And because left corners aren't always the same as right corners.....



Phillip Island anyone?

I have not looked at the research. What I know from many years on the motorcycle track, is the in the Seattle area nobody who is in a fast race group runs slicks during the rain. Even during track days, nobody in the fastest group ran slicks. Everyone in those groups ran wets. I usually rode the middle group, and ran at the front of the middle group. Usually not the fastest, but close. I never ran slicks, I ran my Diablo Corsa -IIIs. In the middle group, if it started raining, the guys who were even with me or even a little faster dropped like flies if they didn't put on their wets. So much slower on their slicks that I would be lapping them. But, bikes and motorcycles, as noted above, create much different stresses on the tires.

I have never raced bikes, but I do commute through rough conditions. I would not consider slicks, here, in the winter. I am running Scwalbe Marathons. Lose a fair amount of speed, but gain tremendous confidence. Going down a steep, long hill, in the dark, pouring rain,and needing to brake is when the issue seems to be the biggest. I am not cornering, other than downhill, on 35 pounds worth of bike and stuff fast enough to comment on that.

I doubt this issue will be solved here, but the discussion is interesting.

I agree, and I'm pleased my almost throwaway question was the springboard for such lively and intelligent discourse.

Here's what is sure to be a less controversial question (or is it?) -- I am looking into a 15mm travel wrench and have narrowed it down to these two selections:

https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-816...dp/B003DA5Q30/
Amazon.com : Portland Design Works 3 Wrencho Tire Lever (Coated) : Bike Hand Tools : Sports & Outdoors

Any feedback? (Or maybe there's a third, superior option that I'm not considering?)

imo the 3wrencho is the perfect tool for someone who has track nuts on the bike.

i havent had any on my bikes in over a year and i still cant live without it in my tool kit, since it happens to be one of the best tire irons ive ever used

I like Pedros as a tire lever more than the 3wrencho. But yeah Id pick the 3wrencho over the stubby wrench

I have always thought these were way cool, but pricy .

I used to carry a home-made wrench. I bought a 15mm box-end at the flea market for a buck, cut it half and ground a tire lever lip on the severed tip. It works but it has rusted where I removed the chrome.

Now I carry these Lezyne, which I bought at the LBS. I use both together to undo the track nuts so there is more contact area.

I recommend the Portland Design 3 Wrencho big time for the road.

The handle flat being rotated 90 degrees from the head is an excellent design feature. Using the wrench is very comfortable on your hand because of this. But, because the wrench is so short, it can be tough to really crank down rear nuts. The solution I have found is made easier and more stable by the angled handle. I just tighten the nuts to "good-n-snug", put the bike back on it's wheels with the wrench on a nut and give it it a downward press with my foot.

Plus it looks cool, black and smooth, like a slick tire.

I have and use both a stubby & a 3Rensho, carry one or the other in my bag for no reason other than my mood, and do not really prefer one over the other - either works fine for me.

I will, however, mention that unless you have a particular reason for buying from Amazon - with a bit of searching I bet you can find them at better prices than on your links...

Actually.........since our hands are soft, the wrench handle should have a tread pattern for better grip.

I love the 3Wrencho, feels so nice in the hand. Though for tire lever I am a Crank Bros Speedier Lever lover. I don't carry one with me if I am taking the 3W.

got one of these after airport security took my craftsman 15 and threw it into the confiscated weapons bin

Deadly dangerous, those.

This is why love having hex-head axle bolts. 4,5,and 6mm allen keys, a pair of tire levers and CO2.

what a ****ing racket, that.

think of all the free **** those guys get. theyre probably swimming in leathermans and victorinox swag

I find that it's no issue to get them tight enough without the foot press action using the 3 Wrencho. I agree that it's the best thing to take with you on the road, though.

I must have weak forearms, hands and wrists.

Mine are an 8mm. Makes it interesting to carry an 8mm allen key.

Perhaps, I worked on cars for a living for a few years where you're having to jam your hands at angles they're not meant to be in and tighten and loosen bolts with stubby wrenches sometimes. I guess this is the reason why I find the 3 Wrencho adequate as is. That's not to say your method is wrong. If anything it offers a measure of reassurance I hadn't considered.

QR with Surly Tugnut ftw.

I keep forgetting Wabi makes a 6mm to 8mm adapter for a measly $2.50. Good insurance if I ever have to tight my cranks.

Whenever I ride my bike with Wabi wheels that have axle bolts - I shove a 50¢ hardware store 8mm hex key into my seatbag.
It may take up even less room than the 15mm stubby or 3Rensho...

I have a multitool with an 8mm on it. Not sure if it'd be too small to get enough leverage for an axle nut though. I just carry a crescent wrench because I'm about that life. It's not much bigger than a tire lever.

an adjustable crescent wrench will round off your axle nuts.
campy pb wrenches are often imitated but never duplicated.

Several years in, nuts still good.