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Bar Ends - Advice Required
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Hey NobMob.
Some questions regarding bar ends for those with any experience.
Q1: Do they attached over the grips? Or more logically to the handlebar itself?
Q2: If they do attach to the handlebar, do you a) Cut the current set of grips to make room or b) Move everything else in towards the centre of the bar? Or c) Do you need special new grips?
Q3: Other than an increased chance of random stray tree branches pulling you off your bike, what are the other possible downsides of installing bar ends on your bike?
Cheers,
Lance.
PS Any brand suggestions?
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Hi Lance,
Disclaimer: I could be well off here not having had a cross country bike for over 12 years, but I'll try anyway:
1)They attach directly to the bar.
2)b)correct answer, move it all in.
3)The biggest problem I have with them is that they look silly with riser bars, and some people get so excited about their new bar ends that they use them ALL the time, even over terrain there they clearly need more control. But hey, we all get over excited sometimes
Pro's:
nice hand position when climbing and can help transfer some more weight over the front for traction, esp when v. steep and loose and you need to remain seated for rear end traction. Nice to alternate hand position anyway.
I almost mentioned improved aero dynamic ability but really if that's your gig, you'd be better off on a road bike.
Cons:
If you are considering them it means you probably don't have a free ride or dh bike and you are missing out on alot of fun. JOKE (well...)
They reduce control - DO NOT use them in technical terrain inc dh, or anything too
rough. Remember that - unless they are still making the brake lever extensions that were big in the 90's - you can't use them while braking.
I remember my first bar ends, they were ONZA and I loved them and even put ONZA grips on them. They were great for riding and racing xcountry. Good luck with it.
Cheers,
Dave
you are certain your carbon bar has reinforced ends
I would only add that if you get them get the type that curve in at the front a little and you wont have any problem with trees and the like. I have just switched to a straiter design and they do get caught a fraction more but it isnt a real problem. And dont put them on riser bars you really only need them on narrow flat bars for the extra leverage they offer wide riser bars dont have that problem.
The specs on my handle bars are: - oversize 31.8mm with 12mm rise, 640mm length. Not exactly DH "riser" but not hard core XC flat/narrow...
I tend to find i want more hand position options when cruising along a fire trail or more importantly climbing up steep short climbs... so i think a set of bar ends will be really useful in this situaton.. Hopefully not too much braking required then either!
Maybe i'll go for a pair of short, straight ones that don't protrude too much..
Cheers all.
Lance.
I use a 600mm wide 31.8mm oversized carbon (reinforced ends) flat bar with straight carbon bar ends.
I went for 600mm because the bar ends bring the placement of the grips 10mm further in on each side so the grips end up wear they would be on a normal 580mm width cross country bar.
I find for long-distance rides, just having the different position to put your hands can reduce the numbness / nerve pinching you get. And when you have to stand up and hoik it up a steep hill, the bars can get you just that bit further forward.
and;
1 - directly on bar
2 - up to you. More often move everything in, but you can also cut the grips. The positioning should be so that you can get your index and middle finger on the brake (you shouldn't need more than 2 finger braking), whilst also comfortably with your thumb on the trigger shifter. The bars should NOT be cramping the outside of your hands with that setup, it will get very uncomfortable.
3 - if you have an OTB (Over The Bars) then it is possible you can be speared by the bar ends. I've seen pictures of people with the bar ends caught between the bones in their shin, completely embedded. They are also known to puncture your core-section (kidneys, livers etc) as well.
However I've used bar ends for years and no holes other than the required ones. they don't need to be more than 4 inches long - really just enough for you to get your hands on them.
get ones that fit in the end of your bars with on old style expansion wedge like the old stems before 'ahead sets'. i think they'll be the cheaper nasty ones now though due to the extra weight of the wedge
Answer did a version with an internal expanding wedge as Gazza sugested, dont know if you can still get them but they were definatly not cheap or heavy, but they were pretty long.