Bar ends

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Right bar ends

Bar ends or bar ends (from English bar ends ) are more or less at right angles at the ends of a bicycle handlebar mounted handle pieces. Some bicycle handlebars are already bent forward in their basic shape like horns . Bar ends, on the other hand, are typically mounted on almost straight handlebars, which are common on mountain bikes and trekking bikes .

Subsequently mounted on the handlebar horns can usually be rotated on the handlebars and clamped in any position. Usually they are attached rotated upwards at an angle between 10 and 25 degrees to the horizontal.

Bar ends are used for various reasons:

  1. On longer journeys and bike trips, it is a great advantage to be able to vary the grip positions of the hands on the handlebars from time to time in order to avoid pressure points and overuse of tendons, joints and muscles of the hands and forearms.
  2. When riding while standing or kicking (as is often done on longer climbs), it is an advantage to be able to grip the handlebars further forward. Especially when the handlebar is mounted closer to the body.
  3. The externally mounted horns are used less often to achieve better control over the steering on rocks, potholes and scree passages thanks to the widened handle. Since the brake levers cannot usually be reached from the bar ends, the use on uneven descents is limited.

In addition to touring bikes , bar ends are often used on mountain bikes and trekking bikes .

Designs

Barends are available in straight, curved or angled forms. They are attached to the right and left tube ends of the handlebars using external or internal clamps .

Alternatively, (multiple) angled or curved handlebars are available, which by themselves allow (at least) all grip positions that can be reached by installing handlebar ends.

ergonomics

By changing the grip position, the muscles and the wrist can be relieved by the bar ends, especially on longer journeys. With the grip position, the driver's center of gravity also shifts slightly, which can prevent pain and cramping.

Driving technique

Bar ends ensure better power transmission - for example when kicking the saddle - and more control on uneven passages. In order not to increase the weight of the bike too much, bar ends are usually made of light aluminum.

literature

  • Frank Lewerenz, Martin Kaindl, Tom Linthaler: Das Rennrad Technikbuch. 1st edition, Pietsch Verlag, Stuttgart, 2005, ISBN 3-613-50486-3