Ergonomics is always the starting point in Ergon’s product development process. Since 2003, scientific studies and feedback from hand experts and thousands of test riders have continuously informed the work of the Ergon development team. Based on this knowledge, the ergonomics team develops the ergonomic grip concept. Once this is done, the design and engineering teams join the process. Together, they further refine the concept and produce the first 3D-printed prototypes, which are extensively tested. The grip shape is continuously optimized, materials are tested, and the grip texture is adjusted until everyone on the test team is satisfied, and the new ergonomic grip can go into series production.

Ergonomic grips aim to improve your comfort, riding experience, and performance on the bike while preventing pain, numbness, and overuse injuries. “Every Ergon handlebar grip is developed with the goal of optimizing the grip’s cushioning and contact area to reduce localized pressure on the sensitive areas of the hand. Additionally, our grips come in two sizes, so you can find the right grip for your hand size and riding style,” explains Simon Schumacher, head of the ergonomics department at Ergon.

Depending on your specific needs as a rider, an ergonomic wing grip or a non-wing ergonomic grip might be right for you - depending on your bike type. Both concepts increase the contact area between hand and grip, optimizing this contact point. On an enduro mountain bike, a grip with a large wing can hinder you on steep, technical trails. Here, a rounded, anatomically pre-shaped grip that provides good grip and supports your arm position on descents is ideal. Muscle tension is reduced, you experience less pain and tension in your arms, and you can ride longer. If you are riding a touring or mountain bike on gravel or bike paths, you move less on the bike. You can fully benefit from an ergonomic grip with a wing. The large contact area distributes pressure on the hand and reduces pressure points, allowing you to ride longer without pain. Use our Grip Selector to find out which bike grip suits you best.

In some cases, pain in the hands can still occur despite ergonomic bicycle grips, affecting riding comfort. Switching from standard grips to ergonomic handlebar grips has already done a lot to improve your riding experience. However, you should not underestimate the influence of bike fit and handlebar position on hand comfort, as the position of the saddle and handlebars affects your weight distribution between your hands and saddle. If you have too much weight on your hands, even the best grip cannot completely prevent numbness and pain.

With the Fitting Box, our do-it-yourself bike fitting tool, you get help with your bike setup. “The angle of the handlebars has a significant impact on the position of your wrists and the pressure distribution on your hands. If the handlebars are not correctly adjusted, even tension in the shoulder and neck area can occur,” explains Dr. Kim Tofaute, bike fitting expert at Ergon. Even a seemingly small detail like the position of the brake levers can determine whether your hands are held in an ergonomic position, improving the riding experience.

Of course, it is also essential for safety while cycling that you can quickly and easily reach the brake levers at any time. Don’t forget to check your handlebar width and have it shortened if necessary, as some mountain bikes come with very wide handlebars. For riders with narrower shoulders, this often causes the wrists to bend, leading to pain and numbness in the hands.

Even with a perfectly adjusted bike, we always recommend changing the position of your hands and re-gripping – as long as the riding environment allows it. With a road bike handlebar with its three basic positions, it is easy to change the contact point. Tip: Pay attention when choosing handlebar tape! A grippy, well-cushioned handlebar tape significantly improves comfort. For touring bikes or mountain bikes, whether with or without e-assist, we recommend grips with bar ends. This not only changes the pressure distribution on the hand but also the position of the arms, which your shoulder and neck muscles will appreciate.