Design Flaw of the Topeak Hexus 16

Topeak Hexus 16 Design Flaw

Made a discovery about the Topeak Hexus 16 tool when I was about to install a new Shimano 8 Speed Chain on a bike. Apparently, the Hexus tool’s chain break does not have a housing long enough for the bolt pin to thread in to push the master pin .

The chain does not fit if put in straight.

You will need to angle the master pin down and insert this way for it to be able to sit in the place-holder.

Fully inserted, the master pin is covered by part of the housing.

This results is the bolt not being about to thread into the housing of the chain tool due to a short housing length. Alien Tools have a longer housing.

This is the minimal threading that the bolt needs in order to fit into the housing. Notice the protruding pin in the region of the place-holder. Compare with the picture above with the chain and master pin fully set in the place-holder and you will realise that it is impossible to screw in a master pin for a chain.

Forcing the bolt strips the thread of the bolt. (Look very closely in Hi-res at the beginning of the screw thread)

Well, I have written in to Topeak US and hope they will offer a solution to this as I hope I do not need to have to buy another multitool just because of a flawed design on the Hexus 16.

The Alien Tool from Topeak has a housing that is longer and is able to install a master pin perfectly. I wonder why Topeak has a different design and in the process created this problem???

Anyway, for all you guys out there who have this problem, go check out the Alien Tool. You will see that the chain breaker component has a longer housing than the Hexus version.

Cheers

Topeak Prepstand Elite

As promised, the Topeak Prepstand Elite write-up.

Having a folded length of 1.23m, it is quite a tall stand that requires quite a bit of storage space.

Partially expanding the stand results in a 73cm base that is stable enough for holding the bike for normal repairs. Crank wrenching requires it to be fully expanded.


Fully expanded base of 112cm gives you unshakable performance while you work.



45cm clamp length


Small parts bin with locking lid


48mm clamping width for gigantic frame tubes.


Huge rotating lock ring to secure the folding clamp hinge. 5mm tube diameter QR for adjusting the main stand tube prevents the tube from sliding downwards during wrenching and repairs.



Jagged-ridged grooves on the 360 degree rotating clamp prevents the clamp arm from rotation up or down when wrenching heavily.


Huge clearance for even the longest of pedals for you to freely rotate the cranks for derailler adjustments.


Bike in neutral position, partially expanded base.



Clamp and stand tested when bike is rotated vertically. The force exerted on the clamp is much much greater in this position as weight distribution is at its minimum. The stand withstood the test. It did not flex at all.


Even hanging at 180cm clamping height, the stand was very stable partially opened. I'm impressed! However, the only minor problem I encountered was the freely swinging handlebars.


Problem of freely swinging handlebar.


At eye-level, the handlebars knocks right into your eyes/head if you wrench hard and shake the bike. Very painful experience to go through. Pre-empting this problem, I decided to find a solution even though Topeak has a handlebar stabaliser.
Cheaper alternative..... Bungee Cord!


Problem solved by tying up front wheel to the bottle cage using bungee cords.

Other Specs

Jaws : Non-marring rubber jaws 360 degree rotation
Clamp height : 122cm to 180cm
Material : 6061 T6 tubes
Stand Weight : 6kg
Max Weight : 25kg
Added Features : Carry bag, small parts bin, rubber bases


Overall, my rating of this stand is 9 out of 10 in terms of design, reliability and functionality.

1st step to learning

Today is a great day for me as I began the quest to learn more about my bicycle. As part of my life learnings in Being, I have decided to Be doing what I do consciously. I decided to service my bike as it cost $60/- every time I send it to Viki for servicing at East Cast.

So here is my task list.

For my Scottie

1. Replace Brake pads
2. Clean cassette
3. Clean jockey wheels
4. Install power link
5. Wipe down

For the Yukon I borrowed and cost me more than the rental of the best MTB in the market!!!

1. Replace derailler hanger
2. Replace chain
3. Calibrate rear derailler

Tools Required

1. Zinn & the Art of Moutain Bike Maintenance (4th Edition)
2. JTech Allen Key set
3. Stanley 250mm Variable Wrench
4. Park Tool FR-5G cassette tool with guide
5. Park Tool Chain Whip tool
6. Topeak Multi-tool with chain breaker
7. Lightning White Lube
8. WD4D
9. Finish Line Citrus Degreaser
10. Park Tool TW2 Torque Wrench
11. 3/8 inch drive to 1 inch socket

Well, I managed to do all that I planned to do even though I did not have a 3/8 to 1 inch socket to re-torque the cassette. I just estimated the torque required before I get the socket. Not advisible though as you could over torque the lock ring on the cassette and end up having a cassette that is either unsecure or one that cannot be opened after riding as it the lock ring tightens during rides.

The torque wrench in my opinion is the most needed tool by all bike shops who service bikes. I've seen so quite few shops here that do not use a torque wrenchs and I wonder if the bolts on my stem would strip if I stood up and pounded on an uphill climb? It's these little things that look ok but are really subject to questioning when it comes to safety concerns. hmm.... maybe I'm being too anal about this, but as they say, better safe than sorry :)

As for the Yukon, I have decided to return it to its rightful owner. I borrowed it from my neighbour and had it serviced($120) with some part replacements due to the corrosion on the cables, chain and brakes. Took it to BT with Ben for a ride and ended up breaking the rear derailler hanger. It happened so suddenly that I was shocked for words. Ended up riding home in single speed that day. Anyway, I have finally repaired what I call the most expensive rental bike and am proud to return it to its owner before it costs me any more money... Let's see, my total cost comes to ....

Cab to Viki's $12/-
Servicing $120/-
Derailler hanger $25/-
New Chain $23/-
----------------------------------
Total $180/-

That is what I had to pay for a single ride on this Giant Yukon 2005 model !!!





























A new derailler hanger now sits where the last one broke. Anyway, better luck next time as if i ever decide to go MTB.












































Clean parts to set the record straight for a great ride. Check out the new power link that allows me to clean the chain completely without using a chain cleaner. I can now soak the chain in a bottle of degreaser. Yeah!!! Nothing beats clean parts of a bike. The transmission is now so smooth as compared to the dirty chain, jockey wheels, cassette and crank. Planning to take me Scottie out for a ride tomorrow!

Till then, I better get some sleep before I need to put degreaser to clean out the bog coming into my head now...Zzzzz...