In 2017 OneUp introduced the EDC tool designed to fit inside a fork’s steerer tube, launching a wave of so-called “stash tools” that take advantage of empty spaces on our mountain bikes. The initial EDC design required buyers to thread their steerer tube; subsequent versions featured a special stem to hold the tool in place, and later a low-mounted star nut. Now, OneUp has new threadless carrier design that makes installation even easier.
Installation
I had been hesitant to test previous versions of the EDC system due to the somewhat involved installation process. Setting a star nut is fairly straightforward, but probably not something every home mechanic is comfortable doing. One thing I hadn’t anticipated is that while the EDC Threadless Carrier does away with the star nut entirely, removing an existing star nut is a key part of most installations. OneUp offers helpful information for removing a star nut, and even includes a bit of hardware for getting the job done.
It took me a good 30 minutes to bend the prongs of my star nut enough that I could slide it out of the steerer tube. At one point I was tempted to try to tap the nut all the way down and out of the bottom of the steerer, but that likely would have been a disaster. In the end I used a star nut setter to bend the tabs enough to get a flathead screwdriver between the tab and the inside of the tube, and used the screwdriver to bend each one further.
With the star nut removed, installing the carrier took just a minute or two. If you’re planning to upgrade to a new fork and don’t want to set the star nut yourself, it might make sense to pick up an EDC Threadless Carrier and save a trip to the shop. The carrier ships with four different bolt lengths to fit various head and steerer tube lengths. My XL bike frame has a tall head tube so I needed to use the longest bolt supplied.
Including the longest bolt, as tested the carrier weighs 65g. My previous star nut, bolt, and top cap weigh 28g so on net the carrier added less than 40g to my build. The carrier is made from aluminum, is available in 8 colors, and is priced starting at $40 at Evo.
The tool
OneUp revised the EDC tool last year with an improved chain breaker and stronger spoke keys. In all the tool is capable of 20 functions with six hex keys ranging from 2-6mm, plus the ability to turn 8mm bolts by doubling up the 6mm key with the flathead screwdriver beside it. Naturally there’s also a T25 torx head to use on things like rotor bolts.
The V2 tool also includes a decent but small chain breaker, a tire lever, various-size spoke wrenches, and a Presta valve core tool. Two storage capsules can be attached to the bottom of the tool, though only the smaller capsule fits with the Threadless Carrier. The small capsule is large enough to store a few tire plugs or a quick link, and OneUp sells a tire plug tool called “Jabber” separately that can be screwed into the bottom of the tool. The Jabber is only available with OneUp’s chainlink plier kit, which jacks the price up a bit. With the ubiquity of tire plug tools available it would be nice to see the Jabber included as a part of the V2 tool, especially since it’s a fairly simple piece of hardware.
With the smaller storage capsule, the tool I tested weighs 56g. The EDC V2 Tool is priced at $59.50 and is available online at Backcountry and other retailers.
On the trail
One of the keys to any good stash tool is that it needs to hold securely to the frame without making noise while riding on the trail. OneUp strikes a nice balance with their V2 tool between security and usability. The new tool is said to be easier to remove from the bike, and fortunately it also stays in place for a rattle-free ride.
Another concern is the lack of a traditional star nut securing the fork. I’m always amazed at how well star nuts hold, and how much torque I can add to the top cap bolt without the nut pulling loose. I tested the EDC Threadless Carrier with a Cane Creek Helm fork and found the bottom cap fits well, and holds the fork firmly in place without needing a ridiculous amount of torque.
The multi-tool can be hard to get out of the tool stack once the whole thing is removed from the bike. Because of its small size, the tools don’t offer a lot of leverage for sticky bolts so this is strictly an on-trail, emergency-use tool set.
Overall the EDC Threadless Carrier and V2 tool work great, and offer a neat solution for being prepared on every ride. For those replacing a fork, it’s a no-brainer add-on for additional storage while saving the hassle of installing a star nut.
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