First Look: Crankbrothers Release SOS Line of Trailside Repair Tools

Mar 27, 2024
by Jessie-May Morgan  
Crankbrothers SOS tools

That's "Save Our Shred", not "Save our Souls". The latest line of tools from Crankbrothers are of the frame-mounted variety, designed to be both impossible to forget and easily-accessed in the event of a mechanical.

The SOS Tools are somewhat modular in nature, starting with the SOS BC2 Bottle Cage+. Featured across the lineup is a tube strap, 17- and 18-function multi-tools that cleverly combine a CO2 inflator head with a chain tool, tubeless repair tools and plugs, space for storage of a pump or CO2 cannister, as well as a quick link. Basically, all basic trailside repair necessities are covered. I got my hands on the SOS BC18 Bottle Cage Tool Kit, first impressions of which are herein. Below, you'll find a brief overview of the entire range.

SOS BC18 Bottle Cage Tool Kit

• Reversible, side-loading bottle cage
• Pump or CO2 (16g or 20g) storage
• T10, T25
• 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm Hex
• Flat head screwdriver
• 0, 1, 2 Spoke wrench
• Valve core removal tool
• Tire lever
• Tire plug tool (+4 Plugs)
• CO2 Inflator Head
• Quick Link storage
• Weight: 257 grams
• Colors: White, Racing Red, Black
• Price: $99 USD / £99.99
crankbrothers.com


Crankbrothers SOS tools
I still have use of the downtube storage
Crankbrothers SOS tools
The BC18 bundle leaves sufficient pedaling clearance for myself

Crankbrothers SOS tools
The square downtube necessitated use of both spacers provided with the SOS BC18

The BC2+ is a reversible side-entry bottle cage, with reinforced tire lever that snaps into the central recess. A recess on the underside of the tire lever securely accommodates a small tire plug tool along with two relatively thick tire plugs. The BC2+ can be purchased alone for £39.99. The handle of the plugger tool is very, very small, which could make things tricky for those with bigger hands. My only other observation would be that the tip is really quite broad. In my experience, the pointier variations work best, but of course it's all relative to the size of the tire cut, and the size of the plug.

Crankbrothers SOS tools
Crankbrothers SOS tools

Building on the BC2+ platform is the SOS BC18 Bottle Cage Tool Kit. As the name suggests, the bundle has no fewer than 18 functions. Inside a lightweight aluminum carrier is a compact multi-tool assembly with a chain breaker, and CO2 inflator head. The carrier has a screw cap and a spring in the base so that, at least length ways, the tool is clamped into position inside the carrier when the lid is screwed on tight. It is not braced well laterally, however, and the tool does rattle inside the tube when you shake it. Inside the lid, there are another two spare tire plugs, giving you four in total.

Crankbrothers SOS tools

The tool bits include a 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 and 6mm hex bits, T10 and T25 Torx Tools, and a flat head screwdriver. Held in position by a magnet is a very small 8mm hex bit. This one slips onto the 5mm bit. I foresee it getting easily lost by all but the most attentive multi-tool owners. The body of the multi-tool can also hold onto a spare quick link.

The multi-tool section is held onto the CO2 inflator head/chain breaker portion by a plastic spacer. The latter is home to 0, 1, 2 spoke wrenches and a valve core removal tool. The 3mm Hex bit drives the pin of the chain breaker. The chain breaker does not have a slot for bracing the chain links, but is perfectly functional. In this instance, the tire lever steps in to provide leverage. It slots onto the pin end of the chain tool, giving ample purchase to hold the tool in position as you drive the pin with the 3mm Hex. I tested it on an 11 speed KMC chain, but it's compatible with 8, 9, 10 and 12 speed chains, too, including flat-top T-type.

Crankbrothers SOS tools
Crankbrothers SOS tools

Being so compact, the multi-tool itself doesn't offer much in the way of leverage. However, if you leave it assembled with the chain tool portion, you can use each bit much like a T-Handle tool with more leverage. That said, the extra leverage comes at the expense of clearance.

The tool tube itself isn't sealed. There's a hole in the base, so the tube is liable to filling with water, especially if you turn your bike upside down before hosing it off. It is of course, also a drainage hole, but I do wonder whether a completely sealed system would be better for the longevity of tools. I for one am not in the habit of meticulously drying off my multi-tool after wet rides.

Crankbrothers SOS tools
Crankbrothers SOS tools

The tube clips into the side of the bottle cage in a satisfying fashion, and is further secured by a rubber strap. The opposite side can accommodate a CO2 cannister - 20g or 16g if you use the spacer - or a pump, and is secured in the same way. The Crankbrothers Klic HV pump (not included) fits here, as does my Syncros hand pump (pictured).

Overall, the SOS BC18 tools seem very well thought-through, and there is an impressively large number of functions packaged into a small space. I do question the durability of such a setup in wetter climes, but an attentive, conscientious owner need not be overly concerned here. I'm quite keen on the package, altogether, and will be sure to provide an update on longer term usability and durability in due course.

Crankbrothers SOS tools
Crankbrothers SOS tools



The BC2 Bottle Cage+ with the tire lever, tire plugging tool and two plugs will set you back $39.99 / £39.99. You can upgrade to the BC18 Bottle Cage+ Tool Kit for $69.99 USD / £69.99. The tire lever and tubeless repair plug is also available separately for $14.99 / £14.99

There's a tube strap variation, too; the TS2 Tube Stash+. This one gets the lever and tubeless repair items paired with a hook and loop strap for your spare innertube. It retails at $29.99 / £29.99. Again, there's the option to upgrade to the TS18 Tube Stash+ Tool Kit for $69.99 USD / £69.99.

Crankbrothers SOS tools
Crankbrothers SOS tools



Last but not least, there's the TT17 Twin Tube Tool Kit which retails at $119.99 USD / £119.99. This one mounts to bottle bosses anywhere you have them on your frame. It boasts a 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm hex bits, a T25 Torx, flat screwdriver, tire plug tool + 2x plugs, tire lever, chain tool, spoke wrenches 0, 1, 2, a valve core tool, a CO2 inflator head and a storage tube that can take a CO2 cannister (16g or 20g), or whatever else you might want to stuff in there. Oh, there's quick link storage, too. It weighs a claimed 247 grams.

Crankbrothers SOS tools




Author Info:
jessiemaymorgan avatar

Member since Oct 26, 2023
52 articles

96 Comments
  • 33 5
 I think they've done a really good job with these new options (I've just ordered two of the configurations). I have longed for an integrated setup with all of these functions for quite a while! It has been basically impossible in my research to get this kind of tool function/options, plugs, and CO2 canister/head integration into a package this clean.

I know there are many options that hold different parts/tools/equipment throughout different parts the bike, but this one really nails the execution of getting it all in one place and a clean overall package. Since a good chunk of my rides are ~1.5hr long with one water bottle and no pack, gone are the days of carrying a tool, CO2, and Dynaplug in my pockets for the (unlikely) chance of a flat/mechanical.

I've used bolt on small frame "sacks" from Wolf Tooth and Salsa previously on bikes with two bottle cage mounts in order to carry small accessories, but never quite loved the cosmetics. For frames with one set of bottle cage bosses, the bottle cage with all of the integration I could ask for really is perfect.
  • 58 12
 The OneUp EDC does this with a better pump IMO and in a package that is easy to transfer between bikes. Just an FYI.
  • 14 36
flag dododuzzi (Mar 27, 2024 at 12:04) (Below Threshold)
 No matter how you look at it tools carried on the frame (and water bottles) ruin the looks of a bike. This last offering in no exception.
  • 12 2
 @ridedigrepeat: yo, how do I get the one up pump to stop extending while riding? Very annoying and now it lives in my pack or doesn’t come with.
  • 9 4
 @ridedigrepeat: I'm aware of all of the EDC stuff (and it is nice - I'm a OneUp fan), but in my pickiness to try and have it all in one place, I haven't found EDC to integrate all of the features I want if I'm going to ditch the "in the pocket" setup - tool w/ chain breaker, CO2 cartridge and head integrated, and plugs. I know their pump is supposed to be solid, but it looks too big on the bike for my tastes, and a CO2 gives me enough comfort for shorter rides where I won't wear a pack with a pump/tube in it.

@dododuzzi I don't disagree - if I could ride for an hour and a half and comfortably feel like I didn't need water, I'd love to ditch it all since bikes look best without bottles/cages entirely... normally. However, based on my personal preference I won't opt for wearing a hip or full pack on any ride for the sake of bike cosmetics where I can get by with just a bottle, so at that point all I'm doing is adding a couple small cylinders to my already present bottle cage with this new set up. To each their own!
  • 4 0
 @speed10: Mine had this problem as well. The seal on the outside that is supposed to keep the pump head down was too small. I just emailed oneup and they sent me a full seal kit, hasn't moved since. You can also put some tape under it in the meantime
  • 4 0
 @speed10: I've just taped mine shut. I don't use the pump except for emergencies and keep extra tape wrapped on the pump as well which is handy for repairs.
  • 4 0
 @speed10: I started having this problem after a couple of years with the pump. The 'proper' solution is probably to get a new set of the seals/gaskets from oneup. My solution was to keep a strip of electrical tape wrapped around the point where the pump grip meets the little rubber seal. Even if you have to undo it on a ride to use the pump, it will go back on after with enough residual stickiness to keep the pump together for the rest of the ride (and a few more rides if you forget to change the tape after like I did). As a bonus, you have a bit of emergency electrical tape for trailside MacGyver repairs.
  • 12 0
 @speed10: if you're not already, make sure you slide the o-ring down to where it says 'position o-ring here before compressing' (or something like that), then compress it/plug the head. Mine has never extended while riding after committing to doing this^
  • 31 2
 @speed10: flip it upside down so the handle portion is pointing up.
  • 3 0
 @speed10: A buddy of mine had this happen, and the folks at OneUp sorted him out with new seals!
  • 6 0
 @speed10: Contact them, they will send you a new seal kit
  • 1 0
 @speed10: contact customer service. They’ll send you a kit, since some came with poorly fitting bits causing them to open while riding.
  • 2 6
flag pisgahgnar FL (Mar 27, 2024 at 14:50) (Below Threshold)
 @ARonBurgundy: a smart guy like you always comes in and says this whenever anyone points out this issue. I’ve had mine pointed up, got new seals from one up, used tape and it still pops open so I don’t use it anymore.
  • 3 0
 Yo this is awesome. Comments that are helpful! I will email one up support. I do move the seal up to the line before compressing. I do have it oriented with the handle up, but in the chunk it rattles a bunch still. I did use the electric tape method, as it seems like the best Mickey Mouse fix, but it is not ideal.
  • 8 1
 @speed10: Do you have the air hole plugged with the rubber stopper? If the pump is airtight it shouldn’t be able to extend.
  • 2 0
 @sfarnum: I do my man. I do.
  • 1 0
 @speed10: Rattling can come from bolts on multi tool being loose. Check those.
  • 1 0
 @dancingwithmyself: I don’t have the multi tool in the pump, just a co2 threaded to the inside. The pump handle extends as I hit bumps and hits the underside of my top tube. This has marred that area free of paint. The rattling is the sound it makes bouncing up and down fighting with the air pressure and gravity as it hits my frame.
  • 1 0
 @ARonBurgundy: That's what I do... I've never had a problem.
  • 1 0
 Pivot Cycles along Topeak created good options too!
  • 1 0
 @mountzlu: I was getting infuriated by this until I followed the very obvious instructions... Now mine 100% stays put
  • 1 0
 @pisgahgnar: just sharing what worked for me
  • 1 0
 My setup is tools in the headtube via OneUp EDC/Spec Swat, then tire fixings mounted to a bottle mount with the WolfTooth Rad system or SWAT Storage.

The OneUp EDC has a multitool, chain breaker, tire lever, and quick link. Then my tire kit is a CO2 cartridge, inflator, and dynaplug. If I can't fix a flat with that, I'm walking out.

Works great to piece together your own, but this does look like a really nice package. Much more convenient than building it yourself, and they did a good job of giving you a lot of options.
  • 18 1
 The Swiss army knife of bike tools. Does it come with a plastic toothpick?
  • 21 0
 I'm more interested in a corkscrew!
  • 5 0
 @HankHank: How are we not talking about the tweezers for tick/splinter removal?
  • 14 0
 Some pretty cool kits. I have one-up EDC tools on all my bikes already but this adds some other great tools that would come in handy trail-side.
  • 11 0
 I'm a big fan of the EDC too. Thing is, the EDC looks refined and doesn't need much time or thinking to operate. This thing seems like a bit of a puzzle to put various bits together, which isn't what you need when inevitably something breaks in the rain, you're tired and just want to get on with your ride or go home. And let's be honest, that CB tool is U G L Y! Just remember to keep the bolts tight on an EDC - if they rattle a bit loose, they're an utter PITA to remove from the headset
  • 4 0
 I appreciate all the engineering and thought that went into this and similar tools. But after a wet winter and extra muddy spring, I’ll be keeping similar tools plus a Tubolito in my tiny seat bag that’s closed up and rides up high, not directly exposed to the trail muck. Having all these things exposed on a daily basis doesn’t seem like a good idea. Plus I can very easily switch the little seat bag to another bike. Not trying to be a progress-resistant curmudgeon, but I just don’t see any advantage to this over a small, well-sealed seat bag that I actually use on a trail about once per year.
  • 1 0
 True that, I would not buy such thing before examining how well sealed it is. I used to ride with CB Clic HV pump and the sel cover jammed after grit got inside. Even most pumps are not properly sealed. You would have to take if off from the bike each time you wash it and carefully clean it which I find too time consuming.
  • 1 0
 The oneup has a rubber o-ring that keeps the tool chamber dry. I mainly have it in the steerer where it's fairly protected, but it gets ridden a lot in wet weather and there's no corrosion on it whatsoever after I guess 3 years
  • 1 0
 @mountainsofsussex: I'am done with OneUp after losing 3 (!) EDC Lite tools cause this oring was not tight enough below 0 deg. I paid them enough money for not having a tool ...
  • 1 0
 @J26z: Very nice!
  • 1 0
 @lkubica: I struggle more with getting the darn thing out, rather than it making a bid for freedom. I've got the OG, with stuff in the capsule, so I guess it would have to be a visible distance out before escaping
  • 1 0
 @lkubica: ps, what are you running instead? I have the Giant Clutch under the bottle cage on the road bike, which is nice but rattled until I stuffed some rubber alongside the tool
  • 3 0
 @mountainsofsussex: I just ride with a regular multitool in a fanny pack like a peasant
  • 8 1
 Why is everything all wet?
  • 30 0
 Sky liquid.
  • 17 0
 Tell us you've never been to Scotland without telling us you've never been to Scotland.
  • 11 0
 @notthatfast: I can never tell if Americans are joking about stuff like this
  • 5 1
 Cloud piss
  • 1 0
 I absolutely love that they took these photos in the rain, absolutely dgaf.
  • 1 0
 Preparing to list on Facebook marketplace. It’s always the clapped out gear that’s just been washed in the pics
  • 4 1
 Looks nice but I wish this review had details on if it's actually easy to take our, use, and put back away. Most of the time I'm reaching for my multi tool it's to quickly toss it to a friend who doesn't have one. Snagging a OneUp tool from my steerer is so simple. I hope this is similar. If not, it's hard to justify the cost.
  • 4 1
 I've been using one for a little while now, and the tool itself is far superior to the OneUp EDC. Really quick and easy to use and there's a lot more leverage with the longer tool handle. It's not as visually tidy as the EDC, but paired with the Crankbros pump instead of a CO2 I think it's actually a better solution, personally.
  • 2 0
 @mtbthe603 the multi-tool bits have to be folded away in a specific order. The first few times I used it, I hadn't worked that out so it was a bit of trial and error. If you don't fold them properly, they stand slightly proud and you can't get it back in the tube. This was a non-issue after figuring it out. It's probably not accessed quite as quickly as the OneUp EDC tool, maybe a couple seconds more. It's also just occurred to me that you can get way more leverage on these tools if you slide the tube partially along the multi-tool body to make it a longer lever.
  • 2 0
 @jessiemaymorgan: thanks for the extra details!
  • 3 0
 Pretty cool design, but yes, I would forgo and keep similar items in little fanny as weather exposure in the NW not good. Also dynplugs and CO2 have only worked about 10% of time for major flats/tears, so obsolete items for me. Nice idea though and should be nice for a loy of desert riders
  • 4 1
 YES AFTER THE TINY air can is used you get your pump out and do the job.LOL
  • 5 1
 I wish this review had spent time on the topic of rattle, which is the achilles heel of all on-bike storage systems. Also an issue with in-frame storage, also not discussed in reviews.
  • 3 0
 I have been running a couple variants of these tools for a while, and haven't had any issues with rattle on either the bottle cage or twin tube variants. There is a spring inside the tube keeping the tool preloaded, this in my experience, does a pretty good job keeping the tool quiet. Makes it a bit more difficult to put the tool away, as you need to compress the springs as you thread the cap on, but worth the sacrifice in my opinion.
  • 1 0
 @XTRider: thank you for sharing this.
  • 1 0
 @XTRider: the clic pump rattles like crazy, enough that I refuse to put it on my mtb.
  • 1 0
 In my experience:

SWAT water bottle cage tool: zero rattle
Wolftooth bar end tools: zero rattle
Oneup stem EDC: zero rattle as long as the o-ring is in place
  • 4 0
 @Bro-tato The carrier has a screw cap and a spring in the base so that, at least length ways, the tool is clamped into position inside the carrier when the lid is screwed on tight. It is not braced well laterally, however, so it does rattle inside the tube when I shake it.
  • 4 1
 I have spent decades creating the perfect repair kit including cleat screws and end caps so I am going to use the tools that I know will not break and are functional like an allan key that is longer than an inch or two. That said both Crank Bro. multi tools I bought over the years self destructed in under a dozen uses. Hard AF no
  • 5 0
 pretty nice, but the Lezyne flow cage does all this for about half the price

ride.lezyne.com/products/flow-storage-cage
  • 3 0
 Nice if you don't have in frame storage/these tools already. Just can't get behind the price tag to replace what's been working fine already. I don't need a refined storage solution for every little variation in ride length. Rather just carry the same pack already containing essentials and pack whatever else I need in addition.
  • 3 0
 I'm throwing my support to the good 'ol camelback. It holds tubes, tools, pumps, allen keys, chain tools, tire levers, water and cans of beer. You could also add redundant things like CO2, patch kits, plugs and the like because there lots of room for that stuff too. Arguably, it adds back protection as a bonus.
  • 2 0
 Tip that I once heard but haven't personally confirmed: the opening on a Camelbak is just wide enough for a can, so you can put it right in with your water to act as a cooler
  • 1 0
 I was a CamelBak loyalist for years and definitely benefited from the crash protection on my back but I have this ADHD thing when I'm just about to start a ride where I have to take out and put in small things like keys phone or lighter that I forgot or remembered and having a fanny pack so I don't have to unbuckle and take off the backpack helps save a lot of time ...zooop! Keys are tucked away let's roll
  • 2 0
 I have the same topeak alien multi tool I bought 24 years ago. It was $42 and a lot of money for me. Now I know there are a lot more great options now, as far as how to carry them, simplicity etc. I just can't let go though
  • 4 0
 Thank God I don't have to throw my no-downtube-storage carbon bike in the ocean. Thanks Crankbrothers!
  • 2 0
 Maybe the Cooltool (retrotec) will make a comeback?
Heck, we could all use Bob Seal’s craziness!
Kids- look it up. Pure mnt bike history in a party bus and a big F.U. to the powers that be.
  • 1 0
 Can you fit any pump in the holder or does CrankBrothers use a specific size pump so you have to buy theirs? My next bike has a battery in the way of the usual under the seat bag, and I'm looking at the options.
  • 3 0
 Great review!!! Interesting to see the new market of integrated tools get more and more sophisticated
  • 1 0
 Agree. I love the 'velvet glove' critique! And information density.
  • 4 2
 Am I the only one who prefers to bundle or use a tool wrap for real allen keys, lever, and a small chain tool, verse having a tool that is like a Transformer?
  • 1 0
 I stop short of a bundle of separate allen keys, but I'm not sure I want a tool more clever than I am...
  • 2 0
 That being said... If it makes the sound of a Transformer...transforming as you use it, I'm all in
  • 1 0
 Parktools aws10 is a good alternative to separate allen keys and is cheap. Short length multitools are shockingly bad and often you cannot reach bolts to tighten them.
  • 3 0
 My Topeak wrapped in a piece of old innertube is feeling so insecure rn
  • 1 0
 Finally though someone really was launching a first kit aid compressed... you know that incredible valuable alive machine that you are...
  • 3 0
 I carry Band-aids and aspirin in my pocket so I can leave my knee pads and helmet at home. Huge weight savings!
  • 1 0
 @sfarnum: I was once to buy one from the military... if you start bleeding like crazy with an open wound alone into the woods what?...
  • 2 0
 @PauRexs: I’ll put a band-aid on it and ride home.
  • 3 0
 Both CB multi tools I've had rusted really quickly
  • 1 0
 I think they did a good job. And it’s reasonably priced as well. Wish they just made a bigger multi tool instead of the chain tool add on.
  • 2 0
 I like how CB have decided that the UK is no longer in Europe.
  • 18 2
 I like how you have completely erased Brexit from your memory
  • 4 3
 @kilgore-trout: Is there a "Thanks Boris" meme in the UK, like we have "Thanks, Obama"?
  • 10 1
 I thought the UK decided that the UK was no longer in Europe?
  • 1 0
 @VtVolk: Last time checked, Britain was sitting just to the North of France, so still European Wink
  • 3 1
 @kilgore-trout: The UK is still very much in Europe.
  • 3 0
 @JonnyNorthmore: That's true in geographical context, but not in economical context. I'm sure CB would have preferred to keep UK as a shipping option for purchases thru their site, but the cost of doing business there most likely became unfeasible once Brexit was implemented. CB isn't the only company that had B2C business adversely affected by Brexit.
  • 1 1
 @kilgore-trout: Thanks for the economics lesson. My point still stands.
  • 3 1
 Why does it come with a tape measure?
  • 2 0
 cool
  • 1 0
 The spacers look nice---I have external cable routing down the down tube
  • 1 0
 Is that a Hope HB916? Gorgeous frame.
  • 2 0
 Yeah, have a 916 in raw carbon myself and recognised the butty box cover haha!
  • 1 0
 Isnt that heavy?
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