Pro Toolbox Check - John Hall's Treasure Chest 22

I once had an interview with Martin Whitely for a mechanic job when he was managing the Honda team. I even got behind the first layer of their famous tent! He basically told me to go to that Olympic Training Center class before he would even consider me, and John Hall only just went? I guess it pays to have friends in the right places. Must have been part of Gwin's contract. And yes, I know that I sound like a whiny bastard. #Cryingintomybeer

He wrenches for Gwin since his Spesh days. As they work well together, why on earth would Whitely ask Gwin's mechanic to leave the team? Just because he lacks some stupid paper saying he's BS certified ?

Of all the race mechanics have worked with, the best weren't 'certified' in any way. But they had one thing in common: they were trained in a long time established bike-shop by some old time wizard.

I starting wrenching on road races simply because one of our part time employee was a trainee in a UCI Continental team. So yeah, you need to be good enough but you also need to know someone :/.

If you're gonna wrench for one of fastest racers on the circuit, why wouldn't you build a setup like this? You're a professional, and your setup is part of the pit environment and sets the tone. Inspiring, love it.

That Lenox is totally unspoiled

Seems all the mechs use Pelican cases. What model is this?

They are becoming more common. This one in particular is a 1560 with Kaizen foam option.

John- Ordered my 1560 (used on Ebay) , ordering the Kaizen foam today
Question- How do you keep the foam rigid enough with a full load of tools on it as you stack them inside the case? Added plastic backing? or is the Kaizen rigid enough on its own to support the tools?

I love these features, but why only an overview picture of one of his layers of tools and only closeups on the rest?

I don't see any tire related tools. Hmm.

There are tire levers in one of the photos

Estimated value? Such a killer set up.

Here's a starting point if you're keen to do some math: abbeybiketools.com

The real value of that box though is how organized it is (in a custom fashion) and John's ability to be effective with each item in there - and being prepared with the right tools too.

No known actual value. I've never added everything up. Some tools were given to me, some were bought at full retail and others at discounts.

I've wrenched on bikes for years. Curious why you carry 2 chain whips?

E13 cassette that requires 2 whips to unlock?

OK Then. I did not know E13's needed that. I guess then the other freewheel tool is redundant?

Can we get a list of each and every tool included in kit?

Absolutely mind blowing! That is the most dialed toolbox I've ever seen!

When I saw Marshy's tool box on PB, it literally made me cringe and I had to close the tab. This is such a welcome sight, my OCD is cheering from the balcony.

Yeah, well, that's just like, your opinion, man. They both have their pros and cons. What I like about Marshy's toolbox is that he uses the right tool for the job and for me, nothing else matters. I'll give you one example since I've done a fair share of wrenching on road races : the chain tool. Marshy uses a Shimano TL CN34 chainbreaker.

Wondering why he's not using the classic crappy but lightweight Park Tool chain-breaker? Like Marshy said for fitting and securing the pin on a Shimano chain, their TL CN34 is second to none. It makes the chain stronger and more secure. Most of the time, when a chain explode into pieces at the gate in WC DH, it's a Sram chain with a quick-link. And if it's a Shimano chain, most of the time the mechanic did not use the recommended chain-breaker to secure the pin.

I cheered and cringed when I saw my pressure purchase validated. Activating OCD overdrive now.

Serious tool box envy over here. Badass...