Installing some new Bar Ends
 

This is probably a real simple issue but I'm having trouble.

I have a Trek 820. It looks similar to this.

It came with Oasis handlebar grips, which look similar to this.

And I bought these bar ends locally (and have opened the packaging).

So I go, thinking I'll pull the plugs off the ends of the handlebars, slide the shifters and grips further in, install the bar ends, put the plugs back in and be good to go.

Only, the plugs look like they are part of the grips. What? I try to pull the plug off but the grip stretches with it. The thing won't budge. I'm not sure if it's just been years and they're tight on each other or what.

Is that normal? Is it just cheap or something? Or am I doing something wrong?

It is part of the grip. You'll have to either cut the grip or buy different grips. If you like the grip, they're easy to cut. If you don't, let me recommend some ODI lock-ons.

and when you put it back together squirt a little spray paint in the grip and on the bar and next time you need to take em off you'll have to cut em cause they ain't comin' off...

thats the way I like em to be

those look almost exactly like the ones on my HARO...

well except my ends are little longer... but still :D

Hairspray works just as well without the color, the mess and the ........paint. The grip will go on a lot easier that way because it will be sort of a lubrication so to speak. It will eventually evaporate out and form a little bit of vacuum when it seats and cures. The slight stickiness of the compound in the hair spray will help the grip from twisting on you while riding.

i just dont ever have any Aqua Net around since 1989...

I wanted longer bar ends! Now I'm feeling like I was duped. RatedZeroHero has longer but my store didn't offer any. I opened the packaging of my bar ends but didn't use them, I wonder if they can be returned...


Zephyr11, for the price of the bar ends I got, if I get new grips that would probably put me in the price range of some of those higher end grip/bar end combos, wouldn't it? That'd be ironic. But you're thinking a pair of these would be good?


I was recommended by the bike shop to use an air hose if I had access to one, and that the grip would slide on like a hovercraft. I also read that dish detergent works.

Siu got it right, hairspray works dandy. You can also use spray adhesive- spray the inside of the grip and slide 'em on while still wet. Let dry overnight.

That said, lock-ons are all I use anymore.

Huh. I was actually right about something. Go figure.

Must be somethin' right with you, ya gots 3 blue stars dontcha?

I was able to return the small bar ends I had gotten.

RatedZeroHero, where did you get those larger/longer bar ends?

If I have to get new grips while I am at it, are there any other recommendations or preferences of certain brand names or models that anyone has?

those came on my bike...
I know they are a Scwhinn product...

sorry mate.

It's cool, I found some 'long' bar ends on Amazon.

Origin 8 Drop Bars

7" RavX Lite X Bars

I've seen most people place their bar ends at something a little greater than 90 degrees from the upper tube on their bike. Is that generally more comfortable than using drop bars? I would be purchasing one or the other.

As well as new grips, since mine apparently are worth about $1 and would have to be cut up anyway.

People still use them things? ;)

If I was required to get a set of bar ends I'd probably just get the short knobby cane creek ones.

those RavX look exactly like the ones I have...

I am sure they were made and marketed to many places...

now you have exactly the ones you want!

bar ends = something to hook on trees. Leave them off.

I think it's a fallacy that bar ends are bad because they supposedly hook on trees, etc..

I've run them on my hardtail for almost 15 years and that has never happened.

Some people also think they're just plain silly.

To each his own, tho.

I only have one bike right now and I use it for both mountain and road biking. The bar ends will help make the road biking straight distances more comfortable (I hope).

Okay, so I think we've concluded I need bar ends and grips. I did more browsing.
There are the RavX Lite X bar ends, and there's this bar end/grip combo from Ergon.

I've found some various grips, but there are no listed reviews so I'm not sure what's good or bad. Or what lock-ons are (easily removable?)
Odi X-Treme
BBB Ergo Fix
Ergon GE1 Enduro
Eleven81 Country Road II

Yes. Lock-ons are easily removable.