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review
Bar ends
Smica Bar EndsSmica bar ends

Smica Bar Ends

8
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Apr 23, 2009

0
£19.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Very well made bar ends for the weight conscious
Weight: 
58g
Contact: 
www.zyro.co.uk
How we test

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Weighing a svelte 58g per pair these Smica bar ends are a good choice for weight watchers and a boon for riders with small hands.

Constructed from forged 3D 7075 T6 head treated Aluminium and with a micro-grooved finish, they provide comfortable and secure grip in all conditions, with or without gloves. The ergonomic end plugs provide the ideal perch for thumbs where they naturally fall. Measuring a mere 85mm they’re not the best choice for riders with larger hands or longer fingers: my hands felt a little cramped at times.

Tightened to the correct tolerances they are extremely rigid, notably more so than most, especially around the pinch bolts. Mounted inboard of the grips on my son’s tag along they’ve markedly improved his experience by providing not only an alternative hand position but shelter from wind blast, meaning he’s been more tolerant of longer, early season saunters.

They can feel a little direct over rougher terrain and those venturing beyond the beaten track would be advised to wear gel mitts or fit offcuts of bar tape to insulate against shock. Black anodizing and laser-etched graphics not only look sharp but should remain so- accidental brushes with brickwork have left very minor impressions but if, after a few seasons, they started to look tired, you could always strip them with Nitromors or hide them under tape.

Verdict

Very well made bar ends for the weight conscious

road.cc test report

Make and model: Smica Bar Ends

Size tested: N/A

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The ends are designed with performance orientated weight watchers in mind but have a lot to offer those with small hands.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Made from heat treated 7075 series aluminium, measure 85mm and weigh 58g pair.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Very nicely made and with some very pleasant detailing.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Seem very stout and the finish should hold its looks for a few seasons.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

58g is nice and feathery

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
6/10

Very comfortable, ergonomic detailing but feel cramped if you've long fingers.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Reasonable pricing.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Super stiff construction is great but they can feel restrictive over longer periods.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Quality of construction and finish.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Provided they had small hands

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

Smica
bar ends
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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