I don't think bar ends are uncool, but I prefer mounting them on the inside of the grip. Currently I run Ergon GP5 bar ends with the stops ground out so they slide onto the handlebar before the grip. This gets them out of the "catch-on-things" zone.



SQ Labs even makes an "inner" bar end specific product:

http://themtblab.com/2016/08/review-...-sy-grips.html

I find them very comfortable on long steady climbs and while rolling the flats for distance. Always nice to have additional hand positions to avoid fatigue too.