New crimpers, calipers and more from the American brand
Park Tool has a range of new products coming this year, including ebike-specific tools, a bottom bracket tool for yet another standard, and pliers and wrenches for mechanical problems that you haven’t even faced yet.
We’ve just taken a closer look at iceBike, UK distributor Madison’s annual trade show at the Lee Valley Velodrome, London.
Here’s what’s new from Park Tool and once you’re done here, why not check out our latest round-up of tools in Torque About Tools.
Park Tool EP-1 wire crimpers
While Park Tool has numerous wire crimpers available, its new EP-1 crimpers look to make things easier.
The EP-1 has two sizes but, unlike other designs, it has a third cable-end crimper on the nose.
This means you can crimp wires straight on, making it easier to access cables hidden away in hard-to-reach places.
Park Tool BRK-1tool kit
Housed in a hard case with wheels, the new BRK-1 tool kit contains 100 tools.
Park Tool says the tool kit is designed for mobile repairs, and for taking to races and events.
The mix of tools should cover practically all eventualities and jobs.
We don’t have UK pricing just yet, but for our American readers, the tool kit will cost around $2,000.
Park Tool IR-1.3 and EWS-2 electronic shifting tools
Also on display at iceBike is the new IR-1.3 internal cable routing kit.
The kit contains a wire for routing the new Shimano EWS SD300 electric wire standard.
According to Shimano, the standard is said to have a more compact design to help make new electronic components smaller and lighter, potentially expanding the future capabilities of Di2 systems.
That might be good for future electronic groupsets, but not your time in the workshop.
Fortunately, Park Tool has set out to make things a little easier.
The brand has also released the EWS-2 electronic shift tool to fit and remove wires on Di2 systems.
A new Park Tool bottom bracket tool
Even today, there seems to be an ever-expanding world of bottom bracket standards.
The latest addition to Park Tool’s range of bottom bracket tools is this one for Fazua electric bike motors.
Park Tool SW-6 spoke wrench
Sitting between its red and blue spoke wrenches, Park Tool’s new orange SW-6 wrench is for 3.7mm spoke nipples.
Like the new bottom bracket tool, Park Tools has released the SW-6 in response to the growth in electric bikes.
Electric bike wheels can be subject to greater torque and are therefore built with heavier-duty spokes with wider nipples. This tool is designed to take care of that.
Park Tool DC-2 and RR-12.2
Park Tool has also updated its RR-12.2 tape measure and the DC-2 digital calipers.
Not much has changed here, but Park Tool told BikeRadar the calipers have a new childproof battery door and screw to meet new safety requirements.
Park Tool BCB-5 cleaning brushes
The BCB-5 cleaning brushes came out last year but are worth another look.
The professional brush set uses bristles made from tampico, a natural fibre from the Agave plant, which has been exported from Mexico for centuries to manufacture cord and rope.
Park Tool says the natural material will last longer and is easier to clean than synthetic bristles.
It is also resistant to chemicals, according to Park Tool, and retains its smooth texture over time.