Titanium Bar End Plug Installation: 4 Steps to 3 g Lighter Ends

Bar end plugs are the small caps pressed into your handlebar ends. Most stock plugs weigh 2–3 g each. TiNE's titanium bar end plugs weigh 3 g for the pair — saving ~2 g versus stock, with a topology-optimized six-point star pattern visible from the side.

How to Install TiNE Bar End Plugs

Tools: rubber mallet, clean rag, optional 3 mm hex for integrated cockpit bar ends.

Step 1 — Remove and Clean the Bar End

Push stock plastic plugs out from inside the bar with a wooden dowel. For integrated cockpits, unbolt the bar end cover first. Wipe the bar end with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove sweat residue and grit.

Step 2 — Orient and Insert

The TiNE plug has a six-point star pattern on the outer face. Insert by hand and align the points vertically (one at 12 o'clock) for a clean look. Confirm the plug sits straight in the bar opening before tapping.

Step 3 — Tap Into Place

Place a clean rag over the plug face to protect the anodized finish. Use a rubber mallet to tap the plug fully into the bar. Stop once the plug face is flush with the bar end. Do not use a metal hammer directly on titanium — it will dent.

Step 4 — Verify Fit

Tug the bar end to confirm the plug is fully seated. It should not pull out, rotate, or rattle. If the bar has an internal rib or undersized bore, wrap a thin layer of bar tape adhesive on the plug before installation.

Compatibility

TiNE bar end plugs fit standard 19 mm internal diameter road bike handlebars. Integrated cockpit systems (Roval Rapide, Canyon CP0018, EXS Aerover) often use proprietary bar end shapes — confirm your system's bar end diameter before ordering. Internal diameter is measured at the bar opening, not the outside diameter.