Lightweight options for 15mm wrench
#1
big ring
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Lightweight options for 15mm wrench
Story:
I've recently began taking my fixed gear on long rides. That necessitates carrying an axel bolt wrench - 15mm - for the inevitable flats. My current wrench is a heavy Craftsman.
Question:
Are there lightweight options for axel bolt removal?
Thoughts:
1. Maybe an allen bolt adapter? (8mm -> 15mm cup.)
2. Carbon-fiber wrench? (Only half kidding.)
3. Replace the bolts somehow with something that would be accessible with my multi-tool?
Disclaimer:
Don't hate because I'm tring to save weight. I go on 100+ mile rides and a heavy tool in the jersey pocket becomes really annoying after 25,000 pedal revolutions.
I've recently began taking my fixed gear on long rides. That necessitates carrying an axel bolt wrench - 15mm - for the inevitable flats. My current wrench is a heavy Craftsman.
Question:
Are there lightweight options for axel bolt removal?
Thoughts:
1. Maybe an allen bolt adapter? (8mm -> 15mm cup.)
2. Carbon-fiber wrench? (Only half kidding.)
3. Replace the bolts somehow with something that would be accessible with my multi-tool?
Disclaimer:
Don't hate because I'm tring to save weight. I go on 100+ mile rides and a heavy tool in the jersey pocket becomes really annoying after 25,000 pedal revolutions.
#3
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I have a set of Paul hubs which I love for this very reason. They come with 6mm allen instead of 15mm nut. If you keep your hubs though, I'd recommend something like this:
https://www.beyondbikes.com/BB/ItemDe...=ss-15mmopener
https://www.beyondbikes.com/BB/ItemDe...=ss-15mmopener
#5
big ring
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I have a set of Paul hubs which I love for this very reason. They come with 6mm allen instead of 15mm nut. If you keep your hubs though, I'd recommend something like this:
https://www.beyondbikes.com/BB/ItemDe...=ss-15mmopener
https://www.beyondbikes.com/BB/ItemDe...=ss-15mmopener
The hubs might be a longer term solution but thanks for the link to the Ti tool. Do you have it? How much does it weigh?
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It's not as light as a Ti wrench, but both Craftsman and Kobalt make a stubby combo 15mm wrench that fits in the smallest saddle wedge or water bottle.
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I do not have the tool my self. I can not remember if the axles are hollow or not but I do know that the axles are aluminum. If axle strength is your concern then I'd wager that your current setup type with solid track axles is the best.
#9
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#10
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I bought a cheap 15mm wrench and ground it in two and then ground each handle to a somewhat spindly little spike. Its cheap, it makes two wrenches, and no one ****s with me since I carry what appears to be a shiv in my bag.
#11
hello
I took a chop saw to my Craftsman wrench and wrapped the handle with friction tape. It fits in my smallest seatbag.
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4. Extra large saddle bag (could probably cost you the same as a new wrench).
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#17
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What do you carry the spare tube and/or patch kit in?
Edit: reread OP and you carry it in your jersey pocket... gotcha.
but still, saddle bags are better than clunky stuff back there, i carry my phone back there and its annoying as it is
Edit: reread OP and you carry it in your jersey pocket... gotcha.
but still, saddle bags are better than clunky stuff back there, i carry my phone back there and its annoying as it is
Last edited by Jerseysbest; 08-01-07 at 11:36 AM.
#18
big ring
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I'm a jersey stuffer I guess. Personal pet peeve - swaying weight on the bike when I am mashing. It makes the bike feel unstable. I try to pack as minimally as I can so the jersey constraint is a good benchmark.
I carry a small Cooks Bros multi-tool, CO2 and one lever. The rest is food and cell phone.
I carry a small Cooks Bros multi-tool, CO2 and one lever. The rest is food and cell phone.
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Sorry, it was just a helpful suggestion. I'll go shoot myself out back.
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Not sure if this is light, but it sure looks cool.
https://cgi.ebay.com/Campagnolo-Crank...QQcmdZViewItem
https://cgi.ebay.com/Campagnolo-Crank...QQcmdZViewItem
#21
hello
Not sure if this is light, but it sure looks cool.
https://cgi.ebay.com/Campagnolo-Crank...QQcmdZViewItem
https://cgi.ebay.com/Campagnolo-Crank...QQcmdZViewItem
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I don't think it's the weight that's the real problem but rather the shape. A smaller wrench can mitigate this, but it also makes it a lot harder to actually take your wheel off.
#23
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I'm a jersey stuffer I guess. Personal pet peeve - swaying weight on the bike when I am mashing. It makes the bike feel unstable. I try to pack as minimally as I can so the jersey constraint is a good benchmark.
I carry a small Cooks Bros multi-tool, CO2 and one lever. The rest is food and cell phone.
I carry a small Cooks Bros multi-tool, CO2 and one lever. The rest is food and cell phone.
I've got a small stubby 15mm from McMaster.com that is lighter than a Craftsman stubby but slightly longer than the Jethro. When I'm going ultra light I use this mini tool which should let you shave some more weight.
#24
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Nice. But that's one tool I wouldn't want in my pocket during a crash.