Titanium Bar Plugs 3g Pair Lightest TiNE Component Hex Star Cutout

At 3g per pair, the TiNE titanium bar plugs are the lightest component in the entire product catalog. They are also the simplest — two small cylinders that plug into the ends of the handlebar. But simplicity does not mean they were easy to design. The hexagonal star cutout pattern is a topology-optimized structure: the six-point star removes material from low-stress zones while maintaining the plug's ability to resist impact and stay seated in the bar end under road vibration.

Why Titanium Bar Plugs Matter

Bar plugs are a safety item. Without them, the open ends of a drop bar present a sharp carbon edge that can cause injury in a crash. Most bikes ship with plastic plugs that work fine but look generic and crack after a season of use. Alloy plugs are more durable but heavier. The TiNE titanium plugs offer the durability of metal at a weight close to plastic, with an anodized finish that adds color to the bar end — one of the few places on a road bike where a small color accent is visible from the riding position.

3g vs What

The 3g pair weight puts the bar plugs in the same weight class as a set of four TiNE water bottle bolts (~3.0g). Both are among the smallest titanium upgrades you can make on a road bike. The difference is visibility: bottle bolts are hidden under the cage, while bar plugs sit at the end of the bar, visible to the rider and anyone looking at the bike from the side.

Fit and Compatibility

The TiNE bar plugs fit handlebars with an internal diameter of approximately 19mm — which covers the vast majority of road drop bars on the market. The plug diameter is slightly larger than the bar's inner diameter, and the titanium's slight flex allows it to press-fit securely into place. The hex star cutout also serves as a visual identifier: when you see the six-point star at the end of a bar, you know it is TiNE.

CNC machined from Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V. Eight anodized colors available. Sold as a pair (left and right).