This time, I'd like to share my experience using a handlebar extension, and discuss its necessity and effectiveness.

What is a handlebar extension?

A "handlebar" is, as the name suggests, the handle of a bicycle.

Adding an "extension" means attaching an extended handle, allowing you to mount accessories beyond the existing handlebar space.

■ Weight of handlebar extension

When attaching options to a sports-type bicycle like a road bike or cross bike, you need to consider their weight.

You'll likely consult your wallet to see how much weight you can shave off the frame and wheels.

Adding 1kg or 2kg with options would be counterproductive.

Even if individual options don't weigh much, the total weight of several accessories can easily exceed 1kg.

This handlebar extension weighed 44g.

Considering the cost-effectiveness, it's pretty good.

The fixed bracket appears to be black anodized aluminum.

What's more, the matte black anodized finish gives it a premium look.

Additionally, the surface isn't perfectly smooth.

Whether chemically treated or blasted, it has small irregularities that also contribute to its high-quality feel.

It was sold at such a low price that I couldn't possibly get it custom-made by a metalworking shop for that cost, so I believe it's a triumph of mass production.

The part that contacts the handlebar has resin components, so there's no risk of scratching it.

■ Handlebar extension installation method

Installation is incredibly easy.

You just wrap the resin part around the handlebar and secure the main bracket.

Although I tend to want the handlebar to be symmetrical, it's perfectly fine to place it to the right, left, or center.

You can also set the angle to your liking, so it offers a lot of freedom in how you use it.

■ Necessity of handlebar extensions

Let's consider what accessories you might attach to a bicycle.

・Lights

・Cycle computer (speedometer)

・Smartphone holder

・Bell

Assuming you use your smartphone and cycle computer together, you still have three items to attach. The bell and light can be considered essential.

The reason for attaching these might be related to Japanese laws.

In Japanese law, a bell is mandatory for bicycles.

It is required for emergencies.

(Ringing it to clear people out of the way when riding on a sidewalk is highly likely to be against the law.)

And a light is also necessary.

Regarding this, it seems that in other countries, lights are not always required, and mounting locations may not be considered.

If handlebars always had the same diameter, attaching various items would be easy, but it's common for them to have a taper (changing diameter).

Handlebar extensions often have a flat bar, making attachment easier.

■ Effects of handlebar extensions

Being able to attach various items to the handlebars is one effect, but the mounting angle also offers advantages.

For example, if you mount a smartphone directly to the handlebars, the top cap of the stem might get in the way, preventing you from mounting it at a shallower angle than a certain point.

In image ①, the lower part of the smartphone holder interfered with the top cap, causing scratches.

By the way, in image ②, the light's mounting bracket was attached to the tapered section, and when tightened, the non-slip rubber would slip.

While it would be ideal to shift the mounting position to prevent slipping, the bar's diameter tapers, making it impossible to fix it in certain positions.

The reason I want to mount my smartphone as upright as possible is that I want to use a dashcam app on my phone.

If the mounting angle is too shallow, only the ground will be captured.

With a handlebar extension, you can mount it at any position on the left or right, and at any angle you prefer.

Lights require horizontal space for mounting.

If attached to conventional handlebars, the large tapered section limits the available mounting positions.

I, for one, prefer to mount my light, somewhat, in the center.

With this, I can mount it anywhere I like.

■ Important points revealed through a real review

This alone is just general information.

Once you actually install it, you naturally discover tips and precautions that only come from hands-on experience.

• Choose an extension that fits the diameter of your handlebar.

It's a good idea to measure the diameter of your handlebar beforehand.

Many handlebars have different diameters at the center and ends.

Depending on the product, the mounting location may be limited.

When I tried to install it in the center of the handlebar this time, the diameter was too thick, so I had to install it in the position shown in the image.

In the image, ① is the narrow part, ② is the tapered part, and ③ is the thick part.

• Check the compatible diameter of the items you wish to attach.

I didn't anticipate that items already installed might no longer fit when an extension is added.

The diameter of the handlebar and the extension are not necessarily the same.

Check beforehand to ensure compatibility with the extension's diameter.

This is what the finished product looked like.

If you attach too many items, the mounting strength of the bracket may not be able to withstand their combined weight, and you might not be able to maintain your desired angle.

Please be careful.