PEATY’S MONARCH GRIPS REVIEW

THESE GRIPS RULE!

Words by Robert Johnston  |  Photos by Finlay Anderson

Peaty’s – the brand co-founded by its namesake Steve Peat – are well known for their line of bicycle sealants, cleaners and lubricants. In recent times, they’ve been branching out to products like tool wraps, and most recently their Monarch mountain bike lock-on grip line. I was able to get my paws around a few sets of their grips, and just couldn’t decide between the Mushroom or Knurl pattern, so fitted a set of each to different test bikes in the pursuit of making that decision. The jury is still out for my preference, but both have found themselves at the top of my list for mountain bike grips.

ABOUT THE PEATY’S MONARCH GRIPS

When it came to designing their mountain bike grips, Peaty’s didn’t want to just add a badge to a catalog offering. Instead, they set about stressing the details and creating what they considered to be the ultimate grip lineup.

The Monarch grips are available in a choice of two different patterns: Knurl or Mushroom. These share the same general principles and design features, with the difference being in the upper surface of the grips. The knurl has a knurled texture with a more direct feel, whereas the Mushroom has the classic ODI Longneck-style mushroom pattern for more cushion.

Both patterns are each offered in a choice of two thicknesses: Thin with a 30-32mm thickness; or Thick with a 32-34mm thickness. Smaller-handed riders or those looking for a more precise and direct bar feel will benefit from the thin design, whereas riders with larger hands or seeking more cushion will likely prefer the thick. All of these feature a 130mm usable length, and the grip thickness tapers, getting progressively thicker from the inside to the outside.

Shared between all of the Peaty’s Monarch grips are a number of features, all designed with functionality in mind. The 80% recycled core is tapered to keep the grips solidly in place with just the 8mm inboard locking ring. This core is offset, giving more rubber above the grip (under the rider’s palm), and less below the grip for a more direct input to the bar through the fingers. A 20A rubber compound is used to balance good traction and comfort with reasonable longevity.

On the grip surface, there are different zones to achieve certain tailored characteristics. Under the palm is either the Mushroom or Knurl pattern depending on the grip selected. Under the finger tips are “grip bars”, which offer improved purchase on the grips for dynamic movements. The area where the thumb rests is given a mushroom zig-zag pattern, which is designed to offer cushion and minimize friction when moving the thumb during use of shifter and dropper levers. The outside edge at the bar end is slightly raised to help lock the pinky in, and the inside edge features a half-flange to keep the hand safe from the locking ring.

The Peaty’s Monarch lock on mountain bike grips are offered in a wide range of colors, with a retail price of $31.99 / £24.99, either directly from the Peaty’s website or from select dealers.

THE DIRT

I’ve been switching the Peaty’s Monarch grips between various bikes over the last half-year. I’m a thin grip lover, so grabbed a set of both Knurl and Mushroom Thin grips to test. I’m still unable to decide on my preference: both have their pros and cons, but are very enjoyable in their own ways.

Peaty’s has struck a fine balance between an ergonomic grip and a more regular style. While I do enjoy a more shapely, ergonomic grip, they can be fussy in getting their exact angle set up, since they lock your hands in a very specific position. The Peaty’s Monarch grips are less fussy, but still offer benefits to overall comfort and control that you might find from an ergonomic design like the SQlab or Ergon grips. The tapered overall diameter is subtle, but does aid in supporting your hands that little bit better.

Talking comfort, and for a reasonably thin grip, the Mushroom design ranks highly. For a knurled grip, the Knurl pattern is also reasonably comfortable, but notably more direct in feel than the Mushroom. Peaty’s decision to offset the core is undoubtedly to thank for this comfort, and the 20A compound is fairly comfortable too. I’d personally love to see an even softer compound option, as I’d say the grips are an area deserving of regular replacement in exchange for the most comfort and control. But 20A is a fine choice for a better all-round balance.

The thumb area offers an appreciated bit of extra cushion, but I’m not sure how much it helps with reducing friction. The finger bars on the underside give a very direct input to the handlebar: this is most appreciated when pulling up hard for a gap, giving you a reassuring feeling of what’s going on. In trail scenarios like off-cambers – where you’ve got one hand pulling and one hand pushing – the result is comfort on one side and feeling on the other. Good stuff.

Over the best part of half a year of regular abuse, the Peaty’s Monarch grips are holding up well. They’ve had to shake off a few unplanned encounters with the ground and are still trucking on, rubber bar-ends still intact. The tapered core plus inner lockring design ensures they’re not going anywhere once fitted, and all feels suitably well built and high quality.

As for choosing between the Mushroom or Knurl pattern, I’d likely go Mushroom for the bigger days in the bikepark or for consecutive days in the saddle. For ultimate feeling, such as a jump session or quick pedal, the Knurl gives that bit of extra control of the front end that can let you push that smidge harder. Ultimately, both do a good job in the comfort and control fronts, so I think most are going to be happy. As for the thick grips, they’re not for me, but you’re likely to enjoy most of the same benefits with a bit of extra cushion if that’s your style.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Peaty’s has created an excellent line of grips in their Monarch lock ons, not only nailing the design but also offering meaningful choices to let each rider obtain the fit and feel that they’re looking for. I’m going to keep the Monarchs in rotation between my test bikes for the foreseeable, as they’re a top-notch option for your cockpit.

Price: $31.99 / £24.99
Website: Peatys.com

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