Handlebar end plugs are super useful bicycle accessories that offer both functional advantages and aesthetic additions to your bike. However, with so many end plugs on the market, picking the right models for your needs can feel like a challenge. So, let’s take a look at some of the key factors you need to keep in mind to help you choose the right handlebar end plugs to suit your bike.
First of all, it’s important to understand that there are a few different types of handlebar end plugs. Push in plugs, for example, simply push right into the ends of your handlebars. They’re commonly used on road bikes and are really easy to work with, usually made of nylon or plastic.
Extender plugs are another popular choice, and they’re one of the toughest options to consider for your bike. These handlebar end plugs are able to extend, giving you longer handlebars to hold onto.
There are also bar-end plugs. As the name implies, bar end caps aren’t quite the same as regular plugs. They simply fit over the ends of the bars of a bike, rather than being pushed into the bars. They’re more for aesthetics than real protection.
If you’re new to the world of cycling, you might not be familiar with the term “handlebar end plugs”. Also known as bar end plugs, these items are small but important parts of any bike. As the name suggests, they’re small, plug-like items that stick into the open ends of your bike’s handlebars.
Most bikes come with their own handlebar end plugs by default, but they may wear down over time and need replacing. Or, your bike may not have any handlebar end plugs, to begin with, in which case it is important for you to invest in a set of good quality end plugs to slip inside your handlebars.
So, now that we know what handlebar end plugs are, what are handlebar end plugs for? Well, they have a couple of purposes. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main uses and advantages of handlebar end plugs for bike maintenance.
One of the main purposes of handlebar end plugs is to protect the handlebars in the event of a crash. If you crash or collide with something without any plugs present, the handlebars might
Another big benefit of using end plugs is to protect yourself and others around you. If you crash with a bike that has open-ended handlebars, the bars could cause puncture wounds or serious injuries. The presence of plugs helps to reduce the risk of such nasty accidents occurring.
Handlebar end plugs also have an aesthetic advantage. They’re available in many colors and designs and can add some fun visual flair to your bike.
Kicking off our list of the top handlebar end plugs, we have these plugs from Domain Cycling. Available in a wide range of colors, like blue, gold, green, and purple, these handlebar end plugs can match the design of your bike without standing out or looking strange. They’re crafted from top quality aluminum for maximum durability, with a smooth matte finish for aesthetics. Each plug is expandable too, ready to fit all sorts of bikes, from BMX bikes to MTBs and more. As well as being widely compatible, these handlebar end plugs also come complete with a lifetime guarantee, with no questions asked refunds if you have any issues. With their solid designs and impressive warranty protection, these plugs win our best overall award.
Next up, we have these great handlebar end plugs from Marque. Made from strong aluminum, these handlebar end plugs are ready to last for years of use, so you won’t have to worry about replacing your end plugs over and over again. They’re fully expandable and adjustable to fit snugly and securely in your handlebars, and they’re specially designed for use with drop bars. Users really love these handlebar end caps, with many people commenting on their snug fit and impressive durability. Plus, you can pick from four different colors to suit the style and theme of your bike.
If you’ve got a BMX and you’re looking for a good set of handlebar end plugs to complete your bike, you may want to consider this set from Wake. Crafted to suit most BMX bikes, as well as road bikes, MTBs, and mountain bikes, these rubber and aluminum end plugs are available in black, red, gold, and blue. They’re really shiny and impressive to look at, instantly adding some visual flair and excitement to your bike’s design. These plugs are surprisingly strong and lightweight, snapping securely into position and remaining in place to protect your handlebars against future damages. Users are also impressed by how easy these plugs are to use, as you can simply pop them into the bars and start riding without any delay.
One of the issues with owning a bike is that you can end up spending a lot of money on all of the different items and accessories. So you might be looking to save a little cash, and these handlebar end plugs from Platt are ideally-suited for people with a strict budget. They’re a great value buy, available at a lower price than most other sets on the market, while still offering decent levels of strength and protection. These handlebar end plugs feature a mixture of rubber and aluminum, blending strength and flexibility to fit snugly inside the bars of most kinds of bikes, like road bikes, mountain bikes, and BMXs too. They’re lightweight, easy to install, and relatively durable.
Last but not least, the final entry in our list of handlebar end plugs is this set of two plugs from Fomtor. Made from aluminum and suitable for road and mountain bikes alike, these end plugs immediately stand out from the crowd with their distinctive design. They feature shiny, metallic ends and are available in four bold colors, including blue, black, and red. No matter which color you pick, you’ll get a striking set of handlebar end plugs that instantly add class and style to your bike. These plugs are highly functional, as well as visually appealing, adding some much-needed protection to the ends of your bike’s handlebars to protect you and your bike in case of a crash.
A: Handlebar end plugs should be replaced when they start to break or crack. Riding your bike with damaged end plugs not only looks bad, but it can also be dangerous too.
A: This will depend on the color of your bike, as well as your personal preferences. Some people like their handlebar end plugs to match the rest of their bike, while others prefer to choose a statement color.
A: These plugs can help protect your handlebars from damage. They can also give your bike a more personal look.
