OneUp Components EDC Threadless Carrier

Storing tools in the cockpit seems like a pretty straightforward thing, but there’s a lot going on in this area of the bike and the good old starnut has been getting in the way of progress here. OneUp Components’ “Every Day Carry” or “EDC” system has been around for a good few years already by now, and it’s gone through several different iterations in that time. The first version required you to tap out a thread in the steerer tube of your fork, which was in fact a very elegant way of solving the problem although many people would hesitate to make that kind of modification to their fork (not to mention that it required the inclusion of a dedicated tap in the kit). The subsequent version makes use of a pre-loader in the stem, while the EDC Lite introduced in 2020 relies on a recessed starnut to make room for a smaller carrier that can hold just the multitool part of the system. Today, OneUp is introducing the very latest EDC family member, a threadless carrier that preloads the headset from the bottom, which in turn allows it to make room for a slightly shorter version of the full EDC tool (V2 only). Read on to learn more and to see how we got on with installing it.

OneUp EDC Threadless Carrier Highlights

• A threadless, no tap install option that lets you store the EDC V2 Tool inside your stem/steerer tube without threading your steerer tube. EDC Tool sold separately
• The Threadless Carrier replaces your star nut and lets you preload your headset with a bolt, while also creating a space for the EDC Tool
• Easy to install in less than 10 minutes
• Available in 8 colours (Black, Red, Green, Blue, Orange, Purple, Gold & Oil Slick)
• Compatible with EDC V2 Tool (small EDC V2 Storage Capsule only)
• The EDC Threadless Carrier is NOT compatible with V1 EDC Tools (Green Multi-Tool)
• MSRP: $40.00 USD

OneUp EDC V2 Tool Highlights

• 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm Hex Keys
• T25 Torx Key
• Flat Head Screwdriver
• EDC Top Cap Tool
• Tire Lever
• Chain Breaker
• 0,1,2,3 Spoke Keys
• Presta Valve Core Tool
• Spare Rotor Bolt
• Carrier features: Spare Quick Link Storage, 12,16, 20g CO2 Cartridge Storage or 2 x Sealed Storage Capsules
• MSRP: $59.50 USD
• OPTIONAL: Plug & Pliers kit, $35.50 USD (pliers not compatible with EDC Threadless Carrier)

Initial Impressions

The top part of the new carrier looks like the previous generations once installed, but it is a different beast altogether when it comes to how it works. Instead of threading the steerer tube or making use of a pre-loader built into the stem itself, the new carrier traverses the whole steerer tube and meets up with a plate and a bolt at the bottom. Several different length bolts are provided to make sure you can use the carrier with whatever length of steerer tube you happen to be running on your bike. Note that there is a minimum length steerer tube required, and this new carrier is also not compatible with the elliptical steerer of the new FOX 38 (nor will it work with a Giant OverDrive fork or a Cannondale Lefty).

Installation and Usage

Installing the threadless carrier is super easy – in fact, if you are building a bike from scratch, it’s actually probably the easiest way to fit a new fork, as it does away with the requirement to tap in a starnut. Just slide the fork into place, install the threadless carrier and preload the stem. If you are installing it on a bike that already has a starnut, you’ll need to remove it first (no need to dismantle the stem/handlebar in this case, just remove the stem cap, tap out the starnut, then install the threadless carrier).

Note that you can only use the smaller container of the EDC V2 tool with the threadless carrier (while the V1 version of the EDC tool is not compatible at all). This new, smaller container also makes the EDC V2 tool compatible with the smaller size EDC pump, for those who like to run their tools there instead. You can see the smaller container in the picture below. If you want the tubeless plug tool as well, you'll need to add a $35.50 USD "Plug and Pliers" kit which includes a pair of mini-pliers that will that will NOT fit in the smaller container. Also note that the new Threadless Carrier will not accept a CO2 cartridge in place of the container as is possible with the EDC Stem or the threaded carrier. Bit of a puzzle all that, but you'll figure it out.

Once installed, using the EDC is easy. Just slide it out of the carrier, bend the tool container to free up the various part, and get to it. OneUp has made a few modifications to the design of the EDC V2, like an improved chain breaker tool that now also features better spoke wrenches. The tool is also easier to slide in and out of the carrier (much like the EDC Lite), a welcome tweak as the first generation was kinda sticky in this regard.

The multitool itself is of high quality and the tool selection works well out on the trail. We’ve been running different versions of the EDC tool system on our bikes for a couple of years now, with no mishaps to report. Prior EDC announcements and reviews listed here for your convenience:

Original EDC
EDC pre-loader stem
EDC preloader and EDC tool review
EDC Lite introduction
EDC Lite reviewed on Gear Show

What’s The Bottom Line?

Once you get used to always having a multitool in your cockpit, you won’t want to go without it again. The new EDC Threadless Carrier from OneUp adds another option for you to consider as you design your ultimate on-bike tool setup. Want just a multitool? Run with the EDC Lite. Want the chainbreaker, tire lever, spoke wrenches and a small storage compartment for tubeless plugs and plug tool as well? The EDC V2 with the new Threadless Carrier is for you. For those wanting to run the full storage compartment of the EDC tool, the pre-loading EDC stem or the threaded version will be your port of call. In all cases, you get a functional solution that puts your essential tools right at your fingertips.

More information at: www.oneupcomponents.com.

About The Reviewer

Johan Hjord - Age: 48 // Years Riding MTB: 16 // Weight: 190-pounds (87-kg) // Height: 6'0" (1.84m)

Johan loves bikes, which strangely doesn’t make him any better at riding them. After many years spent practicing falling off cliffs with his snowboard, he took up mountain biking in 2005. Ever since, he’s mostly been riding bikes with too much suspension travel to cover up his many flaws as a rider. His 200-pound body weight coupled with unique skill for poor line choice and clumsy landings make him an expert on durability - if parts survive Johan, they’re pretty much okay for anybody. Johan rides flat pedals with a riding style that he describes as "none" (when in actuality he rips!). Having found most trail features to be not to his liking, Johan uses much of his spare time building his own. Johan’s other accomplishments include surviving this far and helping keep the Vital Media Machine’s stoke dial firmly on 11.

Photos by Johan Hjord