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 (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTPI2hZYxoHtdGEpdFoaU5A) Just Dance Lakey Inspired (https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired) The Process, In My Dreams Noir Et Blanc Vie (https://www.youtube.com/user/billyocean2185) Still Not Rite NoMBe (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa2Lphlcewqb42zSjAuie5w) 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: https://www.instagram.com/tracevelo/ Email: tracevelouk@gmail.com 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!!!