Integrated tools make leaving the pack at home easier, but they also guarantee you’re always prepared for that next mechanical. However, it isn’t often that adding tools to your bike can make it lighter, but technically that’s exactly the case with Industry Nine’s new Matchstix thru bolts. By removing the quick release function of the thru axles, Industry Nine was able to make a lighter axle that when loaded up with tools, results in a net loss of weight…
Based around 15mm thru axles, Matchstix don’t completely remove the ability to take out the axle, but instead rely on a removable lever that is used to thread the axle in or out. Since the lever is removable, only one is needed and will fit on both the front and rear thru bolts. Held in place with o-rings and the hex tool, the lever will stay in place until you really pull on it.
Eventually available in two levers, one will have a chain tool built in while the lighter one will go without.
On the other side of the axle, the 15mm diameter provides enough room for a stash of steel tool bits that can be plugged into the handle for allen, torx, and screw driver fittings. Held in place with a rubber tube, the bits won’t rattle around, but the slits allow for single bits to be removed without emptying the whole sleeve. As an added bonus, the chain tool version will also include storage for a master link. The hex fitting in red above is for the tool bit that is needed to drive the pin of the chain tool. The lever even includes a spoke wrench on the outside as well.
Weighing the 15×100 and one of the 12mm rear axles, the 39g and 34g weights highlight the savings. The fully loaded tool axle comes in at 98g, which is a net savings of around 30g when used with the rear axle according to Industry Nine.
Initially to be available in Fox and RockShox 15×100 and 15×110 front and Maxxle 12×142/148/150, Maxxle 12×157/ABP 12×142/148/150, and Syntax X12 rear, thru bolts and levers will be offered in all 11 standard Industry Nine colors. Pricing for the made in the U.S. thru bolts is set for $55 for the front without tools and $65 for the rear, with the tools sold separately with pricing and availability TBD.
