Need a fix? Maybe one of these new tools will do the trick. There were a lot of new products at the Sea Otter Classic, and these are some of the best new tools that caught our eye.
Technically, the Wolf Tooth Components 6-Bit Multitool launched just before the show started, but this was the first chance for us to get our hands on one. And it’s just as good as we imagined.
The perfect size to carry on a key chain, stash in your pocket, or throw in a small saddle bag, the 6-Bit is a very useful little tool. Way more user friendly than many “EDC” multi-tools, the 6-Bit tool includes 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex bits, a flat head #3.5 and Phillips #2 screwdrivers, and T10 & T25 Torx-compatible bits. All of those fit inside of the 8mm pivoting extension that allows you to use the tools at right angles, or as a straight tool.
You can buy the 6-bit as the tool only, or you can purchase it with the keyring attachment, which serves as a locking device to keep the bits from falling out while it’s on your keychain.
KOM Cycling Inflator and Plug Tool
KOM had lots of tools and cool gadgets to show off at Sea Otter 2022 — some ready to ship and others so new we could only sneak a peek. That’s the case with this new… let’s call it “Tire Repair Tool 2.0”. The ride tool in question has all the same tools and bits of the KOM tire repair tool; 8 x 1.5mm bacon strips, a reamer, a fork to apply them but adds a very smart extra piece.
The new updated “Tire Repair Tool 2.0” adds a CO2 valve chuck and a valve core remover to the mix. The chuck works with thread CO2 canisters and has a serviceable seal fitting. The tool remains very packable and has nearly the same dimension as the previous model.
For those who forget to pack the head for the CO2 (as I frequently do), this tool should save you some extra headaches and time looking around your pack. We expect this tool to be available in the same bright colors as its brethren; black, red, green, yellow, pink, purple, and orange.
Check out KOM Cycling for more information.
Abbey Bike Tools
As their new stickers would suggest, Abbey makes “tools you can take to the grave.” That is to say, extremely precise, high quality, works of art that are also really, really good at the task at hand.
New to their family is a very specific 13mm socket for Fox bleeder valves, though it can also be used for any 13mm nut. The socket features a completely flat face to allow for proper purchase on the nut, and sells for $25.
More of an update than a new tool, their Modular Bearing Press gets a revised press head with 5″ handles plus a new quick nut to make bearing installation quicker and easier. If you prefer it without handles, they still offer a Team Issue press without any, and the Micro Modular Bearing Press with smaller handles.
You can see all the tools here.
Park Tool
Lastly, it wouldn’t be a trade show without a bunch of new tools in Park Tool Blue. Some, like the new TPT-1 Tubeless Tire Plug Tool are obvious additions, though this does look promising with chunky tire plugs and a comfortable-looking handle. There’s also a sliding plug retainer that prevents the plug from being pulled back out when you remove the tool from the tire.
TPT-1 Tubeless Tire Plug Tool:
- 5 vulcanized rubber plugs (refills available — part #2370K – MSRP $3.95)
- Dimensions: 89 x 27 x 40 mm (3.5″ x 1.1″ x 1.6″)
- Weight: 79 grams (2.8 oz.) with plugs
- MSRP $36.95
The BBT-RS Bottom Bracket Retaining System is just as it sounds. This device is meant to hold all the new oversized bottom bracket tools in place to keep the tool from slipping out on stubborn, stuck bottom brackets.
BBT-RS – Bottom Bracket Tool Retaining System
- Compatible with the following bottom bracket styles:
- Threaded cup
- Thread-together
- Cartridge
- Cup-and-cone
- Compatible with the following bottom bracket tools:
- The following Park Tool socket-style aluminum bottom bracket tools:
- BBT-27.3
- BBT-35-12
- BBT-35-36
- BBT-47-12
- BBT-47-16
- BBT-49.3
- BBT-59.3
- BBT-69.3
- BBT-79.3
- Wrench-style bottom bracket tools with a handle (e.g. Park Tool BBT-9, BBT-29, HCW-4)
- Bottom bracket tools with external wrench flats (e.g. Park Tool BBT-19.2, BBT-22)
- The following Park Tool socket-style aluminum bottom bracket tools:
- Washer diameter: 57 mm (2.25″)
- Rod length: 175 mm (6.9″)
- Rod threading: M8 x 1.0
- Adapter nut threading: M12 x 1.0 & M15 x 1.0
- MSRP $46.95
A new tool for spreading disc brake pads is offered in the PS-1. The tool can be used to spread pads, or used as a stand-in for the rotor when working on disc brakes without having to put the wheel back into the bike. Fairly simple, the PS-1 will sell for $11.95.
Tight quarters while working on disc brkaes? These new DTD-8 and DTD-10 offer stubby Torx drivers to fit tight spaces. Offered in T8 or T10, they sell for $25.95 each.
DTD-8 & DTD-10 FEATURES
- T8 or T10 Torx-compatible wrench
- Not intended for high-torque applications
- Total length: 3.75″ (95 mm)
- Shaft length: 1.7″ (43 mm)
- Weight: 2.22 oz. (63 g)
If you want to get really nerdy, check out the new DCA-1 Digital Caliper Accessory. Essentially plastic tips for any digital caliper, they bolt on to the arms of a caliper with the integrated grub screws.
Why do you need it? The DCA-1 has little nubs for the actual reading, which allows you to measure disc brake rotors for wear in the center of the rotor’s braking surface–not out at the edge which may not be worn at all due to the positioning of the brake pad on the rotor. The DCA-1 also has conical tips which can be used for centering the caliper in mounting holes on chainrings to measure BCD. The DCA-1 sells for $19.95, calipers not included.
Finally, we have the new PRS-26 Team Issue Repair Stand which adds a tripod leg design which is better for use on more surfaces than the two leg design.
PRS-26 – Team Issue Repair Stand
- Maximum weight capacity*: 36 kg (80 lbs.)
- Clamp capacity: round and aero tubes from 22 to 76 mm (7/8″ to 3″) wide
- Jaw width: 70 mm (2.75″)
- Height adjustable from 97 to 147 cm (38″ to 58″)
- Base when open forms a triangle of 126 x 126 x 126 cm (49.6″ x 49.6″ x 49.6″)
- Weight: 5.7 kg (12.6 lbs.)
- The PRS-26 uses the 100-25D Micro-Adjust Clamp
- Replaceable jaw covers (part #1960)
- MSRP $409.95
*NOTE: The maximum weight capacity of the PRS-26 assumes the bike’s center of gravity is positioned directly below the clamp.
See more at parktool.com.
