off-road.cc

The Lizards Skins Strata grips perform admirably but the price tag is a little steep. They are on the fatter end of the best MTB grips market, providing comfortable and no-frills performance. Worth a look if you don't mind the price.

• Waterproof cycling clothing – everything you need to know
• Enduro mountain biking – everything you need to know
• Cross-country mountain bikes: understanding their design and geometry

Lizards Skins Strata grips - Technical details

The Lizard Skins Strata grips fall towards the fatter end of the grip market with 32.25mm diameter, which Lizard Skins says is a medium to large. For reference, an all-diamond Renthal lock-on grip measures 31mm. The Strata grips have a single in-board lock-on clamp and have no hard points at the outer edge of the grip. The built-in end cap is a nice touch and feels solid, ready to take some abuse.

> Buy now: Lizard Skins Strata - Single Lock-on Grips - Jet Black from eBay for £29.99

The actual grip form has a BMX-style pattern where the thin ribs flex. Lizard Skins says the grip pattern is designed to provide excellent traction and a firm grip platform. The Strata grips come in six colours (sand tan, lime green, neon pink, candy red, deja blue and jet black) to help complement your perfectly coordinated rig. The lock ring colour can also be customised. 

Lizard_Skins_Strata_Grips_3.jpg, by Ty Rutherford

Fitting was as simple as expected, the grips slot over the bar and with a little tap to make sure they’re all the way on, the single lock-on bolt can be cinched up. This single lock-on arrangement has proven to be solid with no unwanted movement during use.  

Lizards Skins Strata grips - Performance

The grip has held up well in wet weather, although I’d recommend wearing gloves for the best performance in the wet. Gloves or no gloves, they are comfortable to use and I’ve found the diameter provides a great hand position even after a long day shredding the trails. After a month of riding, the grips are showing no signs of wear. The rubber is soft enough to be comfortable, but not so soft that it wears quickly. I’d be confident to say they’re durable and will last well.

Lizard_Skins_Strata_Grips_1.jpg, by Ty Rutherford

My only downside to these grips is the rubber depth, I’ve found the grips to be a little firm once the ribs have been compressed. It's like the diameter of the grip has been made up of hard plastic rather than rubber. In comparison, the Lizard Skin Oury grips are of similar diameter but much softer which does reduce fatigue. Being picky, the built-in end cap does also stop the use of any bar end tools/storage, but that is by no means a dealbreaker.

Lizards Skins Strata grips - Verdict

With an RRP of £32, these are on the more expensive side, although I’d argue the quality and longevity do justify the price tag. ODI Elite Pro lock-on grips are also worth looking at, they’re marginally narrower at 31mm diameter and slightly cheaper at £28. Liam really liked the PNW Loam grips, these are significantly cheaper at £14 and the performance is great.

The Lizard Skins Strata grips are a larger diameter BMX-style grip which proved to be durable, comfortable and grippy. The price is on the high side, but the performance and durability mean they can’t be overlooked.

• www.lizardskins.com

You might also like: 

• Mountain bike Icons – the Barrie Clarke story
• Rookie rider Jackson Goldstone wins Red Bull Hardline 2022
• e*thirteen Plus 35 Stem review