Bar Ends

[Coffey]

Hi, new to the forum only my second thread.
My first concerned how I could possibly make the ride on my hybrid a little faster, easier and comfortable in the saddle over longer rides
The main advice I was given was skinnier, slicker tyres and add some bar ends for an alternative riding style.
Well I have upgraded my tyres to City jet 26" x 1.5 from the standard 26 x 1.9 on the bike and have been researching bar ends.

You seem to get he Lock On ergonomic style ones that are 'all in one' and replace your current grip like:
http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/...3/aid:230011?gclid=CNyB-6er3LoCFdPItAodJwYA2A

Or the 'clamp on' ones that mean shifting the current grip etc and fixing on the end of the handlebars like:
http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p35265/Outland-Short-Oversize-Alloy-Bar-Ends.aspx

Does anyone have any advice on what's the best? My bike is a Subway hybrid.
Would anyone recommend and bar ends that I could fix?

Many thanks.

 

[Brommyboy]

This would be a personal choice. The bar ends are added to your existing grips, whereas the ergonomic ones replace those with a flattened type which can be more comfortable. Either of these types are easy to fit: they lock on to the bars with an Allen key bolt. The bar ends may need end space, either created by cutting the existing grips back, or by moving all the fittings further in towards the centre of the bars. To remove the existing grips, if stuck, slide a fine screwdriver or wire between grip and bar and pour in some water to break the suction. You should then be able to screw them off with a backwards-forwards motion.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Hi Coffey and

As @Brommyboy says, it is very much down to personal choice. I haven't tried the ergonomic ones but have tried the short and long clamp on types and personally prefer the long ones as in this photo:

These allow me to stretch out a bit more, similar to riding on the hoods of a drop bar bike, which is good on a fast flat bit or when climbing. They were very welcome on my first 100 miler this summer.

On mine I trimmed the ends off the existing grips (or you can get grips made to work with bar ends) and had to move the brake levers and gear shifters inwards a bit to allow room for it all to fit nicely.

 

[ScotiaLass]

I've had these bar ends on my bike for years now. I have arthritis so need to change position frequently to keep my joints comfortable and to stop them stiffening up.
As always, it's down to personal choice but they certainly make life easier for me

 

[Booyaa]

I prefer the ergonomic built in ones that I find comfier, although the last set I had, the Ergon GP5's were snapped by the LBS when repairing my wheel. They are less sturdy and liable to snapping if you drop the bike so depending on how well you treat the bike or how often you fall off it may be worth thinking about bolt on bars.

another option is a different type of handlebar to give you different hand positions.

 

[sreten]

Hi,

There is another type too :

£5 delivered e-pray

But these will give you to a more road like position.

£10 delivered e-pray

rgds, sreten.

 

[Coffey]

Thanks everyone. I am so impressed with this forum and the time and effort people take to respond with relevant info, upload pictures, links etc especially as I'm relatively new to cycling and constantly learning!
Cheers.

 

[Widge]

Bar-ends are a plus IMO when riding a flat bar or MTB. Another hand position to relieve stress and a way of stretching forward on the bike to get a leaner, slightly racier grip. I bought myself some 'CaneCreek' ERGO type grips ( I was having some wrist/finger problems at the time) which look a little strange but are deffo comfortable (if a bit spendy). My MTB has flat bars..............I'm not sure that bar-ends are all that useful or ergonomic on riser bars but no real reason not to if they work for you?

My recommendation is to give 'em a go.....it can't do any harm and you might really like them.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I'm not sure that bar-ends are all that useful or ergonomic on riser bars but no real reason not to if they work for you?

Academic comment really as the OP has a Carrera Subway which does have a flat bar.

As for me - after nearly 1200 miles since fitting the bar ends on the bike pictured, I can advise you that the bar ends get a lot of use and I wish I'd had them years ago.

 

[gavgav]

Thumbs up for bar ends from me. I used to get numb hands a lot when riding, but now having the different options for hand positions I no longer get that

 

[Cyclist33]

Hi, new to the forum only my second thread.
My first concerned how I could possibly make the ride on my hybrid a little faster, easier and comfortable in the saddle over longer rides
The main advice I was given was skinnier, slicker tyres and add some bar ends for an alternative riding style.
Well I have upgraded my tyres to City jet 26" x 1.5 from the standard 26 x 1.9 on the bike and have been researching bar ends.

You seem to get he Lock On ergonomic style ones that are 'all in one' and replace your current grip like:
http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/...3/aid:230011?gclid=CNyB-6er3LoCFdPItAodJwYA2A

Or the 'clamp on' ones that mean shifting the current grip etc and fixing on the end of the handlebars like:
http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p35265/Outland-Short-Oversize-Alloy-Bar-Ends.aspx

Does anyone have any advice on what's the best? My bike is a Subway hybrid.
Would anyone recommend and bar ends that I could fix?

Many thanks.

im in warrington and have got two pairs of non ergo bar ends, you can have one if you can collect for £3...


stu

 

[Gravity Aided]

Used bar ends for years, as I am tall and need more reach on many mountain bikes. I prefer the end clamp models so I can retain my current grips, and usually prefer the curved bar ends due to a higher saddle and more aggressive stance on the bicycle. I think on both hybrid and mountain bicycles they give you a better stance for greater distance due to the back taking up some of the shock from the road, as compared to most shock being concentrated in the posterior as in a flat handlebar upright design. You will find that the bar extensions are nice to have with the thinner tires as more road shock will be transmitted to you through the thinner tires.

 

[lee1980sim]

Bar ends are fab, I wouldn't have a bike without them, but it is personal preference on style I've seen some people with the left on the right and the right on the left if you get me, but then I've also seen one bloke riding drop style handle bars which are "upsidedown"

 

[Tyke]

Bar ends are fan wouldn't have a bike without them, but it is personal preference on style I've seen some people with the left on the right and the right on the left if you get me, but then I've also seen one bloke riding drop style handle bars which are "upsidedown"

In the 70s loads of people had the drops upside down.

 

[lee1980sim]

In the 70s loads of people had the drops upside down.

Must have just woke from a coma.... lol