Test: Every biker's everyday life and nightmare at the same time - the technology goes on strike on a tour. That's why there is no question for most cyclists that they always have a small tool kit at hand. Just where to stow? Saddlebag, backpack, jersey pocket? The manufacturer M-Wave has another idea. Here the tool is hidden in the barends. Our test shows whether it can convince.
The bar ends make a solid impression at first glance. Although they are slightly oversized due to the "filling" - 11cm long and significantly thicker than conventional bar ends - the workmanship seems to be okay. Black anodized aluminium, a lasered logo and a weight of 265g, which is quite low given the function, know how to please. But it's the inner values that count.
The tool is accessed by unscrewing the plastic caps at the front end of the bar ends. This requires a lot of strength, especially the first few times, but the manufacturer has thought about it: A wide slot in the cap allows you to turn it with a coin. Once you have unscrewed the caps, the first thing that comes to light is the plastic thread, which is probably also the reason for the somewhat difficult disassembly.
You then have direct access to a well-considered selection of tools:
- 4/5/6/8mm hex wrench
- T25 TORX
- 14G/0.136′ spoke wrench
- Phillips/slotted screwdriver
- 8/9/10 mm ring/open-end wrench
- chain tool
- 2 tire lever
The processing of the tools is mixed. We see some unclean and sharp edges, even chips can still be seen on the chain rivet pusher. But this is secondary, because after all the tools should simply work - so how does the set perform in practice?
The Allen and Torx keys serve their purpose without any complaints. Always sufficient to loosen or tighten a screw on tour. The Phillips screwdriver shows that the material used is a bit soft. After a few screws, signs of wear are already clearly visible, so caution is called for here. Then we put the chain tool to the test. An approx. 500km old 10-speed chain needs to be riveted on. So we put on the chain and turn the rivet handle. Unfortunately, this capitulates to the admittedly somewhat stubborn rivet in the chain. With increasing force, the rivet pusher bends and finally the screw itself. So we end up with a broken chain rivet pusher and a stiff chain link. ugly
And finally ...
So what is left to say in conclusion? Well the idea of integrating the tool into the barends is a good one. Unfortunately, the implementation leaves something to be desired. The processing of the tool is mixed, the material used is clearly too soft. In our case, the chain rivet pusher was completely unusable. With a little better processing, the tool bar ends would be a really nice thing. So we can only recommend them with reservations.
Product highlights:
- Tools stowed away
- Good selection of essential tools
- Relatively easy
Price and Web:
- 19,95€
- www.eurotops.de