WebreaderShopNewsletterTop dealers & workshops

Tool transport on the MTBBottle cage with minitool & accessory mounts in the test

Stefan Frey

 · 20.03.2024

If there is only one bottle cage position on the frame, bottle cages with integrated tools are a good solution. Models from Crankbrothers & Syncros in the test.
Photo: Georg Grieshaber

In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.

Transporting tools at the bottle cage position may be practical, but in case of doubt it blocks the transport of a water bottle. Syncros and Crankbrothers offer clever solutions that combine bottle cage, multitool & co. and thus do not jeopardise the water supply during the tour. We have tested both all-in-one tools.
Topics in this article

Syncros IS Cache 2.0 HV

Syncros offers with the IS Cache 2.0 a practical all-in-one solution. A small tool and a chain riveter are concealed in the bottle cage. The holder for the pump can be mounted on both sides underneath the bottle cage. The bottle cage itself can be converted to left or right-handed use - so you have all the options for customisation.

The Syncros IS Cache 2.0 HV has been on the market for some time but is still a good choice for using the bottle cage as a tool holder.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe Syncros IS Cache 2.0 HV has been on the market for some time but is still a good choice for using the bottle cage as a tool holder.

Handling - not quite optimal

Mounting the Syncros IS Cache 2.0 HV is a little more complicated than with a standard bracket and it is recommended that you use the long screws supplied for a secure fit. The tools can be used in different ways. Although the chain riveter is tiny, it is still easy to use. The small multi-tool, on the other hand, is a little angular in the hand and the lever is small. We would also have preferred a few smaller hexagon socket sizes instead of the 30 mm Torx. The 6 mm hexagon socket is made up of the 4 mm and 5 mm spanners and sits very loosely in the screw head.

The Minitool lives up to its name. It's ok for emergency repairs, but if you like to make adjustments to your bike on the go, you won't have much fun with it.Photo: Stefan FreyThe Minitool lives up to its name. It's ok for emergency repairs, but if you like to make adjustments to your bike on the go, you won't have much fun with it.

The pump with its extendable hose is a good compromise between compact dimensions and volume. The pump head with lever encloses the valve tightly, but is somewhat awkward to operate. Pump carefully to avoid kinking the valve head.

The small pump head is not ideal for fitting. The valve head is quickly bent when the clamping lever is moved.Photo: Stefan FreyThe small pump head is not ideal for fitting. The valve head is quickly bent when the clamping lever is moved.

Large bottles in particular sit a little wobbly in the holder. Unfortunately, not all repairs are possible with the Syncros IS Cache due to the lack of an Allen key. Before buying, be sure to check whether the most important screws on the bike can be operated with the tool.

Most read articles

1

2

3

4

5

In addition to a bottle holder, there is a tool set and space for a pump.Photo: Georg GrieshaberIn addition to a bottle holder, there is a tool set and space for a pump.

Features & details

  • Bottle cage right/left mounting
  • High volume pump with extendable hose
  • Minitool with 8 functions - PH2; Torx 25/30; hexagon socket 3/4/5/6; chain riveter; chain lock holder
  • Weight 260 g
  • Price 79,95 Euro >> available here

Advantages & disadvantages

+ re/li mounting; pump and bottle cage; pump included
- Tools can get dirty; bottle sits a little wobbly; bit selection not optimal; handling minitool

Syncros IS Accessory Mount

If you screw the Accessory Mount to the bottle cage hole in addition to the IS Cache, you are really well equipped for punctures. Here, a spare inner tube is securely fastened by the Velcro strap. You could also attach a tyre lever.

The IS cache can be expanded with the Accessory Mount.Photo: Stefan FreyThe IS cache can be expanded with the Accessory Mount.

The scope of delivery also includes rubberised cable ties, which can be used to position the small bracket anywhere on the bike. Depending on the mounting point, the plastic of the bracket can be shortened.

With the small spare tube adapter under the IS cache, you actually have everything on board for a defect and are optimally equipped - as long as the bits of the tool match the bike.Photo: Stefan FreyWith the small spare tube adapter under the IS cache, you actually have everything on board for a defect and are optimally equipped - as long as the bits of the tool match the bike.

Crankbrothers BC18 Bottle Cage Tool Kit

It has taken a long time, but now Crankbrothers has also launched a series with integrated tool solutions. The BC18 is the jack-of-all-trades among the various options.

With the recently introduced BC18, Crankbrothers has a truly universal solution in its programme.Photo: Georg GrieshaberWith the recently introduced BC18, Crankbrothers has a truly universal solution in its programme.

A bottle cage serves as the basis, which has been upgraded with all kinds of useful features. On board is a tyre lever with tubeless patch and piercing tool. An aluminium case on the side protects the minitool and chain tool from dirt. Clever: The mini-tool pops out of its case with a spring. Another clip holds the pump or CO2 cartridge (not included).

The tool is sufficiently large and sits comfortably in the hand. The chain riveter serves as a lever extension via an intermediate piece.Photo: Stefan FreyThe tool is sufficiently large and sits comfortably in the hand. The chain riveter serves as a lever extension via an intermediate piece.

Solid handling, secure hold

Off-road, the bottle cage scores with a firm fit. The water bottle hardly wobbles even in heavy bumps. The mini tool sits comfortably in the hand and the lever can be extended slightly by clipping the chain riveter to the tool via the connecting bar. It took us a while to get to grips with all the functions and tricks of the tool set. The following turned out to be particularly clever: The tyre lever acts as a handle for the chain riveter. The riveter itself also functions as a CO2 adapter and spoke tensioner.

The tyre lever can be attached to the chain riveter as a lever.Photo: Stefan FreyThe tyre lever can be attached to the chain riveter as a lever.

Slight rattling during the journey

During the test, we had the Klic HV pump mounted on the bracket. Its hose rattled slightly in the housing on bumpy forest paths. The Minitool was also minimally audible when shaken. Otherwise, the BC18 is currently one of the most comprehensive and best on-board solutions.

Quite extensively equipped: in addition to a bottle cage, there is a well-equipped tool set and space for a pump.Photo: Georg GrieshaberQuite extensively equipped: in addition to a bottle cage, there is a well-equipped tool set and space for a pump.

Features & details

  • Bottle cage right/left mounting
  • Additional holder for pump or CO2 cartridge
  • Minitool with the following tools: hexagon socket 2/2.5/3/4/5/6/8; Torx 10/25; screwdriver
  • Tyre lever; tubeless tool; spare tyre plugs; chain tool; spoke spanner; CO2 adapter; valve wrench
  • Weight 250 gram
  • Price 99,99 Euro

Advantages & disadvantages

+ Minitool protected; extensively equipped; good hold for tools and water bottle; left/right mounting
- minimal rattling

Share article:
Stefan Frey

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

Home
CrankbrothersSyncros

Most read in category Workshop