fiber fix spokes and stein mini lock

[johnsondasw]

I am purchasing a couple of FiberFix spokes and the Stein Mini Cassette Lock.  I think they could both prove very helpful for emergencies on tour.  Has anyone used these before?  If so, do you have any hints about their use, i.e., are the instructions clear and did they work?  I'd hate to be out on the road and have them with me and be faced with unforeseen problems.  I'd appreciate hearing about anyone's experience "in the field" with these tools.  Thanks, Doug

[jsieber]

One of the staffers at ACA wrote a review of the FiberFix spoke on their blog. http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2010/01/fiberfix-spoke.html

[John Nelson]

I have both and have used both. Try them in your garage before you need them on the road. The Stein tool works best if your lockring is not too tight to start with. For the FiberFix, I find it best to first loosen the spokes on either side, then tighten the FiberFix, then retighten the other spokes.

[staehpj1]

If you are going to carry the Stein or other cassette cracker, why not just carry "real" spokes?

For what it is worth, I have found the Unior cassette cracker to work fine, be cheaper, and also be lighter.

[johnsondasw]

If you are going to carry the Stein or other cassette cracker, why not just carry "real" spokes?

  I like to have "redundancy of options".  I will probably carry the Stein and real spokes for longer tours, but maybe the fiberfix on short ones.  I think the suggestion to try tools out at home first is a good one.

[bktourer1]

Don't over tighten the Fibre fix, the kevlar could cut into the hub.  Its easy to use for real emergencies and the instructions are reaaly clear.
Carry front & rear spokes al the time.  Strapped to a rack they weight nothing