The Lab: Topeak PrepStation Pro Long Term Review
Our global test team has been pushing products to the very limit on the world’s toughest trails. In The Lab, durability is rewarded and weaknesses have nowhere to hide. For the 2015 race season, uplift days, or for any long weekends of multi-day riding, the Topeak PrepStation Pro tool chest has been carted out of Jim’s workshop and into the van, as it’s now seen as a total necessity for big weekends riding away.
After about ten months of use, there are still tools in the PrepStation Pro which Jim hasn’t used yet. Hidden down in the bottom of the box are the more workshop-ish type tools, i.e. bar/steerer cutting clamp and star-fangled nut setter; it’s tools like this that have been invaluable for a regular racer and multi-bike/parts tester.
Jim has been very happy with the use of all the equipment inside the PrepStation Pro, his only gripe being that the very top plastic parts lids are a tad flimsy and can catch on the pulling handle if accidentally spun around the handle’s axis. Jim also feels that a set of much smaller allen key wrenches should have been inside for those tiny cable clamps seen on certain dropper posts; a proper flat-blade and Phillips screw driver could have also been included.
Tester: Jim
Price: € 832.00 (£ 600.00)
Test duration: ten months
You can find further information on the Topeak website.
Words and Photos: Jim Buchanan