For 2017, Feedback Sports is expanding their line of tools with some nice options for the traveling mechanic. Indiana-based Silca is going big with a bunch of new tools and accessories including the first Boa-equipped saddle bag we've seen.
Feedback Sports' New Tools Kits and T-Handles:
More than one company introduced new tools at Interbike 2016. Feedback Sports, maker of trainers (like the portable Omnium trainer we recently reviewed) and workstands, now has quality tools available in three kits, depending on your needs, or individually to fill in missing pieces to your own tool box. The kits come in zippered pouches that have individual spots for each tool and are designed to stand open so the tools are easy to grab and replace, keeping them organized.
Feedback Sports Team Edition tool kit can hang from the company's workstand, making for a portable, fully functional repair station. © Clifford Lee
The largest tool kit is $250 USD and has every tool a mechanic needs to work on a bike except for bearing presses. There are 19 tools with 25 functions, each tool has a slot in the zippered case that can either stand alone or hang from a Feedback Sports workstand. There are extra slots for additional tools and those slots perfectly fit Feedback Sport’s own new T-handle tool kit. The Feedback Sports workstands are designed for portability with stability, and with the wheel truing stand accessory along with the Team Edition tool kit, a pro mechanic will feel at home with this work setup.
The T-Handle set from Feedback Sports comes in a kit of 6 wrenches. © Clifford Lee
The aforementioned T-handle tools come in a kit of 6 T-handled hex wrenches, and one Torx 25 T-handled wrench for $130 USD. There are hex (or Torx) ends on each of the three ends of the ‘T’, all the same size for each tool. Each T-handle tool is made with heavy chrome plating on the handle and are made of S2 tool steel. The hex heads are tapered from the shaft, so if you need to reach a recessed bolt through a hole barely larger than the hex head, these tools may not work for that application.
The Ride Prep Kit is the one to stay in your vehicle for on-the-spot repairs and adjustments on race day. © Clifford Lee
The kit to keep in your car for every ride or race is the intermediate Ride Prep kit, which for $130 USD has everything for a trailhead tune-up or repair. It has 12 tools with 16 functions and lacks the BB spanner, cassette/cog tool, and a few of the larger handled hex drivers.
More info: feedbacksports.com
Silca's New Tools and Accessories:
Historic Silca, famous for its pumps, now made in the U.S. under the guidance and passion of Joshua Poertner, an industry veteran who spent years as technical director at Zipp, entered the tool business last year with a beautiful precision set of hex wrenches. This year, Silca added to that collection with some portable tools and a number of nice bags and wallets to carry those items.
Silca Italian Army knife. note magnetic holder for chain quick-link © Clifford Lee
The Italian Army knife is available in two versions, both with a magnet to hold a spare ‘quick-link’ for your chain within the tool. The smaller version, called Nove is only $25 USD and has the usual spread of hex wrenches and a T25 Torx wrench and is beautifully made of machined, anodized aluminum and heavily chromed tool steel. The Tridici adds a disc pad spreader and three more hex/Torx bits for $35.
T-Ratchet with Ti Torque tool is adjustable for torque various torque settings. © Clifford Lee
The other pocketable tool Silca introduced the T-ratchet + Ti-torque set. This was started as a Kickstarter product that received 1200% funding for production with first delivery set for November 2016.
The T-ratchet + Ti-torque tool comes in a nice, self-contained lined case that snaps shut. It holds 10 bits that fit into the reversible ratchet handle directly or into the torque wrench end that in turn fits into the torque handle, forming a mini-torque wrench. One end of the handle can be placed at either end, making a T-handle or single handle with more torque. This looks versatile, elegant and well made. $98 USD and now available for pre-order to non-Kickstarter backers.
The new Silca Tattico mini pump is all machined aluminum construction. © Clifford Lee
Staying true to its roots, Silca unveiled a new pocket pump that can mount to your frame with a bracket that bolts under the bottle cage. It serves as an answer to customer requests for a frame mountable mini pump with a hose. The hose is attached and telescopes out of a covered port on the handle end. The hose has a lever locking reversible head for presta and schrader valves and is machined from aluminum with a fit and finish you will come to expect from the new Silca.
Silca Tool Roll with Boa fastener © Clifford Lee
The Silca Tool Roll is unique in a crowded field of under-saddle bags in that it uses a Boa™ fastening system, making it easier to fasten and remove the bag on the roadside. Tool rolls have easier access to the contents than zippered bags and are attractive with a retro look and feel. The Tool Roll is priced at $48 USD.
The Silca phone case is an elegant way to protect your phone from the elements. the clear sleve is roll top and waterproof. When closed, the tab is meant to come outside your jersey pocket and secure via a magnetic clasp. © Clifford Lee
Finally, Silca introduced a waterproof zippered phone wallet that looks like something like a pocket folio from a fashion store. The phone itself fits within a roll top plastic pouch within the wallet which is then zippered closed. It is designed and sized to fit in a jersey pocket with a reflective tab that folds over the outside of your pocket and fastens to the wallet via a magnetic catch. It’s a very elegant looking way to protect your ubiquitous phone while riding, even if access is limited. Priced at $39, you'll hopefully still have some lunch money left over to put into it for that long ride.
More info: silca.cc
See our ever-growing collection of new product news from Interbike 2016 here.
Feedback Sports / Silca New Tools Photo Gallery:
Silca Italian Army knife. note magnetic holder for chain quick-link © Clifford Lee
