. GXCROR's universal 22.2 mm fit and 3D pattern cover that without the extra bulk of the ESI grips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do silicone grips need glue or clamps?
The ESI grips are slip-on and need no adhesive or clamps, so they hold by friction on the bar. That is simple to fit, but they can rotate if the bar is smooth or the grip stretches. Check the grip does not spin by hand before you ride.
Can I trim silicone grips to fit my bar?
Yes, the ESI grips can be cut to length, which helps if a brake lever or twist shifter sits close to the bar end. Measure carefully, trim a little at a time with a sharp blade, and test the fit before cutting more.
Are silicone grips too soft for a trike?
Soft silicone compresses under the palm, which spreads pressure and absorbs vibration. On a trike you steer with both hands, so a grip that does not twist matters more than softness alone. A snug fit makes a soft grip work well.
How do I clean silicone grips?
Wipe them with mild soap and water and dry them, because oil and sweat can make a slip-on grip loosen over time. Avoid solvents that could swell or tack the silicone, and check the fit after cleaning.
Will thick grips fit my brake levers?
A thicker grip moves your hand farther from the lever, which lengthens the reach to the brake. If your levers are adjustable, bring the lever in a little. If you have small hands, the thinner GXCROR or the ESI Chunky is usually the safer choice.
Bottom Line
ESI Chunky is the best silicone grip for most trike riders because it combines 32 mm of soft cushion with a clear 130 mm length at only 60 g. Choose the Extra Chunky for maximum vibration damping and GXCROR for a simple standard replacement. Measure your bar, levers and hand size before ordering.