If you've ever lost a bar end plug mid-ride — or found one rattling around in your jersey pocket — you're not alone. It's one of the most common minor annoyances cyclists deal with. But it doesn't have to be.

Why Plastic Push-In Plugs Fail

Most bar end plugs use a simple friction-fit design. You push them in, and they stay put... until they don't.

The problem is that road vibration constantly works against friction. Every bump, every rough patch of tarmac loosens the plug bit by bit. Add in temperature changes that cause materials to expand and contract, and it's only a matter of time before they pop out.

Plastic also degrades over time. UV exposure and repeated stress make the material brittle, reducing its ability to grip the inside of your handlebar.

More Than Just an Annoyance

A missing end plug isn't just a cosmetic issue. Without it, your bar tape starts unraveling from the end. The exposed handlebar edge can scratch your frame — or worse, cause injury in a crash. And if you lean your bike against a wall or rack, that open aluminum tube is vulnerable to dents and damage.

The Screw-In Difference

Screw-in end plugs solve this problem mechanically. Instead of relying on friction, they use an expansion system that locks inside the handlebar.

Here's how it works

A hex bolt runs through the center of the plug. When you tighten it with a 3mm Allen key, the internal structure expands outward, pressing firmly against the inner wall of your handlebar. It's a physical lock, not a friction fit.

This means vibration doesn't loosen it — if anything, the constant pressure keeps it secure. And because the mechanism is metal-based, it won't degrade or lose grip over time.

CRODER Aluminum Bar End Plugs

CRODER's end plugs use this screw-in design with a CNC aluminum cap and ABS expansion body. The 25.4mm cap fits standard road drop bars, with an 18.2mm body diameter designed to fit securely inside the handlebar. The anodized finish with laser-etched designs means they look as good as they perform.

Every CRODER Touch bar tape set includes matching aluminum end plugs as standard. If you just need the plugs, they're also available separately — ready to upgrade whatever tape you're currently running.