Next Best Thing (NBT2) cassette removal tool replacement

[Hummers]

I lost mine sometime this year and it looks like Spa don't sell them any more.

However, I found this site where I see you can have a crack at making your own, as long you  have an angle grinder.

http://www.mark-ju.net/bike_ride/equipment/hypercracker.htm

But before I get too and probably set something on fire, has anyone used anything else?

H

[Kim]

I just carry a lockring tool:  NBT is no good for Centerlock rotors, so (depending on the bike) would only allow access to half my spokes that require a tool.  Sometimes I carry the required 6" adjustable spanner^[1] too, sometimes I don't.  I reckon your chances of buying/begging the use of a spanner/ratchet are relatively high compared to specialist bike tools.  A chain can be used as a chainwhip if you don't mind getting mucky.

Not sure if you can apply one of those kevlar bodge spokes without removing the cassette, but that might be an option.


_{[1] The trick is of course not to tighten the lockrings using a tool with more leverage in the workshop.}

[zigzag]

using rear hubs with easily removable freehub bodies seems a far better solution to me..

[Aunt Maud]

If I've read that right, did he perform a first demo on the bike of someone called Juliett and not his own.   

[Polar Bear]

I shall have to lovingly care for my NBT2 now as it looks like M-gineering no longer manufacture them.   

I've had three.  I sold one to a guy in Shetland in 2007, AWoL had one from me I believe, and I still have the third.   It sits in my Park Tools travel tool wallet.   It has had little use but been 100% effective.

[P Walsh]

I haven't tried ordering one, but Spa still have NBT2 in their tools section, priced at about £17.

[jsabine]

There's another one mentioned on the page Hummers links to - link broken but http://www.jastein.com/Html/Tools_for_Wheels.htm should work.

Townsend/ISON listed as UK distributor.

I've still got a Hypercracker - managed to break a dropout away from the chainstay with it though, which has slightly put me off.

[Tim Hall]

using rear hubs with easily removable freehub bodies seems a far better solution to me..

Are there freehubs that don't have a lockring?

[Ham]

Not as portable, but something that should allow you to easily use the BFO 1/4" socket set lever (what I do anyway) http://road.cc/content/review/152537-btwin-chain-whip if that's your problem.

[Chris S]

using rear hubs with easily removable freehub bodies seems a far better solution to me..

Are there freehubs that don't have a lockring?

The freehub body on the tandem (Hugi TD Hub) is held on by a snap-on stud that can easily be removed with a couple of flat end screwdrivers, or tyre levers. It then comes off complete with cassette - no need for chain whip or lock-ring tools.

[mrcharly-YHT]

There's another one mentioned on the page Hummers links to - link broken but http://www.jastein.com/Html/Tools_for_Wheels.htm should work.

That looks usable.

The one in the original post, the home-made jobby, looks tailor made for bending dropouts or damaging dérailleur hangers.

[P Walsh]

Just ordered a NBT2 from Spa for £17 in readiness for a summer tour in warmer climes. Put that angle grinder away.

[zigzag]

using rear hubs with easily removable freehub bodies seems a far better solution to me..

Are there freehubs that don't have a lockring?

freehubs have lockring, but when servicing freehub i always take it off with the cassette on. if i was going on a long tour i'd probably chose dtswiss hub where you can just slide the freehub off if needs be - and the hubs are good quality. mavic freehubs are simple to remove as well with a pair of allen keys, but spokes can be tricky to replace, depending on the model of wheels.

[Hummers]

Just ordered a NBT2 from Spa for £17 in readiness for a summer tour in warmer climes. Put that angle grinder away.

Grand!

I thought they were not selling them anymore. Will find out tomorrow.

H

[RJC]

There is a Unior equivalent which it seems you can get through Raleigh
http://www.uniortools.com/cgi-bin/cms.cgi?doc=10780&prod=44729
http://www.raleigh.co.uk/ProductType/ProductRange/Product/Default.aspx?pc=2&pt=351&pg=2710

No experience of this tool so can't comment how it compares to NBT2.