I think this would be the most appropriate forum for this. I would not advocate this idea, but it's good to know that it's out there.

https://i.gizmodo.com/5138918/bikers-...bably-not-real

That hurts...

Not really a new idea.
You can always just scrape cars with your normal bar ends, no need for a special key on it.

One idea to improve those though, might be to put the key on a little spring mount, so that when you brush up against a car if it snags it doesnt pull your handlebars. Much safer.



Anyway, you probably have to make your own, the article does say they're form the University of Arts, so I suspect its more of an 'art project' type social comment than an actual product they're marketing.

Isn't the point of bar ends so your handlebars don't impale your stomach during a crash

i have a handheld tool that embodies this concept. its a fork leg from a garbage bike
with a handlebar grip on the fat end and a carbide lathe tool insert brazed in where
the dropout was. it will gouge steel, scratch glass, and break automotive safety glass
with very little effort. i'm afraid to carry it with me on the bike in case i'm tempted to use it.

Nope
theyre really more about giving a good solid hand position for MTN biking. They are also useful in guarding your hands from shrubbery and whatnot when you're holding the flat portion of the bar.

didn't actually check the article to see what kind of bar ends were being discussed?

Haha, too bad those aren't real. I guess I wouldn't be able to use them with drop bars anyways...

'bar end' refers to the bolt-on extra handlebar segment used on MTB bikes. The original article's invention is not a 'bar end' its merely a cap with a key on it.

And caps are purely cosmetic, they do nothing to protect any possible impaling.

yes -- said cap also being known as a "bar end", and its purpose being to protect tender things like your stomach and car paint job from the metal ends of your bars

have it your way.
I call em caps, thats what the drawer at the shop parts bin is labeled as.