Now almost 18-months into production, the SahmuraiSword, that easy-to-use, simple-to-store and safe way of carrying a tubeless plug system on your mountain bike, has undergone something of a facelift. The improvements are far from just aesthetic tweaks, however and come on the back of rider feedback and continued internal R&D over the past years.
Photo: Kolesky/Nikon/Lexar
The system – which are essentially bar-plugs – allows you store both the plug and reamer tool inside your handlebars. This we know. So what has changed?
- It features an improved (i.e stronger) base unit into which the needle and reamer have been recessed deeper.
- The knurling on the outside edge has been ‘softened’ to reduce interference with your hands and improve fit into the handlebars.
- Then the logo has also been recessed to protect it and we’ve made it more visible. ( You have to show off you’re riding smart, right?)
“We constantly strive to better our product with the feedback from our warriors,” explains the team behind the product. “Small differences to the product can make a huge difference in the result,” they said.
The SahmuraiSword – brainchild of three-time Absa Cape Epic champion Stefan Sahm of Team Bulls – fits snug and locks fast inside the handlebars without any give or movement. It doesn’t affect riding in any way, but is easily accessible when you puncture. No multitools are needed to unscrew it and no special fittings are required to attach it to the bike.
I took mine out one day to fix a flat. Went to the shop that afternoon. I paid R50-00 for a kit like that. They wanted R499 for the same kit. I started laughing, took my credit card and walked out... I am not stupid and I know that is not R25-00 to make, as they use cheap scrap from China...