I just noticed it has been a while, so there may be some new members who would like an extension bar. Let me know if you are interested.
I need the diameter of the existing bar, they seem to vary betweeen 16 and 18mm, and the length, most have been 200mm. Much longer than this may put excessive strain on the joining bolt. Also the thread for the retaining screw at the end, stops the counterweights from falling off. Most are M6, but some have been different, always the ones I didn't check

I use a high tensile bolt of this thread to join the extension to the existing bar.