Hellbent riser bar
Riser bars allow some compensation to stem length, promote better riding posture and allow easier breathing.
I picked the hellbent riser bar because it was on sale at an incredible price and it had good reviews. I'm not sure what my stem length should be because I ride rental bikes and they all felt ok to me.
Handlebars are vulnerable to material fatigue and should be replaced every 4 years or earlier if they show signs of cracking/deformation, after major crash etc.
Apparently, it is taboo to add bar ends to a riser bar. So don't ask. You have been warned.
Grips
From Cyemm on mtbr.com ...
Grips - If it's not how to keep them from spinning/coming off, it's how to take them off without destroying them. Here's some collected ideas and tips.
First, make sure the bar and inside of the grips are CLEAN. Use alcohol and/or Simple Green(rinse well) to clean off any residue.
O.K., in order of strength, we have;
Hairspray - Upsides - Cheap, easy to obtain, easy to apply.
- Downsides - Damp climates/sweaty riders say it only lasts a very short time
- How to Put on - Clean grip and bar, spray, slideon, let dry.
- How to Take off - Use flat screwdriver to lift grip, squirt water under, work off.,or use an air compressor nozzle to blow air under the grip / through the bar.
Spray paint - Upsides - still cheap, easy on.
- Downsides - Sometimes doesn't work, can react with grip material.
- How to put on - See hairspray topic, Please use Clear paint, or at least attempt to match colors
- how to take off - Use flat screwdriver and solvent, or fill a syringe with solvent and inject the grip, work it off using a rolling motion.
Spray Adhesive - General, Auto trim adhesive.- Same comments as Spray paint topic.
HandleBar grip glue - Sold at Motorcycle Dealers
- Upsides - works, easy application
- Downsides - Tough to clean off, may have to cut off old grip
Hockey Tape with adhesive - Upsides - cheap, allows usage of grips that normally are too big
- Downsides - Pain to apply, may eventually slip
- How to put on - Start winding on the handlebar,
Overlapping by half. Spray adhesive on every completed length. Build up to the desired thickness, then spray a final coat and slide on the grip.
- How to take off - A knife or lots of patience
Doublesided golf grip tape - Upsides - works, can be a pain to apply.
(thanks to Fred3) - Downsides - got to go into a golf shop
- How to put on - Wrap the handlebar where the gripwill go with the tape. You then peel off the paper that exposes the sticky side. Coat the inside of the grip witha solvent like paint thinner or buy thegrip solvent when you buy the tape.Coat the tape on the handlebar. Slide the grip on(it will go on very easy). Adjust grip and let dry for about half and hour or overnight if you can.
- How to take off - knife, syringe of solvent
Safety Wire - Upsides - works definatively, looks "moto" to match your riser bar
- Downsides - labour intensive, can destroy grips if done wrong.
- How to put on - Get some stainless steel wire(sold in motorcycle shops) Cut 6 pieces, roughly 6 inches long (three per grip) Apply grips, using whatever above method you like. Takeone strand and wrap it around the middle of the grip. The ends should point toward the ground and slightly back.Use pliers to TIGHTLY wrap the strands together. Cutthe excess pigtail off, then use the pliers to bend the sharp end around back into the grip. Tap with a hammer to ensure your fingers don't get poked. Repeat, using a wire at the middle and each end.(six altogether)
- How to take off - cut the wires
Finally, a company now makes bolt on grips. They're called ODI system Lockjaws. They're expensive but work well. Bolt them on and that's it.