MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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8/25/2025 10:46am
TEAMROBOT wrote:
I'm actually super curious about those. I've heard and observed that most of your grip strength while riding actually comes from your pinky finger at the...

I'm actually super curious about those. I've heard and observed that most of your grip strength while riding actually comes from your pinky finger at the outside of the grip. If these bar ends allow your pinky to hold on while using less grip strength, it seems like that would be super beneficial for not only fatigue, but also being able to ride loose and smooth.

Counterpoint: no one else in the World Cup seems to be rushing out to use them, or in Moto where hand and arm fatigue is even more brutal.

I was thinking about the moto comparison too. Maybe it could help in that arena but hasn't been tried yet? One challenge that comes to mind...

I was thinking about the moto comparison too. Maybe it could help in that arena but hasn't been tried yet? One challenge that comes to mind is how the bar end would play with a twist throttle. Seems like it'd rub the heck out of your throttle hand and/or create a pinch point that could cause the throttle tube to stick (scary AF).

For moto, there are some bar end finger protectors out there. I suppose these aren't all that much different than Breeden's creation:

https://www.bendz.ca/shop-1/z8xknn8s4wsay3hui61bc5s304n5gr

https://beduro.com/products/hooked-bar-end-caps

I'm curious as well since I've always struggled with hand/arm fatigue. Even if they do look a little crude/goofy (IMO), I'd still like to know if...

I'm curious as well since I've always struggled with hand/arm fatigue. Even if they do look a little crude/goofy (IMO), I'd still like to know if they actually help. I also think it'd be interesting to see if they do allow you to weight the bike more precisely in turns/off cambers. 

Not to take away from their launch today, but I was just looking at posts from Charlie Murray, and he's using Loam Lab Counterpunch bar ends (I think a few other enduro riders were using them this season). The goal is more for pinky protection, but it kinda looks like they'd offer some of the benefits to what Joe has created by keeping your hand from sliding off the bar, and giving you a little bumper to lean against. 

Screenshot 2025-08-25 at 10.09.52%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=8iRXkHhScreenshot 2025-08-25 at 10.18.20%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=fEH BjYxMiy50O6Rfbo50

I think Eddie Masters was using something like that to protect his fingers/hand after messing 'em up last year, too.

He seems pretty accessible and responsive to folks. I bet a Youtube comment or DM (or official media request) would get a response with some of his impressions.

1
dwhere
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dirty, DE US
8/25/2025 10:50am
I was thinking about the moto comparison too. Maybe it could help in that arena but hasn't been tried yet? One challenge that comes to mind...

I was thinking about the moto comparison too. Maybe it could help in that arena but hasn't been tried yet? One challenge that comes to mind is how the bar end would play with a twist throttle. Seems like it'd rub the heck out of your throttle hand and/or create a pinch point that could cause the throttle tube to stick (scary AF).

For moto, there are some bar end finger protectors out there. I suppose these aren't all that much different than Breeden's creation:

https://www.bendz.ca/shop-1/z8xknn8s4wsay3hui61bc5s304n5gr

https://beduro.com/products/hooked-bar-end-caps

I'm curious as well since I've always struggled with hand/arm fatigue. Even if they do look a little crude/goofy (IMO), I'd still like to know if...

I'm curious as well since I've always struggled with hand/arm fatigue. Even if they do look a little crude/goofy (IMO), I'd still like to know if they actually help. I also think it'd be interesting to see if they do allow you to weight the bike more precisely in turns/off cambers. 

Not to take away from their launch today, but I was just looking at posts from Charlie Murray, and he's using Loam Lab Counterpunch bar ends (I think a few other enduro riders were using them this season). The goal is more for pinky protection, but it kinda looks like they'd offer some of the benefits to what Joe has created by keeping your hand from sliding off the bar, and giving you a little bumper to lean against. 

Screenshot 2025-08-25 at 10.09.52%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=8iRXkHhScreenshot 2025-08-25 at 10.18.20%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=fEH BjYxMiy50O6Rfbo50
I think Eddie Masters was using something like that to protect his fingers/hand after messing 'em up last year, too.He seems pretty accessible and responsive to...

I think Eddie Masters was using something like that to protect his fingers/hand after messing 'em up last year, too.

He seems pretty accessible and responsive to folks. I bet a Youtube comment or DM (or official media request) would get a response with some of his impressions.

believe he was running something like this from LoamLab.

https://www.loamlab.bike/products/counterpunch?variant=34531605741734

3
RaggedEdge
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8/25/2025 11:12am
sspomer wrote:
the grand parents of ergon and bar ends - oakley 3

the grand parents of ergon and bar ends - oakley 3

Oakley 3 bmx grips clearance

OLDSCHOOL OAKLEY 3 GRIPS BLACK NICE

I ran those on my Mongoose BMX bike and they were pretty good grips

2
ballz
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8/25/2025 11:25am
sspomer wrote:
breeden's get a grip bar ends are for sale - https://www.axessunltd.com/product-page/get-a-grip-bar-ends - full or half circle.

breeden's get a grip bar ends are for sale - https://www.axessunltd.com/product-page/get-a-grip-bar-ends - full or half circle.

'GET A GRIP' BAR ENDS

'GET A GRIP' BAR ENDS

Perhaps my sarcasm detector is not calibrated properly but this smells like cold-pressed extra virgin snake oil:
 - The half circle is smaller in area, reducing air resistance. This is the variation the IFR team uses, because in elite racing, every millisecond counts.

That said, Rev grips have a bulge at the ends that actually helps with the grip of the pinkie and that makes my hands sit a little in-board, which I believe helped prevent injuries during my numerous tree strikes.

4
sethimus
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8/25/2025 12:58pm
sspomer wrote:
the grand parents of ergon and bar ends - oakley 3

the grand parents of ergon and bar ends - oakley 3

Oakley 3 bmx grips clearance

OLDSCHOOL OAKLEY 3 GRIPS BLACK NICE

ripped for her/his pleasure 

8/25/2025 2:51pm
ballz wrote:
Perhaps my sarcasm detector is not calibrated properly but this smells like cold-pressed extra virgin snake oil: - The half circle is smaller in area, reducing...

Perhaps my sarcasm detector is not calibrated properly but this smells like cold-pressed extra virgin snake oil:
 - The half circle is smaller in area, reducing air resistance. This is the variation the IFR team uses, because in elite racing, every millisecond counts.

That said, Rev grips have a bulge at the ends that actually helps with the grip of the pinkie and that makes my hands sit a little in-board, which I believe helped prevent injuries during my numerous tree strikes.

Rev grips also whipped up a version for Reece Wilson to try recently. But I can’t seem to find the video clip of it now. 

5
ejj
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8/25/2025 2:51pm
sspomer wrote:
the grand parents of ergon and bar ends - oakley 3

the grand parents of ergon and bar ends - oakley 3

Oakley 3 bmx grips clearance

OLDSCHOOL OAKLEY 3 GRIPS BLACK NICE

The original Oakley products were grips, right? I remember pining after those in the late 70s/early 80s! My parent thought I was ridiculous. 

2
63expert
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8/25/2025 4:48pm

Had these back in the day IMG 4658

3
3
RaggedEdge
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8/25/2025 5:19pm Edited Date/Time 8/26/2025 6:49am
63expert wrote:
Had these back in the day

Had these back in the day IMG 4658

Yes, from what I recall Oakley's 1st product was grips. I really liked the B-1B's, there was a replaceable foam ring on the inside and you could change the white part of the grip in the photo when it wore out. It was a thin sleeve that goes over the grip

2
peecee
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8/26/2025 2:36am
MikeyE wrote:
Ari with no diaper

Ari with no diaper

IMG 9449 1
p4pb1952871
14
8/26/2025 3:09am
RaggedEdge wrote:
Yes, from what I recall Oakley's 1st product was grips. I really liked the B-1B's, there was a replaceable foam ring on the inside and you...

Yes, from what I recall Oakley's 1st product was grips. I really liked the B-1B's, there was a replaceable foam ring on the inside and you could change the white part of the grip in the photo when it wore out. It was a thin sleeve that goes over the grip

Named after the coolest looking strategic bomber too. The Rockwell B-1B lancer.

1
Primoz
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8/26/2025 3:13am
MikeyE wrote:
Ari with no diaper

Ari with no diaper

IMG 9449 1
peecee wrote:
p4pb1952871

I wonder what the torsional stiffness of it was like. All the pivots are arranged basically on a horizontal line. 

1
boozed
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8/26/2025 4:47am

Named after the coolest looking strategic bomber too. The Rockwell B-1B lancer.

A Brit (I assume) picking the B-1B over the Avro Vulcan?!  Fish falling from the sky, dogs and cats living together etc. etc.

4
8/26/2025 5:17am
boozed wrote:

A Brit (I assume) picking the B-1B over the Avro Vulcan?!  Fish falling from the sky, dogs and cats living together etc. etc.

Trust me when I say the Vulcan is a close second, I just have a particular soft spot for the B-1b.

2
storm.racing
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8/26/2025 3:37pm Edited Date/Time 8/26/2025 8:05pm
sspomer wrote:
breeden's get a grip bar ends are for sale - https://www.axessunltd.com/product-page/get-a-grip-bar-ends - full or half circle.

breeden's get a grip bar ends are for sale - https://www.axessunltd.com/product-page/get-a-grip-bar-ends - full or half circle.

'GET A GRIP' BAR ENDS

'GET A GRIP' BAR ENDS

TEAMROBOT wrote:
I'm actually super curious about those. I've heard and observed that most of your grip strength while riding actually comes from your pinky finger at the...

I'm actually super curious about those. I've heard and observed that most of your grip strength while riding actually comes from your pinky finger at the outside of the grip. If these bar ends allow your pinky to hold on while using less grip strength, it seems like that would be super beneficial for not only fatigue, but also being able to ride loose and smooth.

Counterpoint: no one else in the World Cup seems to be rushing out to use them, or in Moto where hand and arm fatigue is even more brutal.

No doubt about all the pressure on the pinky fingers. All my grips are worn down to the plastic underneath (meaty paws) on the pinky ends. Doesn’t help I overlap my pinky fingers over the ends of the grips. Always been my comfort spot but it’s weird. I’d be curious how this would feel since I wouldn’t be able to overlap but would def give me more area to pressure with how I grip. Hmm

5
seanfisseli
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Santa Cruz, CA US
8/26/2025 5:16pm
sspomer wrote:
breeden's get a grip bar ends are for sale - https://www.axessunltd.com/product-page/get-a-grip-bar-ends - full or half circle.

breeden's get a grip bar ends are for sale - https://www.axessunltd.com/product-page/get-a-grip-bar-ends - full or half circle.

'GET A GRIP' BAR ENDS

'GET A GRIP' BAR ENDS

TEAMROBOT wrote:
I'm actually super curious about those. I've heard and observed that most of your grip strength while riding actually comes from your pinky finger at the...

I'm actually super curious about those. I've heard and observed that most of your grip strength while riding actually comes from your pinky finger at the outside of the grip. If these bar ends allow your pinky to hold on while using less grip strength, it seems like that would be super beneficial for not only fatigue, but also being able to ride loose and smooth.

Counterpoint: no one else in the World Cup seems to be rushing out to use them, or in Moto where hand and arm fatigue is even more brutal.

No doubt about all the pressure on the pinky fingers. All my grips are worn down to the plastic underneath (meaty paws) on the pinky ends...

No doubt about all the pressure on the pinky fingers. All my grips are worn down to the plastic underneath (meaty paws) on the pinky ends. Doesn’t help I overlap my pinky fingers over the ends of the grips. Always been my comfort spot but it’s weird. I’d be curious how this would feel since I wouldn’t be able to overlap but would def give me more area to pressure with how I grip. Hmm

Interesting points. I love deathgrips because they are wider under my thumb than under my pinky, and I feel like that narrower pinky end lets me grip tighter there. I wasn’t that interested in these kinds of products for mere protection but now that the control element has been brought up I’m really considering trying to get some on my bars…

4
MJN
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8/26/2025 9:37pm
63expert wrote:
Had these back in the day

Had these back in the day IMG 4658

Looks like an octopus tentacle. At least your hands wont come off  

2
8/27/2025 3:13am
sspomer wrote:
breeden's get a grip bar ends are for sale - https://www.axessunltd.com/product-page/get-a-grip-bar-ends - full or half circle.

breeden's get a grip bar ends are for sale - https://www.axessunltd.com/product-page/get-a-grip-bar-ends - full or half circle.

'GET A GRIP' BAR ENDS

'GET A GRIP' BAR ENDS

TEAMROBOT wrote:
I'm actually super curious about those. I've heard and observed that most of your grip strength while riding actually comes from your pinky finger at the...

I'm actually super curious about those. I've heard and observed that most of your grip strength while riding actually comes from your pinky finger at the outside of the grip. If these bar ends allow your pinky to hold on while using less grip strength, it seems like that would be super beneficial for not only fatigue, but also being able to ride loose and smooth.

Counterpoint: no one else in the World Cup seems to be rushing out to use them, or in Moto where hand and arm fatigue is even more brutal.

No doubt about all the pressure on the pinky fingers. All my grips are worn down to the plastic underneath (meaty paws) on the pinky ends...

No doubt about all the pressure on the pinky fingers. All my grips are worn down to the plastic underneath (meaty paws) on the pinky ends. Doesn’t help I overlap my pinky fingers over the ends of the grips. Always been my comfort spot but it’s weird. I’d be curious how this would feel since I wouldn’t be able to overlap but would def give me more area to pressure with how I grip. Hmm

I stay away from products like this because I grip the bars the same way, pinky at the edge of the bar and outside of my palm slightly hanging off the edge. It doesn't matter how wide the bars are, I end up gripping the outside edge.

Primoz
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8/27/2025 3:40am Edited Date/Time 8/27/2025 3:41am

Lewis doing Lewis things.

17
1
8/27/2025 4:30am
Primoz wrote:

Lewis doing Lewis things.

Blatant IP theft, but i Have to admit i like the look of these pedals with the x through the centre more than the outlier Ones.

2
ballz
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8/27/2025 5:12am
Primoz wrote:

Lewis doing Lewis things.

Blatant IP theft, but i Have to admit i like the look of these pedals with the x through the centre more than the outlier Ones.

Why? The hole is their second best feature, it makes them super comfortable and grippy.

Also, fuck lewis.

15
4
nsp234
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8/27/2025 5:13am
Primoz wrote:

Lewis doing Lewis things.

The only positive thing to say ist they have good taste in the products they copy. 

But crazy shameless

13
jsray
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8/27/2025 5:22am Edited Date/Time 8/27/2025 5:24am
image 17.gif?VersionId=M
13
Primoz
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8/27/2025 5:25am Edited Date/Time 8/27/2025 5:33am
Primoz wrote:

Lewis doing Lewis things.

nsp234 wrote:

The only positive thing to say ist they have good taste in the products they copy. 

But crazy shameless

When it was brakes, I was saying "yeah, it's a copy, but there are also improvements". And not gonna lie, they work very well. 

Then came the cranks. And now this. At least they could have made the bearings less exposed... 

7
Yoda
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IT
8/27/2025 6:01am

Would be really surprised if they put Loic on the new bike in the midst of the title fight with Jackson... I'll bet Finn and Jordan are on it, and Loic joins the party after the season wraps up. 

Frame looks absolutely sick. Curious whether the team will put weights in/on it with given the under BB link. 

1
1
jonkranked
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8/27/2025 6:21am
Primoz wrote:

Lewis doing Lewis things.

more like lewis doing 5dev things

2
Primoz
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8/27/2025 6:28am
jonkranked wrote:

more like lewis doing 5dev things

Notice pedals.

8/27/2025 6:38am

👀

1000049726
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