Make Your Own ALT BAR!

[@markbabcock]

I’d love to see some with a hinged clamp so you could install/remove without removing all your controls.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yeah, would love to see that too.

[@adrienlahaye7719]

Same here, would be easier to play with the setup !!

[@matthewguenther6925]

Or a removable plate like on a modern stem. Pushing this further, you could have a GoPro mount on each plate, then you could have dual headlights, or mount two cameras and film in 3D :O

[@anniebikes7002]

yeah, removeable faceplate bar ends!

[@paulsmarino]

Yes...would also allow them to be used with bars like Albatross bars that have a bend

[@CommaCam]

Not weird or dorky at all. I've been doing this for years on my mountain and town bikes for the reasons you mentioned. It also enables you to work on the bike upside down without crushing the controls.

[@mountainsnmoore256]

The first time that I saw this, a gentleman from Texas, Bluecollar Backcountry, had done it on one of his bikes and it has been in the back of my mind ever since. It might look odd, but on those long days, another position to change things up a bit can make a huge difference. Thanks for sharing. Enjoyed the video.

[@jeffandersen6233]

Always great fun tinkering with your bike at home. It struck me today how you're not afraid of color in your bike frames and accessories. Home made alt bars and fun colors, hooray!

[@BradWadeNL]

I did a very similar setup to this on my Kona Unit X. I wrapped mine with bartape and it helped considerably!

[@anielyantra1]

I like this bar end trick. I recently set up a gravel bike for longer distances with drop bars and silicone grips. (kinda tricky running cables but it worked!) Rode it once. Then back to the shop to replace the drops with risers. As for the silicone grips; I purchased some Rock Bros. silicone grips. They hurt my hands too on the risers (I got xl hands). I use old school hard rubber grips that increase the circumference of the bar to fit my hands.

[@kellymckenzie4865]

Just converted my Poseidon X to flat bar and I used inner bar ends as well to get a roadie position for long straights

[@michaelmann6482]

I did this after you reviewed the VO Crazy Bar 2.0. I used a VO Seine Bar and mounted Profile Design curved bar ends at 38cm C-C. The curves are sweet because they give me another “aero” almost horizontal position out front, and the curved portion is really comfy in my palms too. I dubbed them “In-Seine Bars” 😉 I rode the Crazy Bars 1st edition for awhile and these are WAY more comfortable.

[@fastandcurious]

The SQLab innerbarends are inspirated by Spirgrips. Both are meant to be installed in-between the grips and the brakes to use a half position for the hand. In addition to innerbarends I use old Ritchey barends on the inner sweep of my Ritchey Kyote. On my channel I made a video why I much prefer Spirgrips to SQLab innerbarends.

[@SebastianDeBeer]

I have the SQLab product on my Surly Sunrise bar.

[@davidrowe8747]

I also have SQ Lab's inner barends on an SQ Lab 30x bar, and love the combination. Ergonomically very comfortable, you can ride"on the hoods" all day long, with brake levers at your fingertips. I didn't realise they were based on Spir Grips, but having just looked at their site, I see they are almost identical!

[@fastandcurious]

@@davidrowe8747 initially SQLab were resellers of Spirgrips. A couple of years ago they presented their own product. Spirgrips are thinner but deeper. I have used both and concluded that for me, the Spirgrips are far more comfortable, especially the Spirgrips+. Spirgrips are a single product company and they cost quite a bit more than the SQLab Innerbarends. Though expensive I still recommend them, although I wish that they would be more affordable. Another advantage of Spirgrips is that they do have a version for dropbars.

[@SebastianDeBeer]

I bought these Chinese knockoff grips just to get a feel for them before sinking my cash into the “real” product. I was pretty impressed with them as well.

[@michaelhotten752]

bar ends as bar ins. love that air compressor trick on those ESI grips. I do that too to get them off. sometimes I use a "golf grip solution" to get them on. but a cyclist more likely to have a compressor than golf supplies. I just came for the Leadville Trail 100 and really surprised to still not see more riders using this idea. many riders spend up to 12 hours riding flat bars. you would think they would want an alternate had position.

[@robinrai4973]

I just added a set of barhorns on the inside side of my grips on my MTB, worked great on my daytrip. If I go on anything longer all I'll do is add another set on the outside of the grips too :P

[@elvisderblasehase9522]

I did this to my race-hardtail with 28cm width. I Love it.

[@furleyforever]

Just did this to my adventure bike. I did find the bar ends to be on the short side so added bar end extensions plugs for more grip area. This make a nice position for extended pedaling.

[@cattalkbmx]

You can use compressed air cans if you don't have an air compressor for the grips. And the bar end mod works great, love the extra hand position.

[@YoSpiff]

I use isopropyl alcohol to install and remove grips. It gets in by capillary action and then dries up completely when no longer needed.

[@crevasse5396]

@@YoSpiff Doesn't work great with ESI grips from my experience. Those are some tough ones to [dis]mount.

[@Chicagoschwinn]

I did this to my Bstone MB3 with JJJ bars. Placed it in a similar place but tilted a little higher. I used older mtb ends and cut them down to be a little more nubby :) gonna try it on my Surly BC with Jones bars. Will be more challenging since there is a loop on the bars and I have a dropper lever so pretty busy bar. Will share when I attempt that one and will show what the MB3 looks like. Love the drop bar feel. Only thing I would like is to get rid of the bolts from the brakes and shifters digging into my palms. May try more bar tape!

[@veiledozark]

installed SQLabs innerbarends on my Ritchey Koyote, works pretty well for me

[@DiamondbackAxis]

been using this "alt br setup" for several months. base bar is a "swallow bar" having a 24degree backsweep and a slight upsweep but I've placed carbon endbars next to the brakemounts. they're awesome for long rides

[@johnschulz1142]

Another great rainy day project, thanks!

[@davidross8233]

I’m on sweeps now and I’m never going back. The ability to change my weight bias by moving up and down the bar makes descents so much better.

[@crevasse5396]

I went away from ESIs after ripping a perfectly good one trying to get it off with a screwdriver. I do like them so might try again once the current lock on foam grips die. I have noticed that ESIs do eventually collapse/pack out so they unfortunately don't last forever. Next time I may try the extra chunky variant. I also went through the same issue with bar ends that point out (10 and 2pm) instead of forward or inward on my Ritchey Kyote bars. I ended up using some old Performance Forte bar ends I had on another bike after the first pair didn't work right. They're rubberized so have a bit of cushion built in.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Air compressor is the way to go to get them on and off multiple times without damage.

[@michaelaiello9525]

Yup had this going back in 2000, I like the short nubs though. Thanks for the product tip!

[@patrickberkery8854]

Just got the SQLabs 411 inner bar ends in the mail today. The ergo shape is interesting. Time to install!

[@charlesblithfield6182]

I remove ESI grips with alcohol and a syringe. Cool idea. Can you recommend an alt bar that has similar geometry to Jones HBar but the ones with the rise of 2.5in, not the flat ones? That is 45 deg sweep high rise. A bar I could try the Origin8 bar ends with as you demonstrate.

[@stevelodewick9438]

I like you pick better. I tried the same with some profile bar ends on the middle of my Origin 8 space off road bar but they only worked so-so because of the sweep.

[@davetbassbos]

I just got a straight bar with no sweep or rise, I can grip the grips, or grip right around the stem like that annoying fixie hipster that you want to punch as he's trackstanding at the intersection, works great!

[@bikeman9419]

I’ve tried everything, even double bar ends. Now I am running with curved bar ends on the end of my handlebars but my handlebars are 550mm wide, very narrow. They work as well as anything I’ve tried. A little trick: lightly scotch brite your bar end then spray paint with Krylon non-skid paint, either black or clear. It works great and gives it a professional look. I have several bikes but I have done this to my Priority L-Train. It’s a belt drive, it would be a good video for you, belt drive bikes.

[@madaprak]

top tip with the grips and compressor!

[@MsTessG]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@peterschoen841]

I've found installing grips with air it helps to stand on the opposite side of the bike. Air is so quick.

[@paddyredbeard]

Heheh, this is exactly what I did with my Ascent and the Crust Loose bars, although I've been tempted recently to switch back to dirt drops.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Great minds think alike :)

[@paddyredbeard]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Bike nerds forever! 🚲🤓

[@sk8a]

In the 90s UK "ATB" scene we sometimes used black tea to get grips on and off if there was no hairspray! When it dried they would stay just fine!

[@Guy1138]

Milk first or milk after?

[@sk8a]

@@Guy1138 ha ha yeah, milk tea would be a great way to make them stink!!!! For me it's always milk after.

[@JochenSteglich]

Does anyone know of a bar end that is angled close enough to the 45 degree sweep of the Jones bar?

[@lukewalker1051]

I do the same thing only with slightly longer black Profile bar ends...old school but like them closer together. I don't like all the backsweep of the alt bar and the forward protruding bar nubs are two far apart on the alt bar for my preference...I like my hands a bit closer to TT position but a bit wider for stablity. So a traditional mtb bar...about 720mm in length, Crane Creek rubber coated bar ends, Ergon GP-1 grips with slight flat for palm support and Profile bar ends set inward like you do only closer together is my formula. Btw, I have this on a Canondale 29'er with powerful Bafang BBSHD 1700 watt mid drive motor and 52v battery. I am a roadie who has done some singletrack in my previous life but prefer a motor on a big tired mtbs for recovery riding....bike does some and I do some watts. Perfect for recovery rides and can drop any roadie on the thing too. :-) I have had elite level roadies hold my wheel into the low 30 mph range which is crazy fast for no motor.

[@BlueSuedeAsics]

did this with my old 90's yokota mtb, makes longer rides much better, make sure you wrap them if you want to do it yourself

[@rantanplan7474]

Love your videos man

[@mastersofelevation]

This should have been set in the Cave Of Bad Ideas! Really love and miss that section ❤️

[@outbackwack368]

I plan on doing this exact thing on my Stooge Moto Bars. Thanks!

[@XanderSoriano]

Lovette! Personally, I find those bar ends too short so I got some that are long enough to fit my palm so I can go even further forward when I feel like it. Looking forward to getting some of those PartyPace grips. Hopefully in pink? Good evening from the Philippines!

[@ilikewasabe]

I think it’s called an “inner bar” saw a bunch on amazon and aliexpress. Very popular in the 🇵🇭 for their TT mtb

[@RichsRidesandRestorations]

Really cool mod! p.s. For those without an air compressor, unscented hairspray is great lube for getting grips on and off.

[@HH_Yee]

I use electric air pump. If you put adapter for basketball or soccer ball, It can work similar to air compressor. I use them with heat shrink tube covering the tip so it doesn't scratch the handlebar.

[@stevemillerster]

Yes, I have been using hairspray for grips since I was a kid!

[@CommutebyBicycle561]

Still using alcohol and a zip tie. I have no hair, nor hairspray to try! lol

[@marciooki5820]

I had installed my end bars near to the center of the handlebar. Still help me to climb and I can rest my arms laying my elbows on the ergo grips.

[@Bennettcustomaudio]

Coming from road bikes, I seem to really struggle with the wide, rotated-wrist position that flat bars force you into. Of course, the width is necessary for negotiating tough terrain. But, the “on the hoods” position is far more natural when you’re cruising along a smooth road or trail, or climbing a big ascent. I definitely want to pick up a pair of alt bars or try something like this. I think I’d be much more inclined to ride my mountain bike more often with one!

[@crevasse5396]

Ergo grips definitely help with rotated-wrist. I've also found that bars with a sweep of at least 15 degrees seems to match normal wrist/hand angle. I too had problems with traditional flat bars and round grips. Good luck.

[@simongiavaras7787]

I got a similar super cheap bar end on the war that I'm gonna try on some albatross bars

[@GertBreynolds]

I've been working on this exact thing for the last couple weeks! The problem I've found is that if you have a bar back sweep angle greater than around 15°, almost all bar ends will still bend to the outside a bit which is uncomfortable. A good solution is the ergotec evo1 bar ends which have an adjustable angle, which you can even increase a bit if you're handy with a grinder.

[@sunesnigel]

I've been looking at bars where the angle starts further out and the diameter of the bar is intact far in towards the stem. With a bar like that you could mount barends with only a slight angle and get a good result.

[@GertBreynolds]

@@sunesnigel Sounds like a good plan. Which bars are you using?

[@sunesnigel]

Well, I'm an idiot, I haven't actually bought any bars and made i reality. I've been doing quite a lot of searching for this holly bar. I would like to have a backsweep around 30 degrees so it depends on how much backsweep you want. The Doom bars from Bikepackers delight looks promesing. They are around 20 degrees and have a rise bend to them so I dont know if it would mess it up. Moon handlebar from ergotec also looks like they could work but they are a little on the narrow side and "only" has 23 degrees backsweep.

[@sunesnigel]

Ergotec also sells barends with an adjustable angle (up to 15 degrees). Ergotec Evo barends. They are made in different lengths.

[@GertBreynolds]

@@sunesnigel I have the moon bars on my bike with the Evo 1 bar ends, haha

[@thebr0wnhornet]

I feel like you have been reading my mind for the last 3-4 video ideas

[@ThalassTKynn]

I ended up doing this and it's pretty great. I bought a second hand bike with drop bars and it turns out I'm allergic to bending over that much. So I got a riser bar and some bar ends. In the end I put them on the end like bull horns, but thank you for the idea to make my own!

[@danstenis660]

Now I want to see how it performs on a ride. Would a longer one that rise up at the end like an aerobar work better?

[@brankosabol]

I have something similar on my rigid hybrid/gravel bike/commuter. Some 10 years old swept back planetx handlebars bartaped in the middle , and old straight aluminium barends from friends spare parts bin. Covered them with used inner tube because they tend to get pretty cold and I prefer riding gloveless. Looks like shit but works great :) I actually tried SQLabs but didn't like them at all, too short and strangely shaped, comfortable only in one position with thumbs wrapped around them - with my setup I can also ride in aero horizontal forearms position. And ESI grips of course :)

[@splicetape9435]

I have something similar for mounting my phone and gps out of the way so I can have both a bag for a cover and motorcycle headlights mounted as well.

[@benc8386]

Nice alt bar! But I think we really need to put bar tape on these. Maybe the aesthetics are debatable but I feel we shouldn't just be grabbing onto bare aluminium tubes.

[@DS-yo4uw]

Anyone know if there are any options in the angle of the bar-ends, or anyone using them on 35deg back sweep? The sweep can make it difficult if you want them to be straight out.

[@sail22mm]

As other have said, timing. I did the same thing about 6 months ago. the one thing I did is I put bar tape around the bottom of it where your hand rests against the other bar

[@30bones]

I just went from Koga Denham bars to Tumbleweed Persuaders to get adjustability to the "hoods" and get toms rise and less sweepback. Waiting on SQLabs innerbarends to arrive :p

[@roguecode2354]

pretty sure I saw a dude on a mtb with a similar setup the other day. looks cool on this bike.

[@aristotelischaniotakis7283]

Wrap some bar tape around the horns for more comfort or even along the entire length of the handbag for infinite hand positions

[@ecopennylife]

Great tip with the air compressor removal of the grips, would you put grips on the alt bar bits also or just leave them bare chrome?

[@daveb4mv]

Weird timing! Literally just did this to my hybrid a couple of hours ago, love having a couple of extra hand positions closer to my road bike's hoods.

[@markday1714]

great mod and how-to. what is the tool you used to spread the bar end clamp?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

amzn.to/3CbTvnD

[@MrRedPony01]

I use those exact same “nubs” on my XC race bike so I can switch positions and tuck in on long flat bits.

[@macmurfy2jka]

I did the same thing on my salsa bend bars

[@roberthuffmann8204]

Rubbing alcohol is a great lubricant for installing and removing grips

[@cjones7854]

I use rubbing alcohol to install esi grips, but my bars on that bike are carbon, anodized aluminum bars can be a pain

[@YoSpiff]

I did the same on my commuter bike when I wanted the crazy bars and couldn't find a pair. I put some bar ends on a pair of Surly Open bars. The bar ends have a triangular cross section that I haven't ever seen anywhere else. Very comfortable to grip, but I forget the brand, as I've got bar tape covering that up.

[@marilyn.v.G]

I have a hybrid Liv bike and the handle is pretty straight. Well my hands go numb on me. My seat is all the way down, even shortened the tube to make it fit me better.. that helped on my hands so but they still manage to go numb. I don't think I can bring up the height of my handlebar, which I feel would help me some so I wonder if this trick would help?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

It sounds like you have to much pressure on your hands and that your bike is too big?

[@marilyn.v.G]

@@PathLessPedaledTV I'm 4'11. I have to xs already lol

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@marilyn.v.G i’d consider a swept back bar to shorten the reach.

[@marilyn.v.G]

@@PathLessPedaledTV ok awesome thank you so much!!!

[@robappleby583]

We played around with this when bar ends came out back in the Eighties probably, but I never really enjoyed the position that much.

[@derekhobbs1102]

One of the guys I used to ride with had bar ends on his ape hangers.

[@lowbrown4206]

are you using the chunky or extra chunky esi's?

[@fifthcircle1]

Sorry if I've missed it, but have you done any fat bike videos? The ultimate suppleness! 😉 I've been considering either trying to make my Farley more comfortable, or selling it. Alt bars might be in my future.

[@hongquan2574]

Now I know what to do with my vintage Onza bar ends!

[@alexandereagal4016]

You need to put the other color of partypace grips on the nubbins

[@BrasssMunky]

I have been wanting to try some ESI chunkys, now I specifically want yours.... Partypace chonk wen? Lol Hella want to rep my riding style, and support the rusmannnnn

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Just a reminder. We don’t do giveaways in the KZbin comments. Only in the Patreon. Don’t respond to any KZbin comments saying you’ve won anything.

[@Griefter]

next up, a comparison video of the Crust Mushman and Soma Dream riser bars. 😁

[@JustClaude13]

Technically, you don't need to measure the position. Just slide them to the approximate place and move the nubs back and forth until you find the most comfortable spot. To put grips on bars I like to dip them in water as a lubricant. The grips slide right on without needing a compressor.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

1) if I didn’t measure someone would have told me to measure. 2) depends on the surface of the bar. I’ve tried plain water and alcohol with varying success without a compressor. A compressor works 💯 of the time.

[@JustClaude13]

@@PathLessPedaledTV " if I didn’t measure someone would have told me to measure." That's probably true. Some people are a little obsessive. I've never found the measurements to be reliable anyway. The way I fit from one bike to the next can move the ideal placement an inch or two. And if the bikes aren't different, what's the point of having more than one?

[@Lil_T_161]

YES!!! but why is nobody putting handlebar tape on them like u did back in time?

[@matthewguenther6925]

"I like wide drops and I cannot lie You other riders can't deny When a bike rolls by with hands wide spaced You know its Party Pace..." re: @2:08 Yeah, strong coffee on an empty stomach can make your brain go weird places, ;P

[@kimrice394]

I’ve done this. No grips, wrapped with bar tape. Comfy, could still hit brakes with outer fingers when on bar ends.

[@mellissanash7517]

what's the follow up? How did it go?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Went great. Still using it this way.

[@craigtorso]

Who makes those awesome “reverse plier things?”

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Linked in description.

[@craigtorso]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Much appreciated!

[@6Jeans9]

Great Video! I put some nice +weird 90´s Onza Bar Ends on a Ritchey Koyote, it looks like Antlers from an long extinct Animal. Other than that it feels great hahaha

[@Zyzzyx42]

The Bicycling Photographer! Good times.

[@fritzdeckerreyes4390]

I’m using spirgrips on my flat bar

[@kossmanneault683]

Stay creative!

[@joaonobre3267]

Hi guys. Just want to share a tip to remove the bike grips (also valid for motorbikes) without a compressor. Just carefully introduce a flat screwdriver between the handlebar and the grip and introduce some drops of pure alcohol, or spray it, if you have one spray botlle and the myracle happens. The grips are removed easily.

[@marchmanguilimotan8645]

Longer bullhorn bar ends could give you sufficient space for your hands, and stop you from slipping

[@simant5361]

Russ, RUSS they're not level! oh, he can't hear me 🤣

[@ogamogam6418]

Use water to insert the grips

[@markbarkhouse]

I thought the extra housing was for doing bar spins.

[@Lopez_the_heavy]

Yes yes I’ve been saying it forever; if you can put barends on your bars, put them anywhere you want

[@alexoprea2407]

Actually the easiest way to put the grips on is using lots of isopropyl alcohol. Removing them without damage its the easiest with the air compressor. Method tested on my yellow ESI grips :D

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I've tried alcohol and you still have to really jam them on the bar. Air compressor dry or even with a little water is so much easier.

[@michaelzanotto8469]

I have been meaning to ask, what does ALT mean?

[@BlueSuedeAsics]

alternative, as in an alternative to drop and flat bars

[@orangevw36]

Alternative

[@sonalmalhotra07]

nice

[@pratikpramanik7782]

Would be cool of someone made these with lights built in

[@robbikunkle4700]

I like to call them 'naerobars'

[@tatwood93]

Russ, I want you to know you've inspired me. No, not with the video, whatever you're doing there seems kinda wack tbh, but your title "Make Your Own Alt Bar" inspired me to cut up the rusty old drops in my garage and create some makeshift porteur handlebars. So thanks 👍(and yeah I'm still paying Big Bike for some new reverse brake levers)

[@cuzinmike]

I propose calling them bar innards.

[@h-disconnected6612]

Why is he wearing hearing protection

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

If you watch for like three seconds longer he tells you. 🤷🏽‍♂️