How to Remove/Replace Bike Handlebar Grips
As the enjoyment of life continues to improve, many people are eager to experience cycling and adventure challenges. Bicycles are excellent tools for transportation and fitness, regardless of your reason for riding. Every part and accessory on your bike will be with you along the way. Among these, removing and replacing bike handlebar grips is an essential maintenance task to ensure comfort and safety while riding. Handlebar grips can wear out, become damaged, or lose traction, leading to discomfort and decreased control over the bike. Whether you need to deal with cracked grips. or hardened rubber, or simply want to upgrade your handlebars, knowing how to remove and replace your bike handlebar
This guide will walk you through the entire process in detail. step-by-step instructions on how to remove old grips and install new ones. Dive in and follow along!

When can I Replace the Bike Handlebar?
There are many reasons to consider replacing your bike’s handlebars if they are too badly damaged to fit or if they need to be improved and enhanced. When your bike’s handlebars experience the following problems, you need to replace them:
- Damage and wear:
- If your cyclist has used the grip for a long time, the grip material will thin or become visibly cracked and damaged over time due to the pressure and friction exerted by the palm also, if your Handlebars are made of metal instead of Carbon Bike Handlebars, over time. serious corrosion will weaken the structure, in which case you need to replace the bike handlebars.
- Comfort and Fit:
- When you experience discomfort, pain, or numbness in your hands, wrists, shoulders, or back while riding, it is due to wear and tear. Then you need to consider switching to a different handlebar shape or size that matches better for you.
- Hardened or loose handle material:
- Over time, with sun exposure, if your handle is made of rubber, it will harden, so the shock absorption will be reduced. And the longer the time, there may be the possibility of loosening and twisting of the handlebars, which needs to be reinforced to solve the problem.
- Loss of traction:
- Bike grips are designed to provide traction to your hands, but the longer you use them, the pattern on the surface will wear out and cause your hands to slip.
Check out the Top 7 Bike Handlebar Types and 6+ Best Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike Handlebar For 2024 here.
Video: How to Replace Handlebar Grips
The following video is divided into 3 stages, the first stage is to prepare the required tools, the second stage is to Remove Bike Handlebar Grips, and the third stage is to Replace Bike Handlebar Grips. This is the most intuitive way.
What tools and materials are needed to Remove/Replace Bike Handlebar Grips?
Before removing/replacing Bike Handlebar Grips, it is important to have the tools and materials needed. This not only ensures that the process of Remove/Replace Bike Handlebar Grips can proceed smoothly. but also avoids unnecessary trouble in the operation process. Here is a detailed list of tools and materials:
- 1. New grip
- 2. Flathead screwdriver or fine tool (for sliding handle): This tool usually requires the use of a flathead or Phillips screwdriver to pry up the handlebar grip. especially when using a lubricant or soapy water method.
- 3. Rubbing alcohol or air compressor: Small air compressors can blow air into the handlebar grip through the nozzle. thereby loosening the handlebar grip easily and making it easier to remove.
- 4. Hex wrench: used to loosen and tighten the hex screws on the handlebar-related components. especially the fixing screws that may be used in the design of some handlebars.
- 5. Rubber hammer: Used to tap the handlebar grip to ensure that it is fully loaded into the handlebar. The soft material of the rubber hammer prevents damage to the grip of the new car.
- 6. Cutting tools (optional): If the handlebars are stuck or severely worn, it may be necessary to remove them with a small cutter or utility knife.
How to Remove/Replace Bike Handlebar Grips?
There are many styles of handlebars on the market, and you can Remove and Replace them according to your favorite material and color. This takes some patience and skill for a novice. But, there are also sliding and locking handlebars. Below I will give you a detailed step-by-step guide on Remove/Replace Bike Handlebar Grips. Please follow the pace to understand!
Step 1: Preparatory work for Remove/Replace Bike Handlebar Grips

To avoid unexpected movement and tilt, and to ensure the accuracy of quick operation of Remove/Replace Bike Handlebar Grips. the early preparation work is important.
- 1. First of all, please choose a spacious and suitable work area.
- 2. You can use a bicycle bracket to fix the bicycle on the bracket and keep it stable. If you don’t have a stand, lean the bike against a solid wall.
- 3. Check the fixing condition to ensure that it does not shake.
- 4. After checking the handlebar and handlebar grip, clean the handlebar and grip first. Ensure that there is no interference from impurities during disassembly and installation.
Step 2: Remove Bike Old Handlebar Grips
Method 1: Remove Bike Handlebar Grips – Use alcohol or lubricant
Remove slide-on bike Grips:
- Insert the Flathead Screwdriver
- Gently insert a flathead screwdriver under the edge of the grip. Be careful not to damage the grip material or the handlebar itself. This creates a gap for the alcohol or lubricant to enter.
- Apply Alcohol or Lubricant
- Using a spray bottle or a dropper, apply alcohol or lubricant to the lifted edge. This helps to loosen the grip, making it easier to remove.
- Pry the Grip Gently
- Use the screwdriver to carefully pry up one corner of the handlebar grip. Apply gentle pressure to avoid tearing the grip or scratching the handlebar.
- Twist and Pull the Grip
- Slowly twist and pull the grip off the handlebar. Continue applying alcohol or lubricant as needed to ease the removal process.
Remove Lock-on bike Grips:

- Locate the Locking Bolts
- First, find the bolts that secure the lock-on grips. These are typically located at both ends of the grips.
- Loosen the Bolts
- Using an appropriately sized hex (Allen) wrench, gently loosen the bolts. You do not need to remove them completely—loosen them enough to release the locking mechanism.
- Remove the Grips
- Finally, grasp the grip and slide it off the handlebar.
Method 2: Use soapy water
In the absence of alcohol and lubricant, it is possible to introduce soapy water between the handlebars and the handlebars. then twist and pull out the handlebars. (This can only be used on slide-on bike handlebars.)
Method 3: Use an air compressor
Insert the nozzle of the air compressor into the end of the handlebar grip, blowing in air causes the handlebar grip to loosen and slide out. (This can only be used on slide-on bike handlebars.)
Now that both styles of grip have been successfully removed, what not to do now is clean it before installing it. Please look down!
Step 3: Clean the Bike Handlebar Grips.
There may be residue on the newly removed Bike Handlebar Grips. For better installation, it is recommended that you thoroughly clean the grease and adhesive on the handlebars before eating. You can wipe them clean with a rag and alcohol.

Step 4: Replace Bike Handlebar Grips.
Replace slide-on bike Grips:

- After cleaning the handlebars, make sure they are free of dirt and any adhesive. You can wipe with a cloth and alcohol.
- Immediately after applying rubbing alcohol, slide the new grip onto the handlebars, or use lubricant to do so.
- After the grip is installed, let it sit for a few hours, or preferably overnight, to make its material more integrated with the handle.
- The last step is to make sure that the handlebars of the new car are firm and not loose. and you can do a short ride test to quickly check how the handlebar grip feels.
Replace Lock-on bike Grips:

- After cleaning the handlebars, make sure they are free of dirt and any adhesive. Then take the new locking grip and slide it onto the handlebars.
- Once the handle is in, adjust it to the correct position.
- Use an Allen wrench to tighten the bolt on the handle ring and make sure it is fixed.
- After all screws are tightened, twist or pull the handle firmly to make sure it is firmly fixed.
Falcarbon Bike Tips:
- Choose a handlebar grip that suits your riding style and palm size
- Avoid using too much lubricant to prevent the handlebars from slipping
- Use tools carefully to avoid damaging the handlebars or handlebar grips
Relevant Article:
- How to Choose Mountain Bike Handlebar
- How to Change Bike Stem
- How to Adjust Bike Handlebar Height
- How to Measure Bike Handlebar Sizes
- What Angle Should a Road Bike Fit?
- Gravel Handlebars: Features and Best Picks.
- How to Wrap Handlebar Tape
FAQ
Conclusion
Through the description of this guide, you already know How to Remove/Replace Bike Handlebar Grips. To ensure that your cyclist will have better traction and handling performance. In daily life, maintenance of bicycle handlebars is essential for comfortable and safe riding, with proper maintenance and regular maintenance. I am confident that your bike will provide you with a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience for many miles to come.
If you’re struggling to decide which Handlebars to choose, one of the most popular is the Carbon Bike Handlebars. It is divided into: Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike Handlebars(Carbon MTB Handlebars) and Carbon Road Bike Handlebars. You need to choose your handlebars according to your needs. To find out which of the two materials is better, click here: Carbon vs Aluminum Handlebars.