Tool: Portland Design Works 3wrencho (coated) Job: To help you remove your wheel and change a flat tire. Thumps Up: PDW’s 3wrencho is an excellent tool. Instead of carrying both a tire lever and a 15mm wrench to change a flat, I now only have to carry one tool. It is small enough to fit … more
May 152012
Tool: Lezyne Pedal Rod
Job: To install and remove pedals.
Thumps Up: Most pedal wrenches are pretty similar in design and size. Lezyne’s Pedal Rod, however, steps it up a notch. It’s available in two versions: the CNC which has an aluminum handle and the Classic which has a wooden one. Both versions feature the same wrench head, which has an integrated bottle opener and two offset wrench openings for increased leverage. The CNC version has quickly become my go-to pedal wrench at the shop. The handle is very comfortable to hold, and its extra long length allows me to use less effort.
Thumbs Down: The only downside to this pedal wrench is that the handle’s long length can make it too easy to over-tighten pedals when installing them.
Tool Tip: The best way I’ve found to remove/install pedals is to use a push-pull method. To do so, stand over your bike and hold the pedal wrench in one hand while holding the opposite crank arm with your other hand. Then, push with one hand while you pull with the other to maximize leverage and get the job done.
Last Word: If you want a versatile, rugged pedal wrench that can remove even the most stubborn pedals, then this tool is for you.
Info: Retails for $35
www.lezyne.com/tools#panel-14
By Katie Arehart-Rose – Boulder, CO
 Tool Tuesday :: Timbuk2 Shop ApronTool: Timbuk2 Shop Apron Job: To keep your clothes clean while you are wrenching on bikes. Thumps Up: This Timbuk2 apron is perfect for anyone who gets their hands greasy, but wants to keep their clothes spotless. Its best feature is that it is backed with vinyl, so fluids (like shock oil) won’t seep through … more |
 Tool Tuesday :: Park Tool Magnetic Parts BowlTool: Park Tool Magnetic Parts Bowl Job: To hold small parts and keep them from getting lost or knocked off your bench. Thumps Up: The Magnetic Parts Bowls is a great addition to any tool box. It’s inexpensive and will pay for itself the first time it prevents you from losing a small (but vital) … more |
|
 Tool Tuesday :: Pedro’s Cable PullerTool: Pedro’s Cable Puller Job: To hold cables taut so that you can properly adjust your brakes and derailleurs. Thumps Up: The Pedro’s Cable Puller is a very handy tool to have. It allows you to hold a cable taut with one hand, while your other hand is free to tighten pinch bolts. One feature … more |
 Tool Tuesday :: Wheels Manufacturing Dropout Saver KitTool: Wheels Manufacturing Dropout Saver Kit Job: To fix frames with damaged non-replaceable derailleur dropouts Thumps Up: Many frames these days have replaceable derailleur hangers. Many steel and titanium bikes don’t, however, which means that if your dropout threads get mangled you can expect a costly bill to have a new dropout welded into place. … more |
 Tool Tuesday :: Park Tool DS-1 Digital ScaleTool: Park Tool DS-1 Digital Scale Job: Weighing your bikes and parts Thumps Up: The DS-1 is a great scale for weighing bikes, frames, and wheels. It can be clamped in a repair stand, or hung from a hook. It also reads measurements in both pounds and kilograms. Thumbs Down: Usage of this scale can … more |
