Overview of the Ikon Skinny Lock On Grip
The Ikon Skinny Lock On grip is designed for riders who value precise control, reliable traction, and a clean, low-profile feel on the bar. Targeted at trail, enduro, and aggressive cross-country riders, these grips use a lock-on system to prevent rotation and deliver a secure connection between the rider and the cockpit.
Design and Construction
Lock-On Security
The key feature of the Ikon Skinny Lock On grip is its clamp-based lock-on design. Instead of relying on friction alone, small locking collars clamp directly onto the handlebar, ensuring the grips stay perfectly in place, even under heavy braking, rough descents, or wet conditions.
Skinny Profile for Maximum Control
The "Skinny" designation indicates a relatively narrow diameter. This slim profile offers a direct connection to the bar, which many riders appreciate for technical riding, rapid line changes, and accurate feedback from the trail. A thinner grip can reduce the tendency to over-grip and can improve precision for riders with smaller hands or those who prefer a more responsive feel.
Grip Pattern and Traction
The surface texture of the Ikon Skinny Lock On grips is engineered to generate strong traction between glove and rubber. The pattern promotes positive engagement of the fingers, keeping the hands planted and stable when riding aggressively. Riders often report that the grips feel highly secure under load and in variable weather conditions, which inspires confidence at speed.
On-Trail Performance: Traction vs. Comfort
Excellent Grip and Stability
In terms of pure traction, the Ikon Skinny Lock On grips perform very well. They stay put on the bar, and the textured rubber holds the rider’s hands firmly in place. When pushing hard through corners, pumping through rollers, or muscling the bike up technical climbs, the grips contribute to a stable cockpit and a predictable ride feel.
Firm, but Not for Everyone
Where opinions start to diverge is in the area of comfort. The Ikon Skinny grips are relatively firm, with less cushioning than many softer, thicker alternatives. Over shorter rides, this usually feels precise and efficient. However, on longer sessions, some riders experience hand fatigue and increased feedback from rough terrain.
For those who ride hard and value crisp control, the stiffness can be a benefit. But for riders who prioritize comfort, or who spend extended hours on rocky trails, the lack of plushness may become noticeable. This perceived harshness has led some riders to describe the stock grips as uncomfortable or even "terrible" for their particular needs, despite their excellent traction.
Handlebar Width and Customization
From 800 mm to 770 mm: Finding the Sweet Spot
Grip performance is closely tied to overall cockpit setup, particularly handlebar width. In practice, many riders find that a full 800 mm bar can feel excessively wide, leading to shoulder strain and reduced maneuverability in tight terrain. Cutting the bar down to around 770 mm is a popular adjustment that can transform the ride feel.
In one real-world setup, the rider initially ran an 800 mm wide bar with Ikon Lock On grips and found the width unwieldy. After riding for a while, the bar was trimmed to 770 mm, providing a more natural arm position and easier control on narrow singletrack and in dense forests.
Switching to KORE: Torsion Bar and Durox Stem
To refine the cockpit even further, the same rider moved to a KORE setup: a Torsion handlebar with a 20 mm rise and 800 mm width, paired with a Durox 60 stem. The new bar offered a balanced combination of width and rise, improving leverage while maintaining stability at speed. The 60 mm stem complemented the bar by providing responsive steering without becoming twitchy.
Along with the bar and stem swap, the grips were also replaced with KORE models. This change was driven primarily by comfort preferences: while the original Ikon Skinny Lock On grips had excellent traction and stability, their firm feel was too harsh for longer, rougher rides. The KORE grips offered more damping and a softer compound, better matching this rider’s comfort requirements.
Pros and Cons of the Ikon Skinny Lock On Grip
Advantages
- Outstanding traction: Secure, stable hand placement in aggressive riding conditions.
- Reliable lock-on system: Grips do not twist or slide, even under heavy load.
- Skinny profile: Excellent bar feel and precise control for technical riding.
- Clean, controlled feedback: Direct connection to the trail for riders who prefer a firm cockpit.
Disadvantages
- Firm compound: Can feel too harsh for long rides or very rough terrain.
- Limited cushioning: Riders seeking a plush, shock-absorbing grip may find them uncomfortable.
- Not ideal for all hand sizes: The slim diameter may not suit riders who prefer a thicker grip for extra support.
Who Are These Grips Best For?
The Ikon Skinny Lock On grips are best suited to riders who:
- Prioritize precise steering and direct trail feedback.
- Ride aggressively and want grips that will not move, twist, or loosen.
- Prefer a slim grip profile for better bar control.
- Are comfortable with a firmer, less-cushioned feel.
They are less ideal for riders who struggle with hand fatigue, ride long distances on choppy terrain, or simply enjoy a softer, more forgiving grip.
Ikon Skinny vs. Softer Alternatives
Comparing the Ikon Skinny Lock On grips to softer options highlights the trade-off between control and comfort. Softer grips with thicker diameters tend to absorb more vibration, which can be beneficial on long rides and for riders with sensitive hands or a history of arm pump. However, they may feel less precise, slightly muted, and can wear faster.
The Ikon Skinny, by contrast, focuses on firm support and stability. This profile can help maintain accuracy on technical features and in aggressive riding situations. Riders who switched to KORE grips did so mainly to increase cushioning while trying to preserve as much control as possible. The ideal solution depends heavily on individual riding style, local terrain, and personal comfort thresholds.
Tips for Setting Up Your Cockpit with Lock-On Grips
1. Dial in Bar Width
Start at the full width (often 780–800 mm) and progressively trim in small increments, such as 5 mm per side, until the bike feels natural. The rider who moved from 800 mm down to 770 mm found that the narrower setup dramatically improved handling on tight trails while maintaining stability.
2. Match Stem Length to Riding Style
A stem around 50–60 mm, like the Durox 60, generally strikes a good balance for trail and enduro riding. Shorter stems provide quicker steering and more playful handling, while slightly longer stems can add stability for climbing and straight-line riding.
3. Angle Your Bar for Comfort
Small adjustments to bar roll can significantly enhance comfort. Rotating the bar forward or backward will change the position of the grip surface relative to your wrists. With firm grips like the Ikon Skinny, achieving a neutral wrist angle is especially important to reduce strain and hand numbness.
4. Consider Gloves and Pressure
Glove thickness and palm padding can change how firm grips feel. Thin gloves keep feedback high, while padded gloves add comfort. Also, try to relax your hands and avoid over-gripping; firm grips can tempt riders to hold on too tight, increasing fatigue.
Conclusion
The Ikon Skinny Lock On grips offer excellent traction, stability, and a precise feel that many performance-oriented riders will appreciate. However, their relatively stiff, unforgiving character will not suit everyone, particularly those who rack up long hours on rough trails or prefer maximum comfort over direct feedback.
If your priority is a locked-in, confident grip and you enjoy a firm cockpit, the Ikon Skinny Lock On grips are a strong option. If you lean toward comfort and vibration damping, models from brands like KORE with softer compounds and more cushioning may better match your riding style.