Best Bar Ends for Mountain Bike: Every Type Explained Side by Side

For most riders, a light aluminum bar end around 100 to 125 mm long with a secure clamp is the right choice. These three cover the main types.

Best overall: the FIFTY-FIFTY aluminum bar ends, around $26, are light alloy extensions with a slightly curved shape that suits climbing and cruising grips.

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Best classic design: the Ritchey Comp bar ends, around $27, are 125 mm handlebar extensions from a long established component brand.

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Best lightweight carbon: the Platt carbon fiber bar ends, around $24, include end caps and suit riders who want low weight with a stiff feel.

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Bar ends fall into three main types.

Short Stubby Ends

Short bar ends, around 80 to 110 mm, give a second grip for climbing without sticking out far. They suit trail riders who pass close to trees and want a little extra leverage on steep pitches.

Long Curved Horns

Longer, curved bar ends around 125 to 150 mm offer the most leverage and several hand positions along their length. Touring riders and bikepackers love them for long days, but they can snag on brush on tight singletrack.

Ergonomic Grips with Integrated Bar Ends

Ergonomic grips with built in bar ends combine a wide palm platform with a short horn. They are excellent for commuters and riders with numb hands, trading a little weight and sportiness for comfort.

Choose short ends for technical trail riding where clearance matters, and long horns for climbing, touring and long distance comfort. Short ends are lighter and less likely to catch on trees or hit the ground in crashes. Long horns give more leverage and hand positions but stick out further, so they suit open terrain, gravel roads and bikepacking routes.

The features that matter most are handlebar compatibility, material, length and clamp design.

Handlebar Compatibility

Bar ends fit the 22.2 mm outer ends of most flat and riser bars. Check that your bar is approved for bar ends; some carbon bars and very thin alloy bars are not, and the manufacturer may require a plug or reinforcement.

Material and Weight

Aluminum bar ends are strong, affordable and light, usually 100 to 200 grams a pair. Carbon versions save a few grams but need careful torque. Magnesium and forged alloy options also exist.

Length and Shape

Straight ends point forward, while curved ends angle inward for a more natural hand position. Longer ends give more leverage; shorter ends stay out of the way.

Clamp Design

Look for a two bolt or wide single bolt clamp that grips firmly without crushing the bar. Use a torque wrench and follow the stated value, usually around 4 to 6 Nm.

1. Remove end plugs and slide grips inward, or trim grips to make space; lock on grips simplify this.
2. Slide the bar end onto the bar end, angled slightly upward and forward.
3. Tighten the clamp to the stated torque, using carbon paste on carbon bars.
4. Insert end caps to protect the bar and your legs in a crash.
5. Ride and adjust the angle until your wrists feel neutral when climbing.

On a steep climb, slide your hands onto the bar ends, bend your elbows and pull back slightly as you pedal. This keeps your weight forward over the front wheel so it does not lift, and lets your arms help your legs drive the pedals. When standing, the bar ends give a more natural, narrower grip that many riders find more powerful. Move back to the main grips before descents or technical sections, since your fingers need to reach the brake levers instantly.

Bar ends can snag on trees or brush on tight trails, so angle them slightly inward and choose shorter ends for technical riding. Always fit end caps or plugs, which protect your legs and stomach in a crash and stop the open bar from cutting into the ground. Check that brake levers and shifters remain easy to reach after installing bar ends, sliding controls inward if needed.

• Check clamp bolts every few rides.
• Inspect after crashes for cracks or bending.
• Keep end caps fitted to protect the bar.

These are the questions riders ask most.

Are bar ends still worth it on mountain bikes?

Yes, for climbing, long rides and riders with hand numbness. Modern wide bars and dropper posts have made them less common on aggressive trail bikes, but they remain useful for cross country, touring and commuting.

Do bar ends work with any handlebar?

They fit most 22.2 mm flat and riser bars, but some carbon and lightweight alloy bars are not rated for bar ends. Check your handlebar's manual before installing.

Do bar ends help with numb hands?

Yes. Changing hand positions spreads pressure and reduces numbness. Ergonomic grips with built in bar ends add palm support for even more relief.

What length bar ends should I choose?

Choose about 80 to 110 mm for trail riding and 125 to 150 mm for climbing, touring and bikepacking.

The three things that matter most are a handlebar rated for bar ends, a length that suits your terrain and a secure clamp. Trail riders should choose short ends, touring riders and climbers benefit from long horns and commuters with numb hands will like ergonomic grips with built in ends. Use this guide to choose the best bar ends for mountain bike riding, then check the product table above for current prices. Pair them with the best mountain bike grips.