Welcome to Escape Collective. Please select your language.
Please note that this is an automated translation and it will not be perfect. All articles have been written in English and if anything appears to not make sense, please double check in English.
From an AliExpress copy, to a 3D-printed chain wax break-in tool, through to a fresh electric ratchet, there’s a sprinkling of tools for all levels within.
Among the longer features I also created a number of galleries that show off a long-standing obsession (problem?) of mine – New Tools Day. And looking back, even I’m surprised to write that I covered 60 (!) new tools in 2024. And scarily, that doesn’t include the 11 new tools covered here.
Scroll on to see a mix of tools aimed at taking with on a ride, in a travel case, through to those for leaving in the workshop. You’ll find regular cycling tool names such as Pedro’s and Birzman, some new tools from specialist tool manufacturers such as Vessel and Knipex, and a few rarer finds from the likes of Leap Components and Alt-Alt.
And as always, you won’t find a single ad or affiliate link here. Rather Threaded (and everything else we do) is made possible by members of Escape Collective. A big thank you to those that make it happen, and a request to join them if you're not already a member. Here’s to more in 2025!
Pedro's recently released a new emergency-type chain breaker, the Pack Chain Tool (US$32 / AU$56). It's designed to be carried on a ride, but it should also suffice for casual home use.Most emergency-type chain breakers are built into multi-tools, but there are a number of standalone options, too. The Pedro's is on the larger size (77 g), but that also makes it more comfortable and practical to use.The nearest competitor is the Park Tool CT-5, however the marginally larger Pedro's Pack Chain Tool adds a tyre lever, chain hook, master link storage, Presta valve core tool, and four sizes of spoke wrench. It works with 1-13 speed chains.Pedro's do a great tyre lever. The one that doubles as a handle in this tool isn't quite as grand, but it'll do the trick in a panic.Whether it's too big to carry will be a decision for you to make. The tool itself functions smoothly and efficiently, and doesn't feel like it's trying to dig a hole into your hand while you push the chain pin. I do, however, wish the handle locked in place to ensure rattle-free carrying.Disc brake caliper piston presses are an emerging category in the cycling tool world. The SRAM Ultimate Piston Press is arguably the benchmark, but its US$94 / £91 / AU$162 retail price makes it a tough purchase for those not working in the trade. As with many things, it didn't take long for a blatant copy to appear on Aliexpress.Curiosity got the better of me and so I paid AU$38 (approx US$26) for this copy. Branded "Allt", it's a close copy, but there are some subtle differences that prove it is in fact a cheap copy.Firstly, the SRAM press uses a ACME-type thread that is designed to be stronger in a press application and require less winding, whereas the Allt has a cheaper metric thread. The quality control of the Allt also leaves a bit to be desired, with a number of scuffs and marks, plus it was assembled incorrectly from the factory (causing it to drop into two pieces).Just be warned that while they'd make nice Christmas ornaments, neither the SRAM Ultimate Piston Press nor its AliExpress copy are narrow enough for Shimano road calipers. For the latter application I'd suggest the Mini Piston Press (covered in the previous edition of New Tools Day) or the highly affordable sliding plastic wedges from Escape member Chris Heerschap (see same previous link). Or if you're feel really fancy, then mechanic Detail Bike Tech in the UK just started selling a machined-down version of the AliExpress copy. And while these dedicated tools reduce risk of piston damage, the old methods still work, too.My latest tool purchase. Made by 3D-print specialists Leap Components, this contraption is a gauge for checking the alignment of aluminium derailleur cages found on SRAM Transmission AXS (S-series, GX, and X0).Priced at US$14, this carbon-filled nylon widget simply clips onto the outside of the cage and acts as a go-no-go gauge. Just know that my photo shows it used wrongly as the derailleur cage lock pin needs to be in the "B" setting (that'll make sense for those experienced with SRAM's Transmission).The tool follows the contours of the cage and checks whether both pulley wheels are in expected alignment to each other.SRAM's Transmission derailleurs are incredibly strong, but the dangling cage remains the one thing to easily damage. This is a simple diagnostic tool at a fair price.It's a rather specific role, but with SRAM Transmission cages having a purposeful angle to them, the old use of a metal ruler (or eye-ball level) is no longer valid. And unfortunately, it makes a tool like the Abbey Bike Tools PreHag (top) useless, too.As something I had dreamed would exist, the new Vessel Cordless Electric Slim Ratchet (400ER3) had me quite excited. After waiting approximately a month for my backorder from Amazon Japan to land, I've come to realise this may not be the tool of my dreams. As covered on Instagram, this new USB-C rechargeable tool offers low torque assistance (just 1 Nm), while the tool can be manually driven up to a quoted 60 Nm.Such anticipation comes from me being absolutely smitten with Vessel's electric screwdriver (bottom), one of my favourite things from 2023. Although a lot more expensive at approximately US$100, the new ratchet sticks to the theme, being something you can use as a manual tool that then drives itself with the push of a button.
