Wolf Tooth EnCase System Bar Kit multi-tools £127

This clever two-part system stores in the ends of your handlebar. It’s very well made, with a decent selection of tools. The main multi-tool includes a spoke key, valve core remover, flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, 2/2.5/3/4/5/6/8mm Allen keys and T10/25/30 Torx bits. The second, a chain-breaker and tyre plug inserter with five strips. Both are wrapped in flexible rubber that you can trim to get the best fit for your bar. Unfortunately, we still couldn’t fit the tools inside carbon Renthal or ENVE bars. We had more luck with OneUp’s carbon bar, and no problem with all aluminium bars we tried. If the tools do fit in your bar, they offer impressive functionality. The tool-bit holder (which is also an 8mm Allen key) has a magnet to keep the bits secure in use. It also pivots, giving you the choice of holding the tool like a screwdriver or turning it into an L-shaped tool for more torque. We had no problem reaching awkward bolts, and the tool is comfy to hold. The tool-bits are held in their slots with magnets and a rubber band, so they’re rattle-free when riding. However, it’s a fiddle to remove them and they’re quite easy to lose. Because the two parts of the tool act as bar end-plugs, you can only use grips that don’t have built-in end-caps. The EnCase System is a wad of money for essentially a fancy multi-tool, but it’s a quality piece of kit. Luke www.saddleback.co.uk

VERDICT

An impressively useful tool, but it won’t it every bar, can be iddly to use and is pretty pricey