I just put trekking bars on my commuter to get some additional hand positions. My hands have been going numb on the stock upright bars. I only have about 10 miles so far but I like them and tomorrow is the first commute. I haven't decided whether or not I will wrap the remainder of the bars.

My LBS just ordered a new touring bike for me and my commute is going to be my experiment with the trekking bar setup (even though my round trip is only 19 miles). Anyway, Here are a couple of pics:

Leaning against the garage


Cockpit

Nice setup! Didn't know it was possible to install ergon grips on this kind of handlebar.
But I don't see any padding on the remaining part of the handlebar. Is it on purpose?

Yea , Trekking bars are 7/8" OD everywhere but the middle, for the stem grip.


I double wrapped mine with padded foam tape, I prefer the smooth transition all around the bar ,
for the multiple hand grips..

but to each their own..

I use, used inner tubes for that part.

Good idea. I may try that.

I double-wrapped mine, with used innertubes underneath, and some nice firm cork tape counter-wrapped over that, so my bars have a wider diameter for comfort with my spider-like hands, and they absorb shock without being "squishy".

I also moved the brake levers far enough outward that I can use them with my fingers while my hands are on the outer sides.

I am intrigued by that inner tube wrapping that you guys speak of, what exactly do you do?

oh, and to make sure this is on topic, here is a photo of the new set up on my better half's bike. Trekking bars with aero on top.

I used the Troglodyte method to wrap mine.

Oh, interesting, I guess I will be giving this a try when I find some old tubes.

You bet! With puncture resistant tires the hardest part is to find old tubes.

I recently switched out mine, too. This is my setup, the two bottles on the fork were for a longer trip, they're removed for commuting. I'm either going to shorten my ergon grips to get them on there, too, or double-wrap, feels too skinny as it is right now.

Does anyone know what the material on the aerobars is called, and where I can find some for my butterfly handlebars?

I also have foam padding on my bars and am about to wrap them up in tape with gel underneath, but the above material (on the aerobars) would probably be a better alternative since it's quite firm and supposedly waterproof; that is if it is the same material you find on treadmills and professional workout equipment.

I really don't know what the exact name is, but.... my parents in law have a similar wrap on their trekking bars and its quite nice; however, it costs around 80 euros

€80

For that price I can enroll in a couple of gyms and smuggle the stuff out! (hyperbole, but you get the picture!)

Better have a Hand stitched Leather cover for that kind of Bill.

I think it is pretty much just closed cell foam like that on the trekking bars, but with a smooth outer layer. You could probably ask at a hardware, plumbing supply, or sporting goods store. The closed cell foam that is on the trekking bars is what I have on mine and I do not find it to be too bad in the rain. It's closed cell, so it doesn't absorb water like a sponge and dries fairly quickly.

EDIT: OK, here's some pipe insulation that is the same but brown, and also too thick, but it gives you an idea that plumbing supply stores might be able to source it. And based on this page, I think it is called "rubber foam tubing insulation." And again, it is used in plumbing, heating, AC and that sort of thing. Looks like this place carries it in 3/8" thickness and almost certainly a plumbing supply can order some (maybe in larger quantities than needed though). Maybe Home Depot or a similar place has it on hand by the foot.

Just did a search for rubber foam pipe insulation and got many hits. Here's a place you can order 3 ft. lengths of 3/8" thick for very cheap! I think someone must be making a killing selling it as specialty handlebar foam for $80!!!

Perhaps the $80 stuff is the silicone foam tubing, which sells for high prices, but still not that high.

@Ciufalon, the stuff you've linked to is Armaflex, which are you correctly stated is foam tubing with a plastic(ish) outer shell. I've used this stuff before for insulating air-con pipes and although it might have a better "feel" than normal foam tubing, it won't last long with use.

The stuff in @pepox369's picture (on the aerobars), feels like rubber with it's surface coated/treated to be smooth without pores. One usually finds this material on higher end treadmills and elliptical machine handles and is made to withstand abuse and sweat. The feel of the stuff is incredible since it has very little sponginess; just enough to absorb bad road surfaces and is totally anti-slip, even when your palms are soaking wet in sweat.

It's an incredible material, and I've seen it in other uses, but can't remember where. €80 ($105) is a lot of money, but it might just be worth it, even compared to having the bars wrapped in leather!


I think this may be the stuff: https://www.exercise-equipment-parts.com/hand-grips.html

Will contact the company and see if they ship to Greece; the cost is very reasonable, even compared to trekking foam grips I bought with the bars.

Ok, after looking at the responses here I took ride to the in laws to see their grips, and it is stitched leather, they swear that it is waterproof but I cant really testify to that.

Now, what I have on the aero bars is NOT an expensive fancy material, its quite similar to the exercise equipment stuff, so probably it is cheap.

Sorry about the confusion, and yes, 80euros is a lot of money, but their touring bikes were handbuilt costing 3 grand each, so 80 euros for confy and nice grips its not too bad.

I received a PM asking what I have mounted on my bars, figured I'd post in here in case anyone else was wondering.

Brake levers: Avid 7
Left hand: small bell for pedestrians, AirZound horn for everyone else
Right hand: SRAM X-7 shifter (1x9 setup)
Lights: Philips SafeRide on the left, a "900 lumen" XML-T6 light on the right, and a blinker Cateye underneath that

After just two days commuting on my new bars I know I am going to like them. I have also decided to wrap the remainder of the bars.

I think I might try the recycled inner tubes first.

The tube will at least make a base layer, then overwrap that with something offering cushioning..

Thanks Telly, are you sure it is not just that rubber foam tubing can be bought in different densities for different purposes? I found this hand grip company that manufactures/sells tubing. I'm sure there are others too, but I do know what kind of stuff you are talking about.

Grab On bar sleeves , for drop bars were popular in the 80s , but in the sun they dried and crumbled,

over time . a little bit coming off on your hands..

Cure was Black Cotton handle bar tape.. over them , then under opaque tape wrapping,
they have an almost infinite use life ..

I've been beating myself up trying to remember where else I've seen this material (except for pro gym equipment)!
The actual tubing is rubber-like, very smooth on the outside and seems to feel like a radiator hose in density, only more pliable/soft.