Handlebar End Caps: Why?

[Rexthespeedster]

I'm curious about bar end caps. I've always thought they were a silly thing to buy because they'll just get scuffed up when you inevitably crash. Is there a good reason to run them, or are they just an indulgence for a little personalization of your bike?

http://www.dangerboyusa.com/images/product/cap/newfourlg.jpghttp://www.straitlinecomponents.com/images/product_bar_caps.jpg
http://store.nsmb.com/product_images/large/slugs2_LRG.jpghttp://www.blackspire.com/images/2.jpg

[connor]

you can get Ti ones from Straitline, those won't show scuffs as much. They keep dirt out of your bars. I think back in the day, it was required to have some kind of bar plug for racing, somekind of safety thing.

[Hack On Wheels]

Makes it more difficult for your bar to punture your skin I would think. Without some kind of bar end plugs there is always the possibility of your bars acting like cookie cutters when you crash.

[MknZ1BikR]

Those ones there are obvously for style points, but end caps are good for a few reasons. Theres the caps and plugs as well, all of you probably know of the cheap little plastic insertable ones that come with just about every bike sold.

They are to keep dirt or water out of the bars as well as to keep your fingers out along with to help prevent against impalement if incase you have a rather nasty wipe out.

I was riding with a guy a couple years ago, he went off a small drop a little squirly and his hand slipped a bit and cought the edge of a tree, his pinky finger was nearly severed on the end of the handle bar, should have had his cheap little plastic inserts in.

[connor]

and they look cool.. :)

[Rexthespeedster]

So they look good and avoid taking a core sample of your body when bailing...that's it?

[Fluid]

The ones shown above are definitely made for looking cool, but I always thought the original reason was to keep dirt out of the handlebars. The whole safety thing makes perfect sense too. Wouldn't want to sever my pinky finger off, that's for sure.
My bar ends look so beat up all the time. They rarely even match. I often lose them when I have a big crash. But then I find more on the trail (around other big crash spots) and just scavenge them that way.
I've thought about getting the flash ones before, but can't be bothered since this whole give and take on the trail has served me well so far :)

[Hack On Wheels]

Yeah, I just use the ones that come with my ODI grips, and there sure are a lot to be found on the trails...

[james]

So they look good and avoid taking a core sample of your body when bailing...that's it?

Yup that's pretty much IT! Which I think is a lot!! Core samples are no fun! Dirt adds weight, pinky fingers are usefull!

[Dantes Inferno]

for pimpness

[Desloc]

I like the ODI end caps seen here... http://www.jensonusa.com/store/bigImage.aspx?img=/gr/gr707a11blk.jpg

Aluminum end caps have hurt my hands in the past as my hands often find their way to the end of the grips during a ride. The plastic one totally cover the lock on clamp which keeps my hand from brusin'.

Des

[HIBuLlitT]

I found the cheap plastic ones that come w/ the bike to "dissapear" inside the bars
too often and you can't get them out, but you can just drive them in further w/ a
screw driver so you can put on a better one. The ones that come w/ the odi's work
just fine. Of course you might want a bit of bling...

What ever you do definately get something on the end though for reasons said already^^

[Jeff M]

Yeah, I just use the ones that come with my ODI grips,

Yep me too, had a pair of the aluminum ones for a while but didn't like them. They pushed the grips inboard, didn't interface with the ends of the grips as well.

The plastic ones aren't as durable obviously but unless you're a complete mess they should usually last as long as a set of grips.

And yes you should definately have something on the ends of the bar for the aforementioned reasons in the thread.

[A.J]

Also they help keep the dirt out from underneath your grips. Well, atleast my grips.

[Dantes Inferno]

I like the ODI end caps seen here... http://www.jensonusa.com/store/bigImage.aspx?img=/gr/gr707a11blk.jpg

Aluminum end caps have hurt my hands in the past as my hands often find their way to the end of the grips during a ride. The plastic one totally cover the lock on clamp which keeps my hand from brusin'.

Des


those are the only ones i will run on my bikes.

[Tonestar]

I found the cheap plastic ones that come w/ the bike to "dissapear" inside the bars
too often and you can't get them out, but you can just drive them in further w/ a
screw driver so you can put on a better one. The ones that come w/ the odi's work
just fine. Of course you might want a bit of bling...

What ever you do definately get something on the end though for reasons said already^^

Use a corkscrew to get the cheap ones out of the bars.

[Straw]

You don't want your bar turning into a cookie cutter!

Also, if you ditch your bike hard, you won't scuff/ding the bar, making it hard to get other lockons on or off.

I like them, especially if you get ones with your local shop logo on them.

[ERregular]

I managed to donate a bar end to the collection on the side of the trail after introducing myself to a tree. I then switched to the maple leaf design Dangerboy caps pictured at the top of the thread for the sheer patriotic bling of it - I love 'em. I managed to introduce them to the same tree that claimed my el cheapos with no real harm done. The scratches just give them a bit of character.

[M13]

They are like fancy seat belts. You would only notice the difference if you mangled yourself w/o one. ie: a semi or full circled cut mark in your stomach ( I have one). It's just another luxory that I wouldn't get out my way for a bike. You can buy lots of things for 20-30bux elsewhere.

[ZHendo]

i want to get some because they look really cool. i like the titanium ones from straitline because, #1 they are made of ti, and #2 when you lay down the bike on concrete or rocks, they make sparks!

[ONG]

i like the ones that comes with ODI lock-ons. it flares out so kinda tells u where the end of the bars are w/o looking. plastic makes more sense as it would have less chance of cutting u... unlike a rough'd up aluminum w/ sharp bits all over it after a few encounters w/ rocks.... but of course there's no added pimpness.

[Chunk]

you can get Ti ones from Straitline, those won't show scuffs as much. They keep dirt out of your bars. I think back in the day, it was required to have some kind of bar plug for racing, somekind of safety thing.

I doubt the Ti would really make that much of a difference in longevity as far as looks are concerned. The Ti road bike I owned for a short period of time was far from invincible from scratches and scuffs. In fact, im quite sure Ti is pretty soft in that sense. Its stong, but soft. If that makes sense.

[Chunk]

Use a corkscrew to get the cheap ones out of the bars.

How do you propose puncturing the end cap with the corkscrew without just pushing it in even further?

[barry]

Those NSMB caps are sweet.

[edit] Too bad they're only compatible with lock-ons.

Would be cool to have a pair for something like these too:
http://www.bmx-ride.com/images/grip%20animal.jpg

[0_o]

Aluminum endcaps are useless. A few bails and they turn into glove/hand shredders.
Stainless steel caps are the way to go.

http://www.macneilbmx.com/products/barends/macneil-barends-new.jpg

[Rexthespeedster]

Stainless steel caps are the way to go.

I bet the weight of those would be noticeable.

I'm not planning to go with anything...I was just curious what others thought about 'em.

[*GiMpY_jR*]

should get magnesium ones, then they'd spark like whoa

[C.C.]

I'm starting to go away from lock on grips now. Although they make switching brakes, handlebars, shifters etc. easier, I've found the metal collars to be a little annoying. The collars only stick up a little, but are noticeable, especially near the end cap. I guess it doesn't help that I have a set of Dangerboy caps on the outside of my bars.

I'm trying out a BMX grip made by Animal. It's comfortable to ride with or without using gloves. The end cap at the end is a rubber material that sits flush with the grip and doesn't protrude out like a little nub. Anyone else out there switching to BMX grips?

[switch]

I bet the weight of those would be noticeable.I bet they wouldn't.

I like how they mount.

[HIBuLlitT]

I'm starting to go away from lock on grips now. Although they make switching brakes, handlebars, shifters etc. easier, I've found the metal collars to be a little annoying. The collars only stick up a little, but are noticeable, especially near the end cap. I guess it doesn't help that I have a set of Dangerboy caps on the outside of my bars.

I'm trying out a BMX grip made by Animal. It's comfortable to ride with or without using gloves. The end cap at the end is a rubber material that sits flush with the grip and doesn't protrude out like a little nub. Anyone else out there switching to BMX grips?

I find I swap shifter and brakes out far too much to use regular grips. It'd be a fortune not to mention the extra rubber in the landfill...

[dudski]

They are like fancy seat belts. You would only notice the difference if you mangled yourself w/o one. ie: a semi or full circled cut mark in your stomach ( I have one). It's just another luxory that I wouldn't get out my way for a bike. You can buy lots of things for 20-30bux elsewhere.

well hopefully you will spend the extra 20 bucks on not having your liver impaled next time your bar turns at speed...i got a bar in the stomach once and couldn't walk for like two hours,so scary but i had those macneil caps so it was just a big purple bruise.

[Bukkake]

http://www.macneilbmx.com/products/barends/macneil-barends-new.jpg


I have those on my bmx and they saved my life once I swear. I took my bar to the side right under my ribcage and was pissing pink and had to go to the hospital.

I don't even want to think about what would have happened without them...

[thad]

Anyone else out there switching to BMX grips?

I never stopped using proper grips.

Lock-ons feel horrendous. The skinniest ones are still too fat, but have no give. The grip length is shorter, due to the collars. The collars are super uncomfortable, cold with sharp edges. And they always have the tiniest bit of play, that makes the bike feel janky. Plus they cost more and weigh more. F-that.

I stand by normal Ruffians. I have big hands, and ride without gloves. The ruffian is super thin, yet still has give, and feels good even if your hands get sweaty. I like to ride whistler open to close, and never have to sissy out from whistler claw. Key is to have a relaxed grip, and allow the bar to float and kick around. I find a fatter grip makes you have to squeeze more to maintain control.

Those edwin grips are real nice, if you like a little bit fatter, mushier grip. I have been tempted to stray from my Ruffians by the edwins.

[Dean W]

They offer style and function.

http://photos.nsmb.com/files/2/1/7/2/4/IMG_5600.JPG

[Rexthespeedster]

They offer style and function.

Nice! Those look sweet!

[NSTP]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/63/175166510_1abf5678d3.jpg

Without handlebar endcaps your chin could look like mine did this summer after a bad crash. I would choose the end caps myself.

[Chunk]

I never stopped using proper grips.

Lock-ons feel horrendous. The skinniest ones are still too fat, but have no give. The grip length is shorter, due to the collars. The collars are super uncomfortable, cold with sharp edges. And they always have the tiniest bit of play, that makes the bike feel janky. Plus they cost more and weigh more. F-that.

I stand by normal Ruffians. I have big hands, and ride without gloves. The ruffian is super thin, yet still has give, and feels good even if your hands get sweaty. I like to ride whistler open to close, and never have to sissy out from whistler claw. Key is to have a relaxed grip, and allow the bar to float and kick around. I find a fatter grip makes you have to squeeze more to maintain control.

Those edwin grips are real nice, if you like a little bit fatter, mushier grip. I have been tempted to stray from my Ruffians by the edwins.


Not once have I ever felt the aluminum clamps on the end of my lock-ons. And my gloves are a size large (for whatever its worth) (though, my hands arent very wide, they are pretty long though). Dont get me wrong Im not trying to argue. Your experience is your experience. Im just making sure for those who havent used lock-ons hear both sides of the story. Also, I tend to like the slightly oversized feel of lock ons. Like I said before, my hands are somewhat long, and gripping a skinny ass bar makes my hand cramp up pretty quick. With lock ons, ive never had that problem.





As for the "slop" some of you might feel with the lock ons. There is a little trick to eliminate that.

Tighten the inner clamp first, then, with one hand, twist the outer clamp (in any direction) and while you are twisting, tighten the outer clamp.

Aftert that, there shouldnt be any play in your grips. Works great for me!!

[derwood]

Makes it more difficult for your bar to punture your skin I would think. Without some kind of bar end plugs there is always the possibility of your bars acting like cookie cutters when you crash.
A buddy of mine did core sample his leg in a bail.....bled like a mofo,worth 10 stitches.

[M13]

I doubt the Ti would really make that much of a difference in longevity as far as looks are concerned. The Ti road bike I owned for a short period of time was far from invincible from scratches and scuffs. In fact, im quite sure Ti is pretty soft in that sense. Its stong, but soft. If that makes sense.

Right on the money. Ti is stronger in strength-weight ratio but that doesn't mean it is denser. I have many Ti jewleries and I found that Stainless scratches alot less than Ti. If you want something that is INDESTRUCTABLE in terms of scratching, get some custom Tungsten Carbide made. You will notice that weight though, but just imagine, the concrete that you dropped your bar on will have a crater.

[ERregular]

The idea of switching to BMX grips is fairly attractive, but I have to say that I'm really liking my lockons. No slop, no slippage (which is the one thing I always hated about BMX grips), and I have never felt that the caps or lock rings have turned into glove shredders. I've got big hands, so I like the extra diameter, too.

[teague]

I knew a guy who had to have a lacerated kidney removed because he took a handlebar to the gut. I alway run my plastic end caps that come with ODI's. Would be cool to find some rubber ones.

-Teague!

[Jeff M]

I'm starting to go away from lock on grips now. Although they make switching brakes, handlebars, shifters etc. easier, I've found the metal collars to be a little annoying. The collars only stick up a little, but are noticeable, especially near the end cap. I guess it doesn't help that I have a set of Dangerboy caps on the outside of my bars.

I'm trying out a BMX grip made by Animal. It's comfortable to ride with or without using gloves. The end cap at the end is a rubber material that sits flush with the grip and doesn't protrude out like a little nub. Anyone else out there switching to BMX grips?


Yep, I no longer use lock-ons. They wear out quick (the thin ones anyways) and don't feel as good regular grips. I don't change my set-up as often as I used to and taking them off isn't really a big deal anyways.

To get them to stick really well:
-Clean your bar with some rubbing alcohol
-Wash the grips with soap and water to remove any mold release agent from the rubber
-put a small amount of water inside the grips and roll them around
-push them straight on, try not to twist them too much as this can stretch out the rubber
-leave the bike overnight to dry (don't ride it with them loose or again it will stretch them out)
-wrap the grip/bar junction with electrical tape to stop the water getting in (won't work so well with flanged grips unfortunately).

[C.C.]

Yeah for thin grips! I wonder if they still make the clear ODI Tomac grips...one of my personal favs.

You're right about the Animal Edwin grips. They are a bit fatter than the original Ruffians. Still comfortable, but fatter. But on my street bike, I'm not worried about getting forearm pump from braking.

Actually, the Animal Edwin grips (including end plugs) weighed more than a set of Intense lock ons (including collars and end plugs). I used the digital scale at my lbs.

I never stopped using proper grips.

Lock-ons feel horrendous. The skinniest ones are still too fat, but have no give. The grip length is shorter, due to the collars. The collars are super uncomfortable, cold with sharp edges. And they always have the tiniest bit of play, that makes the bike feel janky. Plus they cost more and weigh more. F-that.

I stand by normal Ruffians. I have big hands, and ride without gloves. The ruffian is super thin, yet still has give, and feels good even if your hands get sweaty. I like to ride whistler open to close, and never have to sissy out from whistler claw. Key is to have a relaxed grip, and allow the bar to float and kick around. I find a fatter grip makes you have to squeeze more to maintain control.

Those edwin grips are real nice, if you like a little bit fatter, mushier grip. I have been tempted to stray from my Ruffians by the edwins.

[M@M]

Yep, I no longer use lock-ons. They wear out quick (the thin ones anyways) and don't feel as good regular grips. I don't change my set-up as often as I used to and taking them off isn't really a big deal anyways.

To get them to stick really well:
-Clean your bar with some rubbing alcohol
-Wash the grips with soap and water to remove any mold release agent from the rubber
-put a small amount of water inside the grips and roll them around
-push them straight on, try not to twist them too much as this can stretch out the rubber
-leave the bike overnight to dry (don't ride it with them loose or again it will stretch them out)
-wrap the grip/bar junction with electrical tape to stop the water getting in (won't work so well with flanged grips unfortunately).
another good way to make em stay is to wrap a couple of zip ties around the inside edge really tight.

[C.C.]

I personally don't like adding any lubricants to get the grips on and any adhesives to make the grips stay on.

Since back when Yeti logo grips were popular, I've always had success with grips put on using an air compressor. They slide on relatively easily and form a good seal. Almost all lbs' and gas stations have one available.

I can picture it now. A row of bike riders waiting in line at Chevron to put on their new grips.

Yep, I no longer use lock-ons. They wear out quick (the thin ones anyways) and don't feel as good regular grips. I don't change my set-up as often as I used to and taking them off isn't really a big deal anyways.

To get them to stick really well:
-Clean your bar with some rubbing alcohol
-Wash the grips with soap and water to remove any mold release agent from the rubber
-put a small amount of water inside the grips and roll them around
-push them straight on, try not to twist them too much as this can stretch out the rubber
-leave the bike overnight to dry (don't ride it with them loose or again it will stretch them out)
-wrap the grip/bar junction with electrical tape to stop the water getting in (won't work so well with flanged grips unfortunately).

[jive turkey]

Yep, I no longer use lock-ons. They wear out quick (the thin ones anyways) and don't feel as good regular grips. I don't change my set-up as often as I used to and taking them off isn't really a big deal anyways.

To get them to stick really well:
-Clean your bar with some rubbing alcohol
-Wash the grips with soap and water to remove any mold release agent from the rubber
-put a small amount of water inside the grips and roll them around
-push them straight on, try not to twist them too much as this can stretch out the rubber
-leave the bike overnight to dry (don't ride it with them loose or again it will stretch them out)
-wrap the grip/bar junction with electrical tape to stop the water getting in (won't work so well with flanged grips unfortunately).


i've lost interest in lock-on's aswell.
ruffian lock-on fit my hand well but dont dampen vibration very good...then the lock-on Oury help a little bit with vibration but are too large in dia. i've bought intense/oury/ruffian/rouge lock-on's over the last 2 years and cant get comfortable with any of them, so i also switched back to regular Oury's that i had shaved a little in dia. which worked much better!
last week i ordered enduro seals for my boxxer aswell ordered a pair of thier silicone 'racer' grips....i'll giv'er a shot!

[HIBuLlitT]

Not once have I ever felt the aluminum clamps on the end of my lock-ons. And my gloves are a size large (for whatever its worth) (though, my hands arent very wide, they are pretty long though). Dont get me wrong Im not trying to argue. Your experience is your experience. Im just making sure for those who havent used lock-ons hear both sides of the story. Also, I tend to like the slightly oversized feel of lock ons. Like I said before, my hands are somewhat long, and gripping a skinny ass bar makes my hand cramp up pretty quick. With lock ons, ive never had that problem.





As for the "slop" some of you might feel with the lock ons. There is a little trick to eliminate that.

Tighten the inner clamp first, then, with one hand, twist the outer clamp (in any direction) and while you are twisting, tighten the outer clamp.

Aftert that, there shouldnt be any play in your grips. Works great for me!!



Ditto^

[ZHendo]

i just ordered some straitline "standard" bar caps to match my pedals. it isn't available to shops yet i don't think, but i ordered the x-ray pedals w/ cromo axles and x-ray bar caps as well. be on the alert for bash rings and a 31.8mm version of the stem coming out, all available in pink, black, silver or x-ray.

[pump]

I'm starting to go away from lock on grips now. Although they make switching brakes, handlebars, shifters etc. easier, I've found the metal collars to be a little annoying. The collars only stick up a little, but are noticeable, especially near the end cap. I guess it doesn't help that I have a set of Dangerboy caps on the outside of my bars.

I'm trying out a BMX grip made by Animal. It's comfortable to ride with or without using gloves. The end cap at the end is a rubber material that sits flush with the grip and doesn't protrude out like a little nub. Anyone else out there switching to BMX grips?

don't get any BMX grips with parallel lines, those are terrible.
get any with small diamond shapes. I love BMX grips, they are tighter, adn tighter(thinner than lock on), they give me a more solid grip. Not to mention the 5bux/pair.

I find windex to be awesome for installing, but also keeping the grip in tight.

[Rexthespeedster]

i just ordered some straitline "standard" bar caps to match my pedals. it isn't available to shops yet i don't think, but i ordered the x-ray pedals w/ cromo axles and x-ray bar caps as well. be on the alert for bash rings and a 31.8mm version of the stem coming out, all available in pink, black, silver or x-ray.

Where'd you order 'em from? How much did they cost?

[ESHER SHORE]

majority of bmx riders I know / ride with don't use gloves (I certainly don't)

bmx grips tend to be made for gloveless riders, so different diameter / fatness to mtn bike grips


i'm liking Lizard Skin logo flanged lock-ons with Dangerboy maple leaf caps, perfect diameter for my big hands, super soft rubber for grip and impervious to the foulest weather


best trick for getting tight grips on/off (i.e. non lock-ons) is use disc brake cleaner spray, easy-on, easy-off and not affected if any moisture works its way under the grip edge, and dries in seconds for rock firm hold



bar end caps are so important for safety, one of the guys here who helps builds the Esher Shore park had a hernia operation last year, after putting a uncapped bar into his guy :( !!!

[Dantes Inferno]

nothing beats hairspray for installing non-lock grips.

[ZHendo]

****my fault on the straitline stuff, turns out that the X-ray pedal only comes with the titanium axle, i misunderstood the guy i talked to. but in response to rexthespeedster, i ordered my stuff through my straitline sponsorship, so i can't really let you know about pricing.

[Chunk]

nothing beats hairspray for installing non-lock grips.


Word. Aqua-net works the best in my experience.

Water or windex works well untill you ride in the wet. Hairspray seems to last through just about anything. And im not about to wrap electrical tape around the inside of my grips to keep water out. That seems like a sloppy "thrown together" solution. If you insist on making a water tight seal on your grips, some guitar string tied around your grip works well. Just wrap the guitar string around the inside of your grip, twist the ends together, and snip off the excess. THen fold down the twisted part for a clean look and a water tight seal.

http://www.parktool.com/images_inc/repair_help/bar29.jpg

Though, Im really happy with my lock ons, so Ill stick with them for now :D

[HIBuLlitT]

Just a thought for all you anti-lock-on crowd.
With brakes and shifters going to a two peice attachment, having a permenant
grip shouldn't be an issue so.....

Why not just tape-off sand the end and apply some truck bed liner? Ultra thin, never
going to slide when it's wet and you can make it as wide or narrow as your hand
is.

[Rosscofat]

didnt read whole thread.. but i use em so i dont smack my bar into the ground and make it so I cnat get my grips off after.

[Rexthespeedster]

didnt read whole thread.. but i use em so i dont smack my bar into the ground and make it so I cnat get my grips off after.

Cool...I never thought of that specific function.