To ensure that your bike is well equipped, we have compiled the most important points and helpful tips on the subject in this article .

Bicycle handles made of cork, silicone or rubber – the right material is crucial

Do you want a bicycle handle with grip and a lot of comfort at the same time? Or are you looking for a robust all-rounder for mountain bike adventures? Then you should compare the materials in advance. Although the materials often have similar properties, some are better suited to specific areas of use, others are worse. Here you can find an overview of the most common materials:

• Rubber is often used to make bicycle handles. The material is robust and durable. Due to its cushioning properties, rubber is comfortable and offers the necessary grip .
• Silicone has the same properties as rubber and is also very light . The power transmission works very well because it fits perfectly to your hands .
• Bicycle handles made of cork are becoming increasingly popular. This is partly due to the great feel of the material. Cork on the handles is particularly pleasant and less cold on cold days . It also wears less.
• Leather is robust and looks good even after many years. The weather gives the leather a beautiful patina , which makes it a real eye-catcher. The material feels good in the hand and provides the necessary grip.

For our MYVELO e-bikes, we mainly use premium handles from Ergon and Ergotec. They combine the important properties of grip and comfort. Since leather also has great properties and is well suited for bicycle handles, our folding bikes are equipped with vegan leather handles. They also have an ergonomic shape. You will now find out why this is a practical advantage.

Different handles for bicycles in comparison

Since every riding style is different, there are also many different shapes of bicycle handles. Which one is right for you depends on your riding style and sitting position. Depending on the area of ​​use, there are the classic round versions, ergonomic bicycle handles or handles with horns and wings .

The classic round handles are ideal for cyclists who travel medium-long distances. If you mainly use your bike on the way to work or on easy terrain at the weekend , these bike handles are a good choice. Practical plus: Since many bikes already have these handles as standard, no new bike handles need to be fitted.

Ergonomic handles offer more comfort and adapt perfectly to the hands . They take the strain off the wrist, which is why they are ideal for long bike rides and leisurely day trips.

Handles with wings and bicycle handles with horns offer the hand a larger contact surface , but are not suitable for all terrain . If you are out on your bike for a long time, your hands will be under a lot of strain. A handle with wings or horns is ideal for this . The sensitive palms are better protected by the additional surface , as the pressure is evenly distributed. If you often have to struggle with your hands falling asleep , it is worth switching to these bicycle handles.

Good to remember: If you are riding on challenging terrain , you need full control over the handlebars. This means that the handles should be narrow and stable so that you have a firm grip on the handlebars.

Choose the right size for your bike grips

Of course, not only the material and shape should suit your riding style, but also the size of the handle. The diameter of the bicycle handles is determined by the size of your hand. If you have large hands , a diameter of up to 35 millimeters is suitable. Smaller hands can easily grip bicycle handles with a diameter of 22-30 millimeters.

Sizes are often given in S, M or L. Depending on the manufacturer, it is worth taking a look at the product description so that you can find the right size for you.

Tip: You can use your glove size as a guide. If your gloves are size M, the bike handle doesn't have to be much bigger.

Another important thing about a bicycle handle for a twist-grip gearshift is that the handles are different lengths. The twist-grip gearshift needs a little more space, which is why the bicycle handle is a little shorter on the side with the gearshift .

Differences between MTB grips and a bicycle grip

Anyone who rides a mountain bike loves speed, rough terrain and sporty riding. To ensure this is achieved, the MTB handle is particularly robust. The materials offer a good shock- absorbing effect, but are not as soft as a bicycle handle for trekking or city bikes.

Installing and changing bicycle handles

To ensure safe cycling , it is important to install and change the bike handles correctly. It is important to know that there are handles that screw on and models that plug in.

A simple installation of bicycle handles without screwing is quick and easy with a little brake cleaner. If the inside of the handle is sprayed with the cleaner , the handle can be pushed onto the handlebar with little force.

If you need to install or change a screw handle, you will need a tool . The screw on the side of the handle ensures safety and can be easily removed with a suitable screwdriver .

Vegan leather on bicycle handles

The durability of bicycle grips depends largely on the environment, the weather and the material used. Bicycle grips made of conventional materials such as rubber or foam tend to wear out faster in extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, intense sunlight or frost.

UV radiation in particular can make the material brittle and cause cracks. Vegan leather, on the other hand, offers an interesting alternative as it is often more resistant to such environmental influences. This material, which is made from synthetic fibers or plant substances, shows a high resistance to water and UV rays and retains its shape and strength even when temperatures fluctuate. This means that vegan leather bike handles can have a longer lifespan while also being a more environmentally friendly and animal-friendly option.

The most important things in brief

Bicycle grips are one of the most important contact points between the rider and the bike. For this reason, they must be robust and durable, which is why the choice of material is crucial. Whether leather, rubber, cork or silicone, each material has advantageous properties.

• Rubber is robust and durable
• Silicone adapts very well
• Cork is pleasant even on cold days
• Leather lasts for many years

The shape and size are also important to ensure that your next bike ride is comfortable. Round handles are good for everyday riding. Particularly narrow and grippy models offer more grip on a mountain bike tour. Handles with wings or horns ensure better pressure distribution and are therefore the ideal choice for day trips and long distances.

If you make sure you get the right size before buying and mount the bike grips securely on the handlebars, nothing will stand in the way of your next bike ride.