Tools for a new New Raven

[Bluebeeman]

My wife and I will be picking up two new Ravens this summer after traveling to the UK. Are there any Raven/Rohloff specific tools that I am not likely to already have in the tool kit that I should have on a 4 week European trip? I'd like to have the tool roll set before I leave the states. Thanks dtb

[jags]

welcome , man what a trip and getting 2 new top of the range bikes.
our man Dan will be along shortly to sort you our.
any tours planned for the new baby's.

[Cambirder]

You don't actually need to buy any. You will get a bottom bracket tool with the bike, and the only other you might want to buy for future use is a rear sprocket removal tool, although that should not need reversing in such a short timescale and anyway you would need to carry a hefty spanner and chain whip as well.

[Danneaux]

Hi, Bluebeeman! Welcome to the Thorn Cycling Forum!

Paul is correct, for your new bikes and expected tour locale/length, you are unlikely to need much more than the supplied BB tool.

However, it is a Good Idea to carry some spares, and Andy Blance recommends doing so, providing a list on page 22 of his "Living With a Rohloff" publication, available here: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/thornpdf/ThornLivingWithARohloff.pdf

Note he has added a caution that neither Thorn nor Rohloff will be able to provide remote support for on-tour repairs if the needed tools are not available. This is a reasonable heads-up for long-distance tourists in remote areas and can avoid considerable expense and delays, as those items really are needed to effect repairs if required. Eventually, one will need them for routine maintenance as well, so it is not a bad idea to acquire them as you can to have on-hand at home as well. You may already have some of the more common items, such as allen keys, torx bits, grease and lubricant, but would need to order the extras that are less-common, such as the sprocket remover Paul mentioned.

Congratulations on your new purchases, and best of luck on your upcoming trip. You're nearly guaranteed a wonderful time! I hope you'll favor us with some photos in the gallery afterwards -- it is always fun to see new bicycles and trip photos there.

Best,

Dan.

[Bluebeeman]

What number spoke wrench? I have every thing else on the list but don't recognize a 'sliding T bar for 1/4" sockets" some kind of ratchet wrench perhaps? Two countries separated by a common language indeed.

[Danneaux]

Hi Bluebeeman!

You'll need a 3.25mm spoke wrench.

"Sliding T-bar" = a 1/4" drive breaker bar to 'Merkins. Really, any quarter-inch drive handle will do. The T-bar just has a square drive that slides along a shaft and is simple and light, being without a ratchet head.

Best,

Dan.