Bicycle Mechanics - Portland Design Works - your thoughts?

I am interested in Portland Design Works' tools (and racks). I am wondering - what, if anything, do you guys thinks about their tools (both the 3wrencho and the Mister Sparkle)?

See here (http://www.ridepdw.com/goods/tools).

I think you should E-mail the company and ask your question.

If I didn't already have tools I'd give the wrench a try, it's steel, it's pretty, it's compact and probably just enough to get the job done. I'd skip the mister sparkle since you don't really need it to clean your chains =7. Their racks look solid too, steel as well I believe. Let us know what you think if you get it!

The 3wrencho is a variation on the Campy 769 "Peanutbutter" wrench originally intended to remove and replace 15 mm crank fixing bolts but most often used for axle nuts these days. Seems like a decent design and is a bit cheaper than what the Campy wrench goes for.

I agree about skipping their chain cleaner.

Well if I do that, they'll say it's great! I am wondering if anyone here has experience with these tools, and if they are good enough to replace the tools that they are meant to replace. :)

The chain cleaner looks cool in the video. The clever thing is the way it hooks to the derailleur, so you're not struggling to hold it in place while spinning the crank. But what's that secret sauce they're using as the cleaning solution?

Well if I do that, they'll say it's great! I am wondering if anyone here has experience with these tools, and if they are good enough to replace the tools that they are meant to replace. :)

Take one for the team! =)

The chain cleaner looks cool in the video. The clever thing is the way it hooks to the derailleur, so you're not struggling to hold it in place while spinning the crank. But what's that secret sauce they're using as the cleaning solution?

I assume it comes with the product. I shot them an email.

Well, I should take the leap. However, it is going to take me until Spring 2012 just to accumulate all the BASICS, so I am trying to go with the best buys. :) I am pondering getting the 3wrencho. I will see what my local bicycle co-op has in comparison and if they have something more affordable and still compact, then I will get that. :)

The question is: what are you trying to accomplish? If you are looking for a small 15mm wrench on the cheap, this isn't it. If you are looking for a cool 15mm wrench, you've found it.

Haha. BOTH! :)

Will I need any other diameter? I have given the bicycle a few once-overs and it seems that 15mm is the one. Well... Actually... 14mm is what fit, as I could not find any 15's when I went to my father's garage.

I'd opt for a less-than-cool wrench that fits over a cool wrench that is the wrong size. But that's just me.

I'd opt for a less-than-cool wrench that fits over a cool wrench that is the wrong size. But that's just me.

+1 no kidding, a wrong sized wrench will eventually round off the nut.

I have installed one of these on my wife's bike:

http://www.ridepdw.com/goods/cargo/takeout%E2%84%A2-basket

It's awesome. However, I have not used their tools and I live in Portland. Soooo...

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O so it's not even the right size wrench?! That makes the decision easy then, just move on... Good to know about the basket. My LBS actually carries it and I play with it every time I go in there. A 4 pack of beer would look very nice in there indeed...

I have too many tire/rim combos that require two levers to get tires off so I wouldn't depend on that tool.

Looks like there's a brand new Performance Bike in Boise, so you could get these levers. I just carry two of them with me.
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1035402_-1___

Dunno where to get a good, cheap, short 14mm 6-point wrench. Here's a slightly pricey 13/14 though. Would be nice if they had a 14/15mm which would be more useful, but...

http://www.mechanicstoolsupply.com/productDetail.asp_Q_PromoID_E_3_A_catID_E_53_A_subCatID_E_522_A_productID_E_7335_A_skuID_E_10389

Any Home Depot or Lowes has 14 mm combination wrenches that are relatively inexpensive. Also, scour flea markets for sellers getting rid of surplus tools. I've found Craftsman wrenches, sockets and square drive ratchets and handles at very low prices, like $2 to $3 each. Buy a 1/4" square drive flex handle and a 14 mm 6-point socket and you are good to go. Shouldn't cost more than $5-$10 for both.