There’s nothing worse than digging through a seemingly bottomless backpack in search of a tool, Topeak’s Plug ‘n Tool Mountain kit aims to keep the most essential survival weapons for bikers at hand on the trails
Plug ‘N Tool Mountain is part of Topeak’s recently expanded Stealth tool range and hides a multi-tool and tubeless repair kit inside the two handlebar ends. Making use of unused space on the bike is a great idea, as is keeping your most-used tools out of your pockets – of a backpack or hip pack – and at your fingertips when you need them.
The kit generally works well, although during testing I encountered some unexpected problems that are not Topeak’s fault, although it is important to consider before choosing this tool.
Design
The multi-tool side is manufactured from hardened steel, while the tubeless tool is made of industrial-grade polymer. The multi-tool side is equipped with 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10 mm hexagonal bits, a Torx T25 and a Phillips #2 bit (Phillips screwdriver) fixed in the socket by rubber bands. The tubeless side, on the other hand, uses an insert pick for fitting ‘wormholes’ and includes three 3.5 x 50 mm tyre plugs.
Both use a retractable handle cap and an expandable rubber pad to secure the tools in the handlebar. Both require 128 mm handlebar length (roughly that of a standard handlebar grip) and a round internal diameter of between 18 and 21 mm. Topeak provides two sizes for the rubber pad to ensure the best fit for different handlebar sizes (whether aluminium or carbon). The tools are not specific to the left or right side, so you can mount them as you prefer.
Just note that this kit is specifically for mountain bike handlebars. If you’re looking for a road or gravel version, Topeak has the Plug ‘n Tool Roadie in its catalogue. There is also a Plug ‘n Tool Mountain Pro version with the option of replacing the tubeless repair tool or multi-tool with a chain tool.
The multi-tool weighs 79 g (complete with all bits) and the tubeless kit adds another 24 g, which is reasonably low considering that a standard tool weighs around 130 g.
Performance
Regarding the tool, the articulated bit holder can be used in-line or at an angle of up to 90 degrees to improve access to bolt heads. In addition, the long body can be used as a handle to gain leverage on particularly obstinate bolts.
The bit holder is magnetic, so they do not fall off when trying to access difficult bolts. The flat elastic bands that hold the heads in the handle make removing and reinserting them quite complicated, especially if you wear gloves or have cold or wet fingertips. Although the tips are somewhat protected inside the handlebar, some moisture can make its way in, leaving traces of surface oxidation.
The supplied tubeless plugs are quite ‘fleshy’ and do a good job of plugging most punctures that can occur on the trails. Although the tool is easy to use, the plugs stored inside the capsule can be difficult to extract.
Installation and removal of the two tools from the handlebar are simple and do not require the use of tools, and once fitted, provided they are tightened correctly, they make no noise.
One turn of the ring nut is required to remove the tool to release the rubber ring, although I have found that it is necessary to tighten it a little more than expected to prevent loosening.
Handlebar compatibility is perhaps the most complicated aspect, as not all of them have matching internal diameters. I found that several handlebars were not compatible due to ovalised internal shapes, thick tube walls, or even poor internal finish that prevented me from fitting the tools.
The Plug ‘n Tool Mountain Pro also limits the grips you can use: if they have removable caps, you will have no problem, but if you use a grip with a closed end then you will have to change it.
Final Words
I’m a lover of all systems that allow you to store tools and spare parts on and inside the bike: it’s very convenient, lightens your pockets or eliminates the need to search inside your backpack/hip pack when you need to tighten or adjust something along the trail. The fact that Topeak Plug ‘n Tool Mountain fit inside the handlebars means you won’t leave home without your essential tools.
The quick and painless installation only improves this, although some attention must be taken to ensure that they are correctly secured inside the handlebar.
Among the various handlebars I tested with, I was surprised by how many were not compatible (this is all out of Topeak’s control). Also, the particular design restricts the grips to ones with separate caps (lock-on type with one or two collars).
If you have a compatible handlebar and grip combination, this is a great way to store important tools so that you always have them at hand.
What we like
- Takes advantage of unused space on the bike
- The long lever and articulated head of the multi-tool for comfortable operation
- Good range of hex bits
- Low weight
What to improve
- Hexagonal bits are difficult to pull out
- It can make noise if it is not mounted correctly
