Granite’s approach is to run a plug-like cylinder from the top of the steerer, and a plate underneath the fork crown (the tapered fork version uses a larger diameter plate). With the fork star nut removed, a long M6 bolt is tightened with a 5mm hex key to draw it, and your headset preload, together. Two bolt lengths are provided for the tool to fit bikes with “bottom of fork crown to top of stem” lengths between 150 to 240mm. The Stash Multi-Tool Kit shares similarities with Specialized’s SWAT Conceal Carry tool and OneUp Components EDC threadless tool, requiring no steerer tube tapping to install. Instead, the Stash Tool replaces the star nut and tightens from the top and bottom of the steerer tube, preloading the headset simultaneously. A plug with a long threaded shaft is inserted from the bottom while a threaded bolt and tool carrier drop in from the top. Three bolt lengths are included to accommodate steerer tubes from 150 to 240mm. New version of the Granite Design Stash RT fits more forks, has a better pop-out function, and can accept Garmin/Wahoo/Bryton devices mounted via optional Scope RT cover. Closed Hello! I’ve really enjoyed testing the Granite Design Stash RT. Despite a couple of quirks, namely how the carrier can get caught if the bits aren’t aligned correctly and the not 100% foolproof installation, it’s proven to be an excellent improvement over its previous design and a tool worthy of a home in any bike’s steerer tube. The Stash RT is an excellent choice if you’re looking to move your tools out of your bag and onto your bike. The spoke key tool was an excellent addition that performed as intended and fitted tightly on nipples with enough leverage to add tension. We lost our valve core remover shortly before receiving the Stash Tool, so it has received more use than any other tool in the kit and has functioned without a fuss. Things That Could Be Improved

The Stash Multi-Tool is similar to other steerer tube mounted tools we’ve seen, but with its own unique design. Instead of tapping the steerer tube like One Up’s EDC Tool, which I consider invasive, the Stash Multi-Tool uses a small plate at the bottom of the fork crown, attached to a long bolt, which secures to the bottom of a storage sleeve within the upper portion of the steerer tube. This requires the removal of the star nut within the steerer tube, but ultimately provides the same function by preloading the headset bearings. The kit comes with two lower fork crown caps for tapered or straight steerer tubes and three different bolt lengths, depending on the distance from the lower fork crown opening to the top of the stem. This measurement must be between 150mm an 240mm, otherwise the provided bolts won’t be long enough. Next, you will need to make sure the headset is tight. Loosen the stem bolts, and then tighten the housing bolt which will tighten the headset, then tighten the stem bolts. To do this, use a 6mm Allen key in the base and a long 5mm key in the top, you can tighten the headset up. Remember to make sure the bars are straight before doing this. The last thing is to tighten the stem bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Aside from being satisfyingly gadgety, a multitool that’s hidden inside your bike is unobtrusive and impossible to forget. But it still has to work properly and not rattle or jam when stowed. Granite Design’s Stash RCX meets all these requirements. The Wolf Tooth Encase Chain + Tire Plug Multi-Tool is meant to be a multi-tasker, but it’s a clever one at that. Initially, the kit seemed too large to fit in the curve of a drop bar, however, once the design of the pivoting tool was placed correctly, the installation was consistently a breeze. The only improvement we would like to see with the Stash Tool is adding an 8mm hex key. Nowadays, most bikes have an 8mm bolt somewhere, and with all other sizes accounted for, it would be the final piece to a well-rounded tool. The Stash RT tool does include an 8mm hex key; however, it does not include spoke keys or a flat head screwdriver. The Stash RT only weighs 159 grams, so you don’t really notice it being there until you really need it. The weight is so inconsequential that you don’t need to worry about it affecting the handling of your bike. It’s certainly not something we’ve noticed. And finally, it’s hands down the easiest steerer tube installation we have ever had the joy of installing. Granite sell the Stash multi-tool, the bar-end-based Stash chain tool and Stash plug tool all individually. This allows you to mix and match as you please.

The tubeless plug tool is encased in an aluminum body and threads onto the tool which pulls double duty as a chain breaker. It has space to store the included 5 repair strips and preload the fork tool with one as well. On its own, the plugger was pleasant and easy to use. Strips loaded into the fork easily, even when doubled up, and plugged punctures well, detaching from the fork to remain in the tire.Hiding tools in your bar-ends and steerer tube is nothing new. These days you can hide pumps, multi-tools, tubeless repair kits, and more inside various nooks and crannies on your bike. For the most part, they are set-and-forget and keep handy everyday parts of your tool kit easily accessible and close at hand. We’ve tested options from Bontrager, Giant, OneUp, Dynaplug, and Granite Design—a company that has made stashable multi-tools its business with a full line of steerer tube and bar-end-mounted repair kits. The major developmental obstacle we had to overcome was how to fit the lengthy ratchet wrench handle and nine bits into such a compact space.

A few manufacturers have been trying to achieve this but have struggled to compete against the OneUp EDC tool. Granite has created the stash tool, there own take on tool storage within your bike. Like OneUps tool the stash fits inside your steerer but without having the need to thread your steerer or buy a OneUp stem which ultimately costs a lot more!. The tool is spring-loaded tool and pops its little head up out of its recess when the top cover is rotated out of the way. The kit itself is rather comprehensive, and what you get inside such a compact little case is pretty awesome. You've got the insertion tool and a very pointy reamer, the tip of which is super useful, but we'll get onto that later. You can easily fit a number of the included plugs in the case, despite its small size. All of that weighs 36g. Granite claims 35g – what's a gram between friends?

The granting of a best price is not combinable with other promotions (e.g. "free articles) from Bike-Discount. Granite’s new Stash tool works in a similar way to the Specialized SWAT conceal tool by using the full length of common straight and tapered suspension fork steerer tubes, all with no special tools required and without causing irreversible harm to the fork (or requiring a new stem). It can also be used with headset spacers left above the stem, but does require an opening at the bottom of the fork crown (forks with carbon steerers are out). The toolkit consists of a 92mm long two-way ratchet which takes 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, T25, bits as well as a 50mm PH1 bit which can extend the ratchet’s handle an extra 14mm making it easier to adjust hard-to-reach bolts.