Hi all, I currently ride a hybrid with a straight mtb type handlebar. I'd like to look at mounting bar ends that are kind of like drop bars, for when I am on a long straightaway and want to get a bit more aerodynamic.

I would rather not replace my mtb bars right now, since I'd have to potentially replace brake levers, shifters -- and thats not in the budget. Also, the amount I'd use the drop bars isn't all that often.

So is there a bar end that can be mounted to approximate drop bars?

Thanks!

Just get these, available everywhere:

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=

Like you said, it's not really worth doing the conversion. It'll cost as much as your bike probably did.

I have the above and it gives you an extra 2 positions and definitely pushes your torso forward, especially if you point the bars almost horizontal. Pretty much at the same angle as if your hands were in the hoods of drop bars. I put foam grips on them too, much more comfortable.

Someone posted some funky flat bar ends that approximated true drop bars. They didn't look great to me though. And I think they were plastic.

Check these out:
https://www.endless-innovations.com/m...tegory=BarEnds

I've had them a few months, at first I was nervous about them, but they've been stable enough. My LBS tells me that this product has existed before, but disappeared from the market. There also used to be a bar-end that had drops AND MTB grips similar to those posted above, which would be perfect for me, but they disappeared also.

I have not gone whole-hog while holding these things, however, as I have visions of them slipping, or cracking, and me leaving a trail of teeth on the road. I normally go into the drop position, stay seated, and pedal at 80-90 rps, and for this they have felt very stable. I plan on trying the aero-bars eventually, when I'm done fooling with my commuting bike.

Bar ends won't give you any aerodynamic benefit really, and they're designed for climbing anyway. Best way to get you into a more road bike position is to swap your handlebar "stem" for a longer flatter one, preferrably a race model. This will physically increase the distance from saddle to handlebars and force into a more stretched position. It's also a very easy part swap to perform, won't take more than five mins.

I did this on my Trek 7300fx and it made the world of difference. Swapped the stock stem for a Bontrager Race version that has twice the horizontal extension. Not only ar my rides a little faster but they're more comfortable too.

Perhaps I am mistaken, but I am inclined to disagree. I have cheap MTB barends mounted on my hybrid, and like an earlier poster on this thread I have them nearly horizontal. I ride into the wind on my way home almost every day, and I think that I feel the difference when I stretch out on the bar ends. The barends also give me more hand positions to reduce soreness and stiffness.

Yes, a longer stem will get you more aero all the time. I think that the OP wanted to know about getting more aero SOME of the time.

Using barends this way is definitely NOT like having drop bars, but it might get the OP close enough to what s/he wants to be worth trying. They can be bought for cheap and they are easy to install. Not much money or time wasted if it doesn't work out.

And who knows, maybe a longer stem AND barends could be just the right combo?

I put an aero bar on my flat bar road bike. It looks a little dorky, but I like it alot! I spend most of my time in the aero position, but when needed I sit up and have much more control.

These are what I alluded to in my post. Made of plastic, aren't they? Those scare me, and I cringe at the imagery of breaking my front teeth on the stem when the drops break on a pothole. Not me.

One thing I didn't mention is that you can also flip your stem upside down. They are made to do that, and when you do, it will probably be horizontal. Easy to check if it's still comfortable. If not, flip it back.

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=

They aren't...EXACTLY plastic, I can't tell what they're made of. I've cranked on them while using my trainer and they haven't budged or given me cause for alarm. Then again, the box they come in is covered with 'Patent Pending' notices, and I feel as if the product is a work in progress. I'll probably never use them for more than another hand position, while seated, on a long straight-way with little traffic. Eventually, I'm just going to get a touring bike like I should have done.

I know this topic is still going simultaneously elsewhere, but for those who use aerobars on MTB's, how does that ride feel? Specifically, doesn't it put you in an overly aggressive posture? Hurt your back over long periods? I love the idea of putting the weight on my elbows now and then.

For aggressive riding on the flat or downhill I personally think it's crazy using bar ends to assume a more aero posture. You have no access to brakes. You'd have no confidence riding at speed on such a set up.

That's why I think you'd be much better replacing your stem for a part that's longer and more horizontal (for example a Bontrager select OS or Race stem with a 7o rise and 120mm length). Alternatively, for an ever more aggressive road position choose a 17o riser stem with decent length and flip it.

You can then add bar ends and use them for their intended purpose....climbing.