Nuetech Arm-Pump Eliminator - Dirt Rider Magazine

Calling a product an Arm-Pump Eliminator (APE) is a bold move.
Now, I'm not sure whether handlebar ends have been straight for decades or centuries, but Nuetech has a product that curves the end of the handlebar-a shape claimed to better suit the anatomy than a straight bar-thus eliminating dreaded arm-pumpage.The first thing anyone asks is, "How do they make the throttle work with a bend in it?" Easy. The handlebar must be cut shorter on each side. On the clutch side the APE tightens like a hand-guard insert, and a new grip is glued over it. On the throttle side an insert is plugged into the bar and the APE curved throttle tube has a bearing that mates with the bar insert. Most riders feel awkward for a couple of laps and then forget about the curved feel. Others couldn't get used to the curved grip area at all. For sure, the curved ends give your outer fingers a more positive and stronger grip. Some riders still got arm-pump. Most found that arm-pump was at least delayed. And a couple of riders, who have numbness issues in their hands when riding, found that they could ride longer with less hand trouble. If you have a significant issue with your hands when riding, this $99.95 product is one avenue you could explore.We saw enough improvement to recommend it, however, it does have some serious limitations.If you don't like the APE, you're out the $100 for the bar ends plus the cost of a pair of grips and a new handlebar, since chopping off the ends is permanent. Also, it limits some adjustability. The APE ends need to be adjusted to conform to the angle of the control levers, and once you glue on the grips, you can't adjust the angle of the clutch side. You can't run wraparound hand guards, either. Some products are for every rider, these are not. For some riders they're a lifesaver, and we appreciate the out-of-the-box thinking that developed them. None of our riders found they completely eliminated arm-pump...the search continues. -Karel Kramer