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Now at Hello Vélo - Winterborne Custom Bikes

Jay Filer of Winterborne Custom Bikes dropped off his showroom bike yesterday.  We've partnered to bring his custom built beauties to Toronto.

Built to measure, adorned with the groupset and custom wheels of your choice.  More here: winterbornebikes.com

Battle Tools - PRO and Park BB remover

This PRO (model PR100353) and Park (BBT-9) both do the same job but in different ways.  Both tools are for the Shimano external bottom bracket (works with FSA and SRAM as well) and are used for tightening or loosening the bottom bracket. 

The Park tool is a die-cut metal tool, relatively thin but still sturdy, with the standard Park dipped handle for sure grip.  The dust cap remover is on the end of the handle. 

The PRO tool is thicker with a little bit longer handle.  The head is angled for easier application and has a half inch drive socket for attaching your torque wrench.   The dust cap remover is at the middle of the tool.

Using these tools is very simple.  Just line up the splines and apply.  First the Park,

And next the PRO.

Note how the PRO cradles the entire bottom bracket while the Park has an open end .  The open end makes it easy to see if all the teeth are engaged, but at the same time can lead to slipping as below.

Park also places their dust cap remover on the end of the handle, in a very incovienient place.  Should you need to apply any significant torque to the wrench, say to remove a slightly stuck bottom bracket, you will have to remove the dust cap wheel or emboss your palm with a pattern.

Winner: PRO BB-Remover for the addition of a half inch drive, more sure application of the wrench to the splines and the better placement of the dust cap remover.

PRO: BB-Remover Hollowtech II: PR1000353 - $28.99 (MSRP)

Park: BBT-9 Bottom Bracket Tool - 27.90 (MSRP)