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The RocknRoll tool is a smart ratchet style multi-tool with nine bits, an extender bar and neat pouch compatible with other Granite Design products. It’s a nifty and useful tool that is cheaper than competitors and just as capable.

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The Granite Design RocknRoll tool is a ratchet tool contained in a Cordura fabric package. Inside the small roll up bundle is the ratchet tool itself, an extension rod and 9 bits including 7 Hex bits (2mm/2.5mm/3mm/4mm/5mm/6mm/8mm), Star bit (T25), and Philips bit (PH2). The tool is made from S2 alloy steel and will withstand 60NM at the gear.

The individual parts slot neatly into pockets, with two spare spaces for you to put the pieces of a quick link (not included). The whole thing rolls up (size: L130xW50xH30) and is secured closed with strong Velcro. At the rear is a loop to thread through a frame strap for extra security if you choose to attach this to your bike. Of course, Granite Design hope you choose to use their Rockband strap where the Velcro attachments on this strap will slot nicely through the loop in the rear of the package but any frame strap will accomate the tool.

The RocknRoll tool is relatively quick to deploy and feels sturdy to use, the bits or extender slot well into both the head or the bottom of the ratchet and are secure in position when in use. The ratchet tool has a small reverse lever too so bolts can be both done up and undone. The lever is a little small and hard to operate with gloves on but in a 'packable' tool this small that is to be expected. The ratchet end is spring loaded, as are other tools of this style, whilst the other end features a magnet to hold the bits of the extension. 

With or without the extender bar, which can be used on either end, the tool makes jobs in tight spaces easier and will quite happily take on bigger jobs too such as removing pedals with the 8mm bit. The tool has been in and out of my pack in all weathers for a couple of months and there is no sign of rust or wear on the bits. Yes, the tool does take a bit longer to get out and put together than a regular multitool but this tradeoff is far outweighed by a simple tool that makes the job in hand easier.  

The tool itself is very similar to the Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite tool and the Granite Design tool is pretty much the same price above Topeak, £27.60 compared to £27.99 including postage from Granite Design or £30 with free postage from distributor in the UK. The Topeak tool does also have the added ability to be compatible with their Torq Bits if you wish to upgrade in the future.

A ratchet style multi-tool is a great addition to any toolkit and the Granite Design RocknRoll tool is smart option, I popped this in my pack for big rides in case of emergencies in hard to reach places and also used it at home when anything from swapping stems, grips, saddle rail bolts, pedals and bottle cages. When the time calls to get it out then I much prefer using it to a regular multitool its easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces and quicker to remove and install bolts too. Granite Design has just appointed a UK distributor for their products so expect to see a lot more of them!

• www.granite-design.com

• www.komltd.cc

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