What Is It?
The ESI Fatty’s Handlebar Grips are the thickest and most heavily cushioned grips in the ESI silicone range. Built for maximum shock absorption, they use a very large 40mm diameter design aimed at riders who want the softest possible cockpit feel on rough terrain.
They’re especially popular with endurance MTB riders, bikepackers, and anyone dealing with persistent hand numbness or arm fatigue.
Key Features
- 100% silicone construction for vibration damping
- Extra-large 40mm diameter (maximum cushioning)
- Slip-on design (no clamps or lock rings)
- Very high shock absorption for rough terrain
- Lightweight compared to heavily padded rubber grips
- Includes bar plugs
- UV-resistant and weather durable
- Designed for extreme comfort over long distances
Specifications
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Material: Silicone foam
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Diameter: 40mm (Fatty’s size)
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Length: ~130mm (trim-compatible)
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Weight: ~80g per pair
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Type: Slip-on (no locking system)
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Bar compatibility: Standard 22.2mm MTB bars
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Texture: Smooth silicone (no ribbing in standard version)
Pros
- Maximum cushioning of any ESI grip
- Excellent for eliminating hand numbness and vibration fatigue
- Very comfortable on rough trails and rigid/hardtail bikes
- Lightweight compared to foam or gel-style grips
- Simple, clean installation with no hardware
- Great for long endurance rides and bikepacking
Cons
- Very bulky—can feel oversized for small hands
- Reduced bar feedback and control precision
- Can feel “too soft” for technical or aggressive riding
- Can be slippery if ridden without gloves
- Installation can be tricky
- Not ideal for downhill or fast trail riding requiring sharp handling
Who Is It Suitable For?
- Bikepacking and touring riders
- XC endurance riders on rough terrain
- Riders with chronic hand or wrist discomfort
- Gravel riders on long, rough routes
- Hardtail MTB riders wanting extra comfort
Who Should Use It?
- Riders doing very long-distance rides (3–10+ hours)
- Cyclists experiencing hand numbness or arm pump
- Riders prioritizing comfort over handling precision
- Athletes on rigid forks or stiff carbon cockpits
Bottom Line
The ESI Fatty’s grips are built purely for comfort—nothing else comes close in the ESI lineup for vibration absorption. They are ideal if your main goal is to eliminate hand fatigue on long, rough rides, but they trade away some steering precision and trail feedback.
If you want the softest possible ride feel, these are the top of the range; if you still want control, the Extra Chunky or Chunky versions are more balanced.
