A couple of tools stood out at the 2024 Taipei Cycle Show, both with a seaworthy theme. Above, the new Bacon Anchor Net bullet tips from Clever Design, which are made from reclaimed plastic ocean waste.
Originally (and still) offered in metal, these plastic tire plugger tips capture the plug strip and attach to any 2mm hex tool. Simply slide the plug through the tip, attach it to your existing mini-tool, and press it into your tire. The tip keeps the plug captured in the tire so it won’t get yanked out in a skid if you don’t have anything to cut it with.
The version shown above is a limited edition “model” kit with pop-out handle and plugger tip that threads into it. The handle doubles as a storage pod for plugs and bullet tips. Pop out all the pieces and assemble! The entire thing is made from plastic sea waste, too.
Equipt Sardine & Cucumber bike tools
Equipt Tool’s Sardine is a compact, solidly-built mini tool featuring 3/4/5/6 hex bits and a Torx 25. The body is aluminum, with steel tool bits, and the whole thing weighs just 38g. The smaller bits all swivel 180º, making it easy to get hte angle you need when making a repair, then folding them flat for storage.
They’re a Japanese brand, but the tool is made in Taiwan and retails for $60-70 USD (shop around). A bike frame holster sold separately and has two sets of holes to fit different widths of bike frames. Available in a variety of colors.
Their upcoming Cucumber pedal wrench tool adds a longer lever with hole at the end to hang it in your workshop. The tool end has a swiveling 6mm and 8mm to fit most pedals.
MSRP and availability TBA. Follow them on Instagram for updates.
Enduro Quick-Release Bearing Press Tool
Enduro Bearing’s new quick-release version of their Linear Bearing Press Tool uses a split threaded press tip that lets you quickly slide it close to the bearings, then snap the T-handle on to close it onto the threaded shaft.
Normally, you’d need to thread it all the way down the shaft, which can take some time to both install, and then also to remove the tool. Enduro’s Matt Harvey got tired of all that spinning, so he developed this version of a quick-release design.
In typical Enduro fashion, it’s very well built. The threaded tips have threads on both sides, not just one, which is more common on less expensive tools. This gives it excellent bite and even pressing as you twist the handle. To release, just pull the handle back until it snaps off of the bit and slide everything off. Various bits are included in a complete kit, giving mechanics everything they’ll need for modern hubs, BBs, etc. Coming soon, price TBA.
