13 hot new tools from Sea Otter
The handle of this chrome tool steel wrench is made from stained American white oak (click to enlarge).
Abbey Bike Tools
Many newer pedals no longer incorporate 15mm wrench flats. Instead, they use either a 6 or 8mm hex head for installation. To keep up with the times, Abbey’s new BBQ Pedal Wrench has a 15mm box end on side, and a custom 6 and 8mm swivel bit on the other. Retail for this beauty is $130.
This version of the Crombie tool is not compatible with any Campagnolo wheels (click to enlarge).
A dual sided version of the Crombie Tool has been available for some time now, but rather than having a Shimano/Sram remover on one side, and a Campagnolo on the other – this new version has a Shimano/SRAM remover on both sides. One is designed for regular hubs, while the other works with 12mm thru axles. Clever. Retail is $55.
The Abbey Suspension Sockets are only available in a set of five (24, 26, 28, 30, and 32), but they’re working on releasing manufacturer specific sets (click to enlarge).
Over the years we’ve done numerous fork rebuilds, which has required buying and sanding down sockets to fit different top caps. Rather than hacking together tools, you can now order a set of the 5 most common top cap socket sized from Abbey. They’re fully CNC’d machined from billet aluminum and feature a ⅜” square drive for use with a torque wrench. Retail is $150.
For more information visit abbeybiketools.com.
The Torque feature on the new M-line of Birzman tools requires a special two finger hold (click to enlarge).
Birzman
Modern lightweight carbon and aluminum components are highly sensitive to torque spec, yet we’re all guilty of ham fisting repairs trailside. The new M-Torque series of multi tools from Birzman features an integrated torque wrench that is preset to 5Nm. We’re currently testing one of their smaller tools, but the components have been so popular, they’re expanding the line with the new M-Torque 10 which has a 4/5/ and T25 with the 5nm Torque, as well as a 2.5/3/6/8/ flat head, cross head, and chain tool. Retail is $38.58.
The ranger ships with a 3/4/5 mm hex key, as well as a T25 and flat head screwdriver, but you can also swap in your own bits (click to enlarge).
Continuing with the trail ready torque theme, the new M-Torque Ranger carries five interchangeable bits that can take advantage of the built in 5Nm Torque alert system. The front and back plates that hold the Ranger also double as tire levers. One has a spoke hoop, while the other has an air release point for Schrader valves. Price is still TBD, but they hope to be shipping by Summer.
The integrated Co2 head is compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves and when in use, you can hold onto the body of the tool to avoid freezing your hands (click to enlarge).
Birzman is also expanding its range of regular multi tools with the new Diversity 17, which houses a 2/2.5/3/4/5/6/8mm hex, T25, phillips and flathead screwdriver, as well as a chain tool, CO2 head, and two tire levers. Price is still TBD>
While both Lighter tools are professional grade tools, the smaller Atom model is ideal for mechanics who travel frequently (click to enlarge).
The brand also had some new shop qualities tools on display, like the Light-er Universal chain tool (left) and Light-er Atom. Both are compatible with 8-11 speed chains, and have room inside the handle for a spare rivet pin, and chain hook. Retail for the Universal is ~$33, while the Atom runs ~$16.
The Spoke Puck has four different slots, to accommodate bladed spokes of varying widths (click to enlarge).
Every wheel builder has their prefered spoke tool, but these colorful new options from Birzman look promising. They also have a new spoke puck to go along, that will keep bladed spokes in place. Price is yet TBD.
For more information visit www.birzman.com.
Jagwire Magnetic Pro internal routing tool (click to enlarge).
Jagwire
While internal routing looks trick, it can often be difficult to install. Jagwire’s new Magnetic Pro Internal Routing tool helps simplify things via two magnets. One is a super strong magnet that is housed inside the handle body, which can be used to guide cables through a bike frame. The second is a small wand, that can be used in conjunction with a compression fitting crimp to guide non-metallic housing. The tool will work for cables, housing, and can be adapted for Di2 use. Jagwires hopes to start shipping next month.
For more information visit jagwire.com.
The new truing stand from Park Tool will accommodate thru axles without adapters (click to enlarge).
Park Tool
The new TS-4 truing stand from Park Tool is compatible with just about anything on the market. This monster will accommodate hubs ranging from 90-200mm wide and has plenty of clearance for the fastest of fat bike tires. Other updates including a refined adjustment mechanism for smoother action and built in thru axle adapters. Price is TBD, but they’re aiming for the $350 mark when the stand starts shipping in June or July.
The stubby arm of the new HSX-3 wrenches help make maneuvering in tight spaces easier (click to enlarge).
The L-shaped hex wrench is a staple of every home mechanics tool set, but the new stubby is a welcome addition. These steel hex wrenches have a short stubby arms for reaching into tight spaces (like caliper mounting bolts or chainrings), as well as a ball end on the long arm. Each set ships with a 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, and 6mm. Retail is $25.
For more information visit www.parktool.com.
This article is part of Mtbr’s coverage of the 2016 Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California. For more from Sea Otter CLICK HERE.
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