The Stash RT only weighs 159 grams, so you don’t really notice it being there until you really need it. The weight is so inconsequential that you don’t need to worry about it affecting the handling of your bike. It’s certainly not something we’ve noticed. And finally, it’s hands down the easiest steerer tube installation we have ever had the joy of installing.

The kit itself is rather comprehensive, and what you get inside such a compact little case is pretty awesome. You've got the insertion tool and a very pointy reamer, the tip of which is super useful, but we'll get onto that later. You can easily fit a number of the included plugs in the case, despite its small size. All of that weighs 36g. Granite claims 35g – what's a gram between friends? Aside from being satisfyingly gadgety, a multitool that’s hidden inside your bike is unobtrusive and impossible to forget. But it still has to work properly and not rattle or jam when stowed. Granite Design’s Stash RCX meets all these requirements. The Granite Stash RT presents a simple installation solution by eliminating the need for complex steerer tube mechanicals. This tool housing simplifies the process considerably. Gone are the days of tapping and struggling with installations. Now, all you have to do is remove the star nut and insert the tool housing directly into the steerer tube.The multitool has eight fold-out functions: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6mm Allen keys; T25 Torx; and a flathead screwdriver. While it’s necessarily small, the flat shape of the tool body means that it doesn’t hurt your hand when you torque bolts tightly. There’s also a spoke key, which attaches magnetically to the multitool when stored. If you’ve ever had to install a stem tool or considered it, you’ll know it can be a daunting task if you’re not mechanically confident. The granite Stash RT is a lifesaver when it comes to this. It’s a zero-stress installation process that even the mechanically inept can achieve. The Stash Multi-Tool is similar to other steerer tube mounted tools we’ve seen, but with its own unique design. Instead of tapping the steerer tube like One Up’s EDC Tool, which I consider invasive, the Stash Multi-Tool uses a small plate at the bottom of the fork crown, attached to a long bolt, which secures to the bottom of a storage sleeve within the upper portion of the steerer tube. This requires the removal of the star nut within the steerer tube, but ultimately provides the same function by preloading the headset bearings. The kit comes with two lower fork crown caps for tapered or straight steerer tubes and three different bolt lengths, depending on the distance from the lower fork crown opening to the top of the stem. This measurement must be between 150mm an 240mm, otherwise the provided bolts won’t be long enough. Regarding the top cover, via an optional Scope RT cover, you can attach a cycling computer (Garmin, Bryton and Wahoo) directly on to the top. This is a pretty unique feature of this system over opther steerer-stowed tools. L-R: the main tool/holder, 3 x bolts for differing steerer lengths, bottom bung, optional Scope RT ‘lid’ for GPS/devices (inc. mounting screws/hardware) I’ve really enjoyed testing the Granite Design Stash RT. Despite a couple of quirks, namely how the carrier can get caught if the bits aren’t aligned correctly and the not 100% foolproof installation, it’s proven to be an excellent improvement over its previous design and a tool worthy of a home in any bike’s steerer tube. The Stash RT is an excellent choice if you’re looking to move your tools out of your bag and onto your bike.

The tubeless plug tool is encased in an aluminum body and threads onto the tool which pulls double duty as a chain breaker. It has space to store the included 5 repair strips and preload the fork tool with one as well. On its own, the plugger was pleasant and easy to use. Strips loaded into the fork easily, even when doubled up, and plugged punctures well, detaching from the fork to remain in the tire. With Stash RT, you can bid farewell to the days of lost hex keys and scattered tools. This innovative solution allows you to securely store your hex tools in a convenient, easy-to-access compartment. Whether you’re out on the trails or cruising through the city streets, your essential tools will always be at your fingertips. It’s easy to get the RCX in and out of its compartment, yet I can’t see it coming out by accident unless the bike is flipped upside down in a crash. Multitool and spoke key combined weigh 60g, the tool compartment and bung another 51g. Verdict Granite’s new Stash tool works in a similar way to the Specialized SWAT conceal tool by using the full length of common straight and tapered suspension fork steerer tubes, all with no special tools required and without causing irreversible harm to the fork (or requiring a new stem). It can also be used with headset spacers left above the stem, but does require an opening at the bottom of the fork crown (forks with carbon steerers are out). The outer alloy housing and the plastic tool holder itself are already as thin as possible. And we also had to come up with a way to hold these bits in place without taking too much space. We did that through precise CNC machining—and magnets.”

Granite STASH AirTag Mount for Stash and Stash RT

Freaking magnets dude. Bottom bung Really shorts stems may require a spacer above the stem to give the swivelling lid sufficient clearance, as is the case here with the rinky-dink 20mm Pacenti P-Dent stem Multi-taskers - Many of the best plugger tools we tested were built to do that one thing, while others are built into multi-tools or entire tool systems. Are you happy with your existing multi-tool or other elements of your flat kit? If not then consider these multi-taskers as a clever way to build out your tool arsenal. Because the unit is spring loaded it is a little more secure than the original Stash press fit design which relied on an O-ring. Unlike some other steerer-stored multi-tools (OneUp’s EDC being the obvious example), the Stash RT doesn’t require you to take thread-tapper to your fork’s steerer.

The Stash Multi-Tool Kit shares similarities with Specialized’s SWAT Conceal Carry tool and OneUp Components EDC threadless tool, requiring no steerer tube tapping to install. Instead, the Stash Tool replaces the star nut and tightens from the top and bottom of the steerer tube, preloading the headset simultaneously. A plug with a long threaded shaft is inserted from the bottom while a threaded bolt and tool carrier drop in from the top. Three bolt lengths are included to accommodate steerer tubes from 150 to 240mm. There are 3 different bolts to secure the housing in the steerer tube, you will need to measure your steerer tube to determine which one to use. Make sure there is a gap of 3mm from the top of the steerer tube to the top of the spacer. Take the housing with the correct bolt and drop in a long Allen key from the top of the housing, then slide it into the steerer tube. This will now stay in place ready for the next step. Take the bottom cap offer up to the bottom of the steerer tube and tighten the bolt from the top. Once installed, just make sure the top cap when closed, aligns properly and sits straight. Similar tool kits on the market are built around a thin and small multi-tool. Stash RT’s ratchet wrench is longer thus gives more leverage. The two-way ratchet function makes accessing bolts in tight spaces much easier. The major developmental obstacle we had to overcome was how to fit the lengthy ratchet wrench handle and nine bits into such a compact space. mountainsofsussex: I thought the most recent version of the OneUp tool doesn't require you to thread your headset, but instead it requires a different stem. Unless someone is very specific about their stem (I honestly don't get why there are so many out there) but does like to install the tool inside the steerer, I'd say that would be a good way to go.

New faulty items/ Wrong Item Received

If you wish to return your bike to us please keep it in the box it arrived in and call us on 01772 644340 and we will arrange a collection.