Test: Every cyclist in this country probably has at least one product from SKS in the workshop or on their bike - with the SKS Toolbox Travel we are looking at a multi-tool of a different kind today, which is more geared towards touring riders and home mechanics than towards performance-oriented ones athlete judges.
Features
[easy table th=“0″]Inbus,2/2.5/3/2×4/5/6/8mm
Open-end wrench,8/10mm
Torx,T25/T20
Phillips/slotted screwdriver
Spoke wrench, 14g/15g
Miscellaneous, chain tool
,Tire iron
[/easy table]In terms of functionality, there is hardly anything to complain about with the SKS Toolbox Travel: In addition to the obligatory Allen keys, we also get a Torx key (T25 or T20, more on that in a moment), a screwdriver, two open-end or ring spanners, spoke wrenches and two tire levers. One of the tools can be exchanged with the included 2mm Allen key – the user can choose either a 2mm Allen key or a T20 Torx key. Since the T20 size has not (yet?) caught on on bikes, the Allen key is probably the better choice. The two box wrenches are a nice bonus, but they should only be used on older bikes.
application
At first glance, the large plastic case doesn't make such a high-quality impression, but apart from the feel, there's really nothing to complain about. Nothing creaks and the edges are all clean without burrs or the like. The tools are made of steel and the design is successful: All keys fit perfectly, even the often problematic spoke keys have no play. The chain tool is a bit stiff at first, but works as desired after turning it in and out several times. It is nice that the tool comes with a practical and well-made neoprene bag, which can also be attached to the belt with a loop, for example.
handling
The form factor of the toolbox is actually a bit reminiscent of a tool case: the tool basically consists of two parts that can be pushed into each other and can therefore be stowed away in an extremely space-saving manner. This also works very well and the two halves also hold together firmly - with other tools of this type we often had the problem that they fell apart in the backpack or bag. The protruding housing halves also serve as tire levers. On the one hand this is clever, but should one of the two tire levers break off, you face a bigger problem, since the toolbox then probably cannot be pushed together anymore. Fortunately, the plastic jacks proved to be extremely stable in the test and even extremely stubborn tires did not bring them to their knees.
The other tools are all convincing: We particularly liked the fact that the keys are quite long. This makes it easier to reach difficult areas and, despite the very large case, you rarely have space problems. Nevertheless, one must of course say that the SKS Toolbox Travel 18 with its weight of over 200g and the large dimensions is not something for the jersey pocket.
[pricemesh]
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