With an increasing number of bikes that includes downtube storage compartments, I initially thought Crankbrothers’ timing with their S.O.S. instruments assortment was a bit late. Nevertheless, I shortly realized this permits MTB riders who don’t have in-frame storage to get pleasure from the identical comfort with out shopping for a complete new body or bike. I additionally realized whereas testing the instruments a few of them have been fairly effectively suited to gravel/touring bikes together with MTBs.
I’m impressed with what number of features Crankbrothers crammed into their compact multi-tools, and the standard of the instruments, cages, and storage tubes is superb. I by no means had any useful failures with any a part of the instruments I examined. To see all the main points of the entire S.O.S. Instruments assortment (together with weights and all features of every), try my launch article from earlier this yr. Since a couple of of the instruments are quite simple, I targeted on the extra deluxe fashions for testing.
Instantly this was my favourite of the S.O.S. software sequence as a result of it’s the one package that carries instruments and water on one bottle mount. Assuming you’ve room for a big sufficient bottle, this package permits you to ditch your hydration pack and stay well-equipped with trailside instruments.
Nevertheless, I experience medium frames and I had bother discovering a motorcycle that was appropriate with the BC18. I first put in it on my Knolly Chilcotin and it appeared to suit, however solely with my smallest water bottle. Sadly, after two rides I noticed my piggyback shock was contacting the bottle. With no room to slip the package ahead, I needed to take away it from the bike.
It’s necessary to notice the BC18 package requires extra clearance than a regular bottle cage. Even with no spacers below it, the water bottle sits fairly excessive off your body.
I later put in it on the Devinci E-Troy Lite eMTB. With two spacers beneath to clear the eMTB’s huge prime tube it match… however as soon as once more, solely with a small water bottle. I did a couple of rides with it however quickly pulled it off. Since eMTBs are likely to encourage longer rides, I wished to hold extra water than one small bottle’s price on the E-Troy Lite.
It’s an unlikely concept anyway, however FYI this software will most likely not match on a motorcycle with in-frame storage! I attempted putting in the BC18 on a Trek Slash and a Rocky Mountain Altitude, and each storage doorways are too huge and flat. Even with two spacers, the software package won’t clear the width of these frames. I assume in case you have been serious about rising your in/on-bike storage you’re out of luck.
One benefit of the BC18 software package is that the storage tube retains the multi-tool clear and dry by way of muddy rides. I even submerged the tube in water for quarter-hour, and it stayed completely dry inside. I additionally like the truth that this package can carry a bigger 25g Co2 canister.
Whereas Crankbrothers is primarily advertising and marketing the S.O.S. instruments to mountain bikers, I put in the TS18 on a Kona Sutra touring bike (which runs tubed tires), together with the BC2 Bottle Cage. This combo covers all of the necessities; The BC2 Bottle Cage takes care of water (a giant bottle matches simply on this bike), and the Tube Stash Instrument Equipment gives a multi-tool, Co2 canister and spare tube. With each instruments, I’ve two tire levers to work with.
When you’ve got one other mount to hold a bottle, the Tube Stash Instrument Equipment will present the important instruments for typical trailside repairs and you’ll kiss your pack goodbye. In case your bike solely has one mount, you’re nonetheless caught with a pack to hold water.
Just a few months in the past, I put the Twin Tube Instrument Equipment on my Knolly. Whereas it’s barely wider than my body, the Twin Tube package isn’t huge sufficient to trigger any points with pedaling. This software ought to match on any bike with a water bottle mount. Its three mounting slots supply loads of fore-aft adjustment, and the software is smaller than any bottle cage/bottle.
Assuming you’re trying to experience pack-free, this package is right for a motorcycle that may carry a water bottle and one other accent. It’s not a fantastic possibility in case you’re already dedicated to sporting a pack, as you possibly can simply stash a far lighter, extra compact multi-tool than the 257g Twin Tube Instrument Equipment. The Twin Tube package does make its instruments fast and straightforward to entry throughout a trailside cease.
I just lately discovered I’m diabetic, and I now have to convey sugary snacks on rides so I attempted carrying some Skittles within the TT17’s storage tube. It held sufficient to maintain me going for a shorter experience… not less than a giant mouthful! For those who put onerous candies within the tube (or comparable objects), bear in mind they’ll rattle loudly as you experience!
Later I put a Co2 cartridge within the storage tube, and the highest cap (which threads onto the cylinder) held it tightly with out rattling. The spring-loaded multi-tool within the different tube by no means made any noise whereas I rode.
As for climate resistance, the Twin Tube software simply fought off mud splatters and quick bursts of sunshine rain. Some water acquired into the mounting bracket in these situations, however not into the storage tubes. Later I went for an hour-long experience in regular rain (see title photograph). The multi-tool stayed completely dry, however a small quantity of water did get into the aspect with the Co2 canister. It could be clever to examine the multi-tool and Co2/storage tube after a really moist experience.
I did use the S.O.S. multi-tools a number of occasions and so they’re good high quality instruments that provide all of the necessities. The multi-tool is small, however you possibly can go away the inflator head/chain software clipped to it, and even use the storage tube for additional leverage if wanted.
I by no means needed to plug a tire with the S.O.S. instruments plug software, however I did use the levers to swap a set of tires on my MTB. The one factor the levers lack is a hooked notch to carry themselves on a spoke. Other than that, I had no points working with them.
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