Bicycles

Fix It Sticks multitool has the torque thing down to a T

Fix It Sticks multitool has the torque thing down to a T
Fix It Sticks is a two-part multitool that fits together for increased leverage
Fix It Sticks is a two-part multitool that fits together for increased leverage
View 3 Images
Fix It Sticks are available in a variety of bit combinations, and are priced at US$29.99 a set
1/3
Fix It Sticks are available in a variety of bit combinations, and are priced at US$29.99 a set
Fix It Sticks is a two-part multitool that fits together for increased leverage
2/3
Fix It Sticks is a two-part multitool that fits together for increased leverage
When they’re not in use, the sticks sit unobtrusively side-by-side in their included rubber sleeve
3/3
When they’re not in use, the sticks sit unobtrusively side-by-side in their included rubber sleeve
View gallery - 3 images

Gizmag is currently in Las Vegas, prowling the showroom floor of Interbike 2013 – North America’s largest bike show. While there are plenty of impressive high-tech e-bikes and carbon fiber whatzits on display, sometimes it’s the so-called simple things that really catch your attention. Such is the case with a clever cycling multitool known as Fix It Sticks.

Most multitools for cyclists have a sort of jack knife-like form factor, in which the tools fold out from one end or the other. This may be handy, but doesn’t provide much in the way of leverage.

Bicycle mechanics instead often use a Y-tool. As its name implies, it’s shaped like a letter Y, with a different tool bit at the end of each arm. While it does offer a lot more torque, it’s kind of awkward to stuff in a pocket or pack while riding.

That’s where Fix It Sticks come in.

Fix It Sticks are available in a variety of bit combinations, and are priced at US$29.99 a set
Fix It Sticks are available in a variety of bit combinations, and are priced at US$29.99 a set

The set consists of two aluminum “sticks,” each of which has a different steel tool bit permanently attached at either end (for a total of four bits per set). Because the sticks are long and skinny, it’s easy to get their bits into tight spaces. Once you’ve got the bit of choice where you want it, you just join the two sticks together so that they form a T – the end of the “working” stick goes through the middle of the “handle” stick. The result? Lotsa torque. We know, we tried them for ourselves.

When they’re not in use, they sit unobtrusively side-by-side in their included rubber sleeve. They have no moving parts to wear out and they’re also light, weighing in at about 51 grams per pair.

Fix It Sticks are available in a variety of bit combinations, and are priced at US$29.99 a set.

Source: Fix It Sticks

View gallery - 3 images
7 comments
7 comments
Gadgeteer
$30 for four tools is way overpriced. No, thank you.
Synchro
And there was me thinking that this would finally be a sensibly designed, reasonably priced torque wrench... More torque is about the last thing needed for bike bits - precise torque is more important for safety, especially where carbon is involved.
TheSplund
I really want to like this but it's kind of pricey, and immediately I started to think I'd opt for a slightly heavier version in steel that had 4 reversible bits though that's beginning to enter the realms of a single shank with a t-bar and 8 bits (or a selection of those you really needed including sockets too), and I've already got one of those in my garage...
Bob Stuart
Permanent bits? That's nuts. Insert bits are widely available for variety and wear issues, and double-ended ones would be far more appropriate. You can just weld four insert bits into a cross, giving adequate torque, and also a spinner grip, still in a handy pocket size.
jerryd
I really like these kind of T tools but this one is terrible. Permanent bits!! Really!! Just how dumb can they be?
No reason for 1/2 the money it can't have 10+ bits.
Plus each bike/etc needs different size bits so with this unit you could be stuck without a bit you need and can't add.
duh3000
I have to agree with all the others: this is not a good design nor a reasonable price.
StWils
This is a good start on a great tool. Yup, the bits should be moveable & replaceable, but the overall approach is still great. The high price is more a function of being a small company than almost any other element. Wait for S%%RS or another big retailer to rip this idea off and make it with slave labour in China, Bangladesh, India, etc. Every time people whine about the price the easy answer is to ship all the work off to someplace where people are paid in rupees, baht, dinars, or some other no value currency. The Same People also whine about being unemployed.