Always-on tool from Wolf Tooth

Of course, on long alpine tours or when the going gets tough and spare parts are jumping over the cliff at the drop of a hat, everyone is glad to have a good rucksack. But on short after-work tours, you'd rather try to get by without one. Many manufacturers have long understood this and have presented appropriate solutions. One-Up integrated the multi-tool into the steerer tube, Specialized integrated the tube, pump and even lightweight rain jackets in the Swat box in the down tube. Now the American company Wolf Tooth is also getting into the backpack-free biking business, elegantly hiding several clever multi-tool solutions in the handlebar ends.

Tool disappears into the handlebar: lots of function, compact solution

The idea is basically simple. Instead of the rubber plug, a rubber sleeve is inserted into the handlebar end, which replaces the end plug and can also contain a few other items. However, these have to be quite compact, as a standard multitool would obviously not fit inside a handlebar. Wolf Tooth has solved the problem with a milled aluminium bar into which various inserts can be fitted, which can also be used on both sides. For example, one handlebar end conceals a tool that can be used simultaneously as a valve spanner, spoke spanner, slotted and Phillips screwdriver, as an Allen key in sizes two to eight millimetres and as a Torx in sizes T10, T25 and T30. All bits disappear into the handle of the tool, where they are secured by a system of magnets and O-rings.

Second tool: Chain renter or tubeless repair kit

A second tool in the other end of the handlebars can then be used in combination with the first as a chain riveter or as a tubeless repair kit, for example. However, the engineering crux is probably not only to accommodate the tools in the handlebars, but also to stow them safely there without them rattling or coming loose on vigorous trail rides. Each tool sleeve is equipped with a rubber strap for this purpose, which must be shortened accordingly by the consumer so that the tool fits firmly and securely in handlebars of every conceivable diameter.

A smart solution, in our opinion. A little bonus: The tools don't get wet in the handlebars either. However, the two tools shown with the corresponding transport sleeves together also cost 119 euros. You can find all further information on the Website of Wolf Tooth.