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Cycling is a popular activity among many — from those who commute to work and school by bike to those who cycle for pleasure and exercise. Many choose to cycle rather than drive cars because bikes don’t pollute the environment. But regardless of how much you ride your bike, there’s one big problem that all bike owners face: rust, wear, and tear.
If you invest in good-quality handlebar end caps, you won’t have to worry about rust getting into your handlebars and ruining your components. These caps help protect your bike from rust, prolonging your bike's life. Not only do these end caps help keep your bike in working order, but they also add a touch of style to your bike’s overall look.
In order to help you make the right decision, we've researched and compiled a list of the highest-rated handlebar end caps of 2024. Let's take a look!
Comparing the Top Handlebar End Caps of 2024
WAKE Handlebar End Caps — Most Durable
Tired of your boring bike and looking to spruce things up? The WAKE Handlebar End Caps might be just what you’ve been looking for! These handy little end plugs are made of rubber, sponge, and aluminum and are designed to fit most hybrid bicycles, mountain bikes, and road bikes. Adding a touch of style to your bike, these end caps are incredibly lightweight and easy to install, making them some of the most durable and functional bar end plugs on the market.
With so many colors to choose from — including black, red, gold, blue, and gray — there’s an option for everyone. These bike handlebar plugs come in a set of two, so you can outfit both handlebars on your bike. With these handlebar end caps you can style and personalize your favorite bike while ensuring that your handlebars are protected from harsh weather.
Pros
- Made of durable materials
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Available in four colors
- Comes in a set of two
Cons
- May not fit all handlebar sizes
MARQUE Handlebar End Caps — Best Design
We never thought that something so small could impact the overall look of a bike so much. But that’s the case with the MARQUE Handlebar End Caps. These small end plugs are the difference between a janky and uncared-for bike and a sleek, stylish machine.
These handlebar end caps come in a variety of colors to perfectly match your bike's aesthetic and paint job. They're made out of durable aluminum, so you don't have to worry about them breaking or wearing down with time. Plus, the laser etching is a nice touch that adds a bit of personality to your handlebars. Installing these end caps is a breeze, thanks to the elastic elastomers that fit most handlebar ends. Thanks to their minimalistic design, these handlebar end caps go well with just about any color bar tape.
Pros
- Adds personality to your bike
- Durable and long-lasting build
- Simple and straightforward to install
- Minimalistic, stylish design
Cons
- Some may not like the look
FOMTOR Handlebar End Caps — Top Lightweight
Are you looking for a way to add style and personality to your bike while protecting it from rain, snow, and harsh weather? Look no further than the FOMTOR Handlebar End Caps! These stylish and durable bar ends are the perfect way to cap off your handlebars while providing extra protection. As these plugs are made from aluminum alloy, they're extremely lightweight yet still durable. These bar end plugs can handle anything — from riding on the road to taking on some challenging mountain trails.
Coming in a pack of two, you can outfit both of your handlebars with these plugs and ensure that your bike looks great from all angles. So, if you're looking for a stylish and functional way to protect your bike, pick up a set of these handlebar end caps.
Pros
- Aluminum alloy construction
- Available in a pack of two
- Ideal for road and mountain biking
Cons
- May be too small
Goldfire Handlebar End Caps — Best Color Selection
What better way to ramp up the aesthetic of your bike than with some bright, colorful handlebar end caps from Goldfire? These bar plugs come in a wide variety of colors — including yellow, green, and orange — to match any bike, and they're just the thing to add some personality to your two-wheeled ride.
These end caps are super easy to install. Just unscrew your old end caps and screw these caps in. In no time at all, you'll be enjoying the sweet look of your new handlebar end caps and probably getting a few compliments along the way. Made from durable aluminum alloy and rubber, these handlebar end caps are built to last. Plus, a universal fit means they'll work with any ⅞-inch handlebars.
Pros
- Universal fit for easy installation
- Durable aluminum alloy build
- Aesthetic design matches with most bikes
Cons
- Quality may be low
Buying Guide: Handlebar End Caps
Although seemingly trivial, handlebar end caps can mean the difference between a great ride and a not-so-great one. To make sure that you have a great ride, it’s important to choose the right end caps for your bike. Here’s a buyer’s guide to help you choose a set of end caps that work best for you.
What Are the Benefits of Using Handlebar End Caps?
End caps are small plastic or metal plugs that cover the end of your handlebars. Most end caps serve two purposes: to keep dirt and water out of the inside of your handlebars and to keep you from impaling yourself on the end of your bars in the event of a crash. Below, we’ll go over some other key reasons why it’s important to use handlebar end caps.
Rust protection
Handlebar end caps protect your bike and handlebars from rust and corrosion. Most handlebars are made of steel, which is highly susceptible to rust, especially if exposed to salt water. End caps help protect the inside of your bars from rain, sleet, moisture, and harsh weather.
Vibration absorption
Another benefit of using handlebar end caps is that they can help absorb vibration. While this is most noticeable on carbon fiber handlebars, end caps can help dampen vibration on any handlebar regardless of what it’s made out of.
Crash protection
Covering the ends of the bars helps prevent the bars from bending or breaking off entirely in the event of a crash. This is especially important on fragile carbon fiber bars, which can easily be damaged in an accident.
How To Pick the Right Handlebar End Caps
Size
The size of the end caps determines if you’ll be able to fit them on your bike or not. Make sure to measure your handlebars first before purchasing bar end caps. Keep in mind that there are different sizes for mountain bikes and road bikes. Mountain bike end caps are generally bigger so they can fit on thicker handlebars. Road bike end caps are smaller since road bike handlebars tend to be thinner.
Finish
The finish of the end cap affects its overall look. There are different finishes available, such as polished, anodized, and powder coated. Each offers particular benefits in terms of functionality and the appearance they offer your bike. If you want a more sleek and elegant look, go for a polished or anodized finish. If you want something more rugged and durable, go for a powder-coated finish.
Color
End caps are available in a wide range of colors. You can choose classic colors like black and silver or choose a more flashy color like red or blue. If you're feeling bold, you can mix and match your end caps for a two-tone effect. No matter your style, there's an end cap color that's perfect for you.
How To Attach Handlebar End Caps to Your Bike
Handlebar end caps are an important part of your bike, but they can be tricky to attach. Here's a quick guide on how to do it:
- Start by removing the handlebar grips from your bike.
- Once the grips are off, look at the handlebar ends. You should see two small holes near the end of each bar. These holes are where the end caps will go.
- Take one of the end caps and line it up against the opening of the handlebar.
- Once the end cap is in place, use a small Phillips head screwdriver to screw it into the handlebar.
- Do the same for the other end of the bar.
- Once both end caps are in place, you can put the handlebar grips back on.
