The Prestacycle TorqRatchet is a compact, packable torque wrench for trailside mountain bike repairs.
Ten of the best kids' mountain bikes of 2018, including lightweight hardtails and even full-suspension bikes. Recommendations range from 12-inch wheels up to 24-inch wheels.
The UCI Mountain Bike Eliminator World Cup brings fast-paced, XC competition to the streets complete with ramps, wall rides, and dirt rollers.
Another mountain biker falls victim to a trail trip, this time barbed wire in Ontario, Canada.
Roam Bike Fests are designed for women to have fun on mountain bikes. Riders won't find skills clinics, competitions, or men here.
The Fox Factory Tune program allows mountain bikers to get a custom suspension tune and/or to upgrade to the latest tech for a reasonable price.
The All in Multitool fits inside a mountain bike crank spindle, and includes a chain breaker plus hex and Torx bits.
These aggressive hardtail mountain bikes are designed for trail riding and beyond, and each offers at least 120mm of front suspension travel.
Guidebook author Stephen Hlawaty talks about his favorite MTB trails in Colorado, and why he's still a fan of paper books in the digital age.
The National Recreation Trails class of 2018 includes notable mountain bike trails like Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park in Florida and the Climax Trail in New Mexico.
The BLM in Idaho is testing a new travel management plan that would allow Class 1 electric mountain bikes on previously non-motorized, multi-use trails.
The BLM approved an additional 22.5 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails at Phil's World and has begun construction, despite minor opposition.
Summer mountain bike camps for young riders are popping up all across the USA this year. Campers can learn new skills and get ready for NICA race season.
The second annual Epic 17K mountain bike race claims to be the world's highest, and is set to take place in India's Sikkim state June 26 - 29.
Youth conservation corps programs offer paid trail building programs this summer. Participants gain useful skills, while mountain bikers get new and improved trails.
This kid's hardtail mountain bike build was tricked out with electronic shifting, 4-piston brakes, and color-coordinated hardware.
Tips for dealing with knee, back, neck, and arm pain associated with mountain biking through exercise, stretching, bike fit, and recovery.
The updated Shimano XTR mountain bike line includes a 12-speed drivetrain and new 4-piston enduro brakes.
On May 17, 2018 a revised bill to possibly give bikes access to trails in federally-designated Wilderness areas was introduced to the US Senate.
The ShockStop from Redshift is a mountain bike suspension stem designed to lend some squish to rigid bikes without adding a lot of weight.
If your mountain bike isn't in top condition, it's often be a good idea to call off the ride. A lack of confidence in equipment can result in injury.
Rock Bar storage bags can be mounted to bars, top and down tubes, and even mountain bike fork legs.
Squeeze another season or two out of your mountain bike with these essential upgrades.
A mountain lion attacked two mountain bikers in Washington, killing one and injuring the other.
Get up to speed on the latest changes and trail conditions at the Whistler Bike Park from opening weekend.
The Singletracks community shares their best (and worst) mountain bike crash stories.
A surprising amount of mountain bike prototyping, testing, and even production takes place in the USA.
The 2018 IMBA Ride Centers are all Silver-level, and include Roanoke, VA; Eagle County, CO; and Steamboat Springs, CO.
The Stompump is a portable, mini foot-actuated pump designed for use with mountain bike tires.
Cannondale drops the weight on the F-Si cross-country race bike and introduces the Lefty Ocho suspension fork.
The updated Pivot Trail 429 mountain bike gets longer, higher, and slacker while improving its ability to run 29er or 27.5+ wheels. The trail bike also gets the Super Boost Plus treatment.
Tips for choosing the best mountain bike light for night riding.
Get these enduro mountain bike races on your calendar for 2018. Enduro races are happening all over North America, from North Carolina to Arkansas, and New Mexico to British Columbia.
Game cameras are being used to identify mountain bikers who build illegal trails or trespass on private property. They're even being used to catch trail vandals.
Richard La China, founder of ridelikeaninja.com, shares his philosophy for mountain bike skills training and progression.
The most popular mountain bike trails in each US state and Canadian province, plus up-and-coming trails in select areas.
Traditionally mountain bikers have had free access to trails on public land, but these days more pay-to-play riding options are cropping up.
The Islabikes Creig 24 is a lightweight kids' mountain bike featuring a good component mix for young shredders.
Transgender athlete Kate Weatherly won the 2018 New Zealand Mountain Bike Championships in the DH event.
E-bikes are gaining mountain bike trail access in unexpected places, and for unexpected reasons.
The Salkantay Epic is an all-day, epic mountain bike shuttle ride in Peru located near Machu Picchu.
Singletracks has tested and reviewed more than 30 hip packs, and these are the ones that stand out as our favorites.
I talk with Daniel Jessee about an exciting project to create an long-distance, East Coast bikepacking route called the Eastern Divide Project. Daniel is an experienced bikepacker who has travelled all around the world, and he shares his expert tips for getting started.
Ideas for encouraging women to start mountain biking, from 8 women of Singletracks.
Giorgio Frattale and Francesco D
A group mountain bike ride on Mt. Tam. in Marin County, CA showcases the incredible wildflowers. Mountain bikers can be nature nerds, too.
It's tempting to ride solo, but mountain biking with a partner is incredibly beneficial.
Mountain bike for days above tree line, bask in fields of wildflowers, traverse multiple 12,000-foot-plus passes and ridgelines, and finish with a 5,000-foot final-day decent on the Rim Tours Durango -- Colorado Trail Singletrack tour.
4
![[feature]
[caption id="attachment_241424" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1577.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-241424" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1577-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /></a> Prestacycle's TorqRatchet torque wrench. Photo by Matt Miller.[/caption]
[/feature]
A year or two after I started mountain biking I noticed there was a little bit of play in the pivots on my full-suspension bike. I pulled out a socket wrench, an extension, and a hex bit and tightened the pivots on my bike like you would the lug nuts on a car wheel.
Much to my surprise, my pivots got worse and I took my creaky, angry bike to a shop for professional help.
"All of these pivots have torque ratings, and some of them are different," the mechanic told me.
I've always been the type to try and fix something myself, usually with an educated guess, but sometimes not. Had I been more educated at the time, I would have gone online and bought a tool like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F45ZGQ6?tag=stracks-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1">Prestacycle's TorqRatchet</a>. Oh, and I would've checked the owner's manual too.
[caption id="attachment_241425" align="alignnone" width="1141"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1581.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-241425" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1581.jpg" alt="" width="1141" height="800" /></a> Prestacycle's strip of twenty 1/4" bits. Photo by Matt Miller.[/caption]
The TorqRatchet comes in a tidy, little foam padded case with twelve 1/4" bits. For $60, buyers get the torque wrench, case, and 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex bits, a Phillips bit, and T10, T20, T25, and T30 Torx bits. The tool gives readings for 2-10Nm of torque and weighs 68g. That weight is friendly enough for me to throw the tool in a hydration pack.
[caption id="attachment_241427" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1592.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-241427" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1592-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /></a> Prestacycle's TorqRatchet with 12 bits and a padded case retails for $60. Photo by Matt Miller.[/caption]
The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F45ZGQ6?tag=stracks-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1">Torqratchet</a> is also easy to use. I used one hand on top of the wrench, and an index finger and thumb on the bottom by the torque reading. The torque reading takes a little practice, but it's pretty dummy-proof.
When adjusting things like suspension pivots, it's a no-brainer to use a torque wrench. This is also true for tightening carbon components that will crack, rather than flex like an alloy part.
[caption id="attachment_241441" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1650.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-241441" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1650-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /></a> The readings on the TorqRatchet are tight, but easy enough to understand. Photo by Hannah Morvay.[/caption]
<h2>Prestacycle T-Handle Ratchet</h2>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082H5TSPN?tag=stracks-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1">Prestacycle's T-Handle Ratchet</a>, which retails for $30, is a lightweight socket wrench and four-inch extension that also fits 1/4" bits. The T-Handle Ratchet, like the TorqRatchet, can handle a maximum of 60nm of force. The T-Handle with the extension weighs 88g, and out of curiosity, I Googled the weight of my compact, foldable multi-tool that I always have with me when I ride. It turns out the T-Handle weighs almost half as much, and is a lot easier to use.
[caption id="attachment_241426" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1588.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-241426" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1588-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /></a> Prestacycle's T-Handle Ratchet. Photo by Matt Miller.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241440" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A16322.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-241440" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A16322-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /></a> The Prestacycle Ratchet is far more convenient to use than an L-shaped hex key, or foldable multi-tool. Photo by Hannah Morvay.[/caption]
I found the Ratchet easy to use like any other socket wrench, but at a smaller size that I enjoy using far more than just an L-shaped hex key, which is what I usually use to loosen or tighten pieces on my bike.
Prestacycle has done a few clever things with the T-Handle. The bottom of the wrench is open and will accept a 1/4" bit, and the extension can be inserted into one side of the top end of the wrench to get a T-Handle.
[caption id="attachment_241442" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Thandle.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-241442" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Thandle-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /></a> The Prestacycle Ratchet in its T-handle form. Photo by Matt Miller.[/caption]
There's a ratchet-reverse switch on top of the Ratchet that is easy to flick over with a thumb. It's in the same spot on the torque wrench.
Prestacycle also sells bit packages for $3-16 that include different bits, including one kit which features hardened S2 steel bits.
Overall, I'm pretty impressed with Prestacycle tools. They're lightweight, easy to use, and the T-Handle feature on the Ratchet is thoughtful. I'll probably be replacing my old, heavy multi-tool that I've used for years with Prestacycle's light and compact tools.
<em>Thanks to <a href="http://prestacycle.com/">Prestacycle</a> for providing these tools for review.</em>](https://images.singletracks.com/graphics/no_photo_750x500.png)
![[feature]
[caption id="attachment_241424" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1577.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-241424" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1577-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /></a> Prestacycle's TorqRatchet torque wrench. Photo by Matt Miller.[/caption]
[/feature]
A year or two after I started mountain biking I noticed there was a little bit of play in the pivots on my full-suspension bike. I pulled out a socket wrench, an extension, and a hex bit and tightened the pivots on my bike like you would the lug nuts on a car wheel.
Much to my surprise, my pivots got worse and I took my creaky, angry bike to a shop for professional help.
"All of these pivots have torque ratings, and some of them are different," the mechanic told me.
I've always been the type to try and fix something myself, usually with an educated guess, but sometimes not. Had I been more educated at the time, I would have gone online and bought a tool like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F45ZGQ6?tag=stracks-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1">Prestacycle's TorqRatchet</a>. Oh, and I would've checked the owner's manual too.
[caption id="attachment_241425" align="alignnone" width="1141"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1581.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-241425" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1581.jpg" alt="" width="1141" height="800" /></a> Prestacycle's strip of twenty 1/4" bits. Photo by Matt Miller.[/caption]
The TorqRatchet comes in a tidy, little foam padded case with twelve 1/4" bits. For $60, buyers get the torque wrench, case, and 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex bits, a Phillips bit, and T10, T20, T25, and T30 Torx bits. The tool gives readings for 2-10Nm of torque and weighs 68g. That weight is friendly enough for me to throw the tool in a hydration pack.
[caption id="attachment_241427" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1592.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-241427" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1592-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /></a> Prestacycle's TorqRatchet with 12 bits and a padded case retails for $60. Photo by Matt Miller.[/caption]
The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F45ZGQ6?tag=stracks-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1">Torqratchet</a> is also easy to use. I used one hand on top of the wrench, and an index finger and thumb on the bottom by the torque reading. The torque reading takes a little practice, but it's pretty dummy-proof.
When adjusting things like suspension pivots, it's a no-brainer to use a torque wrench. This is also true for tightening carbon components that will crack, rather than flex like an alloy part.
[caption id="attachment_241441" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1650.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-241441" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1650-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /></a> The readings on the TorqRatchet are tight, but easy enough to understand. Photo by Hannah Morvay.[/caption]
<h2>Prestacycle T-Handle Ratchet</h2>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082H5TSPN?tag=stracks-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1">Prestacycle's T-Handle Ratchet</a>, which retails for $30, is a lightweight socket wrench and four-inch extension that also fits 1/4" bits. The T-Handle Ratchet, like the TorqRatchet, can handle a maximum of 60nm of force. The T-Handle with the extension weighs 88g, and out of curiosity, I Googled the weight of my compact, foldable multi-tool that I always have with me when I ride. It turns out the T-Handle weighs almost half as much, and is a lot easier to use.
[caption id="attachment_241426" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1588.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-241426" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A1588-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /></a> Prestacycle's T-Handle Ratchet. Photo by Matt Miller.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241440" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A16322.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-241440" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5D3A16322-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /></a> The Prestacycle Ratchet is far more convenient to use than an L-shaped hex key, or foldable multi-tool. Photo by Hannah Morvay.[/caption]
I found the Ratchet easy to use like any other socket wrench, but at a smaller size that I enjoy using far more than just an L-shaped hex key, which is what I usually use to loosen or tighten pieces on my bike.
Prestacycle has done a few clever things with the T-Handle. The bottom of the wrench is open and will accept a 1/4" bit, and the extension can be inserted into one side of the top end of the wrench to get a T-Handle.
[caption id="attachment_241442" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Thandle.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-241442" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Thandle-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /></a> The Prestacycle Ratchet in its T-handle form. Photo by Matt Miller.[/caption]
There's a ratchet-reverse switch on top of the Ratchet that is easy to flick over with a thumb. It's in the same spot on the torque wrench.
Prestacycle also sells bit packages for $3-16 that include different bits, including one kit which features hardened S2 steel bits.
Overall, I'm pretty impressed with Prestacycle tools. They're lightweight, easy to use, and the T-Handle feature on the Ratchet is thoughtful. I'll probably be replacing my old, heavy multi-tool that I've used for years with Prestacycle's light and compact tools.
<em>Thanks to <a href="http://prestacycle.com/">Prestacycle</a> for providing these tools for review.</em>](https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/GIrls-on-Wheels-group-shot.jpg)
