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A few years ago, when Specialized invented the SWAT box, the boot for mountain bikes, there was a murmur in the scene. Why hadn't anyone thought of this before? The Americans used the hollow space in the voluminous down tube of their enduro bikes as a storage compartment because jersey bags were not compatible with the casual style of enduro riders and a rucksack would only get in the way on technical descents. A plastic flap under the bottle holder opened up the hidden compartment, like a drug stash in the floor of a lorry. Tube, pump, mini-tool - the load compartment offered space for all the utensils that mountain bikers would need to get back on the trail in the event of a puncture.
In the crankset, handlebars and steerer tube: where clever MTB tools find their place
There are now manufacturers who have specialised in such special solutions for transporting accessories. The developers are as resourceful as the cocaine couriers of South America. Hardly any opening on the bike is left out. Wolftooth from Burnsville, for example, offers numerous adapter solutions with the B-Rad system, with which bags, tools or pumps can be attached to the bottle cage holes.
But recently, the Americans have also discovered the handlebars as a secret hiding place and developed a sophisticated tool set for the slim tube. OneUp Components stows its fully equipped mini-tool with additional storage space for a CO² cartridge or a tubeless repair kit in the steerer tube. Only recognisable from the outside by a special end cap. And the crank axle? Sure, in most cases it is also hollow. Giant makes clever use of the opening to place a magnet-secured tool set inside. The solutions for the bottle cage or simple Velcro straps for attaching the tube and tools to the frame are somewhat more obvious. Simple, but ingenious. Perhaps the down tube will soon be used as a drinking reservoir or the air in the frame will be used to re-inflate plate tyres. Who knows what manufacturers will come up with in the future.
Clever transport solutions for MTB tools and bike accessories at a glance
Transport on the mountain bike frame:
- Backcountry Research Mütherload Strap
- Blackburn Switch Wrap Tool Kit
- Lezyne Sendit Caddy
- Wolftooth B-wheel roll-top bag
Transport in the steerer tube:
- Granite Stash Multi-Tool
- One Up Components EDC Tool
- Specialised Swat Conceal Carry MTB Tool
Mini tool in the crank axle:
- Giant Clutch mini tool crank
For storage space in the handlebar ends:
- Giant Clutch mini tool handlebar end
- Wolftooth Encare Bar Kit One
Bottle holder with space for accessories:
- Lezyne Flow Storage Cage
- Syncros Tailor IS 2.0 HV
- Topeak Ninja Cage X1 + Toolbox T16
Downloads:
Stefan Frey
Editor
