CCM Tool Initial Thoughts/Schwinn Shootout

[Grant Lamontagne]

As most of you know from the "I'm Back" thread in the General Forum I got myself a new tool while I was on vacation.  This is my second bike tool and I have spent less than $50 total on them.  This makes them serious tools in my opinion, especially after seeing the quality that went into the Schwinn tool I got last month.  This time I got a very similar tool from CCM, a name I always associated with the best sporting equipment.

I have to say that I think they have either gone downhill or are outsourcing for cheaper tools to compete, because this one isn't on the same level as the Schwinn tool.  It's decent enough, and I am certain would be worth it's weight in gold at the side of the road, but at a $5 difference, I'd stick with the Schwinn, despite having less tools.

At first glance they seem to be more or less the same tool- similar size, shape and functions.  They both have 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14mm wrenches on the larger side, but while the Schwinn only has a flathead in addition, the CCM also has a small serrated blade, flathead with integrated bottle opener, socket holder and what I believe to be a 1mm allen wrench.  On both tools, all the wrenches lock open with a SOG style rocker lock mechanism.  On the CCM, the blade also locks open, while on the Schwinn the flathead screwdriver locks open.

They both separate, although the Schwinn uses a powerful magnet to hold the pieces together while the CCM uses standard snaps like those found on jackets or sheaths.  Both models feature 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6mm allen keys and a phillips driver.

Lastly, the Schwinn feels better and sturdier.  The CCM's tools are loose and extend with even a minor shake of the tool, while the Schwinn's stay put until you need them.  Also, because of the snaps, the CCM tends to rattle quite a bit. 

All told, the Schwinn seems like a better quality tool, while the CCM has a few other features which could prove to be very useful.  You never know when a small blade could come in handy, and the bottle opener is self explanatory!  Of course, if you were to also carry a regular multitool like Leatherman or Gerber, the bottle opener and blade would become redundant.

Of course at $15 for the CCM and $20 for the Schwinn you could easily get both and make up your own mind!

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

Some more pics...

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

I will have to put this up on the main site soon, but for now this will work!

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

Last one!

If you haven't checked out any bike tools yet, try one out.  Even if you aren't a cyclist, the wrenches and allen keys are a great way to expand the functions of a regular plier type multitool with little to no redundancy.

Def

[I'm Still Bison]

  For some time,I've felt that a bike multi has several households uses.The Schwinn tool looks to be a notch or two better in finish. Amazingly the bike shop nearest me is a Schwinn dealership,but doesn't have the Schwinn tools in stock,but does carry Topeak,and Park
     If I can bypass all these neat yard sales bargains long enough,I'll be getting a more capable camera so I can start posting some pics,especially of my bikes.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I was thinking that with the wrenches, flathead and phillips driver, a bike tool might be really good for working inside a PC too.  The only drawback I could see would be the magnet in the Schwinn model.

Def

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

they look like very comprehensive tool kits!

were they expensive?

[Grant Lamontagne]

Not at all.  The CCM was about $15 and the Schwinn was I think $18 or 20. 

Def

[I'm Still Bison]

I'll let Def answer to what he thinks of their capabilities,but in my experience I think they're comprehensive,and still not as comprehensive as other multis.The ones Def is comparing run about 10 pounds in UK funds.Even a more deluxe model would cost only another 5 pounds or so.You definitely get a lot of tool bang for your buck..or bob :grin:

[Grant Lamontagne]

The CCM is a little loose for most things, but they are both adjustable.  It may be possible to tighten it to the point where the tools, especially the allen keys that don't lock, could be used easily.

The Schwinn on the other hand would make a great companion to a standard multitool (they both would) since it has numerous tools that the multi doesn't have and vice versa.  No duplication.  It's like spending a few extra dollars and expanding the functionality by 100%.  Highly valuable for just about anything.  If anyone would like to review either of these tools and wants me to send them to them to test them out, let me know and we'll see about making some arrangements.  Since I still don't have a bike yet I can't really comment on their usefulness as a bike tool, and since that's their primary function, it would be criminal not to test them that way.

However, even without a bike, I think you'd be hard pressed to run into a mechanical problem anywhere that couldn't be solved with a bike tool and a regular multi.  Add in a SAK and you are ready for anything!

Def

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Not at all.  The CCM was about $15 and the Schwinn was I think $18 or 20. 

Def

thanks for that def, I,m alright for cycle tools at the mo (and very skint ) but i,ll bear them in mind for the future

[Grant Lamontagne]

I understand skint all too well!  I was just dusting off my rollerblades for the season as well and found a new use for a bike tool where a standard multi wouldn't be much good!

Def

[I'm Still Bison]

 More proof that bike multis are closer to to general puropse multis than a specialized multi.
If it weren't for hobbies,we'd all be financially well off...bored,but well off.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I couldn't agree more.  Although sometimes "bored and financially solvent" sounds like a good idea to me too!

Def

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

solvent?

what does that mean ;D

[I'm Still Bison]

solvent?

what does that mean ;D

         A word that became obsolete in my vocabulary several years back ;D

[Grant Lamontagne]

Yeah... it's one of those words that has an interesting but unrealistic concept behind it!

Def

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

has anyone tried to make money from there hobby? (sorry ot i know )

maybe i should move this question

[Grant Lamontagne]

To where?  The Broke Forum?

They say if you start a website dedicated to your interests you may be able to make some money off it...  but I don't believe them!  ;D

Def

[I'm Still Bison]

Make money from a hobby? Someone surely is...they're getting a good sized chunk of my money..but I'm happy,they're happy..works out perfectly!

[mcniac]

those looks cool, but for biking (specially with my mtb) i don't need any wrenches, is all quickrelease and allen screws, i used to have a cool and small tool much like the frog tool that def show some time ago, it hada few allens build in and a bike chain opener (not sure that is the proper name, but i am meaning the tool you use to open/close  the bike chain ) was nice but somehow i lost it i should buy anew one some day

Esteban

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

those looks cool, but for biking (specially with my mtb) i don't need any wrenches, is all quickrelease and allen screws, i used to have a cool and small tool much like the frog tool that def show some time ago, it hada few allens build in and a bike chain opener (not sure that is the proper name, but i am meaning the tool you use to open/close  the bike chain ) was nice but somehow i lost it i should buy anew one some day

Esteban

its just called a chain tool i think, at least thats what i,ve always called em

[Grant Lamontagne]

I use more colorful words to describe anything about the chain.  I'd say what they are but the censor would probably kill it...

Def

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I use more colorful words to describe anything about the chain.  I'd say what they are but the censor would probably kill it...

Def

I,ll try then  ;D

there a pain in the arse too use, and all too often there to poorly made to be of any use ;D

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

yaaay i got past the censor do i win a prize?

[I'm Still Bison]

yaaay i got past the censor do i win a prize?

Yes you do...but I can't tell you what you won..it was censored

If you're like me,and like vintage bikes,or keep lucking into them..you quickly appreciate having a bike multi in your gear.Maybe NutSAK will pop in soon,and recommend a good chain tool.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I think NutSAK promotes the Alien II for that, doesn't he?

Def

[I'm Still Bison]

Yes he does,sometimes though,for repairs at home,nothing beats a dedicated tool

[Grant Lamontagne]

If I remember my biking days properly, nothing broke at home!  ;D

Def

[Roadie]

I guess i've been quite lucky in not having anything major break on me while out cycling (worst was when i came off and snapped the brake lever off the handle bar, but i got home with just the one brake, no biggie) Just got my MTB back from the repair shop as it was making a funky sound when i pedaled, turns out it was a damaged freewheel. Now its all better and i can get out on it tomorrow! Things tend to go wrong when i am within 5 mins of getting home punctures/brakes falling apart (on my old bike, still not sure how that happened!) and other stuff, which is lucky (if not very annoying!) Couple of months ago i got about 4 separate punctures in a week...then got self sealing inners and not had a problem since!

Enough of my ramblings....maybe i should go and buy a cycle multitool it might shut me up!
Roadie