OneUp Components EDC V2 Tool was one of the first bike-integrated multitools to hit the market and has gained quite a following as a result. That’s because it very cleverly carries almost everything needed to solve any trailside mishap in one, neatly compact unit. The tools included do a superb job without compromising the ergonomics. It is the priciest steerer-integrated option available but that aside, if it fits your bike this tool will not disappoint.
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OneUp Components EDC and Threadless Carrier - Technical details
The EDC (Everyday Carry) tool has been around for a little while now but has come a long way since the original warranty-voiding version that threaded into the steerer tube. The brand has found a workaround for that, in the form of the threadless carrier which relies on a compression-style fit that replaces and works as the star-fangled nut – similar to what we’ve seen on other steerer-integrated multitools.
Packing 20 functions, the EDC tool covers a lot of bike repair ground through the clever arrangement and packaging of a range of bits. The multitool, which is sandwiched between a tyre lever and a quick linker holder contains 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm Allens, as well as a T25 Torx and a flat head screwdriver. All of these bits are firmly attached to the multitool and the 8mm Allen is created by combining the flat-head screwdriver and 6mm Allen.
Attached to the tyre lever is a basic chain breaker with 0, 1, 2 and 3 spoke keys, a valve core tool, and a spare rotor bolt. On the carrier side of the multitool sandwich, there’s space to store a quick link.
The V2 tool comes with two sizes of storage capsule that sits underneath the multitool which can be used to store a CO2 canister or anything else you would like. However, the larger size cannot fit inside the threadless carrier, which leaves the customer tied to the smaller storage capsule.
I feel that this comes with little compromise, however, and inside my small storage capsule, I’ve got OneUp’s tubeless tyre jabber that’s preloaded with one tubeless repair slug, bacon strip or worm. OneUp offers a number of extra add-ons that can fit in these storage capsules, such as the EDC Plier kit.
The EDC Threadless carrier is built from one piece of aluminium and is compatible with almost all forks but must have a minimum steerer tube length. Fox forks, apart from Factory and Performance Elite 38s require 190mm of steerer, whereas the aforementioned forks need 254mm. RockShox forks then need 220mm minimum and all others ask for 190mm.
I fitted the Threadless Carrier into a RockShox ZEB Ultimate that I found had a steerer that was slightly too short. Adding an extra stem spacer underneath the carrier allowed for good fitment but shouldn’t be relied upon on extra short steerers.
All together, the EDC tool, threadless carrier, and jabber tool weigh in at 175g. Compare that to the Topeak PT30 multitool which weighs 169g, that’s not too shabby.
OneUp Components EDC and Threadless Carrier - Installation
Installation of the EDC V2 and Threadless Carrier is as simple as any other steerer-integrated tool but it’s made even easier as the brand includes a special star-fangled nut removal bolt in the box. Usually, it’s a case of knocking out the star-fangled nut, placing the carrier into the steerer, and locating its thread with the bolt from under the fork’s crown. However, I was installing this into a brand-new fork, so I had no nut to remove.
Applying pre-load onto the headset is super easy as the Threadless Carrier’s preload bolt sits under the fork crown, so the tool can be self-adjusted, which is a big plus.
With the EDC’s minimum steerer length, riders of smaller bikes may run into fitment issues.
OneUp Components EDC and Threadless Carrier - Performance
I’m always looking for ways to store tools and pretty much everything on my bike. I like how doing so reduces the time I spend packing and preparing for a ride so for the past couple of years at least, I’ve had some kind of bike-integrated multitool. But the OneUp EDC and Threadless Carrier have come as a revelation.
As mentioned before, the combination is super easy to install and that ease continues when putting the tool into action. When the need for bike faff arises, simply pull the tool out from the steerer (it's weather-sealed thanks to an o-ring) bend the whole unit like a glow stick and it all comes apart, displaying all of the tools at your disposal.
Pulling the tool from the carrier does require a little bit of elbow grease but a bit of force quickly frees it. Putting the tool back in is just as simple, only needing a polite slap to send it back home.
It goes without saying but the Allen key set is what saw the most action and it works just like any other small mulitool. But even after the use it’s seen, each bit remains sharp. Though it must be noted, as the 8mm uses both the flathead screwdriver and one of the smaller Allens in order to fit an 8mm bolt head, this is to only be used in emergencies and not relied upon to remove pedals time after time.
In order to fit a chain tool into the EDC, the included chain tool is a little more basic than what I’m used to as it doesn’t have any tabs that fit between the chain’s links to keep it in place. That means that the user will need to be more precise when winding in the chain tool’s pin but, in use, it was just another small precaution that was required. Realistically, it doesn’t affect the function of the tool and the fact that there’s one included on such a small unit is something I massively appreciate.
The rest of the tool works exactly as expected. The tyre lever is as useful as any other when coaxing tyres away from the rim but what’s really special is the convenience of having all of this so readily available inside the steerer tube. Other tools don’t quite pack the bike repair punch within such a small area of the bike and since installing the EDC tool, I’ve not had to carry tools elsewhere. It’s simply got everything you’ll find on a comprehensive multitool, minus a knife or more specialist bits and pieces, but it’s neatly hidden on the bike, and accessible without having to rummage through a bag.
Another gem nestled within the EDC’s design is that it’s modular, in a way. So OneUp still offers the tool with the original threaded fitment for those who want more storage, or the ability to carry the Plug and Pliers kit. But you can take the tool and store it in the Threadless Carrier, or the EDC pump. That means that the customer can very easily transfer the tool and its frame from one bike to another without having to plumb the cash for a whole new tool. Although, if you’re that way inclined you still can.
OneUp Components EDC tool and Threadless Carrier - Verdict
The EDC and Threadless Carrier require a considerable investment and the combination is the priciest bike-integrated multitool on the current market.
Another steerer-integrated tool that I have a soft spot for is Granite Designs’ Stash RT. This one gets a cool ratchet handle as well as a number of Allen and Torx bits with a Phillips screwdriver. It’s spring-loaded, too, which makes retrieval from the steerer super easy. However, to get a similar level of repair capability that the EDC tool has you’ll need to buy the Stash RT tool, the Stash Chain Tool and the Stash Tubeless Repair Kit. All of that will set you back £105, which isn’t much less expensive.
The most serious competitor is Bontrager’s BITS Integrated MTB Tool. For £70 you get a comparably equipped multitool and a chain tool as well as storage for a quick link. So functionally, it’s almost identical while being much cheaper. Though as a whole, it doesn’t carry quite as many functions.
OneUp Components EDC V2 tool and Threadless Carrier have completely won me over solely due to the bike repair potential it contains in such a convenient package. Although other tools offer a similar level of functionality for a much lower price, none are yet to match this tool system. Yes, it’s quite an investment but the comfort in knowing that you’ll have almost everything you’ll need to fix your bike is hugely comforting. And then there’s its ability to be swapped from bike to bike, and each component of the EDC tool is replaceable. It’s a fantastic bit of kit that any cyclist will find heavily useful.
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