It only takes a few minutes - I would have the LBS do it. Congrats on training for your ride - I also ride a hybrid and have carpal tunnel. I was not getting enough hand positions on my handlebar and thought it was my grips also, but what I had our LBS install was bar ends and they are wrapped. The wrap is for grip and comfort I believe. Anyway I am so thankful that I went with the bar ends - no more hand numbness, tingling or pain in the palm. Make sure you also get (or maybe you already have) some decent cycling gloves. Mine are Chiba gel pros and they really protect the hands and have gel cushions where my hand contacts the bar. Good luck with your training. I am also training for a MS150 ride in May with my DH.