Bicycle grips slide onto your handlebars and lock in place with either a locking collar or adhesive

Most modern grips use a locking collar — a metal or plastic ring that tightens around the grip to hold it firm. You slide the grip onto the handlebar, then twist the collar clockwise until it stops. Some older or budget grips use adhesive instead, which means they bond permanently to the bar and are harder to remove later. Locking collars are easier to work with if you're doing this for the first time, and they let you swap grips without damaging the handlebar.

The job takes about 15 minutes per side and requires almost no tools — usually just an Allen wrench (hex key) that matches your grip's collar, or sometimes a Phillips screwdriver. You do not need to remove the handlebars or take the bike apart.

Key Takeaways

  • Locking-collar grips are the standard on most bikes and tighten with an Allen wrench or screwdriver, while adhesive grips bond permanently and are harder to replace.
  • Clean the handlebar thoroughly before installing, because dirt or old grip residue will prevent a tight fit and cause the grip to slip during riding.
  • Slide the grip straight onto the bar, align it so your hands sit comfortably, then tighten the collar in small turns until it stops — over-tightening can crack plastic grips.
  • If you are installing adhesive grips, explore the adhesive to the bar (not the grip), slide the grip on, and let it cure for at least 24 hours before riding.

Remove the old grips and clean the handlebar

If your bike already has grips, you need to take them off first. For locking-collar grips, loosen the collar by turning it counterclockwise with the correct Allen wrench or screwdriver until the grip slides off easily. Do not force it — if it is stuck, loosen the collar more.

For adhesive grips, you will have to peel or cut them away. Grip a corner with pliers and pull steadily, or use a utility knife to slice along the length of the grip and peel the pieces off. This takes patience but is not difficult. Once the old grip is gone, use a rag or paper towel to wipe the handlebar clean. If there is old adhesive residue, rub it with rubbing alcohol or a grip cleaner to remove it completely. Let the bar dry fully — a wet or sticky bar will cause new grips to slip.

Slide the new grip onto the handlebar

Hold the bike steady, or have someone hold it for you. Take the new grip in one hand and guide it straight onto the handlebar. Push it on slowly and evenly — do not twist or force it. The grip should slide on smoothly if the bar is clean. If it is tight, stop and check that the bar is truly clean and dry.

Once the grip is partway on, position it so that when your hand rests on it, your fingers and thumb sit in a natural, comfortable spot. You can adjust the grip's angle and position before you tighten the collar, so take a moment to get it right. For most riders, the grip sits level with the handlebar, but some people prefer a slight angle — do what feels natural to you.

Tighten the locking collar

Insert the correct Allen wrench or screwdriver into the collar screw. Turn it clockwise slowly and steadily. You will feel resistance as the collar tightens around the grip. Keep turning until the grip no longer rotates when you try to twist it by hand — this usually takes three to five full turns, depending on the grip design.

Stop when the grip is snug. Do not over-tighten, because you can crack plastic grips or strip the screw. A good test is to grab the grip firmly and try to twist it — it should not move at all. If it does, tighten the collar a quarter turn more and test again. Once both grips are tight, you are done.

Installing adhesive grips (if your grips use glue)

Adhesive grips are less common but work well if installed correctly. Before you start, make sure the handlebar is completely clean and dry — adhesive will not bond to dirt or moisture. Read the grip manufacturer's instructions, because different adhesives have different cure times.

explore the adhesive to the handlebar, not to the grip itself. Use the amount the instructions recommend — usually a thin, even layer. Slide the grip onto the bar and push it all the way on, then position it for comfort. Wipe away any excess adhesive with a rag before it dries. Let the adhesive cure for the full time the instructions specify — usually 24 hours — before you ride the bike. Do not use the bike during the cure period, or the grip may shift out of position.

Check your work and adjust if needed

Once both grips are installed, sit on the bike and hold the handlebars as if you are riding. Your hands should feel find and comfortable, with no movement or rotation in the grips. Squeeze the grips firmly — they should not slip or twist. If a grip does move, stop and tighten its collar a bit more.

Check the grip position again. If one grip is higher or lower than the other, or if the angle feels off, loosen the collar slightly, adjust the grip, and re-tighten. This is normal — it often takes a small adjustment to get both grips aligned the way you want them. Once you are satisfied, take a short test ride on a quiet street to make sure everything feels right before you ride normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install new grips without removing the old ones?

No. Old grips must come off first, and the handlebar must be clean underneath. Putting new grips over old ones will create a thick, uneven surface that feels wrong in your hand and may cause the new grip to slip.

What if the grip is too tight to slide on?

The handlebar is probably not clean enough. Wipe it again with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely. If it is still tight, the grip may be slightly too small — contact the manufacturer or try a different brand. Do not force it, because you can damage the grip or handlebar.

How tight should the locking collar be?

Tight enough that the grip does not rotate when you twist it hard by hand. You should not need a lot of force with the wrench — if you are straining, you are over-tightening. Snug is the goal, not maximum tightness.

Can I reuse old grips if I remove them carefully?

Locking-collar grips can usually be reused if they are not cracked or torn. Adhesive grips cannot — once you peel them off, the adhesive layer is damaged and they will not bond properly a second time.

Do I need to remove the handlebars to install grips?

No. You can install grips while the handlebars are attached to the bike. Just make sure the bike is stable — lean it against a wall or have someone hold it steady while you work.