Ways To Carry Stuff: EDC – Excellence Does Charm
Kevin Hellcat Higgins
Since the days when they only made 10 speed expander cogs, One Up Components have tugged at my heartstrings. Every new product released from their tiny Squamish headquarters seems to outdo the prior in terms of quality of manufacture, thoughtful design and functionality in the field; and this past year has seen them with a bumper crop. Along with expander cogs that work well with every cassette size, various chainguides to suit XC to DH and some very cool billet pedals we’ll be reviewing soon, One Up has sent a shockwave through the industry with their Everyday Carry or EDC tool system.
Multi tools have been around since the bicycle was invented and while constantly growing smaller and lighter, there hasn’t been much innovation in the product apart from repackaging and rebranding. The tools included now are much the same as they were in the 90s with the only new inclusion being a T25 torx key for disc rotors. One Ups decision to rethink not just the multi tool but how it’s used and how it’s stored will prove to be the caveat that other tools drown in.
The EDC tool and one 25g CO2 cartridge can be stored inside the steerer tube of your fork if it’s compatible and One Up will supply all the necessary tools and videos for the able home mechanic to install it themselves. I have two bikes that would have been perfect for a fork mounted tool but sadly, neither was on the fit list so I opted for pump storage instead. This worked out much better because I actually prefer being able to have it with me whether I’m on the Santa Cruz, the SIdewinder or the BSA. If you have multiple bikes, I’d recommend choosing pump storage.
The EDC pump is available in two sizes, 70cc without and 100cc with CO2 storage. The 70cc pump is very close in size to the Lezyne I currently use and absolutely leaves it for dead. The pump action is much smoother and can take a flat tyre to 30 psi in well under two minutes and keep on going much higher to seat tricky Schwalbe tyres if needed. If manual labour isn’t your thing or you’re a multisporter who likes wasting money on single use throw away items, then the head of the pump unscrews to become a CO2 inflator for a quick getaway, which does make it ideal for racing. Much of the pump is CNC machined and anodized in black and green One Up livery and there’s no valve lever either, you just press it on and away you go.
The tool itself slides inside the pump handle secured by a very persistent O ring. There are 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6mm hex keys and a 10/11 speed (works on 9 too) master link splitter which when combined with the 5mm creates an 8mm which I was dubious about until I had to use it! Using the pump handle as added leverage I managed more than a couple good turns on the crank bolt which was enough to get me home. A flathead, 4 spoke keys, chainbreaker, T25 torx, tubeless valve core tool and quick link storage are also part of the package.
I’d complain about lack of bottle opener but you don’t deserve one of these in your pack if you can’t crack a beer with the supplied tyre lever. I’ve used all of the accessories on the trail and in the shop and once you get the hang of the master link puller and chainbreaker, it’s a confidence inspiring piece of kit to wield. Some multi tools leave you wondering whether the situation is about to improve or get much worse. With this it’s more like, whose bike needs a service?
Things I like? The R&D, engineering and quality of manufacture that has gone into this thing is astonishing. Finding a product today among the competitions current race to the bottom is a sight for sore eyes. Barring being run over by a medium-sized American or stolen by someone who drives a shitty Korean hatchback, it really is the last multi tool you’ll ever need, it feels indestructible.
Things I don’t like? It would have been nice to see the pump work with a Schrader valve as well, the Presta only pigeon holes the entire tool and pump to suit a particular demographic of rider which I think is a mistake. I lost one side of the stored quick link in West Coast bush upon accessing the hex keys which in fairness was probably my fault given the amount of whiskey consumed at that point. A Phillips head wouldn’t go amiss. The chainbreaker does take a bit of practice to use effectively but most do and like any new piece of kit, you’re the tool if you don’t practice using it before going for a ride.
Cyclists (even roadies) love gear and clever modern engineering solutions. The EDC tool/pump is the last word in both of those and can be ordered from the comfort of your favourite chair and I would strongly suggest doing so.