Lezyne Flow Storage Adaptor

The Lezyne Flow Storage Adaptor Loaded Kit is a neat little bracket that stashes the bare essentials on your frame. It does that well. The downside is the lack of protection relative to a pocket or seat bag, plus a hefty chunk of weight. Still, it doesn’t interfere with mini-pumps or bottle cages and keeps stuff securely in (genuinely) easy reach, so if it appeals, go for it. It’s a reliable device.

The thick steel base probably contributes a fair bit to this bracket’s weight – empty it’s 91g – but it also keeps the plastic holder and contents very secure and stable.

The moulded plastic is rugged, while a threaded metal insert holds the Twin Speed Drive CO2 head firmly. It could be coincidence, but on ours the head bottomed out with the 90° section directly over the multi-tool, which in turn stopped the tool from being ejected upwards. It’s a neat detail if deliberate.

This ‘Loaded’ version is actually only partially loaded… you don’t get any CO2. There is a ‘Fully Loaded’ option out there, but it’s not on sale in some places in case it explodes or thick people inhale them or whatever. With no bottles in place, the strap is actually less effective at holding the multi-tool, which can rattle about. Add two cylinders and the altered angle means it’s all held firmly.

Completely full this weighs 288g.

The strap itself is a nicely-backed strip of hook and loop (you’d call it Velcro but would legally be wrong) with a strong metal buckle, and sensibly it’s long enough to accommodate a spare tube too – even a mountain bike one at a push.

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It’s slightly strange that Lezyne supplies a multi-tool that doesn’t properly fit the hole, as everything else here fits neatly, but at least you’ve a chance of getting a more comprehensive tool in there instead. The V Pro 5 only offers hex keys in 3, 4, 5 and 6mm and a Phillips head screwdriver.

The final things you get are two strong plastic tyre levers. They’re double ended so lack a spoke hook and are quite short, so leverage isn’t exceptional, but they’re light, fairly thin at the business end and get all but the tightest jobs done.

Once installed, the Flow Storage Adaptor doesn’t interfere with feet, legs or other accessories, and as the weight ends up quite close to the bottom bracket it’s not really noticeable in the ride either. Okay, your stuff is exposed to the elements – something the steel multi-tool won’t appreciate (the CO2 head and its threaded mount are non-ferrous) – but it is at least partially shielded from filth by the downtube.

As an aside, a coating of GT-85 or, better still, ACF-50 helps. ACF-50 is an anti-corrosion spray apparently developed to protect jets on aircraft carriers, and I’ve found it works on motorcycles against road salt. (I don’t have an aircraft carrier to test it on.)

Value

£53 seems reasonable given you get a Twin Speed Drive CO2 head, a multi-tool and a couple of levers. The UK importer doesn’t stock the V5 multi-tool and the CO2 head isn’t available alone either, so it’s hard to figure exact prices, but I think you could reasonably say around £35 is for the tools, leaving £18 for the bracket. Not cheap, but not unreasonable either.

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Your other options include using a bag or a strap to stash this stuff, or just shoving it in your jersey pockets. Something like the 40cm Tailfin Cargo Strap works out way cheaper at £7.50, while of course using your existing pockets is free.

While you can easily find little seat packs for storing this kind of thing, there aren’t many I’d recommend very highly at £18 or less – you’ll get only basic fabric and design, and unlikely to cope well with prolonged use in poor conditions.

Topeak’s Elementa Gearbag is a good quality option at £49.99, as it has clever straps and includes a very nice ratchet and bit set. You’ll have to supply your own CO2 head, though there’s provision for storing canisters on the outside.

Overall

If you don’t like the Velcro-and-zip faff of a bag or the jersey-dragging discomfort of pocketing these essential things, this strong and stiff bracket is a slam dunk. It feels tough and secure, and generally just stays out of the way. If exposure to rain and a bit of extra weight don’t bother you, it’s a solid choice.

Verdict

Solid, secure and useful mount that gives genuinely easy access – no protection, though, and it’s a tad heavy and basic

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