Description:Topeak’s Gear Box comes with 2,3,4,5,6mm Allen wrenches, a chain tool, flat screwdriver, 2 spoke wrenches, 2 tire levers, 8,9,10mm box wrenches, and a patch kit. All these tools are secured in a tiny tool box with o-ring seal and integrated latch and safety strap.
Submitted by
detours
a Weekend Warrior
from Arvada, CO Date Reviewed: July 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
front range
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
The compact box is nearly watertight and holds lots of tools, each in their own slot. The allen wrenches are strong, well-machined and fit perfectly. The chain tool handle even doubles as a wrench extension when you need extra torque to loosen old bolts.
Also, because they're real tools, they're actually usable, meaning they're large enough to give you decent leverage and torque without slipping. (The 8mm box wrench is the only exception, but it's still ok.) You actually build the chain tool out of the other tools, which gives you a full size, usable chain tool that really works! The 2 plastic tire irons work too, but they will wear out, so use them only on the trail.
The box clamps to your seatpost with a velcro safety strap and has never come loose in over 10 years of use. The box lid is held shut with a lever and a metal clamp. It will not open by itself, and its rubber seal makes it nearly watertight and everything stays dry. If you crash, the box spins out of the way on the seat post ... but it is plastic, so it could break open on a direct hit (hasn't happened to me tho).
Weaknesses:
No philips driver, but the flathead driver is small enough to use on most of those. The spoke wrench is thin and could possibly damage alloy nipples (brass should be fine) ... but alloy nips are weak, so what did you expect?
The tiny tube of patch glue is good for a few holes, but only if they all happen in a week. Once you open it, it dries out fast. But on the upside, Park glueless patches fit perfectly in the patch slot and you can put some chain links where the glue used to be.
Similar Products Used:
Topeak Alien, various multi-tools
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc 29er with XT shifter upgrade
Bottom Line:
Sure, the mini-multi-folding tools are smaller, but are they usable? With the Survival Gear Box, you can flip open the lid and find the right tool in 2 seconds, while the rest stay where they are. When you're done, snap it back into place. Simple and sweet.
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Overall Rating:
