Crank Brothers has just launched a new range of tools under the S.O.S banner. Standing for ‘Save Our Shred’, the new tools are designed to make use of the bottle cage and accessory mounts on a modern mountain bike frame so you don’t have to carry them in your backpack. You’ll find cleverly integrated tubeless tyre plugs, compact multi-tools, tube straps and holsters for a mini pump or CO2 cylinder.
Here we take a look at the five new products in the Crank Brothers S.O.S range.
Crank Brothers S.O.S BC2 Bottle Cage+
- Weight: 73g
- Price: $69.95 AUD
A simple bottle cage right? Well, not quite. The Crank Brothers S.O.S BC2 features a sturdy central mount that’s designed to bolt onto your downtube in the usual spot. The side-entry cage is reversible, so you can set it up for right or left-hand access. Hidden in the middle of the mounting bracket is a big grey plastic lever, under which you’ll find a stealthy tubeless tyre plug. Two spare plugs are included, ready to fix a trailside puncture.
Crank Brothers S.O.S BC18 Bottle Cage Tool Kit
- Weight: 247g
- Price: $189.95 AUD
Stepping things up is the Crank Brothers S.O.S BC18 Bottle Cage Tool Kit. This guy adds on a whole bunch of functionality with two holsters that sit on either side of the reversible bottle cage. On one side there’s a rubber strap for carrying a CO2 cylinder or a mini pump. On the other side is an alloy barrel that contains a clever multi-tool and CO2 chuck. Unthread the main cap and the multi-tool pops out thanks to the spring-loaded base.
You’ve got all the most important tools including a variety of hex keys, Torx keys, screwdrivers, spoke wrenches and a chain breaker. It also includes spare tubeless plugs and there’s a spot for carrying chain links too. Pretty neat!
Crank Brothers S.O.S TT17 Twin Tube Tool Kit
- Weight: 247g
- Price: $209.95 AUD
Designed to fit onto the accessory mounts that are typically found underneath the top tube of modern trail and enduro bikes, the Crank Brothers S.O.S TT17 Twin Tube Tool Kit is a compact system that helps to position as many tools and spares on your bike so you don’t have to lug them around in a jersey pocket or riding pack.
The TT17 uses a central mounting bracket with three different anchor points that allows you to position the tool in the ideal position. Hinging from the bracket are two alloy barrels, one of which contains a comprehensive multi-tool with various hex keys, a T25 Torx key, flat screwdriver, chain breaker and CO2 chuck. The other barrel is designed to house a CO2 cylinder, and stows two spare tubeless plugs inside the end cap.
Crank Brothers S.O.S TS2 Tube Stash+
- Weight: 53g
- Price: $54.95 AUD
The simplest and cheapest tool in the range, the Crank Brothers S.O.S TS2 is a holster that’s designed to carry a spare tube without need to put a big strap around your top tube. Instead it features a dedicated mount that bolts directly to your frame, ensuring there’s no untoward rubbing of the paint or lacquer. As with all the other Crank Brothers S.O.S tools it integrates a nifty tyre lever and tubeless plug.
Crank Brothers S.O.S TS18 Tube Stash Tool Kit
- Weight: 229g
- Price: $169.95 AUD
Last but certainly not least is the Crank Brothers S.O.S TS18 Tube Stash Tool Kit. This takes the basic tube stash tool and amps it up with two holsters; one for carrying a CO2 cylinder or mini-pump, and the other for carrying the included multi-tool.
It’s the same multi-tool that comes on the BC18 tool kit, so you’re also getting a 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm hex keys, a T10 and T25 torx keys. There’s a flat-blade screwdriver, chain breaker, spoke wrenches, valve core tool and CO2 chuck. Of course you also get the same integrated tyre lever and tubeless plug tool, along with four spare plugs.
