The head-fix bridges the gap between a full-on workshop quality tool and the bargain basement get-you-by type when it comes to accurately adjusting and servicing the threaded headsets still prevalent on older road, tourers, cross and mountain bikes.
Weighing a reassuringly hefty 300g a piece, the Taiwanese made wrenches feature hardened, matt chrome steel construction and dual ended design to accommodate 26/32 and 32/36mm sizes. From the outset fit has been very precise, eliminating the risk of rounding or gouging-especially with repeated use on soft aluminium models.
However, while dual ended designs are a bonus in terms of convenience, open- ended tools offer greater leverage. Hard rubberised sleeves give improved grip with sweaty or greasy hands but a softer compound would’ve been nicer as they’ve a tendency to dig uncomfortably into the palm-especially tackling very weathered locknuts and curiously drilled holes mean they’re not the easiest to hang on the tool board.
To their credit, the finish has stood up to the usual workshop abuse and hasn’t tarnished despite spending a few nights in open coastal air. They’ll repay their investment ten fold in time and money for budding mechanics and seasoned riders fettling winter workhorses and/or classic mounts but open ended models are more comfortable over prolonged periods.
road.cc test report
Make and model: BBB Headset spanner
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
These are aimed at the budget concious home mechanic who still has a bike or two with old fashioned threaded steerers. I'd broadly agree with this.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Double ended matt chrome plated, hardened steel in a choice of sizes 26/32 and 32/36.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Surprisingly hardy given the price.
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Good accurate fit on most designs-will pay their investment by not damaging expensive parts.
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
7/10
Softer compound rubber sleeves would improve comfort
Rate the product for value:
7/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Quite pleasant to use and accurate enough to be used regularly.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Solid construction and good precision.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Hard rubberiseed sleeve could be uncomfortable over prolonged periods.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Possibly
Age: 35 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
Ah - reading comprehension fail on my part (partly due to confusing quote - the '24 hours a day' bit was irrelevant) - I'd thought the restrictions...
I agree with the idea of being able to create an account. It's surprising how much time can be wasted re-entering the same information over and...
Something like "Billy the Fish on a bicycle"?
I think they do over think it at times, but in this instance whover had chased Faulkner down, especially after they had paused and let her get a...
there's nothing "volatile" about common-sense and physics operating normally ...
Interesting...without wishing to demean the lady or underplay the seriousness of the situation, there's nothing journalists like more than dressing...
Pros: holds objects. Cons: bloody hideous.
A couple here that I thought were worth sharing if people hadn't seen them. They're not humorous. 2. A Short History of Traffic Engineering
The dream bike build is very worth a watch.
I have these in the 700 x 32mm and run them tubless....