DMR’s Gridlock grips take the famed slip-on Grid grips and add a locking collar. While simple in construction and texture, they’re supremely comfortable as they capably damp vibrations while providing shed loads of traction. While the super long length adds a string to their bow, I would love a regular-sized version.
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DMR Gridlock grips – Technical details
DMR’s Grid grips have become a favourite among slopestylers, BMXers and those who just love the super slim feel of a slip-on grip. The Gridlock grips are nearly identical apart from the fact that they use a lock-on construction with a nylon core and exposed core end.
The Gridlock grips also come in a larger 34mm diameter, which the brand says helps the grip damp vibrations, but it also opens the grips’ appeal to those with larger hands. Adding to the grip’s vibration-damping qualities is a soft Krayton rubber and a simple but effective combination of mushroom and waffle textures. There’s a soft flange, too.
Making these grips stand out from the crowd is their length. They measure in at a sizey 150mm in overall length, with 140 of those millimetres being the grip itself.
The Gridlock grips are available in five colours and weigh 140g, which is right in line with what DMR claims.
DMR Gridlock grips – Performance
The texture chosen for the Gridlock grips has become a classic, and rightfully so. It provides a real combination of vibration damping and traction that’s pretty tough to beat when riding with, or without gloves.
Combine the texture with the Krayton rubber, and the Gridlock has a soft feeling to the touch but without feeling tacky or in any way uncomfortable. But what really took me by surprise is their girth. Sure, I’ve ridden 34mm diameter grips before, but with the super pronounced waffle portion at the finger tips, the grips feel especially large.
But the more I rode them, the more I found myself liking them, and quite a lot at that. The extra thickness makes for a superbly comfortable hold on the bars, while the softness of the rubber and the flexibility of the mushroom texture absorb vibrations and stave off arm pump. Then, thanks to its general construction, the traction they provide is excellent.
The waffle portion is sharp and very pronounced, too. This adds a very positive feel and engagement at the fingertips, which results in an overall air of security.
Being built with such a softer rubber, I’d forgive you for thinking that the Gridlocks are a little delicate. But in reality, they’re showing very little sign of wear, even after months of riding with them. Naturally, they’ve lost their shine a little, but with that comes even greater grip.
Although I’ve become a huge fan of the Gridlocks, there are a couple of things that’ll put some folk off. Those being their thickness, and their length. Of course, thick grips won’t suit all hand sizes, so if you do have smaller hands, these probably aren’t the grips for you.
Then, there’s the length. While they do mimic BMX-style grips, which will certainly appeal to those who are after a similar feel from bike to bike, they take up a lot of handlebar real estate. Due to the 150mm of pure grip, I’ve had to run my controls a little further inboard than I would like.
DMR Gridlock grips – Verdict
It’s rare to find grips so affordable these days. DMR is asking for just £18 for a pair of Gridlocks, and if they fit your hands and needs, it’s incredibly tough to moan. An old favourite of mine that were similarly priced a good few years ago is PNW Components’ Loam grips, but now you’re looking at spending £25. Even the old-style DMR Deathgrip is pricier at £23, and that’s not too shabby a price.
In fact, it’s very difficult to find a lock-on grip that comes close to the Gridlock in price. However, Funn’s Full Hilt grips can be picked up for £13.50, but they are a much slimmer grip at 30mm in diameter, so they’ll cater for a different audience.
Although they use a very classic texture, DMR’s Gridlock grips do things a little differently, offering plenty of length that’ll please those who are looking for a BMX or dirt jump feel in a lock-on and damping-rich package. They provide excellent traction and are incredibly comfortable, but I would love to see a shorter model available, and some may not get on with their overall thickness.
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Product purpose:
Build extra:
LOCK-ON COLLAR – The single clamp, aluminium lock ring with nylon core gives the Gridlock grips a secure hold across its whole length.
SOFT COMPOUND – For extra comfort and control, and vibration damping – for less arm-pump when riding any mountain tracks.
MUSHROOM – A proven grip design perfected by DMR.
WAFFLE – Extra grip and control for your fingertips.
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