Looking for bar plugs that are different from the regular plastic crap that came with the new REI handlebar tape I want to install on my bike. These plastic junks sometimes fall out, so I am looking for something that will stay put and is not terribly expensive. Maybe something like the old ones with expander plugs.

As always, thanks for all input.

Velox stay put, and won't core-sample you in a crash.

Cut-down wine bottle corks

+1 on Velox if you are looking for something inexpensive.
Grand Bois, Velo Orange and Nitto also have some nice looking plugs but a little more expensive.

Are those the rubber ones with the screw in the middle? They always worked well in the past. I'm not sure what the "modern" equivalent is.

Yes. Lickbike.com | Velox Bar Plugs - pair

Will the Velox plugs work with 31.8mm handlebars?

Only the clamping portion of the bars measures 31.8mm.

On the rare occasion I have a plug too loose, I just wrap tape around it to tighten it up.

Velox or Cateye are my favorites.

Stock plugs usually work fine if you stuff the end of the tape into the bar with them but expanding plugs pretty much last forever, so why not get 'em.

The ODs of road bars, beyond the center bulge, are all the same. The ID can vary slightly since lighter bars have thinner walls and will be a bit bigger where the bar ends go. The Velox plugs are adjustable enough to work over the entire range.

BTW, Trek dealers have "Bontrager" branded bar plugs that have circular rings around the stub that goes into the bars and these have a pretty firm grip on all of the bars I've used them in. They are very cheap or even free if the dealer likes you.

Yeah, I have the Bontrager Bzzzkill Harmonic Dampers. The problem I have with them is that they are too hard to stuff in after wrapping my bars from the end as I usually do.

I think I'll order the Velox.

Anyone familiar with or using these Soma Alloy Bar Plugs?


Soma Alloy Bar Plugs - Outside Outfitters

I hope my knees never get familiar with one of those plugs. Andy.

Velox is a good plug but boring. If you want something a bit more dressy, go with Purely Custom. You can get them in nearly any color you like with art work if you like. They even have bejeweled ones

I'm partial to the old-school plastic ones with an expander wedge. Cateye still makes some in that style. Can't stand the crappy ones included with most bar tape.

The customs are not all that different from the Soma Alloy Plugs, except for the razzle-dazzle. And considering I have more than one bike, then the Somas might be the economical choice.

Those damn boring Velox plugs

Odyssey BMX plugs. Plastic, expander wedge, well made, come in several colors (white, black, red, purple). Work well, look good, do everything a bar end should.

+1 though i don't cut them down, I leave them stick out around 3/16 to protect the frame from handlebar strikes.

No, the Soma's aren't all that different in concept from Velox. The Velox, however, would work better with a compressible rubber grommet rather than a metal wedge and, since cost seems to be an issue, they are much cheaper.

On the other hand, the razzle-dazzle is the reason to buy the Purely Custom.

I thought Berthoud. has a fancy Leather one (i expect like Velox , It's Screw expands some plug inside the bar .
touring bikes, travel bikes, road bikes : Gilles Berthoud Cycles. Makers of tandem bicycles and custom bicycles


I have the gear shifter in My Bar ends .. on drop Bars ..

With straight bar grips , putting a Nickel in the bottom of the grip will reduce the biscuit cutting out of the grip end when you crash.

Champagne corks.

Too bulbous. I currently have two champagne corks on hand, but they won't work unless with considerable shaving, which then leaves them "ugly."

I don't mind boring if they work well.

Velox. About $7-$8 a pair.


Nitto. Functionally they're the same thing but classier and come in a variety of colors. About $18 - fashion doesn't come dirt cheap. Mine are silver.



Divide by the number of years they last and both options are effectively free.