Secret Tool Review | Testing The Clever Specialized SWAT Conceal Carry MTB Tool

[@BoomslangSuss]

Thanks for the kind review! I am one of the engineers at Specialized that worked on that project. One of the product managers challenged me to make it so easy to use that you could open it with one hand and toss it to your mate on the side of the trail as you ride by. Ha ha! I am happy you appreciate the easy access. Also, it does a great job of keeping your headset tight (better than a star nut) so I run one on my DH bike too.

[@singletrack]

Hey Jason! Thanks for watching and for the feedback - great to hear directly from one of the design engineers! Agreed that the SWAT CC tool is super easy to use, though I can't say I've had to throw it at anyone just yet :-) [ST Wil]

[@BristolPost]

Specialized supply this without the chain breaker and link storage on some of the Turbo Levo models. Jason (as you worked on the project) I’d love to hear why you decided to make 2 versions meaning an additional £90 spend or to carry a separate chain breaker tool?

[@dominicfrascella8537]

@@BristolPost thats a question for the product manager not the engineer.

[@BoomslangSuss]

Tony F1 We needed a lower cost version for spec on some models.

[@Gmcmlk]

Hey Jason, mine no longer pops out. What can I do?

[@billderas3420]

Thanks for showing me the chainbreaker function. Didn't know that! Have been carrying a separate chainbreaker for the past four years...But, no longer! LOL

[@ratsac]

Great review! Been looking at tool options. Problem with the Oneup tool is that you need to also buy the install tap kit (and cut a thread into your steerer, which may void the warranty!) and the EDC top cap. Total is about AUD$172. Or $122 without the install tool. And for all of these tools that have a spare quick link - you still need quick link pliers to fit it. They are available for the EDC tool for $50 more (the plug plier kit doubles up for that).

[@bensneller5797]

If you find all of the edc parts for the cheapest that they go for it ends up being about the same price the edc also has more storage space and spoke wrenches

[@asselinpower]

I put one on my new bike and absolutely love it. The tool is so easy to use and accessible.

[@crosstraining1701]

It’s a great tool. Nice review small quick adjustments. Seat grips all of it. PS. Never lost. It’s always on the bike. Best $95.00 US. I’ve spent.

[@MissingLinkMTB]

Specialized makes nice stuff.... but consider with the OneUp EDC you need to buy the tap kit to tap your steerer tube so you can install it. That adds to the cost of it. Looks like in the US they cost about the same, but without the added cost of the tool for the EDC.

[@jackadler5941]

Hi Will. I think this tech is simpler than the OneUp, due to the fact you do not have to thread the headset. I actually use the SWAT compartment on my Specialized Stumpy to store my Crankbrothers 19 multitool, Co2 pump and a tube, which all fit very nicely.

[@singletrack]

Hey Jack! Agreed - the OneUp EDC tool is a highly functional tool, but as you said you do need to cut a thread into the steerer tube with a special tool to fit it. There are no such modifications required to fit the SWAT CC tool. Also - how good is the SWAT downtube storage on your Stumpy! I absolutely love that concept, and wish other brands would work out similar ways to integrate storage into the frame. So nice to ride without a pack on shorter rides. [ST Wil]

[@EnergyNewsToday]

It’s handy and I use it all the time since I am always fiddling with my brake locations. It’s also a reminder to check things out more than every once in awhile like stem face plates and small things like that so you do not become a statistic at the bottom of some cliff due to forgetting.

[@bradmurphy8416]

Wow, excellent edit, you covered everything... solid. Because of that edit, I’ve subscribed to yer channel. Again, we’ll done. Cheers!!

[@10acebikesjodybennettii19]

I can't wait to buy one I'll probably get the one up tool but like this too

[@MiguelRamirez-qk3tc]

The OneUp EDC is more expensive after buying the Top Cap set and Tap Kit which you need to install it in the steerer tube.

[@paulj6152]

I purchased a Specialized bottle cage with a multi fitted too the bottom of the cage for half the price, so I never forget my multi & have some spare cash in my pocket LOL

[@singletrack]

That's a great solution Paul! Does the SWAT cage tool have a chain breaker with it too? [ST Wil]

[@paulj6152]

No Chain breaker @@singletrack

[@GeorgeAlex-tz2ej]

Will this work on a Specialized bike with future shock front suspension?

[@zirie]

What is the weight difference running this?

[@1JorgeSan83]

It came integrated in my turbo Levo I was wondering how to remove it . Thanks!

[@alexs.moreira7039]

Is it for rockhopper 2021?

[@brenbascos]

I just use Topeak tools that comes with the bottle holder. comes with tire levers too and other stuffs you can combine it with. easy.

[@boardfreak86]

Hey there, I am having the seat tool on my new turbo kenevo sl2. Does anyone know what’s the correct torque nM for my stem bolt while using the swat tool? I did 8nM but maybe that’s too strong. :/

[@hidetoh5213]

so this is a safe replacement for a topcap?

[@Jade-b7e]

It’s can do bmx?

[@horusgarcia1]

What are the dimensions of the multi tool? Do you any recommendations for replacement? I have an specialized mtb with a storing case on the frame.

[@Gonzarelli]

wow i have this tool and i didnt even know about the chain breaker

[@daviddesira9668]

Thanks for the handy informative video. Does removing the complete tool, ie to use as a chain breaker mean you have to retension the headstem? Although I guess it's no big deal to do on the trail regardless.

[@sorind7551]

Hello, Very interesting video and product. I have bought a 2019 Specialized Levo and the cap of the SWAT Conceal Carry MTB Tool is stuck and cannot slide . I put a bit of WD40 but without any luck. Could you let me know your opinion how to open it? Thanks!

[@beerenmusli8220]

Warm it up, that should help

[@ogden99]

Looks brilliant, but the price ruins it for me.

[@Chromedome-ss6mg]

I just don't understand the need for a chain breaker when you're out on the trails why would you need to refit a chain?

[@theswissrider]

Chromedome 2020 when you brake your chain you OFEN damage links that you need to remove to be able to insert the power link to get it fixed

[@jamesdempster3842]

As Swiss Rider already explained it's also super handy for big rides or enduro races where you need to be completely independent

[@bjrnarkvalen7475]

Not been on any long day rides in the wildernes ? Trust me, You will rue the day you break you chain and have to walk back, because you did not bring your chain tool.

[@RoryMacdonald-pfff]

👍 for focus on convenience but huge 👎 on price. Simply don’t reach for multi tool often enough to consider at that £

[@ow-my-achilles1106]

Hey, do you have to remove the front wheel from the fork to access the 5mm long bolt to remove the SWAT package to use the chain breaker/spare chain quick connect?

[@singletrack]

Nope - there's a load of room between the front tyre and the underside of the steerer tube to access the 5mm bolt. Best of all, you can use the little SWAT multi-tool to install and remove the whole assembly! [ST Wil]

[@ow-my-achilles1106]

Great thanks! Thinking of getting a leftover Spec 6Fattie and it has this tool. Wanted to know more.@@singletrack

[@TheBikeRoom]

I’d hate to see my bars flapping about on zero compression as I’ve just removed the tool to use the chain breaker.

[@noahfence4969]

I think that once you have tensioned the headset the stem bolts keep everything locked together.

[@singletrack]

@@noahfence4969 - Spot on right there! Just like a normal headset with a star-fangled nut, once you've preloaded the headset bearings, you just tighten the stem bolts as usual. That means if you do remove the SWAT tool - just like if you remove a regular headset top cap - the stem keeps everything locked down and in place. Apologies on my behalf for not making that clear in the video! [ST Wil]

[@willbennett8799]

Seems excessive.. but until Someone invents some sort of fabric flap that is attached to our clothing somehow, this will have to do…. Unless you have the new “pocket tech” installed on your clothing or hip pack/backpack

[@matthemming5696]

Yo Will, play some Beastie Boys

[@singletrack]

Good spotting Matt ;-)

[@davidpobgee9172]

No 2.5mm Hex Key. Deal breaker

[@justinalex7964]

L