How To Clean Mountain Bike Grips

Mountain Bike Grips can quickly become grotty & dirty - which although is to be expected, as one of the few contact points you have with your bike, it’s a good idea to keep them cleaned and well maintained, and in some cases - replaced as they reach the end of their life. With a few simple steps to clean your MTB grips below, you can easily add grip cleaning to your bike’s cleaning routine. Although less important than safety, dirty grips can really let a bike down - especially if like us, you take great pride in the cleanliness and condition of your bike.

Know Your Grip Material

The first step to cleaning your mountain bike grips is understanding what material you are dealing with. Grips can be made from different materials like rubber, silicone, or foam. Getting to know the material will help you determine what cleaning agents to use. For example, you can use mbike shampoo and water to clean rubber or silicone grips. Foam grips, on the other hand, need to be cleaned with rubbing alcohol or brake cleaner. Most grips these days are rubber though, so you don’t need to invest in extra products.

Remove The Grips

The second step is to carefully remove the grips from your bike. Begin by locating the bolts at the end of the handlebars that attach the grip. Once you locate the bolts, loosen them and slide the grip off the handlebars. If the grip is stuck, gently twist it back and forth to release.

Clean The Grips

After removing the grips, it is now time to clean them. Soak them in warm, soapy water and use a sponge or soft brush to remove any dirt or grime. When the dirt is removed, rinse the grip and dry it completely. You can use a towel for this or allow time for air drying.

Check For Damages

While cleaning, check for any damages that may affect the grip's performance. Look for tears, holes, or worn areas on the grip. If you find any damage, replace the grip entirely to ensure your safety while riding.

Reattach The Grips

Once the grip is clean, dry, and free of defects, reattach it onto the handlebar. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or hairspray to the handlebar before sliding the grip back on. This method helps to grip the bar tightly, ensuring that the grip doesn't slip during rides. If it’s time to replace the grips- we stock a wide array of MTB grips covering all bar sizes & plenty of different designs and colours - so you can personalise your grips to your own personal taste.