Abbey Bike Tools Celebrates 10 Years with Titanium & Walnut

 kinda want to be in a coffin after experiencing conoat's sense of humor

 @conoat: you don't get a discount for being a tool yourself...

 @conoat: wtf finds that funny? What a lame ass joke

 @conoat: He's a lame ass alright, but not a self-identified one.

 @conoat: you mean the lame comedian that looks like a typical new Yorker wanna be schmuck? That Dice Clay? No wonder he's your idol

 @conoat: Dude just delete your account after attaching that shit to the top comment. You're done here.

 A super big box.

 Thanks for boxing me in and calling me out pal!?!?!

 Women have vaginas and men have penises. I learned that in school.

 @warmerdamj: if you read below threshold comments you’ll find out that he has always been a dumb shit and I still wonder why they haven’t banned him for all the not-so-concealed racism and sexism

 @darkstar66: maybe it’s a British thing as I actually thought it was a funny comment but clearly people get offended easily

 @conoat: zoomers and milennials man, they take everything so serious.

 @excavator666: I learned that from the movie Kindergarten Cop

 @conoat: down voted to the core of the earth lol

 Kinda sucks that such a great comment has some of the dumbest replies.

 @darkstar66: I like how you brought politics into this. If anyone's a turd it's you

 @wpplayer18: it is what it is haha

 @warmerdamj: ban ban ban, the new solution . Why not ignore it ? It's easier and less frustrating.

 Did Elon purchase pinkbike as well?

 @watchtower: because ignoring trolls only causes them to grow

 Popcorn anyone?

 @Saucycheese: oh no, we can't have that. We've labelled them and now we have to give them attention to stop them growing. Mmmm, interesting.

 @watchtower: calling trolls out for being greasy is my fav pastime. Looks like you've made the list

 @watchtower: I'm not saying ban him, we all know that will never happen. Even though Pinkbike put out an article saying they would start doing that a year ago for this type of shit.

I'm saying he should delete his own account.

 @Saucycheese: sweeeeeet.

 Lol

 The tools dentist buy!

 Don’t forget one to keep in your 2023 Ford Raptor R that you use for a shuttle vehicle.

 @rivercitycycles: but eeehhh do they repair their bikes themselves?

 @igxqrrl: Looks like an EV Hummer tool kit.

 @vhdh666: Of course, but with mixed results. Cleaning sprockets, filling holes, getting them back in line etc, they're great at that. Some do have the urge to, if a tooth looks a bit too black, to pull it out. But I think with the tools presented here, they can't really go wrong.

 My in-depth research on tinder can back this statement up

 This isn't a box set for bike mechanics. This is a set for your dentist and tier-one LBS big spender who likes to think that maybe some day he will work on his own bike at home and save himself money on labor, but will ultimately never take the tools out of the box and they'll be a conversation piece on his coffee table.

 @conoat: you can actually assume anything

 @upisdown: I got a job in a bike shop when I was 14 and spent 50% of each paycheck on tools until I was about 18. There was no Abbey at the time but I got a full set of Snap-On tools and am forever grateful to the older mechanics that told me to buy good tools while I was young and didn't need to pay rent.

 @Hbay: hey, you forgot the mic drop at the end of that win...

 @Hbay: So, since you're a pro, would you mind to explain what that first tool do? Tnx

 @Hbay: People used to give me a raft of shit for having a 60" wide toolbox in my apartment, until they needed to borrow a tool.
I remember when I first started dating my wife, she walked into my then basement apartment and I had a futon, an old TV, an Ikea chair, five bicycles and my tool cabinet. The most valuable thing I owned from about 19-30 was my tool collection, still probably is, since I've added to it over the years.

 Owning several chain whips is awesome for when you want to whip it good.

 Anything this expensive should be timeless- these are ALL things that can change. Direct mount RD, Lal Bikes Supra, new lockring spline interfaces, asymmetrical chains. If someone wants to make ornate gift tools at this pricepoint... shouldn't it be a torque wrench?

 @commental: You never know when a problem will come along.

 Just gotta say, no chain whip works as well as chain pliers. Once you try those, you’ll never go back.

 @commental: Before the cream sets out too long....

 I hate all chain whips and am a major fan of the unior tool they have that uses three pins to hold the cassette with a big handle. It only works with certain cassettes, but fortunately my bikes all have those cassettes. I'd love to try that shimano derailleur hanger tool, but it looks like it's about the same price as this titanium HAG!

 @igxqrrl: I have the park tool ones and have never been able to get them to work. I'm sure there's a trick I'm missing but the locking ones from pedros seem much better.

I'm all in on the unior tool instead, but if I was a shop mechanic working on lots of different bikes it wouldn't be as good

 @mtb-thetown: It's a dumb reason but I like the look of cassette pliers vs a chain whip. So I got a deal on the SuperB pliers. Took me a couple of tries to get the orientation that works best (was probably described in the video but I didn't remember) and though they look small with short chain sections they've gripped fine on 4 install/swaps so far (2 Shimano HG and 2 SRAM XDR).

I think it's Abbey that makes the cassette tool with a whip that can slide into the handle, which is awesome for a portable tool box or if you just like to be efficient.

 @Mtmw: I’d rather spend my money on one that works than one that’s ornate. There are plenty that work already, I’m not about to pay an MTB tax on a tool that already exists and is likely better than the ones these bike companies could come up with.

 The chain whip I have is over twice as old as they Abbey brand and it does the job. How can something else do the job better? If you make sure your chain whip is clean (and maybe lubed) it won't really damage your components the way a too cheap too poorly fitting allen key would, would it? Do the pro mechanics break a chain whip on a regular basis and if they do, is it beyond repair? I've seen those three pin tools but the way they distribute the load over the sprocket doesn't seem as nice. So what's the appeal of these alternatives over the regular cheap chainwhip that already works flawlessly (if you just use it properly)?

 @Mtmw: no way, dags, chain whips and lock ring wrenches aren’t going anywhere any time soon. Direct mount has come and gone in the past. Even if we see other options these tools are here to stay. Probably the best set of tools they could have made for this.

 @nickfranko: dude.. the stuff abbey makes is legit. And this tool set is extremely bike specific. You’re not going to find it at a hardware store

 @vinay: nice tools just work better

 @wguarino: Jesus Christ I’m glad you don’t work on my bikes

 @olafthemoose: Could you clarify?

Nice tools may imply better ergonomics which in turn improve accuracy, safety and comfort for the mechanic. This is particularly relevant for tools you're going to use for extended time (like wrenches, spoke keys etc), heavy work or dynamic work (like a hammer). Accuracy and durability/hardness of interfaces will obviously also avoid damage to the product (bolt, nut, nipple etc). And obviously something specific can be said about more complex tools like torque keys etc.

But I don't quite see how a chain whip fits in here. The attached standard piece of chain is more than accurate enough, play isn't an issue and you'll never use it for extended time. Not even on an assembly line, as you'll only need it to remove the cassette, not to install it. I don't think there are cheap chainwhips out there that are too uncomfortable to operate for a few seconds or the other way around, situations where you actually get to appreciate the improved comfort of a more sculpted (or just straight and round, in this case) handle. For comparison, the typical cheap chainwhip has a stamped steel frame with the handle covered in plastic or rubber. The slight advantage I can see with the three pin or plier alternative is that you can immediately grip the cassette without occasionally using your other hand to guide the chain. That's a few seconds gain. Maybe some would count that as considerable. But if they're looking to gain that amount of time, they'd probably also be using an electric screwdriver wherever they can.

TL;DR: I get how certain nicer tools can work better, but I don't quite see how this goes for a chainwhip. Please clarify.

@wguarino: My lockring tool does fit the 1/2" interface but I don't use it an electric tool there. Not sure why you are either. You do you, just be careful with how you hold that rag. That is, don't wrap it around your hand as you're using that electric tool. The chain whip indeed doesn't have anything to do with cassette installation.

 @olafthemoose: disassemble with power tools, assemble with torque wrench and hand tools... How's that scary?

 @Mtmw: I don't think Abbey is a high tech enough operation to make a torque wrench. Drilling holes in a titanium bar and adding a chain is much simpler manufacturing.

 @vinay: can’t really clarify, I’ve used nice tools and shitty tools, chain whips included. Nice tools just work better. If you only work on your own bike sure there’s no need to spend a ridiculous amount of money on tools. Hell, nobody really needs to spend abbey tools money on tools. But man they are nice, last long and are definitely easier to work with compared to cheap tools.

 @igxqrrl: chain pliers are nice, but for certain cassettes you actually need a chain whip with an extra long chain to get extra purchase on the teeth. I use a regular Park Tool whip with an XX1 chain, rainbow for effect of course.

 @seraph: I used pedro’s pliers for yrs on all cassettes, you’d need high gears larger than 20t or so for it not to work.

 @seraph: this is the way

 @seraph: You can get single speed KMC chains in a lot of fancy colors.

 @bubbrubb: I work on mine at home. I’m also not a bike mechanic.

 Only the ones married to rich partners or are otherwise not dependent on their salary for income. There's probably five of them worldwide.

 @nickfranko: yeah cool, same. Not sure why I got downvoted for saying I like their tools and work on my own bikes. I only have a BB tool and a fork too cap socket from Abbey. Will pick up more eventually.

 @bubbrubb: you got downvoted because you're likening home mechanics to bike mechanics. I think for the purpose of the original sentence, a "bike mechanic" is assumed to be a professional mechanic.

 The stories on CT's front page are gutting, raw, and very sad for the crew there. I've always enjoyed the journalism and op-eds at CT more than any other bike website(Sorry, PB, nothing can top Iain's fun & hard-hitting investigative journalism pieces).

 Yep, no disrespect to Levy, but this article is Rome territory and it’s bullshit that he won’t be writing one on CT… such a clusterf*ck of a situation

 @waldog: the only reason I ever visited Cycling Tips was for Dave Rome's articles (no offense meant to the other contributing writers). Doubtful I'll be visiting now he's been laid off. I actually recently contemplated paying for Cycling Tips, only for the reason Dave's articles were there. Guess I should can that consideration.

 If harbor freight sold chainwhips id reccomend them sight unseen.

I have the cheapest, smallest most un-ergonomic, $1.99 whip and I wouldn't suggest spending more than that unless you're working in a shop.

 There will still be plenty of rear mechs and cassettes around in 10 years. Just hopefully the dh/enduro crowd will have transitioned, or at least started to go to gearboxes by then.

 Seriously ? 5$?? did a quick conversion, works out at about £3, nuts! 2 here less than £1.. salad days indeed

 @jjhobbs: Big lettuce shortage for some reason. Many restaurants are even taking salads off the menu. COVID, weather or Trump/Elon/Biden to blame based on the interwebs. I blame internal cable routing.

 @pink505:

 @pink505: indeed! Lettuce hope things in improve...

 @jjhobbs: Arugula ever going to quit?

 @pink505: yes, that's the endive it

 @jjhobbs: Won't you just leaf it alone!

 @jjhobbs: lettuces get thrown out alot in large quantities for contamination. The US is constantly getting rid of romaine and iceberg due to e.coli and salmonella.

 But pure gold would be so much more bliiiing.

 @jclnv it's not dumb for actual travelling mechanics that need to adhere to a strict weight limit for flying, but I would agree that the SS versions of the tools are tougher and a better value. At the end of the day this is a gift for someone with lots of cash to blow on a gift.

 @therealmancub: If they were being really clever and using forged carbon and composites, bonded to titanium to optimize them for weight, I would agree with you. I think they’re simply bling for blings sake. Hence the silly box.

 So. This. These are high-priced lower-performance tools for the same people that are buying top-end Kenevos and whatnot. The kind of people likely to only use it a couple times, if ever.

Material choice alone means that a $20 hardened steel cassette tool from Aliexpress will outlast this titanium one.

They _are_ very pretty though.

 1020 steel; 111HB
304 stainless; 215HB
3al2.5v ti; 256HB

 @Tambo: Those are annealed numbers. Hardened tool steel will hit 600+ brinell easily. Nitrided can be 700 or even higher.

 @enki: ever seen a chain whip with a tool steel handle? OP didn't specify tool steel either.

 @Tambo: Here's a thought experiment: If you had two saw blades, one made of steel, one of titanium, which one could cut the other?

 @danger13: most likely the steel would cut the Ti, of course. But it depends on things...

 I think it’s for the guy/gal that dropped 10k on a bike and happened to read that article about how easy it is to wrench on your own bike. This toolset facilitates bringing it all down to the shop in several pieces with parts wrapped in paper towels and placed in baggies, plastic bags and boxes after losing that tiny spring/set screw in the carpet. So here’s their pitch: Sure, these tools are expensive but realizing you aren’t mechanically inclined is priceless.

 That TP holder is almost as expensive as a Campag corkscrew nowadays, since it's been discontinued for a while.

 That TP holder is great, always wanted one. I have the pizza cutter which works quite well. I always wanted the bbq grill set, but that's almost impossible to find.

 I've got one of those TP holders; thankfully had the foresight to buy one back in my shop days. I keep meaning to make wider arms for it to hold blue shop towels so I can put in the garage, but I guess that's once again a project for another year.

 @gabriel-mission9 you can buy an equivalent set of these direct, in SS, without the box, for under $250. That's the "value" route.

 @therealmancub: Value isn't really the concern as much as the disingenuousness. Regardless of the price, the SS ones will just be better tools.

 @gabriel-mission9: That depends. Abbey is also a favorite among world cup mechanics, and if you carry your tools around in a box regularly you will appreciate if some of the bulkier ones are made of titanium instead of steel.

 @FuzzyL: Yeah, something being a fave among wc mechs is often the first red flag imo. Theyre an easily confused bunch

 @gabriel-mission9: I wouldn‘t say that, but their requirements vary wildly from those of the everyday user in a stationary workshop…

 @FuzzyL: wouldn't you want to do things like ditch the handle on the cassette tool if you were weight conscious? These still don't look like the right balance of usability and portability to my eye. Ultimately, justifying these types of items using any kind of practicality argument is probably the wrong way of doing it.

 Careful, if you do that you might not get any more rides in their Porsche.

 @mikekazimer: Tesla, you mean Tesla.

 Whistle tips also sold well (before they were banned); that doesn't mean they were a good idea.

 I don't think so. But my dentist is a tool.

 No, they're used by the mechanics the dentists pay.

 @ACree: I will duck for cover now , must be paying the mechanics too much

 @ACree: Usually not. Mechanics will choose preferred tools from a few brands, but Abbey is seldom one of them.

 So is my $13 Filzer chain whip I bought 23 years ago.

 So is a Topeak, Park, or Pedros chain whip.

 @wyorider: my previous Park one and my Pedro’s one went to my cottage in the Hamptons after I got the Abbey one.

 I got mine for free about 20+ years ago and it still works like a charm for any cassette. There's no brand on it. I borrowed it from a friend and forgot to give it back. He didn't ask for it and I totally forgot about it until I needed to change out my cassette. So, that was worth every non-penny I spent!

 @wyorider: only if you change the chain to a 16 speed in 2028

 @bishopsmike: Unfortunately it doesn't hold a candle to the Abbey version, especially if you're wrenching on bikes often (which is who these are marketed towards).

 My kidding?

 yes, yours kidding

 Yeah dude I really enjoyed your full comparison review of your shit tools versus these expensive shit tools and the detailed metallurgy reports at the end. Full of factual fun........

 Really? the man hand makes them? theyr are titanium which is quite expensive i can see where the cost is borne

 @Compositepro: and made in the us and employees are paid well expensive overhead quality machining tight tolerances etc

 @Compositepro: they’re tools. Meant to do aid in performing specific tasks. Abbey tools don’t work any better than other bike tools-and are usually made of softer/weaker materials than tool steel.

 @wyorider: explain where me being able to see where the cost is borne by being hand made and an expensive material indicates anything other than that statement

I know of literally hundreds of bicycle framebuilders and mechanics that own wades tools for whatever reason, plenty of world cup mechanics drag them round the world specifically because they weigh far less than the steel equivalent

Wade wouldn't have a very successful business ,he has because not everyone is working within the same parameters

 Right now your comment has three downvotes so it looks like you're correct