Life In The Saddle

The MetMo Pocket Driver Ratchet Multitool is a thing of beauty. This is engineering at its best. Just as I appreciate Hope Technology parts for their precision CNC machining and durability, I feel a connection with the MetMo Pocket Driver thanks to its simplicity and flawless functionality. The MetMo Pocket Driver is " perfect for building anything " – designed for Allen/hex key bits as well as standard screw and micro screw bits, there is very little it cannot handle. It is a small but mighty ratchet driver.  The founder of MetMo, Sean Sykes, based the design of the Pocket Driver on one of the earliest ratchet screwdrivers made, in the 1920s by Conrad Baumann. Sean developed the MetMo version with hardened materials and using the latest engineering machinery, creating to create a compact and strong micro tool. Accompanied by a hardened hex bit set (sold separately), the MetMo Pocket Driver is a dream to use for bicycle maintenance and repairs. Put simply, it is a meticulousl...

PNW Components have developed a reputation for producing premium quality bike components, without the sky-high price tags. Their business model is based on years of experience in the bike trade; working directly with manufacturers to keep costs down, and constantly refining and developing their products to stay ahead of the game. The PEBBLE Tool from PNW is a pocket-sized multitool, which isn't much bigger than your pinky finger. The 50 gram package features the bare necessities to get you back riding when you need to do some trail-side repairs. The anodised smooth external plates house a Dynaplug® tubeless repair plug tool; 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm Hex wrenches; and a T25 Torx (hidden under Dynaplug® accessory). The tool selection should cover most eventualities and loose bolts on a road or mountain bike repair.  Great to use, thanks to its smooth feel and lightweight nature; the Pebble's tool bits are perfectly machined for a good fit in bolt heads time after time. When a punct...

The Lezyne Pocket Torque Drive is a compact torque wrench that you can easily slip into a jersey pocket or race-day tool kit. Presented in its own soft-shell case, it gives you with the tool-bits and confidence you need to adjust delicate bike components accurately and easily. When it comes to adjusting stem bolts, seat post clamps, saddle rails and even gear lever clamps, you need to be careful not to overtighten or under tighten the bolts; overtightening could result in stress fractures, whilst under tightening could result in slippage between components. A torque wrench allows you to easily adjust a bolt to the correct torque level. Traditional torque wrenches are bulky items though; they are made for workshop use and not for taking with you on a ride; this presents a problem for ad-hoc adjustments on the go. Leyne's new Pocket Torque Drive is the brand's solution to torque wrench transportation; small and light enough to take with you on your travels. Oozing the fame...

A good bicycle multitool is like a Swiss army knife—you do not appreciate what an asset it is until you really need it. The new Pro Bike Tool 20-in-1 Multitool is a compact and lightweight bicycle tool, made to an exacting high-quality standard. A great companion for any ride.  Much as you might not appreciate your pocketknife until the moment you need to open that package, or uncork that bottle of wine, or tighten that screw, or gut a fish… a bicycle multitool will often lay unused in a saddlebag or jersey pocket, until that moment that you really need it. When that time arises though, you will appreciate having a top-quality tool. Cheaper bicycle multitools might round-off bolt heads, rust, or even snap with enough force—leaving you stranded at the side of the road or trail. A quality bicycle multitool will allow you to tighten that bolt, adjust that screw, or fix that chain—getting you back underway as soon as possible. The Pro Bike Tool 20-in-1 Multitool is a strong example o...

I have a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife that has featured in my 'every day carry' for almost a decade; it still performs like new and is an invaluable asset. I recently discovered that the Swiss brand makes a bike tool, and I was keen to see if it lives up to the same exacting Swiss standard. The Victorinox Bike Tool is effectively a mini socket set: the magnetic 5mm hex key detaches from the tool holder and then you fit any bit piece to it: the range includes 2-6mm hex keys, a T25 Torx key, and flat and cross-head screwdriver bits. All the bit pieces are made from high tensile stainless steel and have a very good fit in bolt heads—promising not to round off fittings, if used correctly. The body of the tool also features two clip-in tyre levers that are made from strong plastic composite, and do a good job of levering stubborn tubeless tyres from wheel rims, as well as having a nice rounded profile to protect the tube. The whole bike tool weighs just 92 grams and is 100mm ...

Ever had one of those tricky seat-post retention clamps or disc caliper bolts that are a nightmare to reach with a chunky multitool? The mini ratchet set from Pro Bike Tool is the solution. This UK brand produces some great value and great quality bike tools: pumps, CO2 inflators, bottle cages, and multitools. This little ratchet set was my first introduction to the range, and it is impressive both in quality and performance. Equipped with a set of all common hex-key chucks, torque wrench pieces, and screw drivers; this should give you everything you need for trail or road-side repairs (except a broken chain - you'd need the Pro Bike Tool Chain Tool for that eventuality). It is simple and effective to use: much like a bigger ratchet on a socket set, you insert the chucks and then choose which way you want to turn the bolt. It is well-made enough that you can put a fair bit or torque through the metal shaft and handle without it feeling like it is flexing. With the growth ...

Leatherman tools are excellent quality and offer lifelong companions for back-of-beyond adventures. The Leatherman Skeletool Multi-Tool is a plier type tool; designed to be lightweight, portable, and robust. Partnered with the Leatherman Bit Kit it makes for a superb bikepacking and bicycle touring tool. The Leatherman Skeletool weighs in at just 142 grams—placing it well within the realms of your standard bicycle multi-tool. Yet, this 7-in-1 tool has the capability to deliver a significantly greater level of functionality compared to many bicycle multi-tools on the market today. As the stand-alone product, the Leatherman Skeletool comes with a 420HC stainless-steel combination blade, dual type pliers, a wire cutter, a bit driver and screwdriver bits, a removable pocket clip, and a carabiner/bottle opener. The Skeletool is designed with ease-of-use and handling in mind. All the tools can be accessed single-handed from the outside of the unit. The blade and bit driver also featu...

A good bicycle multitool is like a Swiss army knife—you do not appreciate what an asset it is until you really need it. The new Pro Bike Tool 17-in-1 Multitool is a compact and lightweight bicycle tool, made to an exacting high-quality standard. A great companion for any ride. Much as you might not appreciate your pocketknife until the moment you need to open that package, or uncork that bottle of wine, or tighten that screw, or gut a fish… A bicycle multitool will often lay unused in a saddlebag or jersey pocket, until that moment that you really need it… When that time arises, you will appreciate having a top-quality tool. Cheaper multitools might round-off bolt heads, rust, or even snap with enough force—leaving you stranded at the side of the road or trail. A quality bicycle multitool will allow you to tighten that bolt, adjust that screw, or fix that chain—getting you back underway as soon as possible. The Pro Bike Tool 17-in-1 Multitool is a strong example of a high-qual...

If there is one tool type that should feature in every home bicycle workshop, it is a T-Handle set. This seven-piece set from USA brand Feedback Sports is faultless in its quality and design and will be a true companion for a life of bike wrenching. The Feedback Sports T-Handle Tool Kit comprises of seven T-handle wrenches: hex keys in 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm; then a T25 TORX key wrench. This set should cover you for almost all jobs on a modern bicycle. The complete set is housed in a professional looking TPU coated water-resistant case for easy transportation and storage; the case also has room for a few other tools that you might want to take in your must-have toolkit. The professional level tools are made from S2 grade stainless steel, which is incredibly durable even with daily use. Feedback Sports are so confident of this quality that they offer the product with a Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty. Certainly, all other Feedback Sports products I have used to date ...

Having a multi-tool with you on any adventure is a great idea; you never know when you might need to tighten a bolt or adjust a screw. The innovative Fix MFG Wheelie Multi-Tool is a compact unit, and slides into the special Strap-On Holster that can be mounted to a bag strap or belt — so it is always close to hand when you need it. Fix Manufacturing is an American brand from Laguna Beach, California — sold in the UK through Cyclorise Accessories; it is new to European soil, and I was one of the first to test it out. The Fix MFG Multi-Tool itself is a great piece of machining; made from durable stainless steel it is a compact tool containing all the essential torx bits, hex keys, and screwdriver bits; as well as detachable spoke wrench and 8/10 mm wrench. The quality tool bits should allow you to adjust any part your bike and carry out many small household tasks. The Fix MFG multitool slots into a specially made holster that you can mount to any 5 mm or 10 mm webbing (two sizes av...

A shock pump is an essential accessory for any modern mountain biker; allowing you to adjust the pressure in air-based suspension forks and rear shocks. The Pro Bike Tool Shock Pump is a smart, well-made, and affordable option. I have been impressed by the quality of value of all the previous Pro Bike Tool products that I have tested to date: including their mini pumps , torque wrench , and Y-wrench workshop tool . Therefore, when I was on the lookout for a new shock pump to fine-tune the pressures on my Kona Hei Hei, the Pro Bike Tool offering looked like a great bet. I have not been disappointed. The pump has a simple design; with a large analogue pressure dial, a flip-out T handle to allow for comfortable pumping, and a strong steel barrel that is capable of pumping up to 300 PSI. The shock pump securely screws onto the Schrader valve core on a suspension fork or suspension shock, and then you simply pump to the recommended pressure for your weight. If you need to let pre...

Plugging or repairing a large hole in a tubeless bicycle tyre can be a necessity when the hole is too large for the tubeless tyre sealant to fill. The Sahmaurai SWORD 2.0 is a neat tubeless tyre reaming and plug system, which fits securely inside your handlebar ends. In 2017, I posted a feature on ' How To Make Your Own Tubeless Plug System ' . That system worked well for me, but it was not without its faults… namely, it was flimsy and broke after repeated use. Doh. The homemade creation was based on the Sahmurai SWORD design, which at the time was not available to the UK market. Now it is! New for 2019, the Sahmurai SWORD 2.0 is an upgraded model of the original tubeless plug I tried to mimic. It is even more robust and easier to fit into the handlebar ends. The Sahmurai SWORD is a two-part system: you use the reamer to clean out and ready the hole in the tyre; then you push the sword into the hole with a sticky plugging strip inserted. As you pull the sword back out of ...

A life of adventures, both on two wheels and more recently on the water, demands reliable and versatile equipment. The Victorinox Ranger Grip Boatsman is quite probably the only pocket knife tool that you will ever need for exploring the back-and-beyond and open waves. I grew up in a family of sailing enthusiasts and spent many summers teaching sailing to cadets. One thing that was drummed into me from an early age was the importance of having a good knife with you when you are on the water. A sailing knife is a necessity to handle frequent tasks like seized shackles, but also it is a vital safety aid in the event of you becoming entangled in rigging or ropes. As my summer explorations began to focus around bikes as much as boats, I began to appreciate the importance of a good pocket knife for these adventures as well. Wild camping and cooking necessitate a good blade, and accessories like a corkscrew, bottle opener, can opener and pliers, are useful for obvious reasons. The Vi...

My first introduction to the Pro Bike Tool brand came with my review of their multitool and pumps earlier this year; they proved to be great quality, and fast became part of my workshop and ride pack's core arsenal. In this review I take a look at five new releases from the UK brand - Chainlink Pliers, Chain Tool, Adaptable Y-Wrench, Torque Wrench, and a Hex Key Set. Review - Pro Bike Tool Adjustable T-Handle Torque Wrench Set My favourite first - the Pro Bike Tool Adjustable T-Handle Torque Wrench Set . Having owned one of these, I am not sure how I ever went without one before... Unlike most socket-set style torque wrenches, this T-handle wrench fits neatly and comfortably in the palm of your hand (and your pocket). It is simple and easy to use, and has a great quality feel to it. The torque level is adjusted using a 6 mm hex key, and can be set to either 4 NM, 5 NM, or 6 NM. The chuck bit can be changed to be either a 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, or T25 bit; all of which are...

GULP! That is the usual feeling when mid-race you look at your rear tyre and confirm the squidgy feeling... you've punctured. GUP (actually spelt GÜP) is a quick-fix sealant solution to get you back riding, fast. It is usable for tubes, tubeless, or tubular tyres. This is one product that you hope you will never need to use in earnest, and luckily to date I haven't had to trial it in a 'race' or 'ride' situation. However, to test its performance I did deploy a can of GÜP to fix a flat on a wheelbarrow, and another to simply inflate a tubeless MTB tyre whose sealant had dried up... Application is easy... Rest the bike against a wall or tree, and position the valve of the punctured wheel at the 12 o'clock position Unscrew the Presta valve about 3/4 of the way out (not the valve core, just the valve closing mechanism). Note: GUP also works with Schrader valves Place the can over the valve. DO NOT push can all the way up against the rim With one hand,...

A good quality bike pump of CO2 inflator is a lifeline; you carry it with you every ride, but hope that you don't need it. When you do require its deployment though, you had better hope it works; otherwise it is often a long walk home. These options from Pro Bike Tool are some of the best I've used. The range on review here is the Pro Bike Tool Mini Floor Bike Pump, the Pro Bike Tool Mini Bike Pump, and the Pro Bike Tool CO2 Inflator With Canister Storage. Pro Bike Tool Mini Floor Bike Pump Pumping up big tyres when you are away travelling can seem like a never-ending workout; the volume of air required means you are looking at hundreds of pumps with a small hand pump. The solution is a mini floor pump, like this example from Pro Bike Tool. The Mini Floor Pump is made from high quality stainless steel, and features a good sized barrel; flip down foot stand, and good length hose. The larger size and stability of the pump compared to a hand pump makes it a lot easier ...

A quality multitool could make the difference between tightening or adjusting a bolt and getting on with your ride, or struggling with a misaligned component or dangerously loose clamp. The Pro Bike Tool Multitool is a lightweight, beautifully machined stainless steel tool; built to be reliable, long-lived, and stylish. The Pro Bike Tool Multi-tool is only 0.7 cm thick, 9.4 cm long, and weighs just 99 grams. Machined from SUS420 Stainless Steel, it is one of the highest quality alloys that you can get, and the brand guarantee it will remain rust-free. It certainly looks the part, and has 8 of the most useful tool bits that you need for road or trailside repairs; including Allen/Hex 2.5/3/4/5/6, Torx T25/T30, and a Phillips PH1 screwdriver. The only thing it is of course missing that I always recommend taking on a ride is a chain-tool; but Pro Bike Tool make a separate one of these, which I may review on the blog sometime soon, having seen how good quality this tool set it. On...