In mid-September, I received an interesting email from Slovenian brand Ride Leap, which offered us the chance to put his product—a multi-tool called the Leap Barmate System—for a review. What exactly is it? How does it work, and why is it such a clever solution?
Leap Barmate System multitool
Tool kits designed to be stowed in unconventional spots on a bike have taken the market by storm, finally eliminating the need to carry around tools that might be required at the most unexpected moment. One such solution I used was the OneUp EDC Lite tool, which was mounted inside the steerer tube. Unfortunately, in 2023, Fox redesigned its steerer tubes—giving them an oval internal shape—which meant I had to say goodbye to my handy tool kit.
Installation
This is where the Leap Barmate System comes in. It consists of two simple tools—the 7-function Barmate Chain & Tire Plug Tool and the 11-function Barmate Bit Tool—designed to be mounted inside your handlebars. You simply remove the handlebar end plugs and insert the tools in their place.
Unfortunately, this solution also has a drawback: the diameter required for installation. The Slovenian manufacturer has created a tool that requires an internal diameter of at least 18.7mm, which means the system is incompatible with most carbon handlebars—certainly with my PRO Tharsis 3Five handlebar. Fortunately, I also have the aluminum version of that same handlebar, as well as an aluminum Race Face Atlas handlebar, which I ended up using instead. Alternatively, the crank’s thru-axle can be used, though this limits space to just one tool and comes with a somewhat longer list of requirements.
Another thing to consider is the handlebar grips. Ideally, they should have open ends, though it’s not a deal-breaker if they don’t. My personal favorites, the ESI Fit XC grips, would be perfect here—but anyone who has ever tried to move them from one set of handlebars to another knows that it’s easier to just buy a new pair! ;) So, I looked into an alternative: the Race Face Chester grips, which, as it happens, have fully closed ends.
It’s not a major issue, but it does require a bit of creativity. In fact, the manufacturer itself provides instructional material on how to quickly and effectively ensure full compatibility. In my case, it took about 15 minutes of tinkering with a utility knife and a hacksaw blade, and the final result turned out much better than I had expected.
That covers the preparation for the final installation, which takes just a few seconds. At the end of the tool, there is a screw-in bar end, secured by a rubber gasket. Depending on the inner diameter of your handlebars, you simply tighten or loosen this assembly accordingly… and that’s it.
Leap Barmate in practice
I’ve been using the Leap Barmate System for over a month now, and I have to say, it’s a genuinely useful solution. My bike doesn’t have any built-in storage, so otherwise, I’d have to carry any extra “just-in-case” tools in my pocket.
During my last trip to the Czech bike parks, I used the tools a dozen or so times—mostly to help out a friend. Getting the tools out and assembling exactly what’s needed takes just a moment, which also serves as a nice little break along the trail. You just have to be a bit careful not to lose any of the bits while pulling out the specific one you need. Fortunately, a small plastic tube acts as a handy organizer, keeping all the bits together in one place.
I was also concerned about the feel of the handlebar—specifically, the possibility of something feeling loose inside—but I didn’t notice this while riding. You can feel it a little in a parking lot if you focus on it, but when you’re actually on the move, it’s completely inconsequential. As for noise, you might occasionally hear the unit—the casing bumping against the inner wall of the handlebar—when riding over rougher terrain; this is simply a byproduct of the mounting system. It could likely be eliminated entirely with a bit of tape, but for me, the sound was so infrequent and quiet that I consider it completely negligible.
Do I recommend the solution designed by Ride Leap? Definitely!
Leap Barmate System specs:
- a complete multi-tool system mounted inside the handlebar
- easy installation and removal using the handlebar end plug
- compact and lightweight design, compatible with most aluminum handlebars (requires an internal diameter of 18.7 mm)
- body made of 6061 aluminum and CNC-machined
- 7-function Barmate Chain & Tire Plug Tool
- chain tool
- spoke wrenches: #0 – 3.23mm, #1 – 3.30mm, #2 – 3.45mm, #3 – Mavic 6-spline, 5.5mm
- tire plug tool with integrated file
- 5x bacon strip plugs (3.5x50mm)
- 11-function Barmate Bit Tool
- swivel head for improved access to hard-to-reach areas
- hex: 8, 6, 4, 3, 2.5, 2mm
- torx: T10, T25
- flat head 3.5mm
- Phillips #2 (cross)
- weight: 150g
- Barmate Chain & Tire Plug Tool – 71g
- Barmate Bit Tool – 79g
- price:
74.90EUR66.90EUR
About Ride Leap
Stranded halfway down your favorite trail with a flat tire on a new bike day – frustrated, stuck, and realizing you don’t have the tools to get rolling again. Call it a cliché; necessity is the mother of invention, but when you’re stuck trailside with no way to remove your wheelset without tools, that necessity becomes real.
Frustration fueled the idea to strap a few essential tools onto the bike so they’re always there when needed. The idea kicked and screamed around, evolved, and kicked again, and after months, Leap was born.
Official website: ride-leap.com
Media: facebook, instagram, youtube