While Topeak’s PrepStation remains their gawd-I-wish-I-had-that halo product, the new PrepBox brings the mobile premium bicycle tool kit within most of our reach.
Featuring a ballistic looking case, it comes with 18 tools, which doesn’t sound like a lot for the $299 asking price. But these are the items that are more relevant for modern bikes, not just an assortment of flexy cone wrenches and generic screwdrivers. It stocks what you need to travel with, fix emergencies and allow for a pretty good amount of basic repairs. No bottom bracket tools, but other than that, you can remove or install just about any component with what’s on hand…
Everything’s held firmly in place with thick, shaped foam. The major items include cable cutters, chain breaker, pedal wrench, chain whip, various crank installation/extraction tools, tire lever, cleaning brush, double ended screwdriver bits with large handle, torque wrench and a few other goodies.
A complete range of Torx and Allen wrenches is a nice addition.
Mesh covers stretch over the tools and hold things in place when opening and closing it.
External pouch lets you add any other tools or bits your particular bike may need.
Available spring 2014.
For their PrepStand, they’re offering new clamp on platforms that hold some of the formed trays from the PrepStation. As a bonus, they’ll fit most any work stand. Two models -a basic one with a foam bed and a tool tray with a split lid and plastic dividers- retail from $20 to $35.
Underneath those two is their original tool tray with fixed compartments and side holes for slotting allen wrenches, etc., into. They’re stackable, and they swivel on the stand so you can move them around for easy access or to get them out of the way.
