peeled back the rubber on my meaty paws and slightly recessed the inner sleeve. Just punching out a hole and there was kind of a gap between the end of the grip and the bar end with that grip.
First impressions is they work pretty much as advertised. Agreed about some very minor discomfort but I think that’s just a matter of getting used to it. Definitely going on the dh bike and going to keep em on the trail bike for now and come to a decision later.
i ain’t very stylish but i can see how they’d impede riders who like to take their hands off the bars.
Anyone got any knowledge about foam and recommendations on what might hold up the longest on the inside of the bar ends. I'm assuming it's not...
Anyone got any knowledge about foam and recommendations on what might hold up the longest on the inside of the bar ends. I'm assuming it's not what I can buy at Michael's. I've decided to give them go, but definitely want to have something to pad them on hand when testing them out.
Ck out Amuary's setup, his mechanic just used some felt. I don't think foam would be a good application, probably get ripped off very fast.
I use gloves, rubbing friction issues haven't been an issue for me.
The discomfort I was getting was the side of the bone between knuckle and wrist, more pronounced by the wrist. I run my bars narrow-ish (760) and felt like it was kinda blocking how much I can rotate my hands outward. I'll give them another once my knuckle doesn't hurt - I'm sure it's not helping matters.
Anyone got any knowledge about foam and recommendations on what might hold up the longest on the inside of the bar ends. I'm assuming it's not...
Anyone got any knowledge about foam and recommendations on what might hold up the longest on the inside of the bar ends. I'm assuming it's not what I can buy at Michael's. I've decided to give them go, but definitely want to have something to pad them on hand when testing them out.
Anyone got any knowledge about foam and recommendations on what might hold up the longest on the inside of the bar ends. I'm assuming it's not...
Anyone got any knowledge about foam and recommendations on what might hold up the longest on the inside of the bar ends. I'm assuming it's not what I can buy at Michael's. I've decided to give them go, but definitely want to have something to pad them on hand when testing them out.
Ck out Amuary's setup, his mechanic just used some felt. I don't think foam would be a good application, probably get ripped off very fast.I use...
Ck out Amuary's setup, his mechanic just used some felt. I don't think foam would be a good application, probably get ripped off very fast.
I use gloves, rubbing friction issues haven't been an issue for me.
I hear you on normal foams, but there are some very durable "foams" out there. https://billiebars.com/pages/landing-page-tailgate?variant=48612368384298 I was hoping someone had some intel on specs or terminology to help me order a 1/16 sheet of something like this stuff. If I can find some time get serious about some research (prob when I can actually get a set a bar ends on order), I'll report back.
I hear you on normal foams, but there are some very durable "foams" out there. https://billiebars.com/pages/landing-page-tailgate?variant=48612368384298 I was hoping someone had some intel on specs or terminology to help me order a 1/16 sheet of something like this stuff. If I can find some time get serious about some research (prob when I can actually get a set a bar ends on order), I'll report back.
I would just try them first before worrying too much. I was just using them for a week, had terrible palm blisters halfway in but never felt anything approaching discomfort where the bar ends contact. If you do need something I'd probably just grab a roll of adhesive open cell foam and replace it often. A more dense foam like neoprene or whatever won't really be much softer than the rubbery bar end material
Anyone got any knowledge about foam and recommendations on what might hold up the longest on the inside of the bar ends. I'm assuming it's not...
Anyone got any knowledge about foam and recommendations on what might hold up the longest on the inside of the bar ends. I'm assuming it's not what I can buy at Michael's. I've decided to give them go, but definitely want to have something to pad them on hand when testing them out.
I hear you on normal foams, but there are some very durable "foams" out there. https://billiebars.com/pages/landing-page-tailgate?variant=48612368384298 I was hoping someone had some intel on specs or terminology to help me order a 1/16 sheet of something like this stuff. If I can find some time get serious about some research (prob when I can actually get a set a bar ends on order), I'll report back.
Another factor is bar width. You are already losing 10mm with WT Bar Ends, add some thicker foam would take more away.
Anyone got any knowledge about foam and recommendations on what might hold up the longest on the inside of the bar ends. I'm assuming it's not...
Anyone got any knowledge about foam and recommendations on what might hold up the longest on the inside of the bar ends. I'm assuming it's not what I can buy at Michael's. I've decided to give them go, but definitely want to have something to pad them on hand when testing them out.
Not a moto guy, so I didn't know wtf you were talking about! Saw "ODI Donuts" suggested somewhere else and finally did some googling. For the other non-moto peeps: https://www.odigrips.com/products/grip-donuts-2360. Looks like a cheap and easy something to have on hand! (I'm here all week . . .)
Definitely going to just give the plain ole bar ends a go first, but I want to have a plan. I don't live all that close to the type of riding I'm getting them for, so I want to be prepared the first time I head to the big mountains. Will test them locally, of course, but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to tell whether the pressure will bother me on our local trails.
Anyone using the bar ends with Goldstone grips? I'm thinking I'll use a very fine-tooth hacksaw and/or dremel to get rid of the small area of support at the end of the grips. That way, my hand rest against the bar ends?
Not a moto guy, so I didn't know wtf you were talking about! Saw "ODI Donuts" suggested somewhere else and finally did some googling. For the...
Not a moto guy, so I didn't know wtf you were talking about! Saw "ODI Donuts" suggested somewhere else and finally did some googling. For the other non-moto peeps: https://www.odigrips.com/products/grip-donuts-2360. Looks like a cheap and easy something to have on hand! (I'm here all week . . .)
Definitely going to just give the plain ole bar ends a go first, but I want to have a plan. I don't live all that close to the type of riding I'm getting them for, so I want to be prepared the first time I head to the big mountains. Will test them locally, of course, but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to tell whether the pressure will bother me on our local trails.
Anyone using the bar ends with Goldstone grips? I'm thinking I'll use a very fine-tooth hacksaw and/or dremel to get rid of the small area of support at the end of the grips. That way, my hand rest against the bar ends?
Yes, pretty much. I sawed it off (and made a mess) but it seems to work fine:
I have LoamLab Counterpunch on my Sentinel trail bike and I love them. They've already saved my pinky knuckles numerous times. I'd be keen to try the Wolftooth ones if I didn't already have these. I might miss the actual pinky protection too.
Anyone got any knowledge about foam and recommendations on what might hold up the longest on the inside of the bar ends. I'm assuming it's not...
Anyone got any knowledge about foam and recommendations on what might hold up the longest on the inside of the bar ends. I'm assuming it's not what I can buy at Michael's. I've decided to give them go, but definitely want to have something to pad them on hand when testing them out.
Not a moto guy, so I didn't know wtf you were talking about! Saw "ODI Donuts" suggested somewhere else and finally did some googling. For the...
Not a moto guy, so I didn't know wtf you were talking about! Saw "ODI Donuts" suggested somewhere else and finally did some googling. For the other non-moto peeps: https://www.odigrips.com/products/grip-donuts-2360. Looks like a cheap and easy something to have on hand! (I'm here all week . . .)
Definitely going to just give the plain ole bar ends a go first, but I want to have a plan. I don't live all that close to the type of riding I'm getting them for, so I want to be prepared the first time I head to the big mountains. Will test them locally, of course, but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to tell whether the pressure will bother me on our local trails.
Anyone using the bar ends with Goldstone grips? I'm thinking I'll use a very fine-tooth hacksaw and/or dremel to get rid of the small area of support at the end of the grips. That way, my hand rest against the bar ends?
If you use a dremel or even just a sharp pocket or prefabbly a exacto-knife you can get it nice and clean. With a bit of a recess you can make the grip kind of meld into the bar end.
Not a moto guy, so I didn't know wtf you were talking about! Saw "ODI Donuts" suggested somewhere else and finally did some googling. For the...
Not a moto guy, so I didn't know wtf you were talking about! Saw "ODI Donuts" suggested somewhere else and finally did some googling. For the other non-moto peeps: https://www.odigrips.com/products/grip-donuts-2360. Looks like a cheap and easy something to have on hand! (I'm here all week . . .)
Definitely going to just give the plain ole bar ends a go first, but I want to have a plan. I don't live all that close to the type of riding I'm getting them for, so I want to be prepared the first time I head to the big mountains. Will test them locally, of course, but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to tell whether the pressure will bother me on our local trails.
Anyone using the bar ends with Goldstone grips? I'm thinking I'll use a very fine-tooth hacksaw and/or dremel to get rid of the small area of support at the end of the grips. That way, my hand rest against the bar ends?
Not a moto guy, so I didn't know wtf you were talking about! Saw "ODI Donuts" suggested somewhere else and finally did some googling. For the...
Not a moto guy, so I didn't know wtf you were talking about! Saw "ODI Donuts" suggested somewhere else and finally did some googling. For the other non-moto peeps: https://www.odigrips.com/products/grip-donuts-2360. Looks like a cheap and easy something to have on hand! (I'm here all week . . .)
Definitely going to just give the plain ole bar ends a go first, but I want to have a plan. I don't live all that close to the type of riding I'm getting them for, so I want to be prepared the first time I head to the big mountains. Will test them locally, of course, but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to tell whether the pressure will bother me on our local trails.
Anyone using the bar ends with Goldstone grips? I'm thinking I'll use a very fine-tooth hacksaw and/or dremel to get rid of the small area of support at the end of the grips. That way, my hand rest against the bar ends?
Not to nitpick but you've either got the grip on the wrong side or the clamps swapped (judging by the bolt).Transition angle from the Goldstone flange...
Not to nitpick but you've either got the grip on the wrong side or the clamps swapped (judging by the bolt).
Transition angle from the Goldstone flange to Bar End looks nice.
Good eye! The grips are in a correct side, I've just flipped the clamps the other way round so I dont see that horrible in-your-face ONEUP print those grips have.
To add some useful (well, maybe) data to the discussion: I've ran Wolf Tooth locked-in barends for a few rides, I don't really have issues with arm pump, and the biggest upsides I've noticed is that I maybe can be a little bit more relaxed bombing through the brake bumps, and maaaaaybe push the bike a bit easier on twisty steep trails. No bikepark action yet though, where I suspect I'll see more benefits.
I'm going to get another pair of Goldstone grips (current are well worn anyway) and try them without WT first - will be interesting to see what I didnt notice.
I've only got 2 rides on these so far, both of which were very easy, bordering on xc rides with very mellow descending. Not much to comment on with how they feel performance wise yet, but I do notice that I feel more secure with a looser grip.
Two side by side photos of how they fit with two different grips. I would say that these work best with a 31-34mm grip. 33-35mm outside raised section is optimum so that it blends into the ramp of the bar end. I used a gen 1 reverb ifp setting tool to punch out the end of the hells gate grips... the ergons install seamlessly with their end cap design.
Medium Thick grips, Trail One hells gate. 32mm with 33.5mm outside raised area.
Ergon GDH which is 31.5 with a 32.5 raised section on the end.
Anyone running these gloveless? Wondering if friction up against the plastic on edge of hand would be an issue
I normally wear gloves but when I ride gloveless they don't feel super comfortable and I tend to not push up against them as hard as with gloves on. Not too bad though, because they are more of a hard rubber/soft plastic.
I've been doodling around with my own design for a few months now...
I quite like the surface to be harder*, flatter, smoother so it has less friction and doesn't grip the glove/hand, as long as the flange is at the same angle as the edge of the hand... I can then push my hand against it without pinching or friction
All selfishly optimised around my hand, my bars, my grips (sensus EMJ). It's a work in progress, but thought I'd share the variant currently on my bike if anyone else wants a try/meddle:
*that in turn leads to problems with hard/brittle materials, but don't want to thread derail into 3d printing nerdery... (Although I would thoroughly enjoy it!)
Print it in a way that's best for strength (lay it flat or rotate it by 90 degrees so you're not bending it across layers) and then put some smooth foil, tape, etc. on the inside to prevent gripping.
Print it in a way that's best for strength (lay it flat or rotate it by 90 degrees so you're not bending it across layers) and...
Print it in a way that's best for strength (lay it flat or rotate it by 90 degrees so you're not bending it across layers) and then put some smooth foil, tape, etc. on the inside to prevent gripping.
Yeah I pondered a few orientations, this is strongest since:
- weakest point is flange to bar insert joint and there's not much you can do about the stress concentration there... So don't want layers coinciding with it if you lay it flat. The flange will just pop off.
- failure mode for me was bending moment on rear edge, probably because my angled flange now means it's the main point of impact. This orientation keeps main bending moment in xy plane
I like the foil tape idea though, thanks! I might revisit TPU
TPU as a print material? TPU will probably be even gripper than straight plastic...
Good point on the flange to insert becoming the weak point. If you still went that route a big spacer on the outside might help things to take the load or at least compress things a bit.
I tried the WT ones for a couple of weeks and ended up taking them off for a few reasons.
They made my existing bars feel too narrow. I’ve run this width for a while but the bar end changed arm angle and felt awkward / super tight. Might be my hand position.
I really disliked them when climbing my enduro bike. I’ve never noticed how much I move my hands, rest on ends of the bar, flare at an angle, etc. These made me feel constrained on climbs to a certain position and made my hands tired.
TPU as a print material? TPU will probably be even gripper than straight plastic... Good point on the flange to insert becoming the weak point. If you...
TPU as a print material? TPU will probably be even gripper than straight plastic...
Good point on the flange to insert becoming the weak point. If you still went that route a big spacer on the outside might help things to take the load or at least compress things a bit.
Yeah that's why I like your slippy tape idea. Undo the grippiness whilst retaining some squish.
I don't really feel the need for squish for my hands but a relatively hard TPU should be a little better at withstanding crush impacts between handlebar/ground. Will report back...
There are quite a few designs circulating on Instagram/makerworld/printables etc. It's cool to see everyone's different takes on something relatively simple.
I tried the WT ones for a couple of weeks and ended up taking them off for a few reasons.They made my existing bars feel too...
I tried the WT ones for a couple of weeks and ended up taking them off for a few reasons.
They made my existing bars feel too narrow. I’ve run this width for a while but the bar end changed arm angle and felt awkward / super tight. Might be my hand position.
I really disliked them when climbing my enduro bike. I’ve never noticed how much I move my hands, rest on ends of the bar, flare at an angle, etc. These made me feel constrained on climbs to a certain position and made my hands tired.
Yeah for sure, this will be different for everyone. I'm like you and overlap the edge of the grip normally. It made my 800mm bar feel 780-790mm ish, which is fine for me.
Alternatively if your hands sit really inboard, like BMX riders where the grips stick out the edge of your palm (so weird). Cut your bars or you won't get the benefit...
I did get a little hand ache at first, the benefit I find comes at the point where fatigue makes it feel like my hands are about to fall off the bars.. then I can use my upper arm muscles to push my hands harder into the flange, rather than try and grip the bar even harder... For me that's the arm/hand pump spiral. It's not a cure for me, but certainly helps.
Secondary benefit is it feels like I have a surface that I can push inside bar grip 'down' in turns or off camber... That doesn't really change anything fundamentally about my riding, just encourages good habits when I'm tired and in survival mode
I've done 4 rides in the last 2 weeks after not riding since May due to nerve issues from my elbow. Like carpal tunnel, but in the elbow, effecting from my neck to my fingers. Lots of physiotherapy has made a big difference and I started riding again. However I have lost lots of strength. Getting these WT bar ends on I thought would really help. Currently I am not sure, but I'm not strong enough. They haven't helped in that regard. What I am curious about is why they are popular for the pro's, who are obviously super strong. Is there something that they can do that I cant grip wise. Or relaxing their grip wise that makes the bar ends beneficiary???
The comments on effective bar width decreasing more for riders who ride with their wrists outboard of hand / wrist flexed out are interesting. Cutting a slope and applying heat to mold the shape could work really well. I haven’t held a pair but wonder if you could use eccentric wedges to angle the end over the expander too…
Interesting to read the feedback from others.I've done 4 rides in the last 2 weeks after not riding since May due to nerve issues from my...
Interesting to read the feedback from others.
I've done 4 rides in the last 2 weeks after not riding since May due to nerve issues from my elbow. Like carpal tunnel, but in the elbow, effecting from my neck to my fingers. Lots of physiotherapy has made a big difference and I started riding again. However I have lost lots of strength. Getting these WT bar ends on I thought would really help. Currently I am not sure, but I'm not strong enough. They haven't helped in that regard. What I am curious about is why they are popular for the pro's, who are obviously super strong. Is there something that they can do that I cant grip wise. Or relaxing their grip wise that makes the bar ends beneficiary???
Pro DH racers tend to have extraordinary grip strength, which is why I think the performance benefit of these bar ends for pro DH racers is in not having to use all that grip strength all the time just to hold on.
Any athletic activity at the highest level, from rugby to mountain biking to ballet, is a mix of light, delicate touch and raw, physical aggression. Jackson Goldstone is a great example of this. Winning requires being able to deploy either one on demand, and it's hard to be fluid and smooth on your bike when you have to be gripping your bars as hard as you can 100% of the time to not fall off the bike.
I’d add to that the requirement for endurance and recovery to be managed within a run, and the cascade of effects death gripping can have on neck, shoulders and torso movement if not managed well.
It’s one of those things where a small improvement in hand and wrist control and recovery can have positive effects across the whole system.
It would be super interesting to know if any suspension changes have occurred after adopting these grips…
peeled back the rubber on my meaty paws and slightly recessed the inner sleeve. Just punching out a hole and there was kind of a gap between the end of the grip and the bar end with that grip.
First impressions is they work pretty much as advertised. Agreed about some very minor discomfort but I think that’s just a matter of getting used to it. Definitely going on the dh bike and going to keep em on the trail bike for now and come to a decision later.
i ain’t very stylish but i can see how they’d impede riders who like to take their hands off the bars.
Ck out Amuary's setup, his mechanic just used some felt. I don't think foam would be a good application, probably get ripped off very fast.
I use gloves, rubbing friction issues haven't been an issue for me.
The discomfort I was getting was the side of the bone between knuckle and wrist, more pronounced by the wrist. I run my bars narrow-ish (760) and felt like it was kinda blocking how much I can rotate my hands outward. I'll give them another once my knuckle doesn't hurt - I'm sure it's not helping matters.
Grip donuts?
I hear you on normal foams, but there are some very durable "foams" out there. https://billiebars.com/pages/landing-page-tailgate?variant=48612368384298 I was hoping someone had some intel on specs or terminology to help me order a 1/16 sheet of something like this stuff. If I can find some time get serious about some research (prob when I can actually get a set a bar ends on order), I'll report back.
I would just try them first before worrying too much. I was just using them for a week, had terrible palm blisters halfway in but never felt anything approaching discomfort where the bar ends contact. If you do need something I'd probably just grab a roll of adhesive open cell foam and replace it often. A more dense foam like neoprene or whatever won't really be much softer than the rubbery bar end material
Yeah neoprene would be a good bet for a pad material.
Another factor is bar width. You are already losing 10mm with WT Bar Ends, add some thicker foam would take more away.
Not a moto guy, so I didn't know wtf you were talking about! Saw "ODI Donuts" suggested somewhere else and finally did some googling. For the other non-moto peeps: https://www.odigrips.com/products/grip-donuts-2360. Looks like a cheap and easy something to have on hand! (I'm here all week . . .)
Definitely going to just give the plain ole bar ends a go first, but I want to have a plan. I don't live all that close to the type of riding I'm getting them for, so I want to be prepared the first time I head to the big mountains. Will test them locally, of course, but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to tell whether the pressure will bother me on our local trails.
Anyone using the bar ends with Goldstone grips? I'm thinking I'll use a very fine-tooth hacksaw and/or dremel to get rid of the small area of support at the end of the grips. That way, my hand rest against the bar ends?
Yes, pretty much. I sawed it off (and made a mess) but it seems to work fine:
I have LoamLab Counterpunch on my Sentinel trail bike and I love them. They've already saved my pinky knuckles numerous times. I'd be keen to try the Wolftooth ones if I didn't already have these. I might miss the actual pinky protection too.
If you use a dremel or even just a sharp pocket or prefabbly a exacto-knife you can get it nice and clean. With a bit of a recess you can make the grip kind of meld into the bar end.
Not to nitpick but you've either got the grip on the wrong side or the clamps swapped (judging by the bolt).
Transition angle from the Goldstone flange to Bar End looks nice.
Good eye! The grips are in a correct side, I've just flipped the clamps the other way round so I dont see that horrible in-your-face ONEUP print those grips have.
To add some useful (well, maybe) data to the discussion: I've ran Wolf Tooth locked-in barends for a few rides, I don't really have issues with arm pump, and the biggest upsides I've noticed is that I maybe can be a little bit more relaxed bombing through the brake bumps, and maaaaaybe push the bike a bit easier on twisty steep trails. No bikepark action yet though, where I suspect I'll see more benefits.
I'm going to get another pair of Goldstone grips (current are well worn anyway) and try them without WT first - will be interesting to see what I didnt notice.
I've only got 2 rides on these so far, both of which were very easy, bordering on xc rides with very mellow descending. Not much to comment on with how they feel performance wise yet, but I do notice that I feel more secure with a looser grip.
Two side by side photos of how they fit with two different grips. I would say that these work best with a 31-34mm grip. 33-35mm outside raised section is optimum so that it blends into the ramp of the bar end. I used a gen 1 reverb ifp setting tool to punch out the end of the hells gate grips... the ergons install seamlessly with their end cap design.
Medium Thick grips, Trail One hells gate. 32mm with 33.5mm outside raised area.
Ergon GDH which is 31.5 with a 32.5 raised section on the end.
Anyone running these gloveless? Wondering if friction up against the plastic on edge of hand would be an issue
I normally wear gloves but when I ride gloveless they don't feel super comfortable and I tend to not push up against them as hard as with gloves on. Not too bad though, because they are more of a hard rubber/soft plastic.
My son did. He got pretty nasty blisters outside on 1 hand.
yeah, idk a little rough but still better than wearing gloves. I would say that the small crack is more annoying than the flange.
I've been doodling around with my own design for a few months now...
I quite like the surface to be harder*, flatter, smoother so it has less friction and doesn't grip the glove/hand, as long as the flange is at the same angle as the edge of the hand... I can then push my hand against it without pinching or friction
All selfishly optimised around my hand, my bars, my grips (sensus EMJ). It's a work in progress, but thought I'd share the variant currently on my bike if anyone else wants a try/meddle:
https://makerworld.com/models/3232426
*that in turn leads to problems with hard/brittle materials, but don't want to thread derail into 3d printing nerdery... (Although I would thoroughly enjoy it!)
Print it in a way that's best for strength (lay it flat or rotate it by 90 degrees so you're not bending it across layers) and then put some smooth foil, tape, etc. on the inside to prevent gripping.
Yeah I pondered a few orientations, this is strongest since:
- weakest point is flange to bar insert joint and there's not much you can do about the stress concentration there... So don't want layers coinciding with it if you lay it flat. The flange will just pop off.
- failure mode for me was bending moment on rear edge, probably because my angled flange now means it's the main point of impact. This orientation keeps main bending moment in xy plane
I like the foil tape idea though, thanks! I might revisit TPU
TPU as a print material? TPU will probably be even gripper than straight plastic...
Good point on the flange to insert becoming the weak point. If you still went that route a big spacer on the outside might help things to take the load or at least compress things a bit.
I tried the WT ones for a couple of weeks and ended up taking them off for a few reasons.
They made my existing bars feel too narrow. I’ve run this width for a while but the bar end changed arm angle and felt awkward / super tight. Might be my hand position.
I really disliked them when climbing my enduro bike. I’ve never noticed how much I move my hands, rest on ends of the bar, flare at an angle, etc. These made me feel constrained on climbs to a certain position and made my hands tired.
Yeah that's why I like your slippy tape idea. Undo the grippiness whilst retaining some squish.
I don't really feel the need for squish for my hands but a relatively hard TPU should be a little better at withstanding crush impacts between handlebar/ground. Will report back...
There are quite a few designs circulating on Instagram/makerworld/printables etc. It's cool to see everyone's different takes on something relatively simple.
Yeah for sure, this will be different for everyone. I'm like you and overlap the edge of the grip normally. It made my 800mm bar feel 780-790mm ish, which is fine for me.
Alternatively if your hands sit really inboard, like BMX riders where the grips stick out the edge of your palm (so weird). Cut your bars or you won't get the benefit...
I did get a little hand ache at first, the benefit I find comes at the point where fatigue makes it feel like my hands are about to fall off the bars.. then I can use my upper arm muscles to push my hands harder into the flange, rather than try and grip the bar even harder... For me that's the arm/hand pump spiral. It's not a cure for me, but certainly helps.
Secondary benefit is it feels like I have a surface that I can push inside bar grip 'down' in turns or off camber... That doesn't really change anything fundamentally about my riding, just encourages good habits when I'm tired and in survival mode
Interesting to read the feedback from others.
I've done 4 rides in the last 2 weeks after not riding since May due to nerve issues from my elbow. Like carpal tunnel, but in the elbow, effecting from my neck to my fingers. Lots of physiotherapy has made a big difference and I started riding again. However I have lost lots of strength. Getting these WT bar ends on I thought would really help. Currently I am not sure, but I'm not strong enough. They haven't helped in that regard. What I am curious about is why they are popular for the pro's, who are obviously super strong. Is there something that they can do that I cant grip wise. Or relaxing their grip wise that makes the bar ends beneficiary???
The comments on effective bar width decreasing more for riders who ride with their wrists outboard of hand / wrist flexed out are interesting. Cutting a slope and applying heat to mold the shape could work really well. I haven’t held a pair but wonder if you could use eccentric wedges to angle the end over the expander too…
Pro DH racers tend to have extraordinary grip strength, which is why I think the performance benefit of these bar ends for pro DH racers is in not having to use all that grip strength all the time just to hold on.
Any athletic activity at the highest level, from rugby to mountain biking to ballet, is a mix of light, delicate touch and raw, physical aggression. Jackson Goldstone is a great example of this. Winning requires being able to deploy either one on demand, and it's hard to be fluid and smooth on your bike when you have to be gripping your bars as hard as you can 100% of the time to not fall off the bike.
I’d add to that the requirement for endurance and recovery to be managed within a run, and the cascade of effects death gripping can have on neck, shoulders and torso movement if not managed well.
It’s one of those things where a small improvement in hand and wrist control and recovery can have positive effects across the whole system.
It would be super interesting to know if any suspension changes have occurred after adopting these grips…
Post a reply to: Bar ends ... so hot right now