ODI Reflex grip – how many features can you pack into a mountain bike grip?

By Neal Hunt
published

With its newly-launched Reflex grip, ODI has thought of everything in this feature-packed MTB grip

Bike with ODI Reflex MTB Lock On Grip
ODI Reflex grip comes with a host of color options (Image credit: Neal Hunt)

With over 40 years of experience, ODI has been in the best mountain bike grip game for a long time, and it was the first brand to launch the now standard lock-on grip back in 1999. Lock-on grips use a small Allen key fitting to bolt to your bars to ensure slip-free performance and bolt-on grips are now almost taken for granted, but the original ODI was a true game changer.

Now 24 years later, ODI has launched the Reflex grip. It's a completely new design that uses sections from other ODI grips and includes them all in one package. Developed with feedback from pro riders, it should be a great choice for the best trail mountain bikes and enduro MTB riding also. 

Like all ODI products, they are manufactured in its California HQ using high-quality medical-grade proprietary rubber mixes to make the ideal grip. It comes in a standard (33.5mm) and XL (34.5mm) size and nine different colors to help you match or clash with the rest of your bike.

ODI Reflex MTB Lock On Grip

The ODI Reflex uses three different features to help aid comfort  (Image credit: Neal Hunt)

Three grips in one

The key aim with the Reflex is comfort which ODI sets out to achieve with three different areas of the grip, all using its grip compound said to offer superior damping properties. The main upper section of the grip uses a ribbed padded section that sits under your hands. The lower section incorporates a wider ribbed area designed to help improve grip and lessen arm pump, which can be caused by too tight a grip on the bars. Lastly, there's a waffle section closest to the brake lever.

The idea is that it can offer the best of both worlds - plenty of cushioning and trail-taming comfort, but without the grip feeling like squishy corn on the cob. We have the standard and XL versions for testing, with a full review on both coming soon.

ODI Reflex MTB Lock On Grips

ODi now uses an updated lock-on mechanism that only has one clamp  (Image credit: Neal Hunt)

Unlike the original versions, the Reflex no longer uses two collars to attach to the bar. Instead, these use only one collar on the inboard section of the grip and an entirely closed section at the end of the handlebar. Although this is not the first grip to do this, it does increase the usable grip space and leaves the bar with a nice soft end instead of a standard plastic or alloy bar end plug – ideal for preventing damage to your van or garage walls when transporting or storing your bike.

End view of ODI Reflex MTB Lock On Grip

The lack of a second clamp means they can incorporate a neat bar end  (Image credit: Neal Hunt)

They come in Black, Medium Blue, Gray, Army Green, Orange, Tan, and Red and are available now. Priced at $30.95 / £27.99, with two sizes available, the standard at 33.5mm in diameter and the XL at 34.5mm. With both models 135mm in length.

For more information, check out www.odigrips.com.

Neal Hunt
Neal Hunt
Freelance Writer

Neal has been riding bikes of all persuasions for over 20 years and has had a go at racing most of them to a pretty average level across the board. From town center criteriums to the Megavalanche and pretty much everything in between. Neal has worked in the bicycle industry his entire working life, from starting out as a Saturday lad at the local bike shop to working for global brands in a variety of roles; he has built an in-depth knowledge and love of all things tech. Based in Sheffield, UK, he can be found riding the incredible local trails on a wide variety of bikes whenever he can