At Yarra Valley Cycles, we're seeing dozens of downhill mountain bike riders using Wolf Tooth Locked-In Bar Ends to help with grip control and hand protection. It's a small addition to the cockpit that's getting plenty of attention, and the idea behind it makes a lot of sense for demanding descents.
When the track gets rough and your hands start working overtime, a little extra support becomes an interesting proposition. Add some coverage around the outside of your hands, and you've got a product that deserves a closer look.
More support. Less death grip.
Locked-In Bar Ends have a firm, shaped rubber flange that supports the outside of your hand. This gives you a surface to push against when loading the bike through corners and technical sections.
The idea is to let you ease your grip while still putting force into the bars. Wolf Tooth designed them to help reduce grip fatigue and arm pump, keeping control at the centre of the design.
A little extra protection for your hands
That forward-reaching shape also helps shield the outside of your hand and little finger from trail obstacles. The angled leading edge is designed to deflect glancing contact, adding coverage in an area that can feel pretty exposed between tight trees.
For us at YVC, that combination is the appeal: support for your hands, another point of control and extra protection around your little fingers.
Developed with downhill racing in mind
World Cup downhill racer Joe Breeden helped develop the concept after years of dealing with hand and arm fatigue. Working with Wolf Tooth brought that race-developed idea into production.
The finished design includes:
- Firm rubber construction to support the outside of your hand.
- A keyed cap and internal wedge to help resist rotation.
- Adjustable positioning to suit your hand angle.
- A claimed weight of 93 g per pair.
Getting your setup right
They suit many carbon and aluminium handlebars with an internal diameter of at least 18 mm, although some bar designs are incompatible. You'll need open-ended grips. Angled-end grips won't work, or YVC can custom fit bar ends by drilling out the solid end of your fully enclosed grips. Wolf Tooth advises against grips with an outer lock-on clamp.
Angle and brake-lever position matter, too. The aim is comfortable contact with the bar end while keeping your brake lever within easy reach. Follow Wolf Tooth's fitting instructions and periodically recheck tightness.
Talk grip, control and setup with YVC
Seeing dozens of DH riders using Locked-In Bar Ends has put them firmly on our radar. If you're looking at ways to improve your cockpit setup, they're well worth a conversation.
Grab a set of Wolf Tooth Locked-In Bar Ends at Yarra Valley Cycles .
Visit Yarra Valley Cycles, 24 Main Street, Lilydale, Victoria, or call us on (03) 9735 1483 to discuss compatibility, fitting and current availability.