Wednesday, 4 May 2011

Bar Ends or No Bar Ends! That is my question!!

As I have blogged about previously, on longer rides I suffer some numbness and discomfort in my left hand when I go on longer cross country rides. This is due to the vibrations from the ride causing "cyclists palsy" on the ulcer nerve in the heel of the hand. This particularly affects the left hand due to the hand position being more static when compared to the right hand which changes position regularly due to gift shifts and braking.
Specialised BG Contour Grips
Endeavoring to eliminate this I have already invested in a pair of Specialised Body Geometry Contour Locking Grips (see previous blogs).
For shorter or medium length rides, these work really well, allowing the palm of hand a position to rest, but it does not 100% eliminate the numbness.
So after some more research and consideration, the question related to bar-ends is raised?
The positives are........

  1. Allows an alternative hand position during rides, ensuring the vibration from a static hand position is minimalised.
  2. Makes hill climbs easier due to the out of seat riding position and hand gripping the bars better
The negatives are......
  1. The ecstatics on my bike, as I have a riser bar rather than a traditional flat bar
  2. Will a bar end fit, when I have to move the existing grip, gear shifters and brake levers further longer my over-sized bar
Plus do I choose a full size bar-end or a stumpy smaller version. My choices and preferences are to try bar-ends, with the following options as prime contenders!

Specialised P2 Bar Ends
Tioga Power Studs












So do I invest £16 to £20 on bar-ends that may or may not solve the left hand numbness issue? I'll make a decision soon as I will ensure I update the blog with my findings and conclusions

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