Will BMX Grips Fit A Mountain Bike? (Explained)
Bikes come in different types and forms and have other purposes. For example, for a BMX, the primary use is racing and stunt riding, whereas a mountain bike serves for off-road cycling.
Despite the varying uses of bikes, their riders must have complete control over them. A necessity for this mastery is the type of grip on the handlebars.
Bikes have different grips. Hence, mountain bikers often wonder if BMX grips will fit on their bikes.
If compatible with the MTB’s grip specifications, BMX grips will fit on a mountain bike. These requirements include the right length, diameter, texture, and durability. However, note that these bikes serve different functions, and one’s grips may not perform optimally on the other.
In this article, you’ll see whether BMX grips and handlebars are interchangeable on mountain and road bikes. We’ll also explore the factors to consider if you want to make these switches.
Can You Use BMX Grips on a Mountain Bike?
You can use BMX grips on a mountain bike if they match the MTB’s grip specifications. These requirements constitute the factors to consider before switching these parts.
Firstly, the length of the BMX grips you intend to use on a mountain bike matters. That’s because incompatible grip length affects control and comfort during a ride.
Usually, BMX grips are longer than mountain bike grips though they can be shorter occasionally. Hence, you will need the shorter ones if you desire to use BMX grips on mountain bikes.
Secondly, the BMX and mountain bike handlebars have varying external diameters. Hence the internal diameters of the grips, which will appropriately fit on them, also vary.
The inner diameters of mountain bike grips range from 20.55mm to 31.8mm, with 22.8mm being the most common dimension.
Therefore, BMX grips that accurately fit on a mountain bike must possess diameters within this range. The external diameters depend on a rider’s choice depending on palm size.
Measuring your BMX grips’ diameters helps you get the best fit for your mountain bike. You can do so using this vernier caliper. Product specifications also help with this purpose.
Another factor to consider before using BMX grips on a mountain bike is grip texture and pattern. These details differ according to the bikes’ purposes.
BMX riders need secure grips and prefer those with tackier texture and aggressive patterns. On the other hand, mountain bikers may find these feel too harsh for longer rides.
However, the choice of grip textures boils down to personal preference and is not a significant factor in the grip switch.
Lastly, BMX grips can withstand wear and tear but may need to be more durable for mountain biking. Therefore, before using BMX grips on a mountain bike, ensure they are durable.
So, it is possible to use BMX grips on mountain bikes, but it is essential to ensure compatibility.
The factors necessary for these depend on your riding style and preferences.
These factors include diameter, length, texture, and durability. However, some grips are specifically suitable for use on both BMX and mountain bikes.
Do Mountain Bike Handlebars Fit on a BMX?
Technically, it is possible to fit mountain bike handlebars on a BMX. However, it requires some structural modifications that will affect the bike’s performance and are not recommended.
Mountain bikes and BMX have many differences in handlebars. Considering these varieties will help determine whether the former’s bars can fit on the latter.
Firstly, the diameters of the two handlebars differ. The typical diameter of mountain bikes is 31.8mm. On the other hand, BMX handlebars typically have a diameter of 22.2mm.
Therefore, to fit a mountain bike handlebar on a BMX.
Also, mountain bike handlebars offer more comfortable riding positions. On the other hand, BMX handlebars provide better control and maneuverability.
Therefore, mountain bike handlebars have a more extended reach and are wider than B.MX handlebars.
Hence, fitting mountain bike handlebars on a BMX will adversely affect a rider’s performance.
He/she will struggle to control and maneuver the bike in tight spaces.
Furthermore, the back sweep of the two bike handlebars varies in degree. BMX handlebars bend towards the rider at a more significant angle than mountain bike handlebars.
This difference will affect how a rider steers if you put mountain bike handlebars on a BMX.
Finally, BMX handlebars need middle crossbars, which provide additional strength and stability to support riders’ performance.
Mountain bike handlebars don’t have this feature, as they are usually single pieces of tubing.
Hence, these handlebars will be unfit for a BMX meant for strenuous rides.
Overall, mountain bike handlebars are not good fits for a BMX. However, you can modify these features to fit the bike, but it will affect a rider’s performance.
Will BMX Grip Fit on a Road Bike?
There are many differences between BMX and road bike handlebars. Consequently, BMX grips will not fit directly on a road bike without some changes.
One of the significant differences between the two handlebars is their diameter. While BMX handlebars have a diameter of 22.2mm, road bike handlebars have a diameter of 23.8mm.
Therefore, BMX grips may be too small to fit securely on a road bike. The grip length may also pose some issues as the handlebars of the two bikes vary.
Also, road bikers need more comfortable and ergonomic grips. BMX grips may lack these qualities because of their purposes, hence, unfit for these riders.
However, if you insist on putting BMX grips on a road bike, there are some modifications to help them fit.
One of these options is using shims inside the grips to make them fit more snugly. Shims come in different sizes and are of other materials, so choose the right one.
Another modification is cutting or sanding the inner part of the grip to make it fit on a road bike handlebar. However, this method can damage the grip and require patience and skill.
Summarily, BMX grips may fit on road bikes with proper modifications. However, it is not the best choice regarding fit, performance, and comfort.
Are All BMX Grips the Same?
BMX grips may appear similar, but they are not all the same. There are differences between these bike parts that influence their suitability for different riding purposes.
A glaring difference between BMX grips is the materials the manufacturers used. These substances include rubber, foam, and silicone.
The other materials influence the grips’ shock absorption, durability, and comfort. For instance, foam grips absorb shock excellently, while rubber grips are more durable.
Another difference in grips is shape and size. On one hand, some grips are thinner and provide a minimalistic feel for riders. Other grips are thicker and more comfortable.
Also, BMX grips are different from one another in terms of texture. Some have smooth surfaces and are more comfortable. Others have textured surfaces and provide riders with better traction.
Flange design is another aspect in which BMX grips differ from one another. These raised edges’ designs that prevent a rider’s hands from falling off vary from grip to grip.
Finally, BMX grips differ in brand and price. Higher-end grips are usually more expensive but more durable and perform better than budget options.
The table below contains popular BMX grips and some of their features.
| Grip | Diameter | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey Travis | 30mm | 165mm | $11.99 |
| Animal Edwin V2 | 32mm | 165mm | $10.99 |
| Flangeless Cult x Vans | 31.5mm | 150mm | $12.49 |
| Cult Ricany | 32mm | 160mm | $10.99 |
| Odyssey Broc | 30mm | 158mm | $11.99 |
| Eclat Shogun | 22.2mm | 166mm | $12.99 |
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