Butter b1 chain tool

The Butter b1 chain tool won't split links on your chain. In fact it doesn't do much for your chain at all. What this chain tool - more accurately called a chain keeper - does is is hold the chain away from your frame while you take the back wheel out, acting like a dummy cog.

This is all it does and at £31.50 it does it extravagantly. But this is a handy piece of kit that prevents your chain from scratching your frame. Use it while you're transporting your bike in a bag and it helps the chain stay on the chainring which further helps protect your thin lightweight race frame from getting gauged by the sharp edged links.

So what makes it so expensive? Well, it is CNC-machined from solid billet aluminium, laser etched and anodised; it looks and feels like quality. It is also from Colorado, made in small batches and the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty. They will replace any part of it for free if needs be but they seem to think you won't ever require it (or the postage won't be worth it?).

You can get cheap alternatives and you could even argue whether you need a tool like this at all, but if you do have a nice, expensive frame and you do travel with it in a bike bag then this is a nice little thing rather than something that just does its job.

Using the device is simple, with the rear wheel removed and the rear mech in top gear, slide the square peg into the drop-out, locate the chain into the nylon pulley then turn the large metal block-like bezel to tighten on to the frame. Simple.

The Butter b1 chain keeper is expensive but then it is a bit of a luxury item designed for those with precious bike frames. Its job overshadows the seemingly high price for a basic tool. The lifetime warranty and quality of manufacture should make this something that you keep for ever(ish).

Verdict

Extravagant chain keeper built to look good and last forever.