Best MTB Grips, Tools & Tires
Enduro, XC & Trail Tools, Tires & Upgrades Published August 14, 2024
As we gear up for another adventurous MTB season and realize our bike needs a few upgrades, we turn to this guide for help choosing the best grips, tools, and tires to ensure our trail, enduro, or XC bike is ready to perform at its best. Whether our grips and tires are worn down or we’re just looking for a new option that better suits our riding style, our Gearheads bring us their best recommendations in this guide.
Best MTB Grips
Though our primary focus when it comes to our bike is usually on our frame, wheels, or drivetrain, investing in a good pair of grips should be just as important. For trustworthy grip, long-lasting durability, and unmatched shock absorption, we recommend these comfortable grips for multiple seasons of ripping up the trails.
Built to fit almost all MTB and flat handlebars with the standard 22.2mm grip end, these lightweight grips feature the comfort, traction, and support we desire in a grip. These closed-end, single-clamp grips are held securely in place with a single lock ring that clamps the grips to our bars for added confidence, and we love the contrasting pattern and the Happy Camper compound which absorb vibrations and enhance our feel as we ride over rough terrain.
Key Specs
- Fits handlebars with a standard grip end of 22.2mm
- Vibration-absorbing Happy Camper Compound
- Single inner-lock ring
- Weight: 90g per pair
Whether we prefer riding with gloves or going barehanded, the extra grippy proprietary rubber compound feels great in our hands no matter how we choose to hang onto our handlebars. The directional ramped grip profile keeps our fingers secure no matter how much rain is falling, and the wide variety of bright color options allows us to find a match for our bike and stand out from the crowd.
Key Specs
- Built with a proprietary rubber blend
- Directional ramped grip profile eliminates slippage
- Lock-on design
- Weight: 108g per pair
As we spend hours on end ripping it up on rough, bumpy terrain, our hands are thankful for these chunky grips that feature a design built to keep them comfortable and free of fatigue. The silicone construction provides the usual tackiness and UV resistance we look for in every grip, but the incredible shock absorption and optimal bar control they provide are what really make them stand out from the rest.
Key Specs
- Built with silicone
- Made for 22mm bars
- Includes bar plugs
- Weight: 60g (+/- 5%)
Our goal is to ride for as long as we desire without having to stop for something as silly as sore hands, and with these lock-on grips securely attached to our bars, our focus will be fully on the trail ahead. The proprietary TPE construction, large, raised pads, and deep grooves that filter out dust and debris make these grips a must-have for this season’s adventures.
Key Specs
- Built with ODI’s proprietary TPE material
- Single clamp lock-on system
- Unmatched shock absorption
- Reinforced soft ends are durable and hand-friendly
These extra supportive grips feature a supple rubber construction and ergonomic grip design to alleviate pressure and dampen vibrations from rough and rowdy trails. We like the soft, flexible wing that offers support for the hand and wrist, while the single aluminum lock ring provides a secure grip throughout.
Key Specs
- Built with a soft, supple rubber compound
- Varied thickness allows for increased dampening
- A flexible wing offers increased hand and wrist support
- An aluminum locking provides unmatched security
Best MTB Tools
Because trailside maintenance is needed more often than we’d like it to be, we recommend staying prepared for anything with a fully stocked tool bag. Whether we break a chain, puncture a tire, or just need to make a quick saddle adjustment, these high-performance tools have us covered.
When something goes awry mid-ride, we trust in the M20 Multi-Tool to make quick and easy bike adjustments to avoid getting stranded on the side of the trail with a broken bike. With 20 high-tensile multi-tools, including hex wrenches, tire plugs, and spoke wrenches, to name a few, this multi-tool is a must-have for our tool bag.
Key Specs
- Includes 20 high-tensile multi-tools
- #2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 hex wrenches, #0, 1, 2 spoke wrenches, and
- T-10, T-25 torx bits
- Chain tool compatibility for 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12-speed (for chainbreaking only)
- Tire plug tool, tire plugs, valve core removal tool, and rotor straightener
- Weight: 203g
This 20-function multi-tool features everything we need for quick trailside repairs. Unfortunately, bikes aren’t perfect, and we must be ready for any mid-ride issue that presents itself. This tool system features a unique ability to fit inside our stem/steerer tube via a threaded EDC Top Cap or EDC Threadless Carrier, as well as inside most bike brands' in-frame storage, making it easy to carry and use.
Key Specs
- Includes a 10-function multi-tool, tire lever, chain breaker, steel spoke keys, and quick-link storage
- Store inside the stem/steerer tube via threaded EDC Top Cap or
- EDC Threadless Carrier
- Weight: 130g
From pliers to a multi-tool, this kit has everything we need for some quick trailside maintenance, ensuring we’re able to fix our flat, a loose screw, or any other issue without having to flag down another rider. Like other tool kits, it helps us fix our gear, but what makes this kit really stand out is its stackable, compact design that uses magnets and pins to allow for easy storage in a jersey pocket or tool bag.
Key Specs
- Features 8-Bit Pack Pliers: a multi-tool with 17 functions
- Includes a double-sided 8-Bit Tire Lever + Disc Brake Multi-Tool
- An 8-Bit Chainbreaker + Utility Knife Multi-Tool fixes tubeless tires and broken chains
- Hex wrenches include 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, and 16mm
- Stackable with other tools from Wolf Tooth
- Weight: 171g
Saving space wherever we can is a must, and these tire plugs allow us to utilize our bar ends to carry a stainless steel 2-in-1 puncture plug reamer tool and a trimming knife without even realizing it. Designed to plug and repair multiple holes when sealant alone won’t cut it, we believe these small, lightweight, and durable plugs are a must-have addition to our tool kit to help save us time and energy on the trail.
Key Specs
- Screws in using just a 4mm Allen key
- Compatible with most grips
- Built with durable CNC-machined 6061 aluminum
- Weight: 33g per side
No matter how hard we try to avoid it, flat tires are a part of riding a bike, but we stay ahead of trailside disasters with this nifty CO2 inflator tucked away in our tool bag. It works just like any other CO2 device, but this one features a Control Drive for easier and more controlled inflation and offers compatibility with both Presta and Schrader valves.
Key Specs
- Oversized Control Drive for easy operation with gloves
- Compatible with Presta or Schrader valves
- Insulated with a neoprene sleeve
- Built with durable CNC-machined aluminum
- Weight: 84.2g
Best MTB Tires
Choosing the right tire for our favorite mountain bike discipline can be tricky, so we’ve narrowed down our top choices for cross-country, trail, and enduro riding. Whether we’re looking for a fast-rolling tire for mixedterrain riding or an extra grippy option for wet surfaces, we have a recommendation for optimal performance on every surface.
This 29in cross-country tire excels on mixed terrain where hardpack, roots, rocks, or dry dirt are the primary focus, providing the fast-rolling speed, aggressive cornering, and puncture-resistance are key ingredients to ripping up the singletrack. We like the Graphene-infused 4C Graphene 2.0 compound and abrasion-resistant tubeless-ready nylon casing for the long-lasting durability and puncture resistance they offer, and of course, the lightweight construction that makes climbing feel as fun as the downhills.
Key Specs
- 4C Graphene 2.0 compound
- Lightweight, durable 120 TPI nylon casing
- Max PSI of 58
- Tubeless-ready Aramid bead
For predictable handling and a high rolling speed in various conditions, we opt for the Maxxis Ikon 29in tire. With its 3C Maxxspeed compound, 120 TPI casing, and added EXO protection in the sidewalls, these durable tubeless-ready tires are built for high-quality use and long-lasting performance.
Key Specs
- 3C Maxxspeed compound
- 120 TPI
- Max PSI of 60
- Foldable bead
- EXO cut- and abrasion-resistant material in the sidewalls
With the combination of the Addix Speed compound, Grip edges, and Tubeless Easy technology, the Racing Ralph Addix Evolution tire is our go-to for technical and challenging XC tracks. The unmatched grip, ideal rolling efficiency, and rapid acceleration make this a fast, stable tire for our rear-wheel racing setup.
Key Specs
- Durable Addix Speed rubber compound
- Foldable bead
- Tubeless Easy technology
Built for aggressive trail riding, these tubeless tires feature a high-performance Dual Compound rubber construction that excels on various terrains, from hardpack to loose dirt and wet, slippery rocks and roots. Designed to roll fast and wear slowly, they feature ramped center knobs that keep rolling resistance low, and the addition of EXO sidewall protection limits our pit stops by protecting against punctures.
Key Specs
- Ramped center knobs keep rolling resistance low
- Dual Compound rubber
- Single-ply casing with EXO sidewalls
- Foldable bead
- 60 TPI
- Tubeless-ready
Get the Minion DHF Wide Trail Dual Compound/EXO/TR 29in Tire
With its rubber 4C Graphene 2.0 compound and lightweight, abrasionresistant single-ply nylon trail casing, this tubeless-ready tire is our go-to for dry and mixed terrain trail riding. The graphene-infused construction minimizes rolling resistance to help us ride up any climb with ease, while moto-inspired block knobs maximize our grip and increase our confidence on technical terrain.
Key Specs
- 4C Graphene 2.0 compound
- Moto-block knobs increase stability
- 120 TPI Trail TNT casing
- Tubeless-ready
Specialized uses its Gripton T9 compound to ensure our ride is optimized with the traction and control needed to conquer anything we set our mind to. The slow rebound and dampening properties offer increased stability and help free us from fatigue when things get bumpy. And, in combination with the prominent side knobs and ramped, siped center tread, our cornering grip and braking traction are taken to the next level to keep us riding with aggression.
Key Specs
- Gripton T9 compound
- Ramped, siped center tread
- Foldable 2Bliss Ready butyl-wrapped bead
- 60 TPI Grid Trail casing
- Tubeless-ready
This fast-rolling tire is built to perform in all conditions, but specifically on dry to loose terrain thanks to the use of low-profile center knobs, outer lugs, and the 3C MaxxTerra compound. This long-lasting construction offers the traction we need to stay in control while cornering, while the addition of EXO technology adds a cut-and-abrasion-resistant material to the sidewalls for increased durability and protection against flats.
Key Specs
- 3C MaxxTerra compound
- Optimized for 35mm inner width rims with Wide Trail casing
- EXO sidewall protection
- Max PSI of 50
- 60 TPI
- Tubeless-ready
Regarding enduro racing, confident cornering and trustworthy traction in any weather condition is necessary, and the Vittoria Martello is our go-to burly tire for our biggest events. The 4C Graphene 2.0 compound, which features four durometer rubbers to enhance our grip, rolling speed, stability, and longevity, helps us ride at our best no matter what comes our way, while the 2-ply casing and anti-pinch-flat inserts stabilize the tire and offer added tire protection.
Key Specs
- 4C Graphene 2.0 compound
- 2-ply 120 TPI Enduro casing
- Anti-pinch-flat inserts
- Folding aramid bead
- Tubeless-ready
For predictable traction on any terrain, wet or dry, we use the Maxxis Assegai tire. When we are heading out for a ride on slickrock slabs, we opt for the MaxxGrip compound, which optimizes Maxxis’ stickiest, slowest rebounding rubber for unmatched traction. However, when we’re riding in an area with dry, dusty trails, we reach for the MaxxTerra compound, which provides less rolling resistance and longer-lasting tread. In addition to the traction each of these compounds provides, the use of EXO+ technology provides medium-duty puncture protection that combines a 60 TPI casing, sidewall protection, and a small butyl insert around the bead.
Key Specs
- 3C MaxxTerra or MaxxGrip compound
- EXO+ technology
- Wide trail casing optimized for 35mm inner width rims
- Folding bead
- Max PSI of 50
- 120 TPI
- Tubeless-ready
Choosing Tires, Grips & Tools At Backcountry
If you are unsure which of these awesome products is the best f it for your bike or are looking for recommendations on other mountain bike products, contact a Gearhead™ Expert for advice on upgrades and on-trail essentials. We can even install upgraded parts on a new bike purchase before it is shipped out!
FAQ’s About Grips, Tools & Tires
Q: How do I choose the best MTB grips for me?
A: Every rider has a unique hand size and shape, so finding the perfect grips for your specific needs depends on the thickness, shape, and texture. For smaller hands, we recommend choosing a grip with a smaller diameter, while riders with bigger hands should ideally opt for a bigger diameter. The shape matters, too, as some riders prefer a fully cylindrical shape while others prefer an ergonomic design.
Q: What tools should I take with me on a ride?
A: We recommend building a tool kit that will have you covered during any on-trail mishap, from flat tires to a broken chain. This may include tools such as a patch kit, a spare tire (or two), tire levers, a cycling multi-tool, a chain tool, a CO2 inflator, spare spokes, and a compact pump, just to name a few.
Q: What is the best way to store tools on a mountain bike?
A: There are many different options for storing our tools during our ride. This may include: strapping a tube to our frame with a hookand- loop or rubber strap, finding a bag that fits our top tube, frame, handlebars, or saddle, using a bottle cage with integrated tool storage, hiding a tubeless repair plug in our bar plugs, or utilizing the built-in frame storage on our bike.
Q: What is the difference between trail, enduro, and XC tires?
A: Though all are designed to ride off-road, there are key differences in each discipline’s standard tire. XC tires are lightweight and optimized for speed with a lower rolling resistance, enduro tires utilize aggressive treads for enhanced traction as well as heavier, durable tire casings, and trail tires strike a balance between the two for a balanced ride.
