Bar end
From Free net encyclopedia
In cycling, bar ends are extensions at the end of straight handlebars, usually fitted onto mountain bikes. They extend away from the rider slightly upwards and allow the rider to vary the type of grip and posture they ride with during a ride. Bar ends were very popular and fashionable until the late 1990's. Today most bicycles do not come with bar ends and most riders do not use them. Some handlebars have bar ends welded onto them, most have them temporarily attached via D-shackle or other ways.
Bar ends for mountain bikes are simular to aero bars for road bikes. In recent time, road-bikes have something similar attached, usually known by the slang term "bar rests" due to the custom of putting one's elbows there and increasing comfort.