Riding comfort is all about your contact points, and Ergon has been striving for years to make grips that keep our hands and wrists as happy as possible. Ergon says hand discomfort, numbness, and fatigue are common complaints from trail riders, eMTB riders, and bikepackers.
They seek to provide riders with some relief with their new ergonomic grip models called the GMA and the GMS. These new grips replace the brand’s GA2 and GA3 models, and both include design updates. The GMA is the lightly ergo-shaped, all-mountain MTB grip, and the GMS features a mini-wing for maximum wrist support.
Both new grips are made from Ergon’s GravityControl rubber compound; both include CNC-machined aluminum clamps with laser-etched indices for convenient positioning, and there are two size options for each new model as well.
The main update for both models is the new Smart Texture Rhythm surface. This is an engineered pattern that offers varying surface break densities across the grip. The design provides zone-specific damping, plus more comfort and better vibration absorption, particularly through long rides or on rough terrain. Of course, Ergon made sure the grips didn’t lose their feedback and control in exchange for comfort.
Ergon GMA Grip:
The new GMA grip is intended for all-mountain riding, designed to perform well during climbs or descents. The grip’s tapered shape narrows around the inside of the hand to offer precise thumb and palm feel, and widens at the outer ends to add cushioning and enhance comfort.
A new thumb recess and outer stop help improve handlebar control and help enhance the grip’s ergonomics. The new GMA provides a more uniform contact area, reduces pressure spikes, and supports the hands in bumpy terrain. Beyond all this, Ergon made sure the grips still allow easy access to shifters and dropper post levers.
This grip boasts a gravity-inspired underside texture based upon Ergon’s GDH grip. It features raised ribs and finger guides that improve grip and support proper hand position. On top is the new Smart Texture Rhythm surface.
The new GMA grip is available in standard and FAT sizes. At 34mm, the FAT version is 2mm thicker in diameter and offers more cushioning (ideal for bikepacking) or a better fit for bigger hands.
The GMA grip is available in eight different colors, while the FAT version comes in four colors. MSRP is €29.95 ($34.55 USD).
Ergon GMS Grip:
Specifically aiming to relieve finger numbness and hand/wrist pain, the new GMS grip features Ergon’s ergonomic mini-wing shape. Round grips can concentrate pressure on the palm, irritating nerves and compressing blood vessels. The GMS’ mini-wing distributes pressure across the palm and supports the wrists better.
The new grip has been redesigned to offer a more natural profile that conforms to the hands. It now features a smoother, trapezoidal shape with a more consistent outer contour. It also employs a curved profile sloping towards the outside ends to better match the shape of riders’ hands versus the previous GA3 grip.
The GMS grip features Ergon’s new Smart Texture Rhythm surface. The outer area of the grip offers more cushioning for the outer palm, and the inside area is more tightly spaced to provide a highly tactile feel and wear resistance.
The GMS grip is suitable for trail, eMTB, bikepacking, touring, and everyday riding. Two sizes are available: Small (31mm diameter) and Large (33mm diameter). Riders can choose between them based on their hand size or how much wing support they desire.
Ergon’s GMS grips (Small and Large sizes) are available in seven colors. They retail for €34.95 ($40.32 USD).
