It’s been three months since the launch of the Bike Portable Tool Kit - Lite, and during this time it has received strong support and praise from cycling enthusiasts, even winning the Taipei Cycle Show Innovation Design Award. How was this compact yet versatile product designed? Let’s take you through the design journey and story.
How Was the Portable Tool Kit - Lite Born?
Released in 2023, the previous version of the Portable Tool Kit used a silicone cover to wrap the tools, making the bag smaller, preventing tools from colliding and getting damaged, and keeping the ride quieter. For this generation, we decided to continue this feature while also exploring new user needs, creating differentiated benefits for the rider. This product had to be special, practical, and—most importantly—stylish.
1. Concept Ideation & Market Research
We began by collecting feedback from the previous generation, understanding user needs, reviewing competitor products, and studying tools available on the market, all while considering our company’s future product lineup. After much discussion, analysis, and decision-making, we chose the most essential and versatile option for the tool set: the **ratchet wrench kit**. Whether for quick adjustments after vibrations during rides, post-collision repairs, part assembly/disassembly, or even home maintenance, it offers efficiency. Combined with the **dual-mode “strap or store” design**, users can either strap it directly to the bike or store it in a jersey pocket or bag—making it a must-have tool for every cyclist.
Tool selection focused on functionality, durability, and compact size. 2. Initial Design & Refinement
After determining the direction and tool specifications, we began designing the bag body. A lot of time was spent arranging the tools, with the goal of making the kit as small as possible—then even smaller. Considering the dual-mode requirement, we explored various strap integration ideas, such as side openings on the bag to let detachable straps be optionally threaded for attachment.
Design development process. While arranging the tools, many ideas emerged—such as how to retrieve tools and how to open the lid—but space usage and usability still needed improvement. Then one day, we discovered a particular arrangement where **the remaining space after placing the tools was just enough to store the strap**. That became the key direction!
Appearance and detail adjustments. Once the tool arrangement and operation were finalized, we moved on to refining details and aesthetics—such as adding ribs to the tool slots to reduce friction for easier removal, simplifying the straps for convenience, and making the design cleaner visually.
3. Prototyping & Testing
With the form and details confirmed, we moved on to prototyping. Naturally, the first prototype was not as perfect as imagined. Differences appeared in product hardness, lid feel, tool retrieval, and surface texture. From there, we entered a cycle of **3D modifications, prototyping, and testing**.
In addition to the size and hardness of the body, the printing position and color on the tool holder also needed adjustment. 4. Mass Production & Launch
After repeated testing and refinement, the final product was born. The next step was to set the schedule and arrange mass production. If you’ve read this far and are still curious about this product, go ahead and get one—you’ll see for yourself!
Bike Portable Tool Kit - Lite, with dual-mode flexibility.