The Repair Rebel is a new bicycle-focused multi-tool that is built with 24 tools around its circumference. It’s made from titanium and has no moving parts or extensions.
Features
- Hex wrenches: 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8 mm
- Box-end wrenches: 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 5.5, 6, 9, 9.5, 10, 15 mm
- Spoke keys: 3.23mm (DT/Wheelsmith), 3.30mm (most European makes), 3.45mm (most Asian makes), 3.96mm (larger sizes)
- Phillips #2 driver, Slotted driver, Torx T25
Weight: 85.0 grams (3.0 oz)
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The tool comes with an elastic cord for under-seat attachment.
Buy Now(via Kickstarter)
Price: $25
Shipping ETA: September 2013
Color options: plain or tactical black
The tool’s Kickstarter campaign has already been successfully funded. Pledges/orders will be accepted through 8/31/13.
First Impression
The Repair Rebel looks like a thoughtfully designed bike multi-tool, although it is probably more versatile as an emergency repair tool. Its slim profile allows for easy carrying inside a pack or under the saddle.
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If you’re not too keen on the idea of carrying a large (but light) tool with driver tips you don’t need, something like the PB Swiss/Victorinox Bike Tool might be more up your alley.
The tool’s $25 price seems right – perhaps even a little low even.
Robert
I suppose that things like this are better than nothing. My experience with these things however, is that they’re cool until you need to use it. Then they don’t offer up enough leverage or other significant function to justify their existence.
The wrench sizes are available at least in theory. Good luck however, when you encounter a screw with an attitude. I’ve tried these kinds of things, but I always go back to carting a standard small bit driver and a small selection of bike related bits. I also carry a “Channellock Wide Azz” adjustable wrench in my saddle bag. It obviously takes up more space, but they’re real tools that work when I need them.
I give in to purchasing these things, use them once, and always go back to the traditional standby’s. I understand the concept of weight being cumulative, and look to avoid as much as possible. Light weight tools are great, if they do what you need when you need it.
Maybe this is an exception, but it doesn’t appear to be a tool with any significant aggression. Maybe it’s ok for minor adjustments, but I wouldn’t want this out on the bike trail if it was my only line of defense for a significant repair.
Robert
Stuart
I would be more concerned about fastener-access than being able to apply enough leverage with a tool this size. It is definitely better suited as a backup or emergency tool than primary maintenance tool.
jesse
Yes, I think access could be an ‘obstacle’ for this tool.
Robert
I didn’t watch the video prior to my post. The inventor indicated that thit’s not intended to replace other tools, but a lightweight backup when needed. I still wonder about its overall usefulness, but at least acknowledge that part.
Robert
teicher
I applaud the effort to bring new tools to market. In my experience, emergency road side repairs rarely need more than the ability to tighten bolts or repair flat tires, and the Park Tool MT-1 is still my go to tool. An MT-1, a tire lever, a small frame pump and patches can handle 95% of what I’ve run into.
Ross
Never having dealt with titanium, I don’t know how strong it is, but if leverage was an issue with this tool, couldn’t you just slide something through the center to use as a lever?
Stuart
In theory you can, but a cheater bar might damage the smaller driver bits. That of course won’t matter in emergency field usage when you need to get something adjusted or repaired no matter what. Although, I wouldn’t want this to be my primary repair tool when biking miles out in the middle of nowhere.
brian davis
here is another alternative to consider http://www.fixitsticks.com Thanks, Brian