While doing some research on cool bike tools I came across the Topeak Nano Torqbar X, a compact and an easy to use torque wrench.

The Nano Torqbar X gives cyclists a portable torque wrench solution that can easily be carried in a bike bag or even a jersey pocket.

Topeak Nano Torqbar X Unboxing

I reached out to Topeak and within a week the Nano Torqbar X arrived in a bright yellow box showing what Topeak refers to as a Torqbar (A metal tube used for the handle) and a plastic case containing a TorqSocket, 2 Torque bits (T20 / T25 Torx), and 3 Hex bits (4mm, 5mm, and 6mm).

Topeak Nano Torqbar X Review

With so many cyclists owning high-end bikes, it makes perfect sense that they should own a torque wrench for measuring Nm (newton meters) or what is referred to as a torque measurement in Nm.

Important Note: The Nano TorqSocket is for measturing torque and tightening only. Using the Nano Torqbar X TorqSocket for loosening hardware will result in loss of calibration and possibly damage the socket.

In reading the directions, which I rarely do, I noticed that the TorqSocket is NOT (repeat NOT) designed for loosening bolts and in fact can be damaged doing so. Its sole purpose is for measuring torque when tightening screws.

Don’t make the mistake and assume, like I did, that the TorqSocket can be used for both tightening and loosing screws. Had I not looked at the Warning Section in the mini pamphlet that came with the tool, I would have certainly used it for loosening bolts.

This limits the use of the tool in certain situations where you may
have to loosen a bolt and need the extra reach of the socket’s 2 1/4
inches.  Issues include adjusting bike fit for seat height, bar height
other situations where you may want to make adjustments out while
biking.

When I am out mountain biking I would certainly want a tool that could
either loosen or tighten bolts on the fly. You can use the Torqbar X with the small bits to loosen or tighten bolts, but you lose the extra 2 1/4 inch reach of the TorqSocket, which is a bummer.

Quality And Craftsmanship

The Topeak Nano Torqbar X is a high-quality tool. It is composed of an aluminum metal shell and an engineering grade polymer insert. Topeak uses magnets to hold both the TorqSocket and bits in place when in use.

Hidden Torqbit Compartment

One really nice feature of the Nano Torqbar X is it comes with a hidden compartment that can house 2 of the 5 bits. In most cases, I would probably carry the 4mm and 6mm hex bits and put the 5mm hex bit in the TorqSocket for a total of 3 bits.

Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications

• 3 / 4 / 5 Allen bits
• T20 / T25 Torx® bits
• TORQ RANGE 2 -6 Nm
• TOOL MATERIAL Hardened steel
• TORQBIT MATERIAL Steel / Aluminum
• BODY MATERIAL Aluminum / Engineering grade polymer
• Integrated compartment for two bits
• SIZE 15.2 x ø2.1 cm / 6” x 0.8”
• WEIGHT 64 g / 2.26 oz (TorqBar)
• 130 g / 4.59 oz (TorqBar w/ 1 TorqBit & 2 bits)

OUR VERDICT

Initially, I was really excited about the prospects of the Topeak Nano Torqbar X, it’s light and compact, but given the fact that it has limited uses, it wouldn’t be my first choice to bring while cycling.

A better option would be the Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX or SILCA T-Ratchet and Ti-Torque.

I feel having a ratching tool is more important than a torque tool while out cycling.

The TorqBar X seems better suited for home or shop use given its more limited capabilities.

The post Topeak Nano Torqbar X Review appeared first on Gear Mashers.

Silca, known for its amazing bike pumps came out with a very cool T-Ratchet and Ti-Torque Wrench. To say it is an outstanding tool is an understatement.

The SILCA T-Ratchet Kit and Ti-Torque is an amazing tool that every bike owner should check out.

SILCA’s cycling tool kit allows any cyclist to quickly tighten or loosen screws and since the kit comes with a Newton Meter (Nm) torque beam, you don’t have to worry about over tightening.

Check out our full review below.

Silca History

SILCA was founded in 1917 by Felice Sacchi outside of Milan, Italy. SILCA was the first company to put gauges on pumps, the first to produce a true ‘high-pressure’ frame pump and the first to work with revolutionary lightweight material plastic after the end of WWII, and later the first to bring CO2 to roadside inflation. Today SILCA is located in Indianapolis, IN where it continues to build iconic products that utilize the finest materials and craftsmanship available.

SILCA’s T-Ratchet and Ti-Torque Wrench Review

A Multi-Tool Kit You can Bring Wherever You Ride

Roughly 70% of damage to high-end carbon components such as seat posts, handlebars and stems happen when making adjustments without using proper torque. This problem is further accentuated by the fact that the majority of adjustments made without torque occur on the roadside or trail.

The best selling Ti-Torque from SILCA helps to curve the portability challenge by being featherlight, weighing in at a mere 30 grams. The Ti-Torque transforms a highly delicate maintenance function into an easy, highly portable and on-the-go accurate adjustment.

The T-Ratchet Kit is equipped with a torque measuring extender/beam that provides real-time feedback, the Ti-Torque beam has three separate scales on it; 2-6, 3-5 and 4-8. This allows you to more easily see when you’ve reached your desired torque setting.

Technical Specifications

The Ti-Torque also features interchangeable magnetic components to convert from a screwdriver to ratcheting T-Handle in seconds, which gives the user the ability to have several tools at once in a compact waxed canvas carrying case that fits nicely into a jersey pocket. Optimal for Road, MTB, Gravel, and more, the Ti-Torque can be brought with you on any ride you choose. 

SILCA includes 6 Hex bits, 3 torque bits and a Philips head bit that can be switched out depending on use.

SILCA includes a very cool Ti Torque beam that includes 3 different Newton Meter (Nm) scales that help with preventing over-torquing a screw.

Technical Specifications

Features

• Ti-Torque Beam for Measuring 2-8Nm
• 72 tooth ratchet with convertible magnetic extensions
• Fully magnetic components
• Steel bit extender
• Hex bits (2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm)
• Torx bits (T10, T20, T25)
• 2mm Phillips bit
• waxed canvas carrying case (120mm x 70mm x 30mm)
• Titanium and Aluminum construction
• MSRP – $99

VERDICT

OUR VERDICT

The SILCA T-Ratchet Kit and Ti-Torque is an amazing tool that every bike owner should check out.

SILCA’s cycling tool kit allows any cyclist to quickly tighten or loosen screws and since the kit comes with a Newton Meter (Nm) torque beam, you don’t have to worry about over tightening.

The post SILCA T-Ratchet and Ti-Torque Wrench Review appeared first on Gear Mashers.

2017 marks 100 years since the Silca brand has been producing bicycle tools.  With that in mind, Silca (https://silca.cc) thought it would be a great time to reintroduce the Silca Prista Bicycle Floor Pump.

SILCA HISTORY

SILCA was founded in 1917 by Felice Sacchi just outside of Milan, Italy.  The company innovated and grew quickly by innovating as the first company to put gauges on pumps, the first company to produce a true ‘high-pressure’ frame pump, the first to work with the revolutionary lightweight material plastic after the end of WWII.  More recently, the company was first with a valve controlled CO2 inflator, and with some irony, the first to move away from plastics and back to wood handles.

By 2013, SILCA was the oldest company in the bicycle industry to have been continually owned by the same family.  In August of 2013, Claudio Sacchi, grandson of Felice, sold the company to Joshua Poertner who had been the Technical Director at Zipp Speed Weaponry and of course a lifelong SILCA fan.

SILCA’s current headquarters is located in Indianapolis Indiana and can be reached at sales@silca.cc or by phone at 317.964.0592.

Unboxing The SILCA PRISTA PLUS FlOOR PUMP

When we received our Prista Plus Floor Pump you could just see the quality of the product. The handle is made out of wood. It comes with a very nice steel chuck.

SILCA PRISTA BICYCLE FLOOR PUMP

PUMP FEATURES

• Durable, high strength Steel barrel
• Compact Ash wood handle with hose guides
• High-efficiency SILCA leather plunger piston design
• Brass check-valve assembly
• Long filler hose with integrated Schrader chuck
• Push on alloy Presta chuck with bleeder valve
• Rated to 220psi
• Retail: $125
• Prista Travel Bag Retail: $90

SILCA PRISTA PLUS BICYCLE FLOOR PUMP

PUMP FEATURES

• Durable, high strength Steel barrel
• Compact Ash wood handle with hose guides
• High-efficiency SILCA leather plunger piston design
• Brass check-valve assembly
• Long filler hose with integrated Schrader chuck
• Push on alloy Presta chuck with bleeder valve
• Rated to 220psi
• Retail: $145

THE STORY OF THE TRACK PUMP

At the request of Fausto Coppi’s mechanics in the late 1950s, the team at SILCA set out to design a pump that would take the best attributes of each style of pump and combine them into one. The result, launched in 1962 was a design so elegant and timeless that it came to define the entire category of ‘Track Pumps’ (‘Pista’ is Italian for ‘track’ after all).

The original Pista paired a steel barrel with a 3mm thick leather piston washer, solid brass internal valves and the now-iconic oval handle with two grooves for holding the hose that allowed the pump to lay flat in a travel bag or in the trunk of a car. These pumps were prized by professional mechanics around the world for their durability, dependability, and accuracy.

IMPORTANCE OF TIRE PRESSURE

So why is tire pressure important?  When you think of your bike, the tires are the only thing contacting the road.  Flat tires serve to create friction and more surface area.  Properly inflated tires reduce both surface area and friction making for a faster ride.

Another reason to inflate tires is to prevent flats and damage to a wheels’ rim.  When cycling on the road, debris can quickly cause a flat if tires aren’t inflated to the proper pressure.  Pinch flats and snakebites are common issues with tires that aren’t inflated correctly.

Having an accurate pump gauge like the Silca Prista enables you to accurately calculate tire pressure each and every time you inflate a tire.

ADVANTAGES OF A FLOOR PUMP

The biggest advantage to a floor pump is its ability to quickly pump up a tire.  Most bicycle shops will usually have 2 to 3-floor pumps available to both mechanics and shop goers.

Floor pumps also tend to be more accurate simply because of the gauge size.  While hand pumps are also useful in certain circumstances, their size limits the use and ability to display accurate pressure.

WHY BUY A SILCA FLOOR PUMP?

Silca is world-renowned for making top quality pumps.  Ask any mechanic about Silca pumps and they might get all giggly…well at least the older ones will.

Most pumps made today use a plunger with a rubber O-Ring, which after many uses can overheat and then lose its seal causing air to leak out with each pump.  The end result is a pump that doesn’t work as good as the day you bought it.  In many cases, it simply will stop working.

Silca’s answer to this problem was to go old school and use a greased leather plunger.  The benefit is the plunger lasts longer, slides smoother and takes longer to lose it’s sealing properties.  If and when it does, the pump can be disassembled and re-greased or replaced with a new seal.

Another nice touch with the Silca floor pumps is the wooden handles.  Yes, they opted to nix plastic for wood, which gives them a really nice feel.

BOTTOM LINE

If you want to get a super cool pump with a long lineage of great pumps, you will be very happy with the Silva Prista Bicycle Floor Pump.

The post Silca Prista Bicycle Floor Pump appeared first on Gear Mashers.

We just received a very cool cycling work stand called the Feedback Sports Pro Elite Work Stand.  YES, we even got in the Feedback Sports Sprint Work Stand, but more on that in another review.

The Feedback Sports Pro Elite work stand arrived completely assembled and ready to work on your bike.

Included A Heavy-Duty Tote Bag for Transport and Storage

The box came with the Pro Elite Work Stand, a carrying bag and a user manual.

Secure-lock clamp with ratchet-action closing

Patented Secure-Lock Clamp Features Ratchet-Action Closing and Push Button Release

FEEDBACK SPORTS PRO ELITE WORK STAND REVIEW

The Feedback Sports Pro Elite Work Stand is a professional level bike work stand for those who prefer the stability of a traditional seat tube mounted bike stand.  The Elite is considered a clamp mounted stand, meaning the clamp attaches to the seat tube or frame depending on bike.

The Pro Elite Work Stand is mostly made from metal (aluminum) with a few rubber parts.  The quality is top notch.

Racing teams like Trek-Segafredo and Lotto Soudal are using the Pro Elite or the Sprint as their goto work stand.

The Pro Elite uses 3 legs for stability and are folded out by sliding the 3 legs downwards.  The Pro Elite stand contains 3 quick release (QR) clamps including

• Leg Adjustment Clamp – The legs can be locked into position using the Legs QR clamp.
• Slider Adjustment Clamp – The Slider can be locked out by using the QR slider locking clamp.
• Bike Frame / Seat Tube Clamp – The clamp is used to hold the bike.

Work Height is between 42″ – 71″.  Folded size: 5″ x 8″ x 45″ (127mm x 203mm x 1143mm)

FEEDBACK SPORTS PRO ELITE WORK STAND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Anodized 6000 Series Aluminum Construction
• Patented Secure-Lock Clamp Head
• Weight: 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg)
• Clamp Height: 42″-71″ (1067mm – 1803mm)
• Clamp Opening: 0.75 – 2.6″ (19mm – 66mm)
• Jaw Width: 3.25″ (82.5mm)
• Load Capacity: 85 lbs. (38.6 kg)
• Base Diameter: 54″ (1372 mm)
• Folded size: 5″ x 8″ x 45″ (127mm x 203mm x 1143mm)
• 3-Year Warranty
• Feedback Sports: https://www.feedbacksports.com/
• BUY NOW: https://amzn.to/2P2r5RW

I have to say we were pretty impressed with the overall quality of the Feedback Sports Pro Elite.  For what you get the retail cost of $289 seemed very reasonable.

What I found really useful is how easy it was to setup and break down.  The clamping system works really well and seems to hold the bike in place without issue.

Thus far I haven’t found any issues with the setup.  The only negative would be space for transporting the Pro Elite with it’s larger overall size compared to the Sprint.

You can find out more about Feedback Sports (https://www.feedbacksports.com/) on their website.

The post Feedback Sports Pro Elite Work Stand Review appeared first on Gear Mashers.

We just received a very cool cycling work stand called the Feedback Sports Sprint Work Stand.  YES, we even got in the Pro-Elite, but more on that in another review.

The Feedback Sports Sprint arrived almost completely assembled with the exception of the quick release skewer.   Once you add the QR skewer you’re up and running and can start working on your bike.

The box came with the Sprint Work Stand, a QR skewer, a 12mm tube and a user manual.

Sprint Work Stand Legs

Sprint Work Stand Beam

Bottom Bracket Cradle

Fork mount and adjustment nob

My Felt AR1 using the Feedback Sports Sprint Workstand

Feedback Sports Sprint Work Stand Review

The Feedback Sports Sprint Work Stand is a professional level bike work stand for those who prefer the stability of a traditional fork mount.  The Sprint is considered a fork mount stand, meaning the front wheel of a bike needs to be removed in order to work on it.  Once the front wheel is removed, a bike’s fork can be mounted to the Sprint stand’s front fork mount.   The rear of the bike rests on the Sprint’s bottom bracket pad that has dual rubber-covered metal BB support.

The Sprint Work Stand is mostly made from metal (aluminum) with a few rubber parts.  The quality is top notch.

Racing teams like Trek-Segafredo and Lotto Soudal are using the Sprint as their goto work stand.

The Sprint uses 3 legs for stability and are folded out by sliding the 3 legs downwards.  The Sprint stand contains 4 quick release (QR) clamps including

• Leg Adjustment Clamp – The legs can be locked into position using the Legs QR clamp
• Telescoping Collar Clamp – Height adjustment can be made by pulling up on the stand.
• Slider Adjustment Clamp – The Slider can be locked out by using the QR slider locking clamp.
• Spinner Adjustment Clamp / Pivot Lock – the work stand and be set to pivot 360 degrees or locked out.

Work Height is between 30″ – 48″.  Folded Size  is around 5″ x 7.5″ x 30″ (12.7cm x 19cm x 76cm)

Fork Mount System. It has a tension dial that can be loosened to move the fork mount up or down.

The rear of the Sprint contains a block which the bottom bracket of a bike rests on.

Feedback Sports Sprint Work Stand Technical Specifications

• Product Weight: 12.6lbs. (5.7kgs.)
• Work Height 30″ – 48″ (76cm – 121cm)
• Base Diameter 46″ (116cm)
• Folded Size  5″ x 7.5″ x 30″ (12.7cm x 19cm x 76cm)
• Load Capacity 85lbs.  (38kgs.)
• 3-year warranty
• Single Point Quick Release mount
• 360°swivel Bicycle Rotation
• Compatible with 9mm x 100mm QR forks, 15mm x  100mm Thru-Axle forks, 9mm x 130mm & 135mm road frames, and 12mm x 142mm rear MTB/CX/Road dropouts. 12mm x 100mm road/CX disc, and 15mm x 110mm – 12mm x 148mm Boost adapters available.
• Quickly folds into a compact unit
• Adjustable height; stable tripod design
• Feedback Sports: https://www.feedbacksports.com/
• BUY NOW: https://amzn.to/2xBqOR8

I have to say we were pretty impressed with the overall quality of the Feedback Sports Sprint.  For what you get the retail cost of $269 seemed very reasonable.

What I found really useful is the ability to spin the bike 360 degree, giving you complete access to all the bike parts without having to walk around the work stand.  I haven’t tried this yet, but Feedback Sport says the stand is also designed for those who want to wash their bikes.  There are water channels holes designed to let water to flow out, should you decide to wash to your bike while it’s on the stand.

I did find 2 issues with the Sprint Work Stand that I think I should mention.

• Beam Lockout: When setting up the Sprint it can be a bit difficult to initially lock out the beam with the slot screw.  You have to press really hard and up on the QR beam lockout clamp as it doesn’t always catch.
• No Beam Locking for Transport: As far as I can tell there appears to be no way to lock the beam during transport and keep it from sliding or bouncing against the main frame.  I suppose a transport bag or velcro strap might fix the issue.

You can find out more about Feedback Sports (https://www.feedbacksports.com/) on their website.

The post Feedback Sports Sprint Work Stand Review appeared first on Gear Mashers.

The saying “There can only be one” doesn’t really apply when it comes to quality bike work stands, but two companies that certainly make good ones include Park Tool and Feedback Sports.  Realistically you would be hard pressed to say which company makes the better fork mount work stand, because they both make excellent products.

Clamp Style Work Stands Vs Fork Mount Work Stands

Work Stands in general come in 2 flavors, clamp style and fork mount.  Fork mount work stands have been referred to as race stands, since they are often seen during race events and pro tours.  The difference between the Clamp Style and Fork Mount stands boils down to preference and taste.

Clamp Style Work Stand

A Clamp Style Work Stand uses a Clamping mechanism to secure a bike by clamping to either a seat post or bike frame.

The advantages to a clamp style work stand include

• No wheel removal required
• Have the ability to angle a bike while working on it
• Setup and mounting is quicker
• Have the ability to work on front breaks with the wheel on

Most bike shops use Clamp Style Work Stands for their main bike maintenance stands.   Many bike shops have fixed stands that are a little beefier for hard core use vs less sturdy collapsible versions that most consumers use.

For personal use, clamp style work stands have been traditionally used because that was the main option people had access to.  Recently however a trend towards fork mount work stands seems to be growing.  Much of this has to do with their appearance at bike events and large scale races like the Tour De France.

In talking to bike mechanics the feel is a bit mixed, but most lean towards using clamp style work stands.  I had a conversation with a mechanic from SRAM and he indicated that he likes the clamp mount because it quicker and the bike can positioned higher, which he found easier to work on.

Fork Mount Work Stands

The fork mount stand uses a fork mount to secure a bike.

The advantage to a fork mount style work stand is

• 360°swivel bicycle rotation
• Easier to mount bikes with non standard seat posts and down tubes.
• Require less space since the front wheel is removed

Both Park Tool and Feedback Sports offer excellent fork mount bike stands in the form of the

• Feedback Sports Sprint Work Stand
• Park Tool Team Issue Repair Stand (PRS-22.2)

Feedback Sports Sprint Work Stand

The Sprint is a professional level bike work and wash stand for those who prefer the stability of a traditional fork mount. Racing teams like Trek-Segafredo and Lotto Soudal are using the Sprint as their goto work stand.

From all the reviews I have read, people really like the Sprint and in fact it has a 5 stars on Amazon.

Feedback Sports Sprint Work Stand Technical Specifications

• Product Weight: 12.6lbs. (5.7kgs.)
• Work Height 30″ – 48″ (76cm – 121cm)
• Base Diameter 46″ (116cm)
• Folded Size  5″ x 7.5″ x 30″ (12.7cm x 19cm x 76cm)
• Load Capacity 85lbs.  (38kgs.)
• 3-year warranty
• Single Point Quick Release mount
• 360°swivel Bicycle Rotation
• Compatible with 9mm x 100mm QR forks, 15mm x  100mm Thru-Axle forks, 9mm x 130mm & 135mm road frames, and 12mm x 142mm rear MTB/CX/Road dropouts. 12mm x 100mm road/CX disc, and 15mm x 110mm – 12mm x 148mm Boost adapters available.
• Quickly folds into a compact unit
• Adjustable height; stable tripod design
• Feedback Sports: https://www.feedbacksports.com/
• BUY NOW: https://amzn.to/2xBqOR8

Park Tool Team Issue Repair Stand PRS-22.2

Park developed the Team Issue PRS-22.2 for Pro Tour mechanics.  It’s ideal for cleaning and general repair work.  As one who has several Park Tool TOOLS, I can attest to their quality and performance.  In general Park Tool has been a leader in the bike industry for quite some time and always seem to bring it.

Park Tool Team Issue Repair Stand PRS-22.2 Technical Specifications

• Precisely constructed of anodized 6063 T6 lightweight aluminum and durable composites (12.5lbs, 5.67kg)
• Adjustable BB height of 30″ to 45″ / 76cm to 114cm
• 360 degree horizontal rotation allows easy access to all sides of the bike
• Customizable bottom bracket supports accommodate a wide variety of BB shells
• Main beam is adjustable fore and aft to customize balance points
• Adjustable collar features receivers for optional accessories (sold separately) 106 Work Tray and PTH-1 Paper Towel Holder
• Easily transported in the BAG-20 (sold separately)
• Park Tool : https://www.parktool.com/
• BUY NOW: https://amzn.to/2xBv575

Bottom Line – Top Fork Mount Work Stands For Cycling Repairs

With Feedback Sports’ Sprint costing $70 less over it’s rival Park Tool Team Issue, it’s hard not to like the cost savings of Feeback’s offering.  Both stands are high quality and both allow you to service your bikes equally, so right now it’s our opinion that Feedback Sport has the edge in fork mounted work stand shootout.

So I guess there is only one.

Feedback Sports Omnium Trainer Review (2017 – 2018)

The post Top Fork Mount Work Stands For Cycling Repairs appeared first on Gear Mashers.

So you need to swap out your Rear Wheel Cassette, but you’re not sure what tools you need, well I have some great news for Shimano and SRAM owners.  In most cases you will only need 2 tools and they are currently some of the Best Rear Wheel Cassette Tools in cycling industry.

What IS A Bicycle’s Cassette?

A bicycle’s cassette is the cluster of metal sprockets or rings of teeth on a rear hub of a bike wheel that the chain goes around.  The cassette is held in place by a threaded cassette lockring.

Cassettes come in various configurations including

• 9 speed cassettes
• 10 speed cassettes
• 11 speed cassettes

Most current road bikes use either 10 or 11 speed cassettes.  Cassettes usually fall into one of 2 camps, Shimano/SRAM or Campagnolo cassettes.  Depending on the type of cassette and components the cassette is for will dictate the type of lockring tool needed.  Shimano and SRAM use one type and Campagnolo or Campy use another.  Both are used for locking or unlocking a cassette.

Why Do I Need To Know How To Remove or Install Cassettes?

You may want to replace your existing cassette with a brand new one at some point or remove it to clean it.

If you own a smart direct drive indoor trainer like the Tacx Neo or the Wahoo KICKR, you may want to swap cassettes based on the various bikes you ride or add a new one in the case of the Tacx Neo that doesn’t come standard with one.

Shimano & SRAM Cassette Removal and Installation

For years changing a rear cassette would require something called a Chain Whip, a Cassette lockring tool and an adjustable wrench.  While not too difficult to work with, it seemed like there was a better way.  The chain whip was a little wacky to work with and the lockring tool would often slip out of the adjustable wrench’s grip.  It just seemed a little cumbersome to work with all 3 tools, but that is the way it had been for years.

Recently Park Tools introduced 2 cassette tools that would eliminate the need for both the chain whip and adjustable wrench and would make removing and installing cassettes a snap.

Park Tools | FR-5H Cassette Lockring Tool with Handle

Park introduced a Cassette Lockring Tool with a handle called the FR-5H.  It features a modified FR-5 tool that allows use without removing most quick release skewer nuts. As an added bonus the removable, threaded steel handle makes it possible to replace a worn or damaged FR-5H heads.  This new lockring tool totally eliminates the need for an adjustable wrench, since it already comes with a handle.

It’s a fast and convenient tool to remove and install 12-spline Shimano®/SRAM® style cassette lockrings, as well as similar lockrings on rotor discs. The FR-5H features a modified FR-5 tool that allows use without removing most quick release skewer nuts.

FR-5H Specifications

• Fits Shimano®, SRAM® (including 1x), SunRace®, SunTour®, Chris King® and other cassette lockrings
• Also fits some Shimano® disc brake lockrings
• Removable threaded handle for quick and easy replacement of worn or damaged head (Replacement Head: #2301)
• Retail: $43.95

Park Tools | CP-1 Cassette Pliers

The 2nd tool in Park’s Cassette removal and installation lineup is called the CP-1 Cassette Pliers and replaces the need for a chain whip.  I absolutely love this tool and it makes so much more sense than the chain whip to use.  You simply just camp down on the cassette and use the FR-5h lockring tool for easy removal or installation of cassettes.

The CP-1 quickly grips cogs from 9 to 24 teeth with no manual adjustments. A great shop tool, the CP-1 is 13.7″ (35cm) long and can be used with one hand to hold any 5- to 11-speed cassette solidly during lock ring removal. Forged steel construction with a spring loaded return and comfortable dual density grips.

Those with small hands might have a little more difficulty using this tool, but for the vast majority of cyclists who love to tinker with their bikes and their cassettes, this is a must have.

What About Campagnolo Cassettes?

For those Campy riders out there and there are quite a few, your options aren’t as bright on the lockring side, but you can still replace your chain whip tool with the Park CP-1 Chain Pliers making life a bit more easy.

Park does sell a specific Freewheel remover wrench that works in combination with the bottom bracket lockring tools.  By using that tool, you don’t need an adjustable wrench, but removing Campagnolo cassettes still requires 3 tools vs 2 with Shimano/SRAM.

Alternatives to Park Tools

Abbey Bike Tools (https://www.abbeybiketools.com/) sells an alternative to the Park FR-5H called the Crombie Tool – Dual Sided that works with both Campy and Shimano/SRAM cassettes.  The tool gets rave reviews, so it’s a good bet the Abbey Crombie tool rocks.

What is particularly nice about the Abbey Crombie wrench is it’s dual sided.  Most other wrenches to day are single sided and only can remove Shimano/SRAM cassettes.

Feedback Sports (https://www.feedbacksports.com) sells alternatives either of Park’s cassette tools called the Feedback Sports Bottom Bracket Cassette Wrench and Cassette Pliers.

Now I haven’t tried the cassette pliers, but I assume they work similarly to Parks and might even work better.

Feedback’s cassette wrench has an extra hole for hanging purposes and also comes with a bottom bracket tool.

You can buy the tools separately or purchase them as part of Feedback Sports Team Edition tool kit.  Currently Feedback’s Bottom Bracket Cassette Wrench only works with SRAM and Shimano cassettes.

Feedback Sports Omnium Trainer Review (2017 – 2018)

The post Best Rear Wheel Cassette Tools appeared first on Gear Mashers.

Recently I had an issue with my Felt AR 5’s seat tube and needed to send the frame back to Felt for warranty.

While taking the bike apart and switching bottle cages from the Felt to my wife’s Karbona frame, I realized that standard water bottles weren’t fitting in the Karbona’s  down tube cage.  I tried several different type bottles including the Specialized Purist, but the water bottles all hit the top tube.

Arrg! Now that’s frustrating.

Visiting a bike shop here in Austin (Austin Tri Cyclist – ATC) for a quick tuneup, they had mentioned that Xlab, a company that makes triathlon cycling equipment, had a possible solution called the XLAB AERO CAGE OPTIMIZER.  Unfortunately they didn’t have any in stock, so it was off to the internet to order one.  I found the Optimizer on Amazon and since I am a Prime member with free 2 day shipping, it arrived super fast.

XLAB AERO CAGE OPTIMIZER SPECIFICATIONS

Includes

• AERO CAGE OPTIMIZER plates
• 3 sets of different length screws – allowing for different clearance heights
• Set screw – used to secure plate position
• Nylock nuts to secure plates to TORPEDO MOUNTS
• Spacers – for aesthetics
• Retail – $21.95

Weight

30g

Warranty

3 YEAR WARRANTY
Because of our engineering and testing for this product we give it a 3 Year LIMITED Warranty to the original owner.

XLAB AERO CAGE OPTIMIZER OVERVIEW

The AERO CAGE OPTIMIZER allows you to adjust your cage up, down, forward or backwards up to 1.75″, meaning I could lower the water bottle cage down and eliminate the issue with the water bottle hitting the top tube.  Pretty cool.

The Aero Cage Optimizer consists of 2 plates where the top plate slides on the tracks of the bottom plate.

To mount the Optimizer, you simply mount the AERO CAGE OPTIMIZER bottom plate where the water bottle screws would go.  The top plate attaches and slides on the bottom plate’s track allowing you to slide it up or down.  Once you’re satisfied with where you want the top plate to be, you tighten down the set screw to lock the plate in place.

You then mount your water bottle cage to the top plate and that’s it.

XLAB AERO CAGE OPTIMIZER BOTTOM LINE

The XLAB Aero Cage Optimizer solution worked perfectly with zero issues.  I am sure there are other methods to lowering a bottle cage, but this worked for me and actually only cost $18 via Amazon, which is under the retail cost of $21.95 that XLAB changes on their website.

Check out XLAB and all their other products at (https://www.xlab-usa.com/)

The post XLAB AERO CAGE OPTIMIZER Review | 2017 | Lower Bottle Cages appeared first on Gear Mashers.

I am a huge fan of manly cycling tools.  That is not to say women can’t weld them, it’s just most cycling tools are what I consider masculine and as such are manly in my mind.  When you think about it, cycling and racing for the most part was a man’s sport before women got involved, so it stands to reason the tools would also follow suit.

In the cycling industry there are essentially 4 companies that stand out making great cycling tools including Abbey Bike Tools, Lezyne, Park Tools and Pedro’s.  Of the 4, Lezyne and Abbey seem to go the extra mile in making tools that not only function the way they should, but look like they belong in an art studio.

LEZYNE HISTORY

Lezyne was founded on March 1st, 2007, by industry icon (and German native) Micki Kozuschek. In the prime of his career as a professional triathlete, Kozuschek began Maxcycles and brought affordable, high-quality bicycles and clothing to the German market. Shortly after moving to the USA, Kozuschek founded Truvativ, which grew to become a leading manufacturer of OEM and aftermarket cycling components. In 2004, Kozuschek sold Truvativ to SRAM and began a two-year break from the cycling industry to focus on building his dream home and spending time with his family.

Then in 2007, Kozuschek re-entered the cycling industry with Lezyne – Engineered Design.

Lezyne’s headquarters is located in San Luis Obispo, California, USA; all of their products are manufactured and assembled at their factory in Taichung, Taiwan, or by working closely with nearby vendors that produce parts exclusively for the Lezyne line.

LEZYNE PEDAL ROD

Lezyne produces 2 versions of their Lezyne Pedal Rod including the CNC pedal rod and the Classic pedal rod.

So what is a Pedal Rod?  Pedal Rods are often referred to as a Pedal Wrench or Pedal Spanner and are used to remove pedals from cranks.  For those that cycle a lot, replacing pedals with new ones or doing maintenance often requires a visit to a bike shop.  Owning a good pedal wrench allows you the freedom to remove pedals with ease and saves you money in the long run.

When I am in the market for cycling tools I always look for heavy-duty, shop quality products.  Things that a bike mechanic will have hanging on their wall.  You know if they use them, they are probably pretty darn good.

LEZYNE CNC PEDAL ROD SPECS

LEZYNE CLASSIC PEDAL ROD SPECS

TWO TYPES OF PEDALS

HOW TO REMOVE A PEDAL

The post Lezyne Pedal Rod | Pedal Wrench Review appeared first on Gear Mashers.