OneUp Components are well known for designing innovative solution-oriented componentry for bicycles, starting out with what gives the company its name, the 42T cassette adapter which allowed riders to squeeze additional range out of their drivetrain without upgrading to XX1 or X01. Continuing the trend, OneUp components were one of the earlier brands to start filling the ‘dead’ space on bike frames with tools, launching their EDC “Every Day Carry” tool that fits into the steerer tube of your fork. This was ingenious but was certainly not without its flaws. OneUp have now released an EDC Stem to accompany the tool which circumvents some of the design quirks of the earlier setup; here we review them.
OneUp Components EDC Stem
OneUp Components original EDC tool for the steerer tube was ingenious but was certainly not without its drawbacks. As it required the removal of the star nut and top cap, a replacement solution to tightening the steering assembly down was required. The solution came in the form of a threaded steerer tube – it likely invalidated the warranty of your fork and was of course only applicable to alloy steerer tubes.
The new EDC Stem circumnavigates the need for a steerer tap with the integration of a headset bearing preloader system that allows you to adjust your headset preload without loosening your stem. The system makes use of an adjustable compression ring system positioned at the bottom of the stem. The stem has 2 standard bolts which clamp the stem onto the steerer while a third lower steerer bolt pinches a conical spacer down and out of the stem from below, removing any play in the system. That third bolt can then be locked into position from the other side.
The conical collar (A) sits flush on top of the headset cap or spacer under it. The matching collar (B shown loose, C shown inside the stem…you’ll only have one in actual use, both are shown here to illustrate how it works) matches the taper. You set it up by lining up the stem and wheel to get the steering straight then pushing everything down as firm as you can and tightening the normal stem bolts to fix the position. Then you tighten the top collar’s (D) bolt, which squeezes it (B/C) to tighten the taper. Doing so pushes down on the bottom collar (A) to compress the steering column, preload the headset bearing, and remove any play. That serves the same purpose as if you were tightening down the top cap into a star nut.
In practice, getting this system set up is a little fiddly, just while you’re trying to figure out the correct orientation for the spacers and collar, but OneUp provide some very comprehensive and explicit instructions on their website. For an explanation on how the EDC Preloading System works, check out the video below from Sea Otter Classic 2019.
Be aware that the EDC Stem is not right away compatible with the Knock Block system on Trek bikes. In order to get this fitted my mechanic filed down the bottom Knock Block spacer in order for the EDC Stem spacer to sit flush on top. Alternatively, we should have fitted a Knock Block lock ring spacer, which would have allowed the Knock Block system to work alongside the EDC Stem system. I wouldn’t recommend taking our initial course of action, as I am now without a functional Knock Block system, and my downtube hasn’t thanked me for it, with the inevitable paint chips where the fork crown has hit it during crashing.
Getting the 3 nM preload is important in ensuring you’ve removed all play from the system, and that equally you haven’t placed undue load on the headset bearings. The best way of doing this is to temporarily preload the headset bearings by leaning on your forks while simultaneously tightening the lower steerer bolt. Make sure that when you torque the lock nut that you hold the preload bolt with a 2nd hex key as you tighten it. Once you’ve done the first preload, bounce your bike up and down on its back wheel to allow everything to bed in, then retorque.
OneUp provide a steerer plug to help keep all the water and crud from the trail out of the system. The stem itself will set you back $85 while the stem and the preloader system costs $115. It is available in lengths of 35mm and 50mm and clamps onto handlebars 35mm in diameter. So why bother going to all the faff? To go full enduro, of course.
EDC “Every Day Carry” Multitool
Could this be the last piece to your ‘full enduro’ puzzle? Sadly, it wasn’t for me as I struggle to carry enough water in the frame of my 15.5″ Trek Slash, but it could be for many of you. The EDC Tool slides straight into your EDC Stem headset, allowing you to carry the weight of your multitool and CO2 canister on the frame of the bike in a super ergonomically sensible manner. I weighed it at 116g (without CO2). Note for set-up: before sliding this into the headset be sure to lather it up in grease at the rubber seals because it can get jammed in the headset very easily if undergreased.
The plastic body of the assembly is flexi and a little bend releases the chain tool/tyre lever combo, giving you access to the multitool. The lever itself also has a presta valve core tightening tool integrated along its side, as well as 0, 1, 2, and 3 spoke keys.
The chain tool is actual miniature and I was dubious as to whether it would have enough leverage to get the job done, but sure enough, the tool is robust and easy enough to use. You have to use a hex key from the multitool assembly to drive the chain splitting bolt.
The multitool assembly itself comprises a 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 8 mm hex key, a T25, and a rather unique tool (top right). This tool is both a flat head screwdriver, and a quick link removal tool when used in combination with the hex key alongside it.
Obviously the limitation with such a small multitool is the lack of leverage. You’re going to have to be prepared to struggle to remove a tight pedal with the leverage offered by the 6mm hex. However, the chances of you having to remove a pedal at the trailside are pretty slim, and the point of the EDC Tool is that it will let you do the majority of trailside repairs to keep you riding, or at least get you home.
The plastic end cap can be used as a safe storage place for other items, for example tyre plugs, more quick links, spare pedal pins, or it can be removed entirely and a CO2 cartridge (12, 16 or 20g) can be screwed securely into place and stored inside your steerer tube along with everything else. The EDC tool is indeed a fancy piece of real estate and will set you back $59.
