While Topeak isn’t an official partner of Project OneBike, they definitely have become an unofficial part of it. I picked up a handful of their products over the last year that have become essential parts of my ride prep, ride, and maintenance routine. Along with this review for the Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX and Nano TorqBar, we previously posted a review for the Prepstand Pro and have another coming later this week for the JoeBlow Booster. We also have complete Eurobike coverage for Topeak here and here.
Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX and Nano TorqBar
Any time I head out on the bike, there are a few things I always take with me. A computer (if it’s not on Strava, it didn’t happen, right?), a helmet, and a multitool. I have a tendency to tweak my position here and there, usually because I am swapping parts out for review. Considering so many of these parts are carbon, having a torque wrench is extremely important, even when you are out on the road. That’s where a few tools from Topeak have come in very handy, the Nano Torque Bar and Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX.
Let’s start with the Nano TorqBar. The kit consists of the TorqBar (essentially the grip), a preset TorqBit and 5 popular tool bits (3, 4, and 5 mm hex and A T20 and T25 Torx). It comes in three different versions, with a 4, 5 or 6nm TorqBit. My 5nm came with a handy case to hold all of the bits. The TorqBar itself has a sliding cover that hides two bits and the TorqBit inside, keeping everything self-contained.
The Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX on the other hand, has a lot more going on. Inside the ballistic nylon case, there are eleven bits (2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm hex, T10, T15, T25 Torx, #2 Phillips), three TorqBits (4, 5, 6nm), a micro ratchet wrench, an extender, and two tire levers. There is even a spot to stash some cash or some tire patches.
While both tools work the same, they fill different roles for me. It all depends on the ride I’m going on. If I know I am not going to need a lot of tools, or if it is a quick ride, I’ll bring the Nano TorqBar. I’ll load up the 4 and 5mm with the 5nm TorqBit, and head off. At 4.7” x 0.6” and a little over 2 ounces, it’s small enough to easily fit in a jersey pocket and light enough that you’ll forget it is there (yes, it has gone through the wash at least once).
For longer trips or when I know I might need a Torx bit, I’ll take the Ratchet Rocket. The handy carrying case slips into your jersey pocket or is held easily inside a saddle pack. At 5” x 2.8” x 1.2” and a little over 8 ounces, it is probably smaller and lighter than the smartphone you are going to add to your jersey pocket as well.
The Topeak TorqBits are pretty slick. On one end, they have the same hex shape as the bits do so it slots into the Nano TorqBar or the micro ratchet. On the other end, there is a slot for the bits to insert into. In between, it uses a torque limit release design that will turn the bolt you are tightening until you hit the torque value for the TorqBit. At that point, the TorqBit will start to turn and make a quiet clicking sound, letting you know you hit the torque value you are looking for.
The modularity of both tools is what I love about them. You can use either tool with or without the TorqBits, which is handy when you are working on a hard to get to bolt, like a clamp bolt on a SRAM or Shimano shift lever. Having the three TorqBits from the Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX kit, it’s handy to swap between 4, 5 and 6 nm when working on stems and seat posts. They have even become my go-to at home when I’d rather not use my trusty Park Tool TW-2 beam torque wrench.
My only complaint on either tool is that I lost one of the bits from the Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX kit. I was using it to make a roadside adjustment, and I’m not sure what happened to it. It’s more my fault than anything, but it does show that you can lose a bit. The ballistic case holds the bits pretty well and I have found that the little flap that has the markings for each bit can be flipped over the tips of the bits. I’m not sure if it holds them in better, but I haven’t lost any since.
At $34.95 for the Topeak Nano TorqBit and $89.95 for the Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX it is a small investment for some handy tools that can get you out of a jam without risking damaging your expensive carbon parts.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year