ESI Fatty’s silicone handlebar grips review

ESI Fatty’s are a silicone handlebar grip with a shape that utilises contoured ribs for added comfort and support. They are lighter than rubber grips and possess a feel that riders will either love or hate.

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ESI is synonymous with silicone grips and is widely regarded as one of the go-to producers of the best MTB grips. Its range continues to expand and most grip options are available in various contoured shapes and thicknesses, often in most colourways, too.

ESI Fatty’s handlebar grips – Technical details

The new range features the Ribbed Chunky (32mm thickness), Ribbed Extra Chunky (34mm) and the 35mm Fatty’s (tested). Unlike the majority of ESI’s grips, black is the only colour option offered on the Fatty’s. The Fatty’s weigh 76g (pair) without bar plugs and 81g including the plugs.

ESI_Fattys_grip_2.jpg, by Matthew Page

Installing silicone grips is a different and sometimes harder process from standard rubber grips, with no lock-on clamp option. ESI provides instructions on how to fit the Fatty’s and, if followed correctly, it is a straightforward process. The best results come with using an isopropyl alcohol spray or an alcohol gel on the bars and inside of grips, which evaporates after fitting. This ensures easy fitment and prevents them from rotating on the bars. Avoid any form of lubricant sprays such as GT85 or WD40. The bar end plug needs to be fitted first, as this will prevent the grip from damage when sliding into place. The grips need to be slid onto the bar quickly before the spray evaporates.

One element I didn’t consider, however, was ensuring the ribbed contours were in the same place on both the left and right grips. 

ESI Fatty’s handlebar grips – Performance

The 35mm girth is on the wider end for a silicone grip but, for me, the thickness felt good and the density is well balanced. This ‘squish’ provides a certain degree of conformity which supplies both a feeling of comfort and security.

I found myself using the ribs to give my fingers something to rest in so it’s important to make sure they are fitted in the same places on each side. The vibration damping is brilliant, and the amount of grip they provide is great for technical descents or times when you need to have firm contact with the bars. That said, the surface does not have the tacky feel of its stablemates. 

Silicone grips can be more fragile than rubber grips, especially the softer compounds which are usually more prone to cuts and tears. The grips are not as easy to swap between handlebars, although it is possible using a compressed airline with a narrow football inflater fitted. If this is something you may need to do more often, a lock-on grip might be a better option.

ESI Fatty’s handlebar grips – Verdict

The Fatty’s cost £28 which is on the costlier side for silicone grips The Momum Geragrip came in at £22 in 34mm thickness and, while they were good, the surface is firmer – I prefer the ESI Fatty’s. Wolf Tooth makes several silicone grip options with the £26 Fat Paw at 35mm. While they match the Fatty’s in thickness, they have a much softer feel.

Silicone grips divide opinion but I would not go back to a rubber-style grip, despite the latter being way easier to install. The ribbed shape of the ESI Fatty’s adds a little extra volume and feel, making them a brilliant new option and they have quickly become my favourite grips to use. 

• esigrips.com

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