Ergonomics specialist Ergon is now rolling out its popular GDH MTB grips in three sizes, with up to seven colours. The goal: more precision and better damping, without compromising the high level of grip. So, does the Ergon GDH gravity grip finally work just as well for small hands as it does for big ones? We tested all of the sizes for you.

Ergon GDH Slim/GDH/GDH Fat | Diameter: 30/32/34 mm | 110*/116/140* g (*manufacturer’s claim) €39.95 | 7 colours | Manufacturer’s-Website

Talk about ergonomics on the bike, and it won’t be long before someone mentions Ergon. For more than 20 years, the Koblenz-based specialist RTI Sports has been a fixture in the cycling accessories world with its Ergon brand – especially at the bike’s most sensitive contact points: grips and saddles. You might recognize Koblenz as home to Canyon bikes, and that’s no coincidence – the two companies were founded by brothers, Roman and Franc Arnold.

Back in 2004, RTI Sports introduced its first ergonomic grip, the Ergon MP1, complete with the brand’s signature “wings”. Since then, the company – which, incidentally, develops and manufactures its products in Germany – has launched a wide range of ergonomic grips for all kinds of riding disciplines. Not all of Ergon’s grips feature big cushioned wings, and that includes the GDH MTB grips tested here. In the gravity segment it’s aimed at, grip and security matter most – pronounced wings would only get in the way.

Still, the Ergon GDH is meant to combine uncompromising downhill performance with high comfort and maximum grip security. But does that work just as well for different hand sizes? We tested the proven standard version as well as the two new sizes, Slim and Fat, to find out. Price-wise, all Ergon GDH sizes sit at the same level: €39.95. Only the Vali Höll Edition costs €5 more.

Ergon GDH MTB Grip – What Do the New Sizes Bring to Everyday Riding?

GDH stands for Grip Downhill. So it’s clear right away who the Ergon GDH MTB grips were made for: gravity riders chasing maximum grip, security and control when things get steep. The grips were developed together with Ergon athletes Vali Höll, Troy Brosnan, and Luca Shaw – all of whom also use them in gravity racing.

Left: Ergon GDH Slim, 30 mm diameter, 108 g
Center: Ergon GDH, 32 mm diameter, 116 g
Right: Ergon GDH Fat, 34 mm diameter, 131 g

We already tested the “regular” 32 mm Ergon GDH, and this gravity MTB grip impressed us across the board: grip, feedback, control, comfort, wear, and no real signs of weakness. So the obvious question is: can the German ergonomics specialist live up to the high bar set by the GDH with these new size options too – or even carve out some size-specific advantages?

For the standard 32 mm version, which has been available for a while, what we found in our original test still holds true: “The new Ergon GDH Team grips stand out above all with loads of grip. Even without gloves and with sweaty hands, you still stay planted on the bar. Then there’s the clever construction with different textures and materials, which provides grip for the fingers and damping for the palm. The single inner clamp secures the grips reliably and avoids unpleasant rubbing on the outer edge of the hands.”

The underside is ribbed and textured for improved grip.

Ergon GDH Slim – Small Grip for Small Hands or Better Control? Or Both?

Compared to the original Ergon GDH MTB grip, the GDH Slim comes with a diameter that’s 2 mm smaller. That doesn’t sound like much at first, but you feel it straight away. Riders with smaller hands, who found the original GDH too chunky – whether because it didn’t give them enough confidence or enough trail feedback – might find exactly what they’re looking for in the Ergon GDH Slim.

Our tester Patrick got on very well with the Ergon GDH Slim – even better than with the regular version, and he doesn’t exactly have small hands. But the noticeably more direct connection to the handlebar, combined with the same high level of grip, inspires a huge amount of confidence. Without gloves, your hands practically stick to the grips, so even on demanding trails you barely need to tighten your grip – something which should help delay nasty arm pump.

That said, damping isn’t quite as good as the standard GDH. Paired with lightly padded gloves, though, we were seriously impressed by these slim gravity grips. In our view, the Ergon GDH Slim MTB grip isn’t just for riders with small hands. Quite the opposite: riders with medium-sized hands in particular benefit from the very direct yet still relaxed feel. Still, we wouldn’t ride the Slim grip bare-handed on longer tours.

Slim on top, Fat on the bottom: the difference is just 4 mm in diameter and 23 g in weight.

Ergon GDH Fat – Chunkier Grip for Maximum Comfort, or Just for Big Hands?

Looking for a little more? Then the Ergon GDH Fat MTB grip might be your thing. With a 34 mm diameter, it packs in the most material and is aimed primarily at riders with bigger hands – or at those who already get along well with the 32 mm GDH but want an extra touch of comfort.

And that’s exactly what our tester Manne found in the Ergon GDH Fat. Compared to his usual grips, the thicker Ergon GDH offers noticeably more support and grip security. Manne also felt like he didn’t have to hold on as tightly to get the same level of control he’s used to from his usual rather slim, firm grips. On top of that, damping is excellent – something which becomes especially noticeable when riding without gloves.

That said, for riders with smaller hands, the Ergon GDH Fat MTB grip may feel a bit too bulky. For everyone else, it’s a comfortable alternative to thinner grips thanks to the additional damping – without giving up secure hold. The only trade-off: trail feedback is slightly more muted.

The soft, compliant structure on the top side of the grips nestles nicely into the hand and delivers pleasant damping.

For Individualists – Ergon GDH MTB Grip Now in Plenty of New Colours

Alongside the two new sizes, Slim and Fat, the Koblenz-based accessory brand is also adding a range of fresh new colours to the GDH gravity grip line. Anyone hoping to match the bikes of the whole family to each person’s colour taste may end up disappointed, though. The colour selection depends on the size you choose: while the standard GDH grip comes in 7 different colours – including properly bold options like Lunar Lilac and Vicious Pink – the Fat is only available in 5, and the Slim version in just 2. And with black and gray as the only options, the Ergon GDH Slim doesn’t get very colourful at all, which is a bit of a shame.

Distinctive: Ergon’s signature bar-end plugs

Conclusion on the Ergon GDH MTB Grip

The DNA of the Ergon GDH MTB grip hasn’t changed since its launch: it still impresses with very high grip, good damping properties, and easy installation. What’s new is that, with the Slim and Fat versions, its strengths can now be tailored much more precisely to suit small or large hands – and to individual preferences too. If you’re after a more direct feel and maximum control, go for the smaller option. If comfort and additional damping matter most, you’ll probably feel better with a bit more volume. There’s no hard choice here.

More info at ergonbike.com

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Words: Patrick Gruber Photos: Tim Eckermann