Bar ends for mountain bike and hybrid bike handlebars

A second hand position on a flat handlebar

On a flat handlebar, the hands always stay in the same place, palms facing down, a position that compresses the ulnar nerve at the base of the hand and numbs the fingers after a few hours. The bar ends provide a vertical grip, thumbs up, close to the natural hand position: the wrist returns to a neutral axis, the shoulders relax, and the torso stretches slightly. Regularly alternating between the grip and the horns often helps to alleviate tingling and tension in the neck. This is why they are found on touring and trekking bikes, where long hours in the saddle are common.

The other components

The components are also available in various options:

• Grips.
• Handlebars.
• Handlebar extensions.
• Stems.
• Sleeves.
• Bells.

All components are gathered on the peripheral components page.

Pulling on the horns to climb

When climbing, the grip on the bar ends pushes the torso forward above the front wheel, keeping it pressed against the ground and preventing it from lifting on steep slopes. The arms, almost parallel to the frame, can pull effectively while the legs push, sitting as if in a climber's position. First appearing in mass on mountain bikes in the early nineties, they have become less common with the arrival of wide and raised handlebars and more aggressive descents, where a horn may snag a tree or cause injury in a fall. They remain popular in cross-country marathons, trekking, and hybrid bikes, on rolling tracks where long, steady climbs are needed.

Short, long or integrated: which bar ends to choose

Short bar ends, just a few centimeters long, provide a climbing support without cluttering the handlebar and snag less on branches. The long and curved models, shaped like horns, offer multiple grips for long distances and loaded bikes. The ergonomic grips with integrated horn combine a widened palm rest and a small horn, with no extra part to attach. Made from forged aluminium, the bar end remains lightweight and sturdy; carbon saves a few grams but requires a compatible handlebar. They are initially angled slightly upward and forward, then fine-tuned on the trail, depending on the torso position and arm length.

Good deals

You can also find great deals in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The major events of the year follow a steady order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, winter sales, the spring French Days, followed by summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

Are bar ends dangerous on a mountain bike?

In technical descents, a protruding horn can snag a tree or hit the body in a fall. On rolling tracks, the risk remains low; prefer short models and always keep end plugs on the tips.

Can you fit bar ends on a road bike?

No, a curved road handlebar already offers several grips, and its tip diameter doesn’t fit the clamps. Bar ends attach to flat handlebars of a mountain bike, hybrid bike, or city bike, with tips measuring twenty-two point two millimeters.

How to attach bar ends with clamp grips?

Loosen the outer clamp of the grip and shift it a few centimeters towards the center to free the end of the handlebar. Slide in the bar end, orient it, then tighten both clamps to the specified torque, without overdoing it.

Should you shorten your handlebar when adding bar ends?

Not necessarily, but a very wide handlebar spreads the hands further apart once the horns are fitted. If the grip feels too wide, symmetrically trim the handlebar, within the limits of the manufacturer's engraved markings.

What torque should be applied to bar ends?

It is noted on the clamp or in the manual and remains modest, around a few Newton-meters. A torque wrench prevents crushing the handlebar, especially if it’s thin or made of carbon, while keeping the horn from rotating under load.