New releases from Park Tool and Feedback, plus a nifty take on the conventional chain whip

By Oscar Huckle

Published: Thursday, 11 July 2024 at 14:00 PM


Welcome to the second edition of Torque About Tools for 2024 – you best get comfortable because there are 13 tools to take you through in this installment. 

There’s a real mix of tools this time – from simple ‘why didn’t I think of that?’ add-ons to the customary tool exotica. 

And because the underside of my desk is a tool jungle, I promise it won’t be as long until the next instalment. 

Elegant solutions from BSC Tools

Steven Gunthorpe is the one-man band behind BSC Tools. Based in Wales, the brand has quickly garnered a following among many British workshops. Its tools are easily identifiable by their typically orange anodising. 

BSC Pro Cannondale Hollowgram SiSL / SiSL2 Crank Removal Extraction Tool  

A sizeable tool for a big job. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

Although Cannondale has now largely phased out the use of its own SiSL and SiSL2 cranks on its bikes, there are still plenty of them out on the roads. They remain popular among weight weenies too.  

I wouldn’t count myself as a fan, however – a piece of my soul withered away each time I had to remove one back in my workshop days. 

Replacing a Cannondale crankset is quite different from other brands. 

chainset on road bike
They may be light, but they’re not fun to work on. – Warren Rossiter/Immediate media

You first undo and fully remove the 10mm hex bolt end cap on the non-driveside crankarm, making sure not to lose the washer on the threads. 

If you’re using Cannondale’s own KT013 tool, you thread the 8mm attachment until it’s flush with the end of the threaded section of the crankarm. You then thread the extraction cap by hand and loosen until the crankarm slides off the spindle. 

BSC Pro Cannondale Hollowgram SiSL / SiSL2 Crank Removal Extraction Tool  
The two pieces of the puzzle. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

However, the main hex bolt and the threaded section required tons of force to undo. 

Enduro Bearings’ CT-008 made the process significantly more tolerable because it incorporated a large handle. 

But the handle was very thin and you’d still need the force of He-Man to undo it. I often resorted to putting a crown race setter over the top for particularly stubborn cranks. 

BSC reckons its tool is the magic solution, also incorporating a handle but one that’s more ergonomic. 

BSC Pro Dummy Pedal 

BSC Pro Dummy Pedal 
BSC has really nailed it with this tool. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

A dummy pedal is very useful when assembling new bikes, particularly for adjusting and indexing gears – you don’t want to catch your fingers in the chainrings. 

Offerings from brands such as Park Tool and Enduro Bearings dominate most workshops, but this one from BSC is an altogether more premium option. 

BSC Pro Dummy Pedal 
A dummy pedal simplifies setting up the gears on new bike builds. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

BSC’s CNC-machined aluminium handle spins effortlessly on two ABEC-5 double-sealed bearings. The handle is nice and long at 95mm and I’ve been using it to check over test bikes in the last couple of months – it has quickly become a favourite.   

BSC DAG Extension 

BSC DAG Extension 
This one is more useful than meets the eye. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

Many older derailleur hanger alignment tools lack the clearance for some modern dropouts, such as the SRAM UDH. BSC’s DAG Extension is a perhaps unexciting but exceptionally useful 30mm extension that threads onto the end of a tool.

BSC DAG Extension 
The DAG Extension will help you clear certain dropouts. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

The DAG Extension is also compatible with lever setter tools. This is useful for particularly low stems, where you may lack sufficient clearance without the extension. 

Kudos to BSC for making a product that breathes new life into an old tool. 

Three new pliers from Feedback

New pliers from Feedback Sports on a workbench
Three new tools from Feedback. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

American brand Feedback has been busy, with three new plier tools introduced earlier this spring to add to its ever-growing range.

The Mini Diagonal Cutters are designed to ensure sharp cuts, predominantly on zip ties, but can also be used to crimp cable end caps. 

New pliers from Feedback Sports on a workbench
The pliers and diagonal cutters have a nice, ergonomic handle. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

The Mini Diagonal Cutter and Mini Needle Nose Plier incorporate an ergonomic rubber handle for comfort. The jaws of both tools are knurled to hold items securely. 

New pliers from Feedback Sports on a workbench
Look familiar? – Scott Windsor / Our Media

The Adjustable Pliers Wrench is Feedback’s answer to the popular Knipex Cobra Pliers. 

The Cobra pliers are my gold standard and, for most bicycle-related jobs, perform the same function as an entire set of spanners, making them ideal for the travelling mechanic. 

New pliers from Feedback Sports on a workbench
The Feedback pictured next to Knipex’s Mini Wrench Pliers offering. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

Feedback’s tool can grip up to a 35mm nut and features a forged steel body. 

The handles on the Adjustable Pliers Wrench aren’t quite as substantial as the Mini Diagonal Cutter and Mini Needle Nose Plier, with Feedback using a double-dipped rubber grip. 

SteinTool HyperHandle Cassette Holding Tool 10-11-12 

Hyperhandle Cassette Holding Tool 10-11-12 
SteinTool is based in Prescott, Arizona. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

SteinTool’s HyperHandle Cassette Holding Tool is an interesting take on the conventional chain whip. 

With a similar – but more luxurious  – design to the Unior Cassette Wrench 1670/2BI, the tool uses a set of three 4mm hex bolts, rather than a length of chain, to grip onto the smallest cassette cog.

There’s an opening in the middle of the handle for a cassette lockring tool to slot inside. 

Hyperhandle Cassette Holding Tool 10-11-12 
Simply thread the bolts into the correct shapes for your starting cog. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

One side of the handle is for 11t cogs, the other is for 10 or 12t cogs.

SteinTool makes other variants of this tool for 10/11 and 11/12t starting cogs, with options starting from $35. A 9t option for Campagnolo Ekar groupsets is not currently available.

Hyperhandle Cassette Holding Tool 10-11-12 
That real oak handle seals the deal for me. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

The icing on the cake is a real oak handle.

I’ve used this tool to replace cassettes on a couple of wheelsets and have been impressed by its efficiency. The oak handle makes for a comfortable grip too. 

Hyperhandle Cassette Holding Tool 10-11-12 
It’s a solid alternative to a conventional chain whip. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

However, I wish the hole in the middle was a little larger so my favourite Abbey Crombie lockring tool would fully fit through.

New releases from Park Tool 

Park Tool RR-12.2 tape measure
Park Tool has updated its tape measure with new thumb locks. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

Park Tool has been quietly updating some of its workshop staples, with Jack Luke and Stan Portus spotting them earlier in the year at iceBike, UK distributor Madison’s annual trade show. 

The RR-12.2 tape measure is a modest improvement over the RR-12, still extending up to 3.5m / 12ft.

It introduces a revised thumb lock function and a quick stop button at the base of the tape measure. I’ve found the thumb lock to be greatly improved over its predecessor.    

Park Tool DC-2 Digital Caliper
The DC-2 Digital Caliper is a nice update. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

The Digital Caliper DC-2 is ostensibly identical to the DC-1 in terms of its measurement capabilities. However, the all-metal construction of the display over the plastic used on the outgoing model makes it a worthwhile upgrade. 

Park Tool EP-1
The EP-1 rounds out the releases. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

Finally, the EP-1 End Cap Crimping Pliers are a new addition to Park Tool’s portfolio. They are specifically designed for crimping cable end caps to achieve a professional finish. 

Typically, a crimping function is incorporated into a cable cutter or a plier, as seen on Feedback’s Mini Nose Needle Pliers. 

Prestacycle TorqRatchet GO – Portable 3-12Nm Torque Multi-Tool Ratchet 

Prestacycle TorqRatchet GO – Portable 3-12Nm Torque Multi-Tool Ratchet 
A new compact torque ratchet from Prestacycle. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

Launched last week, Prestacycle’s new TorqRatchet GO is a ratcheting multi-tool designed for carrying on rides that incorporates a beam-style torque wrench. 

Prestacycle primarily produces torque wrenches or ratcheting multi-tools for other brands. The Ritchey TorqKey, for example, is a rebranded Prestacycle product. 

Prestacycle TorqRatchet GO – Portable 3-12Nm Torque Multi-Tool Ratchet 
A trio of torque options. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

The TorqRatchet GO sits alongside the TorqRatchet Pro and TorqRatchet Elite, but with a wider 3-12Nm range (the Pro and Elite are 2-10Nm). That’s a more useful range, because it now means you can tighten Shimano crank pinch bolts, which are rated to 12-15Nm. 

All of Prestacycle’s torque options use 1/4in bits. 

On the TorqRatchet GO, a slim alloy handle is paired with a hardened steel head, with a reversible ratchet with a thumb wheel integrated into it. 

Prestacycle TorqRatchet GO – Portable 3-12Nm Torque Multi-Tool Ratchet 
There’s a reversible ratchet head. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

Prestacycle says the TorqRatchet GO is 8 per cent smaller than the TorqRatchet Pro. Aside from the increased torque range, it’s ostensibly the same product. 

Despite the 12Nm maximum torque, Prestacycle says the tool can withstand up to 60Nm of force and you can even use it to remove and install pedals. 

Prestacycle TorqRatchet GO – Portable 3-12Nm Torque Multi-Tool Ratchet 
Follow the white scale to your desired torque. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

To use the torque function, press with one finger on the end knob and observe the white indicator against the scale. 

The new tool is 123mm long and comes in at 66g.

Prestacycle TorqRatchet GO – Portable 3-12Nm Torque Multi-Tool Ratchet 
Like so… – Scott Windsor / Our Media

Although I prefer to carry a multi-tool, I’ll often take on-the-bike torque options whenever I’m shaking down a new bike. My preferred option is my beloved Silca Ti-Torque and T-Ratchet. 

I’ve also recently been carrying the Feedback Range Click Torque Wrench outside of its case for a test bike with a wanting stem design, because it has a slightly wider torque range. 

Comparing the three tools, the TorqRatchet GO is slimmer and lighter than the others, so I’ll be interested to see how it fares. 

Topeak Torq Stick Pro 4-20Nm

Topeak Torq Stick Pro 4 - 20Nm
A torque wrench and an extensive ratchet set all in one. – Scott Windsor / Our Media
  • £159.99 / €179.95 

This comprehensive set from Topeak incorporates a torque wrench and a ratchet that can be configured in multiple ways to ease the job at hand. 

Starting with the torque wrench, the Torq Stick has a wide 4 to 20Nm range. This means it’ll cover almost everything on your bike.

Topeak Torq Stick Pro 4 - 20Nm
A closer look at the star of the show. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

It has a satisfying long handle and the adjustment dial is easy to use, enabling you to set the torque in 0.5Nm increments. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to guess you’ve set a torque wrench correctly if its indicator window is unclear. 

Although the torque wrench has a definitive click when you’ve reached your desired measurement, it’s not as noticeable as the Feedback Range Click, Park Tool TW-5.2 or Effetto Mariposa Giustaforza

Topeak Torq Stick Pro 4 - 20Nm
The dial is nice and straightforward to use. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

Topeak says the torque wrench is accurate to +/- 4 per cent and recommends recalibrating it after 5,000 cycles. 

Topeak Torq Stick Pro 4 - 20Nm
The Finger Bit Holder is great for adjusting bottle cage bolts. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

Moving away from the torque wrench, there’s a ratchet tool and even a Finger Bit Holder and Speed Sleeve Bit Holder for getting into tighter spaces (this is useful for bottle cages). 

The 1/4in bits are all in a flip-up organiser so you can easily access them, and the 4, 5 and 6mm bits are colour-coded for easy identification. 

The included bits are as follows: 

  • 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10mm hex
  • T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25 and T30 Torx

WheelsMFG Axle Ruler Pro 

WheelsMFG Axle Ruler Pro 
A workshop necessity or a luxury? – Scott Windsor / Our Media
  • £139.99 / $122.99 

Ever needed to replace a thru-axle and found it an absolute headache to buy the correct thread pitch? 

Well, gone are the days of conventional rulers and counting the number of threads per centimetre, because Wheels Manufacturing has brought out this (rather extravagant) ruler. 

WheelsMFG Axle Ruler Pro 
You can use the tool to measure thru-axle length. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

Crafted from 6061 aluminium (and in red, of course), the Axle Ruler Pro incorporates a 280mm ruler, with units in both inches and millimetres. 

On its side is a collection of 13 different female and male thread gauges you can offer up to your thru-axle to see if the thread matches. If you want to be doubly sure it’s correct, you can thread the gauge into the exposed thru-axle insert. 

WheelsMFG Axle Ruler Pro 
A closer look at those gauges. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

The included male and female thread gauges are as follows: 

  • M9 x 1, M9 x 26, 3/8in x 24, 3/8in x 26, M10 x 1, M10 x 26, M12 x 1, M12 x 1.25, M12 x 1.5, M12 x 1.75, M14 x 1.5, M15 x 1, M15 x 1.5 

There’s even a slot at the top of the tool if you want to hang it on a peg board. 

WheelsMFG Axle Ruler Pro 
You can confirm you’ve identified the correct thread pitch by installing the gauge into the dropout. – Scott Windsor / Our Media

While a decadent purchase for the home mechanic, I foresee this tool being popular with busy workshops where they want to save time double-guessing any measurements.