Wolf Tooth EnCase System Bar Kit review

Wolf Tooth’s clever two-part EnCase System Bar Kit stores tools in the ends of your mountain bike handlebar, and it’s very well made, with a decent selection of tools.

• Cheap cycling tools
• Best workshop chain tools

The main multi-tool includes a spoke key, valve core remover, flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, 2/2.5/3/4/5/6/8mm Allen keys and T10/25/30 Torx bits. The second includes a chain-breaker and tyre plug inserter with five strips.

Both are wrapped in flexible rubber that you can trim to get the best fit for your bar. Unfortunately, I still couldn’t fit the tools inside carbon Renthal or ENVE bars. I had more luck with OneUp’s carbon bar, and no problem with all aluminium bars I tried.

If the tools do fit in your bar, they offer impressive functionality. The tool-bit holder (which is also an 8mm Allen key) has a magnet to keep the bits secure in use. It also pivots, giving you the choice of holding the tool like a screwdriver or turning it into an L-shaped tool for more torque. I had no problem reaching awkward bolts, and the tool is comfy to hold.

The tool-bits are held in their slots with magnets and a rubber band, so they’re rattle-free when riding. However, it’s a fiddle to remove them and they’re quite easy to lose.

Because the two parts of the tool act as bar end-plugs, you can only use grips that don’t have built-in end-caps.

The EnCase System is a wad of money for essentially a fancy multi-tool, but it’s a quality piece of kit.