CYCLING PLUS | April 2013 | 97

NEW gEarr i d d e n a n d r a t e d

PARK TOOL RESCUE TOOL MTB-3C how big?Park’s MTB-3C splits in half for convenience, both pieces feeling chunky. Fitted together it makes a fistful and it weighs a hefty 281g.

what’s includedThe 19 parts have 22 functions. Tools include 1.5-8mm hex keys, 8, 9 and 10mm ring spanners, pedal spanner, screwdrivers, T25 Torx, chain tool, knife, three spoke keys and two tyre levers, all in stainless or nickel-plated steel. It fits in to its own nylon pouch.

usefulnessThe MTB-3C has tools for just about every roadside eventuality. When separated, the tools of each half are much easier to use, and the chain tool can be removed completely. It’s long enough to grip firmly, and is operated with the 4mm hex key. The pedal

spanner is a little short, but will tighten a loose axle sufficiently well. Torx bolts are used on disc brakes, and some older pinch bolts still have conventional nuts, making the Park useful for disc-equipped bikes, hybrids or MTBs.

qualityThe tough nylon handles are grippy but flex a little, the steel tools are easy to access and hardwearing. But smaller tools don’t have to mean lower quality, and the nickel-

plated hex keys and wrenches should prove durable too.

www.madison.co.uk

we SAY… Lots of tools in an easy to use but very bulky package

★★★★★rAting

£24.99 › Park Life

HeAd to HeAd TOOL STORy

★★★★★rAting

LEZyNE CRV 19 how big?Compact, slim and wide it measures 86x53x21mm when closed, but even with its all-metal construction it weighs just 159g.

what’s included?It has 2mm and 2.5mm L-shaped hex keys (to reduce twist), plus straight 3-8mm hex keys, a chain tool with three spoke keys (one for Mavic wheels), T25 Torx, Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, tyre lever with 10mm open spanner, bottle opener with 8mm open spanner and a disc pad wedge. It all slips in to a neoprene pouch for protection.

usefulnessLezyne has kept the length of each tool down, which is fine for most applications, as few hex bolts are hard to reach, but some headset preload adjusters may be tricky. The two smallest L-shaped hex keys are a bit fiddly, and the CRV’s

width can slow you down when you’re trying to rotate it in a tight space. But the construction has a high quality feel, the chain breaker works superbly and with discs going mainstream its disc pad wedge could prove handy too.

qualityLightweight forged and anodised aluminium side plates are solid and offer great purchase, even with gloves. The nickel-plated chrome vanadium and stainless steel tools rotate smoothly on stainless steel fastenings, their

forged pivots increasing individual tool rigidity.

www.upgradebikes.co.uk

we SAY… Solid, very portable and with excellent quality tools

£29.99 › Fine Lezyne

editor’S cHoice