I have been seeing a lot more small bike companies and individuals using the crowd funding site Kickstarter to raise capital to fund their creative projects, and the Fix It Sticks multitool is an excellent example. The new Fix It Sticks looks to be a very useful multitool, that will be handy out on the trail or when on road trips. It breaks down nicely so you can easily stash it in a pocket or a hydration pack compartment, and then snaps together for tightening or loosening bolts. Having all the usual sizes quickly available by just flipping around the ends will make working on a component and bike a breeze. The tool is comprised of two aluminum sticks, and four steel bits. The tool is pretty simple; you just insert the opposing end of the bit size you require into the middle of the other stick, and the opposing ends hex bit shape locks it into place, and then you get a nice T-handle tool to apply leverage onto the bolt of the bike's component.

Currently, they are looking at the default set to include two sticks with 4mm, 5mm and 6mm hex bits along with a 5mm flathead bit. They will also have options for 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm and Phillips bit selections. My personal preference would be a T25 Torx bit instead of a flathead, since multiple bolts on a bike now use that as a standard size. Note that the sockets are pressed in place, so they are not removable. In the future, they may have an option for a detachable version, but they felt it was more important for the sockets to remain in place during usage. The Kickstarter program for Fix It Sticks started on January 16 and runs for 30 days for capital, but they have already passed their campaign goal.

Specs:
  • Compact - around 4 inches long, ½ inch wide. Fits inside the width of a road tube. Packs easily in a seat bag or jersey pocket.
  • Lightweight - already one of the lightest tools on Earth at ~51 grams
  • No Moving Parts - Fix It Sticks bits are pressed into place and do not come out. No lost bits and no frustrating failures from moving parts.
  • Modular - just carry the tools you need and leave the work bench at home


PRESS RELEASE

Fix It Sticks Launches a New Twist on the Bicycle Multitool on Kickstarter
Minimalist two-piece design offers increased leverage, durability



APPLETON, Wis. - January 16, 2013 - One of the most trusted tools in any cyclist's workshop - the three-way hex wrench - inspired a radically redesigned multitool from Fix It Sticks, a new company currently raising capital on crowdfunding site Kickstarter.com.

The campaign on Kickstarter.com begins on January 16 and runs for 30 days to raise money required for a full production run of Fix It Sticks. Backers will also be a vital source of information for product testing prior to a wider market launch in the spring of 2013.

"Using a three-way wrench last winter while training in my basement I was struck by the simplicity of the design and the ability to gain leverage to tackle my suddenly dislodged front derailleur," said Founder Brian Davis, a Cat 3 racer in Wisconsin. "I kept thinking I'd love to have something like that on the road with me and the idea was born."



Fix It Sticks' minimalist two-piece design allows cyclists to customize the tools they pack in a lightweight, compact set that contains no moving parts.

Fix It Sticks underwent multiple rounds of prototyping to arrive at the current version, which will closely mirror the production tool, complete with eye-catching and durable anodized finish.

"So far, we've built and sourced everything in the immediate area of Appleton, Wisconsin," Davis said. "We'll be keeping all the production in the U.S. so we can ensure the best quality product."

Keeping with a local, low-impact ethos, Fix It Sticks will be shipped with minimal packaging and a carrying case made from recycled inner tubes.



"We wanted to create a simple case for a simple tool," Davis said. "If you lose the case, you can make a new one in about 30 seconds from an old tube."

For more information about Fix It Sticks, visit www.facebook.com/fixitsticks. To visit the Kickstarter campaign, visit www.kickstarter.com/projects/fixitsticks/fix-it-sticks-a-fantastically-unique-bicycle-multi.



About Fix It Sticks
A new twist on a cycling multitool, Fix It Sticks gives cyclists a lightweight, high-leverage multitool without any excess. The unique design uses two different sticks that combine to form a T-handle. Similar to a three-way wrench found in every cyclist's toolbox, except compact enough to ride with. More information can be found at www.fixitsticks.com.

Source - Alex Strickland