Hype This – Must-have tools (you don’t need!)
Abbey Bike Tools T way
The Abbey Bike Tools T way is the multi-tool among T-handles. The chic stainless steel handle houses 3 interchangeable and incredibly high-quality bits from Wera that are held in place magnetically. The socket is bombproof and prevents anything from spinning or slipping. For a price of € 60 you get a choice of two versions with three bits: either a 4 and 5 mm hex, and a 25 mm Torx bit, or a 5 and 6 mm hex, and a 25 Torx bit. An extra € 5 lets you pick the three bit sizes yourself. You can also get an additional set of 10 bits for another € 60. For the SRAM fans amongst us, there is a limited edition available, specially made for the installation of the new Transmission derailleurs.
Price: € 60 (5, 6 mm hex, T25 Torx)
Manufacturer’s website: abbeybiketools.com
SSRAM Ultimate Piston Press
With the stylish brake piston press from SRAM, you can easily and gently press your brake pistons apart when changing the brake pads, without having to resort to a tire lever, screwdriver or brute force. The tool is simply positioned with the help of the cotter pin that usually secures the pads, and can then be spread apart by hand or with a 5 mm hex key. This way, the pistons get pushed back evenly and you can easily replace the pads or bleed the brake with a specific bite point. The fine aluminium tool can be yours for a whopping € 101.
Price: € 101
Manufacturer’s website: sram.com
FORGE+BOND Recycled FUSIONFIBER® Tire Levers
FUSIONFIBER is a patented thermoplastic composite material from which FORGE+BOND manufacture high-end MTB wheels and accessories. Thanks to the special manufacturing method, a thermoplastic binder is used to bind the black carbon fibres instead of thermosetting epoxy resin. The highlight: this allows defective components to be partially recycled. Broken wheels are turned into fancy tire levers made of recycled carbon fibre. For € 45, you can have two of these beautiful tire leavers cutting a very fine figure in your luggage.
Price: € 45 (pair)
Manufacturer’s website: forgeandbond.com
Unior universal spoke tension meter (1752/2)
Regularly checking and then correcting the spoke tension of your wheels will greatly increase their service life. With the Unior spoke tension gauge, doing so is as simple as it gets: simply clamp the spokes between the two pins and read the value off the scale. With the help of the enclosed table and the integrated recesses for measuring the spoke thickness, you can determine how high the tension of your spokes should be and thereby ensure that your wheels continue running true. The high-quality tool comes in its own box and can thus be safely stored in your workshop or van.
Price: € 108.25
Manufacturer’s website: uniortools.com
RAAW bearing tool
Sure, a hammer and a piece of wood would also work if you had to replace the bearings on your frame. But we all know how stressful it can be to try tapping the new bearings carefully into the frame without damaging anything. It’s much easier and above all smoother to do with the bearing tool from RAAW. The bearing tool is specially designed to press in the 28 and 52 mm ball bearings found on RAAW’s frames. It holds the bearings in place while allowing you to press them in gently and evenly with two open-end wrenches.
Price: € 57.95
Manufacturer’s website: raawmtb.com
SILCA Dead Blow Hammer
Every home mechanic knows that a courageous but well-measured blow with a hammer can be the last resort for many unknown defects. And with the SILCA Dead Blow, you’ll certainly look like the most civilised mechanic doing so. The 3D printed titanium hammer weighs just 160 grams. Its hollow head is filled with 125 grams of the finest stainless steel and tungsten grit for added momentum and to prevent kickback. The flip-flop head also has one side made of titanium and one made of hard rubber. It can be yours for a whopping € 99, or you can grab the whole set for about € 300, including a chain whip and a cassette tool along with the Dead Blow hammer, both of which also consist of 3D printed titanium, of course.
Price: € 99
Manufacturer’s website: silca.cc
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Words: Peter Walker Photos: Manufacturer
About the Author
Peter Walker
Peter Walker leads the editorial department of ENDURO at 41 Publishing. His methodical approach is based on training as a paramedic and extensive experience in specialist bicycle retail. This ensures factual analysis of complex technology and precise user guidance in comparison tests. With expertise from the Enduro race scene, as well as intensive testing phases in international bike parks like Whistler, he is responsible for the operational management of product evaluations. His focus is on technical performance analysis and strategic buyer’s advice in the gravity segment.
