Lightweight expander plug | A dangerous bike upgrade

Lightweight expander plugs & top caps from AliExpress, light and cheap, but what are the risks?

SIROKO CLOTHING LINK – Additional 10% off - https://srko.co/tracevelo

I am always on the look out for inexpensive bike mods that knock some weight off my road bike, and AliExpress has come to the rescue once again. Lightweight headset expander plugs or compression plugs, and lightweight top caps are an inexpensive way to drop around 45 grams from the bike.

However, when using carbon fibre steerer tubes you need to be careful. The smaller size of the expander plugs can put a lot more strain on the carbon, which could lead to a stress fracture, and potentially a catastrophic failure or a crash.

But they can be installed safely. I’ve had a pretty good experience with them, and my carbon forks have remained solid. So let’s go over the risks, what to avoid, and how to install them properly.

Got any questions or comments, stick them below 👇 and I'll try and get back to as many of you as I can!

Timestamps:
00:00 – Start
00:44 – Sponsor segment
01:23 – Intro
03:31 – Lightweight parts - Cost & weight
05:10 – Expander plugs & carbon fibre
07:55 – Lightweight expander plugs - My Experience
08:50 – Carbon steerer expansion demo
11:15 – Lightweight expander plugs - Installation
12:41 – Final Thoughts

Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.uk

Music:
Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)
Fresh Healthy Perspectives
Patrick Patrikios (   / @patrick-jordan-patrikios  )
Just Dance
Lakey Inspired (  / lakeyinspired  )
The Process, In My Dreams
Noir Et Blanc Vie (   / billyocean2185  )
Still Not Rite
NoMBe (   / @nombe  )
Take Me Down to The Fashion Show

About Trace Velo:
I love cycling, and I love getting pro cycling kit for less. If it’s cheap, from China, and made of carbon fibre, I’m interested!

Instagram:
  / tracevelo  

Email:
[email protected]

Please note:
With the exception of Siroko, all other products demonstrated in this video have been purchased by me, and I have no affiliation to any of the sellers or vendors shown.

In addition, I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.

In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!