Originally Posted by
smessvader
I have a hybrid, and got these fantastic grips -- the Ergon grips with built in bar-ends; they aren't too long like MTB bar ends and are relatively ergonomic. I set them about 45 degrees, and I love them because they do give me several different hand positions to help prevent numbness. For some reason, I have tried everything and I still get numbness in just my right hand (got great Izumi gloves, keep adjusting handlebar height and grip angle...).
That said, I totally agree that bar ends are overused, and seem to be part of the overall issue of too many people buying MTB's that really don't need them, since they're just riding roads and paths.
How can they be overused? They give you more hand positions when using the limited flat or riser bar. Hard core MTB's may not want to use them as they give more width to a bar and may snag stuff on a single track.
People buy MTBs as they are still the most popular type of bike and the first thing most people see when going in a bike shop. They have advantages to road bikes as they sit you upright. The handle bars feel easier to use on MTBs, as it has been said here before you tend to steer more with the bars on a MTB compared to using body weight to lean into a corner like you do with roadbikes. Wheels are smaller and again feel safer, not as high up.
If I'm going out in mega high winds, up to and sometimes in galeforce, for my commute I'll leave my crossbike at home and take one of my mountain bikes. It feels more secure.