Question about Gripshift

[Shaggy]

I had question that was asked of me, but I use Rapidfire, not Gripshift...which means I don't really know anything about GS.  
A friend is looking to put a set of bar ends on the current set of bars, but the bike shop told her she would need new shifters and a new set of bars.  But they didn't really give a reason as to why.  I'm thinking it's a bunch of BS...the bike is relatively new and she just wants to have bar ends.
Why wouldn't she be able to move the shifter /       stationary grip over and put bar ends on?  Is there something about GS that makes this impossible?  
Thanks...
Josh

[debaucherous]

I have used SRAM's exclusively for several years now.  I damaged a thumb pretty badly in a skiing accident and can't use rapid fires on anything but short rides.  I don't use bar ends anymore, but one bike I bought new came with bar ends and gs.  



Sounds like a sales guy is fishing for sales - though it is possible that the bars are some funky off-brand, but I doubt it.

[Dennis]

I used bar ends with gripshift for years. to me, the salesman is trying to take advantage of an "unknowing" female. happens all the time, my female friends tell me, when they try to buy sports equipment, cars, etc.
anyway, most grip manufacturers make grips in two different lengths, regular and "gripshift length"
the gripshift length grips are shorter so the shifters do not have to move in towards the stem at all and provide room for the bar ends on the outside. or, you could just cut the current stationary grips shorter, which is done all the time. I would tell her to try a different bike shop, or do it yourself, its very easy.
any other questions, let us know.
[smiley=groucho.gif]

[Shaggy]

Good stuff to know...I thought the shop was trying to make more of a sale than the would have with just the bar ends and installation, but I didn't know the difference between GS and RF installations.  Thanks for the help...

[Matno]

One possibility is that she has a bend in her bars (especially if she has riser bars that are short) that won't allow the brakes/shifters to be moved toward the center any farther. I've seen that before, especially if you have a narrow bar (which women usually prefer) that has a wide mid-section and short ends.

Just a thought.

[BFG]

I've ridden with GS since the x-rays were new.  I'm now running the X9 combo in shorty variety.
If she has a riser bar and the halfpipe style of shifter then there could be a spacing problem.  I ran bar ends with the shortys and had no problems, but the halfpipe style could be a different story.
Ride On!

[pharph]

One possibility is that she has a bend in her bars (especially if she has riser bars that are short) that won't allow the brakes/shifters to be moved toward the center any farther. I've seen that before, especially if you have a narrow bar (which women usually prefer) that has a wide mid-section and short ends.

Just a thought.

Well put.  My thoughts exactly.

[zulu]

I just was in my LBS and they carry a few different grips for GS & RF it shouldnt cost alot for new ones unless the bar dosent allow it.