Bar ends, also known as "bullhorns" or "goat horns" (excluding road bike drop bars or time trial bars), are generally referred to as bullhorns when long and curved, and goat horns when short and relatively straight. Originally, bar ends were mainly used on mountain bikes, installed at both ends of the straight handlebars. A few people also install them in the middle of mountain bike handlebars. The functions of bar ends are: first, to provide more riding postures and body angles; second, to make it easier to pull and exert force when climbing hills; third, to offer some protection in case of a fall. The installation angle of bar ends varies from person to person, but they are usually angled slightly upward and forward.
Small-wheel folding bikes share many similarities with mountain bikes, so the reasons for installing bar ends mentioned above also apply. Moreover, for small-wheel folding bikes, installing bar ends is even more necessary. In fact, it’s not just about looking "good" or "more sporty" — those are secondary. The main reasons are: first, because the handlebars of small-wheel folding bikes are narrower and the steering control is slightly inferior, adding bar ends provides an additional grip position at both ends of the handlebar, thereby improving handling; second, also related to handling, is the need for folding. Small-wheel folding bikes usually do not have forward-extending stems like road or mountain bikes — the handlebar and stem are on the same plane. This type of handlebar structure significantly affects riding control. Many people who ride these bikes for the first time often feel unstable, as if the bike is wobbly and hard to control, which is actually related to this handlebar design. Installing bar ends greatly enhances handling, especially when standing and pedaling, as gripping the bar ends allows for smoother and more natural force application.
The additional grip position provided by bar ends is especially important during long-distance rides. Since small-wheel folding bikes use straight handlebars like mountain bikes, riders cannot change their body posture, adjust or shift their center of gravity by switching grip positions as they can with drop-bar road bikes. Maintaining the same posture for a long time can easily lead to rapid fatigue in the waist, back, shoulders, and arms. With bar ends installed, riders can change grip positions anytime during the ride to adjust posture and reduce fatigue.
Needless to say, the role of bar ends in climbing is significant, similar to that on mountain and road bikes — any bike designed for climbing typically uses wider handlebars, making it easier to breathe and exert force. The same reasoning applies to choosing bar ends for small-wheel folding bikes: generally, short and straight "goat horn" bar ends are more suitable. For example, the ergonomic bar ends that come with SpeedPro are an excellent design. On one hand, because it’s a "folding bike," overly long bar ends (like bullhorns) would take up considerable space when folding, affecting the bike's foldability. On the other hand, it’s also a matter of simplicity and aesthetics.