Review: Abbey Bike Tools’ Crombie Thru Axle Dual Sided Tool

(2022) Buy nice or buy twice definitely applies to cycling tools. For the most part cycling tools remain hidden in cases or tucked away from view. Because of this it probably doesn’t make sense to stock the service course with fine tools, but inexpensive tools fail when they are needed most. And many - most likely - lack a solid backup to complete the job.

After regular swapping of cassettes on trainers and wheels a simpler system had to be devised. Instead of having three tools to maintain cassettes, Bend, OR, cycling tool creator Abbey Bike Tools replaced two of them with the Crombie Thru Axle Dual Sided Tool. Since we are not planning to use them from the back of a team car during a Grand Tour, we overlooked the Super Light and went with the Standard. One thing is certain, Abbey Bike Tools designers keep asking the question, “How can it be made easier?” 

The points of engagement were so precise, the tool held itself in place.

The past few years have been difficult to navigate with supply chain shortages. Early in the pandemic we sold the trainer bike with the hope someone could give it many more miles. The nine-speed cassette had to be swapped on and off as potential buyers came and went. But when it finally rolled out the door, a new eleven-speed cassette had to be installed. Trips to the tool box were endless. The wrench and cassette tool were used regularly and with reluctance. The whole process felt underappreciated using the basic tools.

Now with Abbey Bike Tools Crombie Thru Axle Dual Sided Tool, the wrench and cassette tool are one. Featuring a 12mm thru axle piloting pin on one side for Shimano/ SRAM and a regular hub remover on the other, the tool engages perfectly for precise use. No more wiggly wrench and cassette tools. Now cassette removal and install can be completed in short work with either configuration. And with Abbey Bike Tools machined splines, every stubborn lockring can be dealt with quickly and easily. (note: Crombie Thru Axle Dual Sided is not compatible with Campagnolo wheels.)

A few years ago we had a seized cassette lockring that cost us a couple tools. Part of the issue was tool engagement while another issue included leverage. Both of these issues are cleared up with the Crombie Dual Sided Tool. Its heft and solid handle make difficult parts a thing of the past.

The Crombie Tool slides into the handle of the Whip-It Chain Whip’s handle, making storage easy as well as grouping the two tools together.

The Crombie Tool doesn’t just stop there with the design. Since a chain whip is necessary in cassette maintenance, Abbey Bike Tools made the Crombie Tool compatible with the Whip-It Chain Whip. Simply slide the Crombie Tool handle into the Whip-It Chain Whip and you’re good to go with any cassette issue tool mission. Since they work together like Batman and Robin, they might as well hang out in the same part of the tool wall together. Wouldn’t you know, we wrote about the Whip-It here.

As cassettes become more available over the next few months, the Crombie Tool Thru Axle Dual Sided tool will be used regularly. Given the amount of miles applied to the trainer, the tools will come out again. With stretched chains pressed longer for service, cassettes will be feeling the neglect and will be dealt with quickly and painlessly using Abbey Bike Tools equipment. The price tag hardly breaks the bank when considering it takes the place of two other devices. And since their tools take a traditionally three-tool process down to two, buying once is now buying for two.