Barends

What are Bar Ends and what is their main purpose?

Bar Ends (or Plugs) are caps for the open ends of the handlebar. Their purpose is primarily Safety. An open metal tube acts like a hole punch in a crash and can cause life-threatening injuries. Additionally, they protect the handlebar and the skatepark floor from damage.

What types of Bar Ends are available?

We distinguish mainly by the material and mounting mechanism.

Plug-In (Nylon/Plastic)

The standard. They are simply hammered into the tube. Light, cheap, and gentle on skatepark ramps. Required in most indoor parks!

Screw-In (Expansion Wedge)

Usually made of aluminium or steel. A wedge spreads inside the handlebar when screwed tight. They hold much better than plastic plugs.

Which materials are used?

Nylon / Plastic

Ideal for Street and Park. Slides well on concrete/wood and doesn't damage ramps.

Aluminium

Very durable (e.g., for Flatland bikes that often land on the side). Caution: Can create sharp burrs on concrete over time.

Steel

Extremely robust, mostly used for Flatland.

Which Bar End is right for my needs?

How do I install Bar Ends?

1. Plug-In: Ideally press in by hand. If too tight, use a rubber mallet. Do not use a steel hammer directly on the plastic!
2. Screw-In: Insert, tighten the Allen bolt until the wedge locks inside the bar.

How do I identify and fix common problems?

• Plastic plug falls out constantly: Wrap some tape around the lamellas to increase the diameter, then hammer it back in.
• Plug doesn't fit (too big): Some thick-walled handlebars (e.g., Flatland or Surly) have a smaller inner diameter. You might need to cut/sand the plastic ribs slightly.

What do the specifications mean?