Handlebar Grip Tips for Bikers with Sweaty Palms

Road cyclists may imagine themselves as part of the Tour de France. Careening down a hill at top speed is often one of a cyclist’s greatest joys. Your adrenaline is pumping as the scenery streams past you. At the same time, mountain bikers and trail riders often navigate unforgiving terrain, including forests, deserts, mountains, mud, and everything in between, while searching for that surge of endorphins. Usually, the only thing standing between you and some serious bodily harm is your control over your body and your bike.

One of the ways that your body may seem to betray you is when you experience sweaty palms or suffer from hyperhidrosis. This phenomenon is often more disconcerting than anything else, but you can take no chances regarding your grip on your handlebars. You may be tempted to try and relieve your sweaty palms ahead of a ride by consuming alcohol, or marijuana to relieve your sweating. Still, it’s only a stop-gap, and abusing these substances will have long-term and negative repercussions. In fact, using alcohol may contribute to some of the more common bike injuries occurring.

Since you’re here, it’s worthwhile discussing handlebar grip tips for those of you who suffer from sweaty palms. Your fellow cyclist will likely tell you to pull on a pair of gloves, but not everyone enjoys or is comfortable riding with gloves. If you suffer from sweaty hands or sweat a lot while riding, your options include the following:

Get a Grip!

You can try different grip types; several models are thoroughly discussed here. These may help to secure your grip more comfortably using innovative designs, patterns, and materials. Try to remember that size, in this case, counts. Grips that are too big will affect your holding strength, while too small grips may lead to fatigue. Both of those options make for an uncomfortable ride.

It’s essential to remember that the cycling you do also affects what type of grips you use. Look here for a list of grips for different types of racing or here for different styles of grips. Remember that for technical terrain and downhill racing, control is vital. Look for grips with a lock-on design for less slipping and a raised pattern which will help the sweat drain away while enabling you to grip your handlebars better. Unfortunately, these tend to be less comfortable because they have a hard plastic inner structure.

For time-in-the-saddle types, try and opt for something more ergonomic and softer, like a tacky mountain bike grip that uses a material that helps absorb your sweat. These grips also work to create a more secure grip through friction.

Glove-less riders should look for grips with a channel pattern to drain sweat away.

Glove It Up!

If you like the idea of gloves for protection and sweat absorption, then spending some time at the store trying on different types and sizes of gloves is worthwhile. Looking online for reviews from fellow riders is also worth a little extra time. You can opt for fingerless or regular full gloves. What’s nice about gloves is that if a hill, turn, or trick turns out to be just a little too gnarly, your hands are more protected. They are also lovely for winter riding. Check out the list of winter gloves we recommend here.

Wristband Like a Winner!

If gloves and grips are not for you, you can also look for wristbands to help with sweat absorption. This might not necessarily help with your grasp, but you can at least wipe your hands on conveniently located wristbands or wipe your face.

Chalk It Up!

Have you ever wondered why gymnasts use chalk? It’s to help with sweating so that their palms and hands aren’t sweaty while trying to grip those ever-so-complicated apparatus or dive and bounce across the mat. Cyclists often use chalk to help keep their hands dry.

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    Final Thoughts on Grip Tips for Bikers With Sweaty Palms!

    Don’t sweat it!

    If you suffer from sweaty palms, hands, or even hyperhidrosis, using the right equipment will allow you a much more comfortable ride. Other tips include:

    • Take the style of riding you do into account. Different strokes for different folks.
    • Don’t buy the cheapest or the most expensive; buy what is comfortable in your hand.
    • Check out reviews online to assess price, quality, comfort, and more.
    • Not all grips are equal; some will work better for you than others. Please don’t jump on a trend unless it works for you.
    • Use supporting equipment like gloves, chalk, or wristbands.
    • If it is really bothering you and happens even when you don’t exercise or get stressed, consider seeking a diagnosis and treatment for your sweaty palms.
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    Handlebar Grip Tips for Bikers with Sweaty Palms — Bike Hacks