Bicycle Mechanics - Installing bar-ends

The last time I put bar-ends on a bike, they were the internal-expanding type, so all I had to do was to remove the end plugs, insert them, and tighten; no messing with the grips, etc. The type that I am planning on installing this time clamp over the end of the bar. What is the standard practice about what to do with the existing grips? As I see it, there are two options:

1) Trim 1/2" off the outer end of the grip to make room for the clamp, thus losing 1/2" of grip area.

2) Slide the controls & grips inward 1/2" to make room for the clamp without trimming the grip.

Which way do you guys do it? Also, what do you usually use to get the grips to slide on the bars? Thanks.

-- Doug

The last time I put bar-ends on a bike, they were the internal-expanding type, so all I had to do was to remove the end plugs, insert them, and tighten; no messing with the grips, etc. The type that I am planning on installing this time clamp over the end of the bar. What is the standard practice about what to do with the existing grips? As I see it, there are two options:

1) Trim 1/2" off the outer end of the grip to make room for the clamp, thus losing 1/2" of grip area.

2) Slide the controls & grips inward 1/2" to make room for the clamp without trimming the grip.

Which way do you guys do it? Also, what do you usually use to get the grips to slide on the bars? Thanks.

-- DougDo you have a real issue with 1/2" less?

I just cut the grips to make room for the bar ends

me too. Be careful to make sure that the bars support bar ends. Lots of ultralights on bikes nowadays don't. and bar ends is a recipe for a disaster (but maybe a good bar story...)

I would probably move the grips before cutting them. If you cut them, they might twist(throttle grip). I usualy use an aircomperesor with a needle. Slide the needle under the grip and the grip should come loose and act like a "Hovercraft" allowing you to move it with a small amount of effort.

Not to hijack a thread, but being new to MTB I am curious about the advantage of the clamp bar end over the internal-expanding bar end. My initial thought was that the clamp is a little more sturdy. Is that right?