What Is It?
The ESI Chunky Grips Black are premium slip-on silicone mountain bike grips designed to reduce hand fatigue and improve comfort on rough terrain. They are one of the most popular MTB grips for XC, trail, and gravel riders who want a soft, vibration-damping feel instead of hard rubber or lock-on grips.
They are made by ESI Grips and are known for their ultra-light weight and very simple, minimalist design.
Key Features
- 100% silicone construction (no rubber or foam blend)
- 32mm “Chunky” diameter for added cushioning
- Very light (~60g per pair)
- Slip-on design (no clamps or lock rings)
- Vibration damping reduces hand fatigue on long rides
- Non-slip feel in dry and wet conditions
- UV resistant and doesn’t harden over time
- Includes bar plugs
Specifications
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Material: Silicone foam
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Length: 130mm (can be trimmed)
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Diameter: 32mm
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Weight: ~60g (pair)
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Bar compatibility: Standard 22.2mm MTB bars
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Type: Slip-on (no locking mechanism)
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Color: Black (dark charcoal tone in real use)
Pros
- Extremely comfortable for long-distance riding
- Excellent vibration damping (good for rough MTB trails)
- Very light compared to lock-on grips
- Simple, clean setup with no hardware
- Doesn’t rotate if installed correctly
- Great for riders with wrist or hand fatigue issues
Cons
- Can wear faster than rubber or lock-on grips
- Can feel slippery if ridden without gloves (especially when new or wet)
- Installation can be tricky (often uses alcohol for fitting)
- Not ideal for aggressive downhill or heavy crash riding
- No built-in grip pattern or texture like rubber grips
Who Is It Suitable For?
- XC and marathon MTB riders
- Gravel and endurance cyclists
- Riders with hand or wrist pain on rough terrain
- Long-distance riders prioritizing comfort over durability
Who Should Use It?
- Riders doing 2+ hour rides regularly
- Cyclists who prefer soft, cushioned cockpit feel
- Riders using light to moderate trail / XC terrain
- Anyone wanting a minimalist, low-weight cockpit setup
Bottom Line
The ESI Chunky Black grips are a top-tier comfort upgrade for endurance-focused riders. They’re not built for heavy abuse or extreme downhill riding, but for XC, gravel, and long trail days, they deliver some of the best vibration damping available.
If your priority is comfort over maximum durability or extreme grip texture, these are one of the strongest options in MTB grips.
