Review: Fix It Sticks Blend Edition Tool
I fell in love with the original Fix It Sticks at first sight. A pair of double-sided tools that locked together to form a T-handle wrench was far more user-friendly than a folding tool. Fix It Sticks could reach beyond the stubby lengths of most folders, and their T-handle shape provided more leverage and a better feel. Goodbye fussy folding tool. Hello sturdy, capable Fix It Sticks.
Sad to say that our honeymoon didn't last long. The downside of Fixit Sticks reared its ugly head the moment I needed something other than their four permanently fixed bits to work on my bike. I returned to a folding tool, wishing that at least one of my estranged Fix It Sticks had a magnetic replaceable bit option.
Fix It Sticks Blend Edition
• Double-sided tool interlocks to form T-handle
• Fixed Stick - 4mm x 5mm Allens
• Interchangeable Stick: 2mm, 3mm, 6mm & 8mm Allens, T-25 & Phillips-2 bits
• Options: accepts all 1/4" bits
• Comes with carrying case and bottle-mount carrier
• MSRP: $34 USD
• Contact: Fix It Sticks
• Double-sided tool interlocks to form T-handle
• Fixed Stick - 4mm x 5mm Allens
• Interchangeable Stick: 2mm, 3mm, 6mm & 8mm Allens, T-25 & Phillips-2 bits
• Options: accepts all 1/4" bits
• Comes with carrying case and bottle-mount carrier
• MSRP: $34 USD
• Contact: Fix It Sticks
The Blend Edition
Salvation came a while ago when Fix It added Sticks with magnetic bit holders to the range, and their swankiest offering is the new Blend Edition. As the name implies, the Blend version is made up of one permanently attached 4mm / 5mm handle, while the second handle features replaceable magnetic bit-holders on either end. The idea is that bits won't spew from the permanent Stick while you are using it for a T-handle. Blend Edition Fix It Sticks come with a handy carrying pouch that includes seven bits: a 2mm hex, 2.5mm hex, 3mm hex, 6mm hex, 8mm hex, T-25, and a Phillips #2, Also included, is an engineered-plastic tool holder that fits in place of, or underneath a water bottle cage. MSRP is $34.00 USD.
Trail Report
Before I hit the trail, I used my Blend Edition Sticks in my workshop to switch-out a drivetrain and some brakes. The new and improved Sticks made short work of the job, with the right bits to fit the SRAM T-25 lever screws, my lock-on grips, the rear derailleur pivot bolt and even the derailleur's high-low range adjustment screws. Much of that task would not have been possible using the original Fix It handles. I did have to consult outside assistance, however. There is no chain breaker in the Fix It tool bag.
On trail, the well-made carrying pouch slid into the pocket of my TLD Skyline shorts and its slim profile did not interfere with pedaling. The high point of my trail experience with the tool was when I had to remove my saddle to access the Schrader valve of a Tranz-X dropper seatpost.
Minor saddle adjustments can be a chore using a folding tool. Using Fix It Sticks' T-handle action to loosen the bolts, and a single Stick as a screwdriver to back them out, it was a simple five-minute task.
Minor saddle adjustments can be a chore using a folding tool. Using Fix It Sticks' T-handle action to loosen the bolts, and a single Stick as a screwdriver to back them out, it was a simple five-minute task.
The low point occurred when I had to switch pedals at the trailhead. The good news is that the Blend Edition has an 8mm Hex that fits most pedals. The problem was that, without a breaker bar, I couldn't muster enough strength using the T-handle to unscrew the pedals. I can (and occasionally do) stand on a folding tool to loosen a stubborn pedal, which works quite well.
Pinkbike's Take:
 | I'm a fan once more. Fix It Sticks' Blend Edition is exactly what the original version should have been from the start. I find it particularly useful to make trail-side cockpit and drivetrain adjustments when I am dialing in a new test bike. The kit falls short of the amenities that good folding tools feature, but on the plus side, you can customize this kit with readily available bits to perfectly match your cockpit and drivetrain components. Keep Fix It's Blend Edition comfortably in your pocket, and you'll be well served by this versatile and professional-feeling tool kit. |
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Author Info:
Member since Mar 23, 2011
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I have the original (waste of money) stuck somewhere in a cabinet and if I ever do find them, they will be posted for sale.
@JanB: Yeah you always need a chain tool. Personally I prefer a separate tool (like the small portable one from Park Tool). Haven't had good luck with built-in chain breakers.
I recently spent a half hour trailside helping a guy look for a dropped tool bit. While it was great to get to know a new fellow rider, it was a complete waste of time as we never found the bit. You should carry a good magnet if you use one of these.
I'll stick to my folder for all of the reasons above: easier to use when jacked up from the ride, has chain breaker, no loose bits to lose.
That said, I'm sure there are so good use cases for this tool, and it sure looks cool. Reminds me of my Stihl chainsaw field sharpening kit.
So yeah, if I'd ever lose that specific Wiha tool I might get one of their generic allen key sets and get the Magura axle (currently using Maxle). I'll stick with the separate chain breaker.
store.fixitsticks.com/collections/mountain/products/mountain-kit?variant=41795550925
never used it for biking but it cost £10 and beats the shit out of this crap.