If you’re tired of replacing bar ends that crack, pop out, or just don’t last, the Odyssey Par Ends are the answer.
After riding BMX for over 20 years and testing countless metal and plastic bar ends, I can confidently say that nothing beats Par Ends.
These lightweight plastic composite bar ends are built to last.
Unlike most plastic bar ends that shatter on impact (or just wear out super quickly), the Par Ends feature a combination of an over-the-bar cap and an inside-the-bar design, preventing them from blowing out or getting damaged easily.
And Odyssey really nailed it with the plastic they use – I pretty much replace only one pair per year.
Heck, they sometimes last me even longer!
I got my first pair many years ago as a gift and have been stuck with them ever since.
Sure, I will still try and test something new occasionally, but I always go back to Par Ends.
They are just THAT GOOD.
This review covers:
Odyssey Par Ends BMX Bar Ends Review
1. Par Ends Design & Build Quality
The Odyssey Par Ends are designed to be lightweight yet incredibly durable.
Their longevity still boggles my mind.
Unlike metal bar ends that can dent and rattle or regular plastic ones that shatter on impact, these bar ends are built to handle real BMX abuse.
Also, if you’ve ever dealt with cheap bar ends constantly falling out, you’ll appreciate how secure these feel.
2. Key Odyssey Par Ends Features
- Plastic composite construction: Won’t shatter like cheap plastic bar ends.
- Expanding plug design: Keeps them securely in place.
- Hybrid cap and plug style: Prevents them from blowing out.
- Comes standard with all Odyssey grips: A trusted, proven design. (Epic!)
- Super lightweight: Adds protection without extra weight.
3. How The Odyssey Par Ends Perform
The Odyssey Par Ends provide great protection for your bars.
They stay in place even after repeated drops and crashes, which is something a lot of cheaper bar ends fail to do.
They are super simple to install – all you need is a 4mm Allen key.
Note: If Odyssey could make them compatible with a 6mm Allen key, boy, there wouldn’t be a single bar end on the market anymore that could come even close to these.
If you’re a park, street, or trail rider, these bar ends will keep your bars from getting wrecked while ensuring that your hands don’t slip off exposed metal edges.
Plus, they’re so affordable that you really have no excuse not to run them.
The only issue?
If you run extra-thick straight gauge bars (such as S&M Hoder bars), you may need to file them down slightly to fit.
But since they’re plastic, it’s a quick and easy fix.
GET YOUR ODYSSEY PAR ENDS NOW!4. How To Install The Odyssey Par Ends
- Pop out your old bar ends. If they’re stuck, use a flat screwdriver gently, or grab them with pliers and twist.
- Clean the inside of your bars. Dirt and rust make Par Ends harder to seat. A quick wipe with a rag is enough.
- Loosen the Par Ends bolt a bit. Don’t remove it. Just back it out so the wedge can slide in easily.
- Push the Par End into the bar. If it’s super tight, tap it in lightly with a rubber mallet (or the palm of your hand).
- Tighten the bolt with a 4mm Allen key. Snug it up until it feels solid and doesn’t move. Don’t go full gorilla—over-tightening can strip stuff.
- Give it a final check. Smack the bar end with your hand and try to twist it. If it moves, tighten a tiny bit more.
5. Real Rider Testimonials
- Benjamin R. (street rider): “I’ve had mine for two years, and they haven’t cracked or fallen out once. Best bar ends I’ve ever used!”
- Frank C. (park rider): “Super lightweight and easy to install. Never had to replace them, even after slamming my bars into the ground.”
- Mary K. (park rider): “I was skeptical about plastic bar ends, but these are insanely tough. Way better than metal ones that rattle and dent.”
- Gerald D. (all-around rider): “If you don’t run Par Ends, you’re doing it wrong. Simple, cheap, and they actually last.”
6. Odyssey Par Ends Specs
- Material: Plastic composite
- Design: Expanding plug with over-the-bar cap
- Compatibility: Fits most BMX handlebars (may require slight modification for bars with thicker tubing)
- Weight: 0.98 oz (28 g)
- Price: $4.99 (sold as a pair)
7. Odyssey Par Ends Cons
- Fit can be too tight (or “won’t fit”) on some bars. A few riders say they don’t seat right unless you really force them in. I also noticed this with the S&M Hoder bars – the tubing is so thick, the Par ends simply won’t fit. From my experience, only straight-gauge bars are questionable (but not the Shadow Vultus SG bar – Par Ends fits on this one); butted bars are OK.
- The installation can be annoying the first time. They’re designed to fit tight, so sometimes it’s more “tap it in” than “push it in.”
- You need tools. They use a 4mm Allen wedge system, so no quick “pop-in and ride” like basic plugs.
- If you over-tighten, you can mess things up. Like stripping the bolt / chewing the internals (classic BMX over-torque moment). Don’t go Hulk on them!
Despite the cons, the Odyssey Parends are my absolutely favorite BMX bar ends that last for absolutely FOREVER!
I tried so many other solutions, but none come even close.
Conclusion: Should You Get The Odyssey Par Ends? (Yes!)
For just $4.99, the Odyssey Par Ends are a no-brainer.
They last longer than most bar ends (even metal ones!), don’t shatter on impact, and actually stay in place.
If you want a cheap, durable, and secure bar end option, these are it.
Just keep in mind that if you’re riding thicker straight gauge bars, you may need to shave them down slightly to fit.
Final verdict: Get them.
No excuses. Period.
GET YOUR ODYSSEY PAR ENDS NOW!My other Odyssey BMX part reviews:
- Odyssey Path Pro tire review
- Odyssey Graduate PC peg review
- Odyssey Twisted Pro PC pedals review
- Odyssey Utility Pro sprocket review
