And yes, that is a real quote (read below in the press release…).

A year ago almost to the day, I met a great guy at Interbike – Glenn Kalnins – who is a rep…and evangelist!…for SnapOn tools and their new line of Torque wrenches from their sub-brand CDI. I secured a set of these wrenches given all the carbon fiber I am mounting, dismounting, carrying, cleaning and working on these days. I do not want to take any chances with over tightening and thus, these CDI Wrenches have played a major role in my bike maintenance (and longevity of my frames!). There is a 4, 5 and 6 Nm ‘handle’ available. I’ve had them for a few months now and have even put them on the workbenches of the pro mechanics at Boulder Cycle Sport. We all agree that the ergonomics and most importantly versatility of the various Allen and Torx heads (see picture above) are KEY versus the other styles of torque wrench.

The good folks at Snap-On/CDI sent me this data below about the wrenches that I wanted to share. You can source them through your LBS as they now are distributed through QBP and other distributors.

NEW PRESET TORQUE LIMITING T-HANDLE FROM CDI PREVENTS OVER TORQUING OF BICYCLE FASTENERS

New tool for the cycling industry, the CDI Preset Torque Limiting T-Handle is a convenient, economical and accurate tool for low-torque applications 

Kenosha, Wis., September 7, 2011 – Tightening fasteners on lightweight carbon fiber and titanium-framed bicycles and bicycle components correctly can be difficult for any cyclist. Applying too much or too little torque can damage a component, a bicycle frame, and pose a risk to the rider.

That’s why the new CDI Preset Torque Limiting T-Handle from Snap-on Industrial Brands takes the guesswork out of making adjustments by applying just the right amount of torque to bicycle fasteners. What truly distinguishes the CDI Preset Torque Limiting T-Handle from other competing products is that it comes with a built in cam-over torque limiting clutch, which prevents the user from over-torquing fasteners. Here’s how the CDI Preset Torque Limiting T-Handle works:

When tightening a fastener, the user hears a click, signifying that the CDI Preset Torque Limiting T-Handle has applied the proper amount of torque. Even if the user inadvertently continues to turn the tool following the click, no additional torque is applied. This design prevents users from over-torquing fasteners, which can damage components. With competitors’ products, users also hear a click, but there is nothing preventing them from turning past that and over-tightening the fastener.

Potential applications for the CDI Preset Torque Limiting T-Handle include the assembly and adjustments of handle bars, stems, seat posts, front derailleur clamps, rear derailleur adjustments and disk brakes.

The CDI Preset Torque Limiting T-Handle comes calibrated and ready to use in three torque ranges that are color-coded for easy identification: 4Nm (yellow); 5Nm (orange); and 6Nm (white). Other features of the CDI Preset T-Handle include:

· Magnetic shank to interchange bits as needed

· Rounded T-Handle grip for added comfort

· Certificate of calibration

Although new to the market, the torque tool is already receiving praise from cycling industry insiders. Jim O’Brien, Bissell Pro Cycling Team mechanic, was asked in the July 2011 issue of Road Magazine what are his favorite tools. He said, “That might change from year to year based on which manufacturer’s components we are using, but right now it’s a set of pre-set torque t-handles from Snap-on. I have a different one for 4Nm, 5Nm and 6Nm, and the bits interchange for all the hex sizes. With all the carbon and titanium out there right now, only a rich fool sets torque by feel. These things are sexier than red socks on a rooster!”

The CDI Preset Torque Limiting T-Handles retails for $30 each, and are available at your local bike shop through Quality Bicycle Products (QBP), Bicycle Technologies International (BTI), United Bicycle Supply and The Hawley Company. For more information, call Snap-on Industrial at 800.446.7404.

My main man Peter Nicoll whipped out this fantastic vignette of the Fulcrum Coaching/JBV Coaching CX Camp on the East Coast. It looked sweet. Powers and my main man Fatmarc Vanderbacon in attendance. Lean back and enjoy:

My coach, training partner and good friend Frank Overton, a.k.a. the Grand Master of FasCat Coaching here in Boulder has put together a really compelling and cost effective training plan for folks who are interested in a highly specialized seasonal plan for improving their game in cyclocross. The plan runs now through December and is jam packed with a lot of detailed goodies not normally found in a plan like this…not at its cost. The main highlights of the program  include…

• FREE initial coaching consultation, review of previous cx training & goal setting
• Initial Cyclocross Skills Assessment to identify your strengths and weaknesses
• Development of a strategic race program to help you achieve your goals
• Specific Cyclocross Training Program delivered regularly in a monthly calendar format with customized recovery, interval workouts, skills practices & pre-race preparation
• Twice Monthly Cyclocross Skills Practices led by a FasCat Coach (local only)
• Easily communicate with your coach by email, phone, or in person at FasCat for questions, training program adjustments, to review your races and talk about your upcoming races, etc...

The plan is $450 waiving normal start up fees and will even provide you 3 free weeks from December should you desire to go to Madison WI for the National Cyclocross Championships.

Have a look here and make this season your fastest! Let Frank and the FasCat crew help balance your schedules to ensure you are getting the most out of your training and your season.