ESI Grips Chunky - Silicone MTB Grips - Ultimate Comfort and
✅ PROS
- Proprietary silicone compound absorbs trail vibration better than any lock-on grip tested at this weight
- Chunky 33mm diameter fills the palm for riders with larger hands or those wanting pressure relief on long descents
- No glue, no bar ends, no locking collars — installs in under 60 seconds with just air and a little rubbing alcohol
❌ CONS
- Not compatible with carbon handlebars — the silicone can slip without a locking mechanism
- Durability suffers if you crash frequently; silicone tears more easily than rubber compounds
- The extra diameter feels bulky for riders with smaller hands or those who prefer a direct bar feel
The Verdict
Most mountain bikers treat grips as an afterthought — something to swap when the stock ones get sticky. That’s a mistake. Your hands are the only contact points transmitting trail feedback, and nothing ruins a ride faster than numb fingers on the descent. The ESI Grips Chunky has built a cult following among trail riders for good reason: it’s a fundamentally different approach to vibration damping that actually works.
What you’re actually getting
The box contains two silicone grips, pre-cut to fit standard mountain bike handlebars. That’s it. No locking collars, no adhesive, no bar ends. The Chunky variant measures 33mm in diameter at the palm — noticeably thicker than the 30mm standard ESI grips or the 28-29mm you’ll find on most lock-on grips. Length is 135mm, which gives you decent room to slide your hands around on longer climbs.
The silicone compound is the real story here. ESI doesn’t use foam or rubber — it’s a proprietary closed-cell silicone that compresses under pressure and rebounds slowly. That hysteresis effect is what absorbs high-frequency trail chatter before it reaches your hands.
Real-world performance
I mounted these on a hardtail with aluminum bars, which is the ideal setup — the combination of stiff frame and compliant grips transforms the ride. On rocky descents, the vibration dampening is immediately noticeable. One Amazon reviewer put it simply: “I’ve tried every grip on the market and these are the only ones that completely eliminated my hand numbness on 3+ hour rides.”
Installation is genuinely tool-free: slide them on with a little rubbing alcohol or soapy water, let them dry, done. No worrying about torque specs or collar alignment. The silicone grips the bar tenaciously once seated — one buyer noted, “I’ve had these on for two seasons and they haven’t moved a millimeter.”
Where the Chunky falls short
The 33mm diameter is a commitment. Riders with small-to-medium hands often find it too thick, reducing control and causing the opposite of the intended effect — more hand fatigue from gripping harder. If you wear size medium gloves or smaller, look at the standard 30mm ESI grips instead.
The bigger issue is durability. Silicone is soft, and it tears. If you’re a frequent crasher or ride through brushy overgrowth, you’ll cut these. One reviewer with 200+ trail miles reported, “A single crash on rocks put a gash in mine — they’re still functional but no longer look clean.” And if you run carbon bars, skip these entirely — the lack of a locking mechanism means the grip can rotate under heavy torque.
Who should buy these
This is the right grip for: riders with larger hands who want pressure relief on long descents, hardtail owners looking to add compliance without changing the frame, and anyone who’s struggled with hand numbness or carpal tunnel symptoms on the trail. It’s also a smart pick for commuters and e-bike riders who want maximum comfort on rough pavement.
Skip it if: you have small hands, ride carbon bars, crash regularly, or prefer the locked-in feel of a clamp-style grip.
FAQ
Do these work with twist shifters? No. The slick silicone surface doesn’t allow the shifter to grip — you’ll need a lock-on grip or a grip with a flanged end for twist shifters.
How long do they last? Expect 1-2 seasons of regular riding. They compress and harden over time, losing some vibration damping. They’re cheap enough to treat as consumables.
Can I cut them to fit shorter bars? Yes, a sharp razor cleanly slices the silicone. Just trim from the inner end to maintain the ergonomic palm shape.
The verdict
The ESI Grips Chunky delivers exactly what it promises: serious vibration damping and hand comfort for riders who spend hours on the trail. It’s not for everyone — the diameter and durability tradeoffs are real — but for the right rider, it’s a transformative upgrade at a reasonable price.
Buy it if you have larger hands and suffer from trail-induced hand fatigue. Skip it if you’re on carbon bars or crash with any frequency.
Rating: 4.6/5 — a niche product that nails its intended purpose, with honest limitations that are clearly communicated before purchase.
Where to Buy
We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.
Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.