I have been getting strange urges to fit barends to my rather "freeride" stylee bike.

oh god.

Thankfully i do have (wide) flat bars, and it's a hardtail... so i might have some chance of getting away with it.

The urges to get a good ol' handful of 'end and honk on up things are getting stronger and I just don't know how long I can fight it... what do I do?

Do it.

Go on, you know you want to.

do it, if you want to, what diference does it make if the fashion police dislike it.

ahhh, but not only will they not like it, they'll also come 'round and put a stick in your spokes when you're on some downhill.


Careful.

Don't do it! you know how important it is that you bike looks completely cool, regardless of actual functionality. In fact, while you're at it you should replace those tacky flats with some risers and the front suspension with some rigid forks (Kona project 2s or Tribal jobs).

Fashion; is there anything else worth following?

Well you can't REALLY call it a free ride bike with flats can you? I have risers AND ends on mine, be cause I too can't resist the urge for a "handful of end" - I'm just so old I can't hear the laughter.

Do it!

"Phat Gangsta Polecat" & you worry about the fashion police. I bet you wear an anorak.