A bike has to fit like a pair of favourite socks or a supple hiking boot. It has to become a part of us. Preferably so much so that we sometimes forget it's even there. Because that's the only way we can survive hours in the saddle, the worst uphill climbs or the toughest downhill trails. Reason enough for many manufacturers to keep tweaking the crucial contact points between bike and rider - saddle, grips, brake and gear levers - so that at some point we can finally say: "Fits like a glove!" Two concepts for better ergonomics from SQlab and Magura.
Back to the Future - Barends from SQlab
Bar ends, the new innovation? That sounds rather anachronistic, because while bar ends were all the rage in the early days of mountain biking, both ergonomically and in terms of design, they are now pretty much out of fashion. The handlebar extensions known as "little horns" are almost only found on bikes that are ten years old or more. Why? With the development towards wider and more cranked handlebars, bar ends, which originally had the purpose of relieving the shoulders that were turned outwards with a normal handlebar grip, have become increasingly unergonomic.
Most mountain bikers are now travelling without bar ends. Actually an oversight, according to the guys at SQlab. Because the ergonomic advantage was definitely there. Their solution: Inner bar ends. Sounds a bit strange, but it makes perfect sense, because instead of fitting the bar ends on the outside, it makes more sense to fit the bar ends inside the grips on today's wide handlebars. This means that the distance between the bar ends is approximately shoulder width again, and the different grip position relieves the strain on the joints in the arms.
Measurable progress
But the inner bar ends are not just a step forwards in terms of ergonomics. The different arm position results in better aerodynamics and the brakes are still within reach for the rider from the bar ends. In addition, the body can transfer its power to the pedals with less effort. SQlab has proven this with several test riders, including Tibor Simai and the CEP Racing Team, in a study on the racetrack. Over ten laps at a constant 36 kilometres per hour, the average saving was 14 watts, which corresponds to 5 percent of total power. The Inner bar ends from SQlab weigh 108 grams per pair and cost 39.95 euros.
New HC 1-finger brake lever from Magura
Ever since the introduction of the MT7 four-piston brake, it has been clear that if you are looking for a brake with endless power, Magura is the right choice. However, while the objective performance of the brakes from Bad Urach was always beyond reproach, the ergonomics were initially criticised. The adjustment range of the levers was too small, especially for riders with small hands, and the levers were always too far away from the handlebars. It was also difficult to brake with one finger, which often threatened to slip outwards.
The adjustment range was increased at the beginning of 2016 and allows the lever to be adjusted close to the handlebars. The new HC 1-finger brake levers are the solution to the latter problem. They are shorter than the standard models and have a stronger bend at the end of the lever. This means that the brake finger no longer slips off the levers, but is easily located in the bend.
The black anodised levers also look very appealing. The levers are compatible with all models from model year 2015 onwards. The price, on the other hand, is rather steep. The two brake levers alone cost 79.95 euros for retrofitting. If you are not an experienced mechanic yourself, you will also have to call in a specialist dealer. A lot of money for a conversion to 1-finger levers, which should have been mandatory from the outset, especially with Magura's power stoppers.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
