{"id":48383,"date":"2023-04-21T17:00:27","date_gmt":"2023-04-21T15:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=724896"},"modified":"2023-04-21T17:35:46","modified_gmt":"2023-04-21T15:35:46","slug":"high-mileage-heroes-oscars-favourite-workshop-tools","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/high-mileage-heroes-oscars-favourite-workshop-tools\/","title":{"rendered":"High-Mileage Heroes | Oscar\u2019s favourite workshop tools"},"content":{"rendered":"

The tools that have stood the test of time <\/p>

By Oscar Huckle\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 21 April 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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I\u2019m a strong believer in investing in quality tools. Buying cheap tools is uneconomical and could lead to more harm than good.<\/p>\n

High-quality tools will make your workshop experience more rewarding and, providing you look after them, they will last you a long time.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve spent years working as a mechanic throughout my cycling career and the following tools are the most treasured possessions in my (ever-expanding) tool collection.<\/p>\n

They\u2019ve survived battle wrenching in shops and on my own bikes over many years, and still see regular use, which is what makes them High Mileage Heroes.<\/p>\n

A couple of years ago, senior technical editor Alex Evans<\/a> provided a vivid look into his well-worn tool collection<\/a>. Although the very definition of High-Mileage Heroes, these alphabetised picks of my generally lust-worthy tools are the antithesis of Alex\u2019s commendable frugality.<\/p>\n

Abbey Crombie and Whip-It cassette tools<\/h2>\n
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I challenge you to find a better cassette tool combination.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Conceived by pro mechanic Jeff Crombie and then built by his friend and former bike mechanic, Jason Quade, this cassette lockring tool essentially kickstarted Abbey Bike Tools.<\/p>\n

The Crombie<\/a> revolutionised cassette lockring tool designs with its elegant \u2018why didn\u2019t I think of that?\u2019 design. Many carbon copies from other brands have been released since.<\/p>\n

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This side is for Shimano\/SRAM HG thru-axle hubs.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Precision-machined from 17-4 stainless steel for durability, the elegant handle is paired with a dual-sided head. Both sides are for Shimano\/SRAM HG cassettes<\/a>, but one side is for hubs with a quick-release\u00a0 axle and the other for thru-axle hubs.<\/p>\n

The tool fits perfectly into the lockring splines and, if you use quick-release skewers, will fit over most nuts when replacing a cassette<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The Crombie stores inside the Whip-It\u2019s handle.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

I\u2019ve also got a second Crombie, with one side for Shimano\/SRAM HG cassettes and the other for Campagnolo.<\/p>\n

I also own socket versions of this tool in both Shimano\/SRAM HG and Campagnolo variants, in case I come across a particularly stubborn cassette and need to pair it with a breaker bar.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve found SRAM\u2019s cassettes on its XD and XDR freehubs have a nasty habit of fusing in place if you don\u2019t look after them religiously, which is when the sockets come out to play.<\/p>\n

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The green-tinged KMC chain is the cherry on the cake.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Whip-It is a matching chain whip that stores conveniently in the Crombie\u2019s handle. It, too, stands up to heavy use.<\/p>\n

The pop sound as you take the lockring tool out from the chain whip is deeply satisfying.<\/p>\n

The Crombie is also available in a Super Light variant with a hollowed-out handle, which would be great for the travelling mechanic trying to save extra grams, but overkill for me.<\/p>\n