At least that's what they would have told me at Obi Wan's Cyclery about these ODI bar end plugs. After a Summer distracted by many things velo related, I've returned to the web log about the building of a Soma Smoothie bicycle. Today I relate my experience with the fancy, fine-crafted ODI aluminum bar end plugs. They are a lovely sight to behold with their shimmering aluminum finish, BUT disappointingly do not fit a standard road bar. The problem? The adjustable wedge system which secures the plug to the inside of the bar end is not wide enough, therefore requiring a shim in the remaining gap assuring a tight fit. Ah, yet another shim on this bike.
What's more is the diameter of the cap of the plug is so wide that if you aren't using a thick bar tape, like cork (which I happen to prefer anyhow), there will be overhang (for lack of a better term). In fact I needed to apply a small strip of tape on the end of the bar under the wrap in order for the tape to be flush with the plug. If I were using a bar with a smaller diameter there would be even more overhang! Would I have needed a triple layer of tape on the end?
The little imperfections I must endure. All part of the adventure of building a bicycle.