Touring - Opinions on bar ends for flat bars?

Hi,
I know bar ends are a good idea for flat-bar bikes, but some of the ones out there seem awfully short. I saw this pair, link to description (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=7295&item=3621817277) ,which had been referred to in a thread a while ago, but I was wondering if anyone here had actually used these. I'm not sure what they're made out of. They seem like a good idea though.
Brian
P.S. here's what the description says in case someone doesn't want to click on the link - "These drop bar end attachments are designed to mimic the natural stance and curvature of standard road bike handle bars, while still providing the versatility of removal prior to off-road events. Use your mountain bike on the road !! Features: - Innovative beam geometry; providing strength, lightweight unparalled hand comfort and grip. - Utilizes high strength Noryl fiber reinforced composite material to ensure structural integrity and resistance to harsh environmental conditions. - Incoporates a dual clamp fastening design with molded in brass inserts and stainless steel hardware allowing for frequent assembly and disassembly while providing ample clamping load. - Provides increased palm bearing surface area, decreasing hand stresses while riding. Provided with tightening driver and stainless steel hardware Noryl is a registered trademark of GE Plastics "

Interesting idea and one that I have never seen. My bar ends are of two types; the twelve dollar special from Supergo, straight and ergo, and the ones that came with my tandem, the usual L curves. well it's more of an upside down L. I like them both and can get a little more areo on the L. What you have displayed is something new an way more conventional. I would try them (you may like them) if they are not too expensive; let us know what you decide, as I'm getting ready for a long trip into the wind.

rlong

Those look rather intersting. My only concern would be brakes, or lack of brakes to be exact. How long do you think it would take you to get from the drops to the flat bar brake levers in an emergency situation?

Hi,
I know bar ends are a good idea for flat-bar bikes, but some of the ones out there seem awfully short. I saw this pair, link to description (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=7295&item=3621817277) ,which had been referred to in a thread a while ago, but I was wondering if anyone here had actually used these. I'm not sure what they're made out of. They seem like a good idea though.
Brian
P.S. here's what the description says in case someone doesn't want to click on the link - "These drop bar end attachments are designed to mimic the natural stance and curvature of standard road bike handle bars, while still providing the versatility of removal prior to off-road events. Use your mountain bike on the road !! Features: - Innovative beam geometry; providing strength, lightweight unparalled hand comfort and grip. - Utilizes high strength Noryl fiber reinforced composite material to ensure structural integrity and resistance to harsh environmental conditions. - Incoporates a dual clamp fastening design with molded in brass inserts and stainless steel hardware allowing for frequent assembly and disassembly while providing ample clamping load. - Provides increased palm bearing surface area, decreasing hand stresses while riding. Provided with tightening driver and stainless steel hardware Noryl is a registered trademark of GE Plastics "


Great! I've been looking for barends like these and in the end had to make my own. They really do give you an "on the hoods position which is ideal for touring. Many thanks.

Those look rather intersting. My only concern would be brakes, or lack of brakes to be exact. How long do you think it would take you to get from the drops to the flat bar brake levers in an emergency situation?

Forget your reservations. The secret of good cycling is anticipation and I have never had any problems in that I cover my brakes in traffic situations and use the barends on the open road.

I wouldn't want them. The only time I really want drop bars is downhill, and I want access to the brakes. I usually ride somewhere on the upper part, including the hoods, and these bar-ends don't offer any real hood position.

Hi,
I think these adjustable butterfly bars are great for touring.
http://www.wallbike.com/oddsnends/synergic.html?id=4420

Those look rather intersting. My only concern would be brakes, or lack of brakes to be exact. How long do you think it would take you to get from the drops to the flat bar brake levers in an emergency situation?
Aero bars usually don't have brakes and folks don't have any problems

Aero bars usually don't have brakes and folks don't have any problems

I have Aero Bars on my Giant MTB with road tires. Anticipation really is the key. I only use the 'aero' position when I'm alone on the road or not in traffic. Keep your eyes on the road.

bar ends are a Good Thing. Personally always gone for L-bends on flat bars which give more hand positions, better climbing and a low aero position when terrain allows.

http://www.titec.com/images/items/barends/dept/lbend.gif