Granite Stash RT Ratchet Tool Kit – Review
Imagine the freedom of being able to make on-the-go repairs and adjustments without wasting precious time searching for the right tool. Stash RT streamlines your bike maintenance routine, so you can spend less time tinkering and more time enjoying your ride.
Are you tired of fumbling through your toolbox every time your bike needs a quick adjustment? Look no further than Granite Stash RT – the revolutionary tool storage system designed to make bike maintenance effortless.
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.
Features
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 compact yet comprehensive tool kit includes a mini ratchet wrench and 9 tool bits, covering essential sizes such as 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm hex bits, as well as a T25 bit and an extended PH1 bit that serves as a leverage tool. All of these tool bits are stored in a tough plastic housing that neatly slips inside the steerer tube.
One of the standout features of Stash RT is its ability to accommodate tapered steerer tubes with varying “bottom of fork crown to top of stem” lengths such as the likes of Fox 38 and 36, Rockshox Zeb, and Lyrik. With a range of 150mm to 250mm, you can rest assured that your fork will fit perfectly with this tool.
A cycling computer mount top cap is available for Garmin, Bryton, and Wahoo devices. (Sold separately) and the lower cap can be converted to store an Apple Airtag. (Sold separately).
The sleek and compact design of Granite Stash RT ensures that it won’t add any unnecessary bulk to your bike. It seamlessly integrates with your bike frame, providing a sleek and stylish storage solution.
What’s in the box?
- Spring-loaded housing system to hold tool bits.
- 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm hex bits, as well as a T25 bit and an extended PH1 bit
- The two-way ratchet tool.
- 3 x headset bolts
- Steerer tube cap.
- Weight: 159g
- A cycling computer mount top cap is available for Garmin, Bryton and Wahoo devices. (Sold separately)
- Lower Air Tag cap (Sold separately)
- Color option: Black/orange
Installation
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.
First off you will need to remove the star nut from the bottom of the steerer tube. The best way to do this is to put the bike on the ground, remove the headset cap and bolt, and then hammer the star nut through from the top. We used an old, long screwdriver with a rubber mallet. This may seem a little scary if you’ve never done this before as it does feel like you are about to ruin your bike, but trust us, this needs to happen.
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.
Next, you will need to make sure the headset is tight. Loosen the stem bolts, and then tighten the housing bolt which will tighten the headset, then tighten the stem bolts. To do this, use a 6mm Allen key in the base and a long 5mm key in the top, you can tighten the headset up. Remember to make sure the bars are straight before doing this. The last thing is to tighten the stem bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Now is the final and most rewarding step and that’s dropping the tool into the housing. It uses a satisfying spring-loaded mechanism, so only a small amount of effort is needed to push the tool down and then rotate the cap to close it off.
Discover the freedom of having your hex tools right at your fingertips.
To access the Granite Stash RT tool you simply rotate the top cap and the housing pops out on a spring-loaded system.
Photo credit: ©Sam Clarke
On The Trails
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.
If you prefer to ride sans backpack or hip pack then the Stash RT is a tool right up your minimalist alley. Don’t worry about frame rub with strapping tools to your bike or having jingly jangly things in your pocket. The Stash is an elegant and simple way to carry those trailside tools on your bike.
The selection of tools is adequate enough for most trailside fixes. We’ve used it a few times now to tighten rotor bolts, and creaking saddle as well as re-adjusting the headset and levers after clipping a tree. One of the handiest features is the ratchet handle. Wow! This is a gift from the gadget gods. It just makes nipping up those fiddly bolts a million times quicker than a traditional mini tool. It’s actually so good, that I often use this tool when working on the bike in the garage.
Photo credit: ©Sam Clarke
Conclusions
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.
Price/Where to Buy
Granite Stash RT $110.00 AUD(Approx)
The Stash Rt can be purchased from the Granite store or many others. Just ask your local bike shop, we’re pretty sure they stock them. If not, they are very easy to get hold of.
