Can't attach bar ends on the 2011 Trek 7.5 FX
 

Has anyone else discovered this roadblock? The new Bontrager handlebar with Isozone area on the grip is designed in such a way that it's impossible to attach bar ends. If you remove the end cap you can see that the bar isn't round. From Trek: "These bars have a specially shaped area beneath the grip with a unique elastomer insert that is designed to disperse pressure, absorb impact, and reduce vibration."

IMHO, there isn't a flat bar design around that would remove the desire to change hand positions on a ride longer than 30 minutes. I love the bike--I get more comfortable with it every time I ride, but finding out I couldn't attach bar ends is a real disappointment. I get the feeling the IsoZone feature is more a marketing gimmick than anything else. I know I can switch out handlebars but it just rubs me the wrong way to have to spend more money to add them.

Has anyone found bar ends that work with this design?

I would return the bike. That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard of. Seriously. Is the long axis of the oval wider than regular handlebars? If so, how do you get levers off and on? Some levers have two bolt clamps and don't need to be slid on, but most do not as far as I know. I guess lock-on grips aren't an option either. :(

My new bike has a lot of cheesy components too, but nothing that has gotten in my way like that. These handlebars added cost to your bike while decreasing functionality! Keith Bontrager's name meant something to me once.

I believe this is what it has, or at least very close.

http://bontrager.com/model/09171

Yes that's the one. Here's a link that will show a drawing. The end plug is designed to fit in the notch at the end of the handlebar so the grip clamp has surface contact on the entire circumference.

http://bontrager.com/technology/info...ndlebar_system


If anyone is considering this bike, or any other Trek model with this bar system, and want's to be able to ride any distances (and who wouldn't) I would ask your LBS to change it out so you can add bar ends.

If anyone who works for Trek is reading this: you blew it.

That is one interesting product i am not aware of,nice idea for those who doesn't want bar ends on their bikes,is that the whole idea behind this new bar? i have Ergon grips and gel filled gloves and feel no problems,may be swapping for another bar with you lbs is another alternative, good luck.

It's not a bad idea, just limiting. I'm also thinking I need to add a spacer or two to raise the handlebar a bit to help take some weight off my hands. I thought I saw instructions in one of the forums for doing that but haven't been able to locate them.

I recently got a 2011 7.5fx and am curious about this as well. Bumping old thread in case someone knows of anything,

edit* after reading another thread about this I'm almost sure they don't make anything for these.. so I have decided to customize some bar ends that WILL fit. Should be an interesting diy.

I have a 7.5 FX and replaced the handlebars and grips and added bar ends. Here is a write up i did about it on my blog http://bartsbiking.com/?p=510

If you do, post it up! Thats my summer DIY also :thumb:

...

Good luck, let us know how it goes, but there is no way those can support an adult male leaning with their weight into it.

1st post on this forum. I bought a 7.5FX last week, and was also disappointed to find I couldn't get bar ends, although my shop offered to swap out the bars at no cost. I like riding with the Isozone grips, my hands actually feel better than with bar ends, but would like the ability to change position more. I e-mailed Bontrager with these concerns, and just received a reply that there will be compatable bar ends available for the Isozone bars in June, with pricing anticipated to be similar to existing bar ends on the market. I will be watching for them.

Nice to meet you all.

Awesome info Gharp and Hlothery. I was trying to create "adapter" but to be honest, it wasn't quite coming out as i had hoped.

Sounds great! I'll be on the lookout for those. Something they should have done in the first place! good to know they are listening at least.

although it sucks u cant attach bar ends on it, these hand grips are some of the best i've ever used. i hate the ones on my 09 7.2 (and they would turn as i rode too -wtf?) and even the ones on my 7.7 i didnt like... these have a nice feel to them and they're comfy. i've done 30 mile rides and my hands haven't gotten numb or any odd feeling like i had on the other bikes.

I also emailed Trek and received the same response:

Thanks for your email. We are actually working on having aftermarket bar-ends available for those bars currently. Once we do have them available, we will be notifying all of our dealers so they can get some ordered for you.

FYI. Having now had several rides with these bars and grips, I really like them. My hands feel much better during a ride than they did with my prior bar ends and grip tape. I will certainly investigate the bar ends when they are available.....you can't get too many hand position options, IMHO. But, I have no complaints with the Isobars and grips.

Yes I found the mirror. It is the LTD Mirrycle for Bontrager Satellire Isozone Grip.
I spoke with Mirrcycle customer service (303) 442-3212 and found out that the mirror was designed for the Hande bars on the FX treks. Trek dealers can get this part from Trek and should have them in stock. Assembly Instructions are at http://www.mirrycle.com/instructions/ltd-mirror-instructions-english-german.pdf

Nice grip, looks like a little more drastic proportions that came on my Roam. It would've been nice for Giant to offer some matching bar ends as well.

I have successfully put bar ends on the isozone handlebars. I used the mirrycle extension, but added some rubber strips around it to fit the bar ends I got, added a washer with screw on the ends to make it more secure. Works fine and supports my upper body weight. Will post pictures this afternoon and instructions if anyone wants to do it too.

:d

I'm so disappointed with Trek. I bought a 7.3FX a few months ago because I got a good deal on the bike. I originally planned on getting a 7.2 but was talked into the 7.3 by the LBS because of a special sale they were having. Now I'm stuck with buyers remorse because of the lack of bar end options for this bike. Any money I saved from getting such a good price on the bike will be wiped out due to replacing the bar and grips or as
someone else previously stated "These handlebars added cost to the bike while decreasing functionality!". Now Trek has made the situation even worse buy lying to their customers. When Trek received the 1st complaints about the bar end issue, they told people including me that "Trek would release comparable bar ends for the Isozone bars in June". It's now July 1st and available in June has turned into " within the next few months". I can't keep waiting to see when or if Trek follows thru and actually releases compatible bar ends.
A few mounts ago I decided to get serious about my health. I spent the last 8 weeks prepping to run my 1st 5k, which I just completed. My next goal was to ride a metric century this year and a full one next year. For distance riding I would think bar ends would be almost a requirement. Little did I know that I was buying the only bike model in the world that prevents people from easily adding a common accessory.
Now I have to decide if I sale my almost new bike at a loss to replace it with a Sirrus or trash the brand new bar and grips for something else. It's really frustrating because I like the bike overall but can't help the nagging feeling that I was cheated.

take a deep breath and step away from the edge

relax, I'm sure Trek didn't single you out to cheat you. Having bar ends isn't going to stop you from doing a metric century, just get out there and do it. Waiting for bar ends gives you something to look forward to. relax, you bought yourself a good bike. Save your 'nagging feelings' for something a little more worthwhile.

I did 2 centuries and many 80 mile plus rides last year on a peice of **** bike with no ergon grips or bar ends. Yes i am way more comfortable this year with bar ends and Ergon grips, but using that as a reason not to do miles is just an excuse.

Yes it is a very bad design choice by Trek, But its been all over these forums and on Trek's FAQ that you cant add bar ends, yes it sucks but i knew that full well when i bought my 7.5fx and replaced the handlebars.