Taupō-based Neutron Components cranks onto the biking scene

The Oh Sh!t Kit multi-tool slides into a bike's handlebars. Photo / Supplied

Mountain biking has become a popular recreational pursuit for many Kiwis. World-class local trails such as Taupō's Craters of the Moon and Rotorua's Whakarewarewa trail network are attracting a growing number of bikers, ranging from beginner to pro.

As for most outdoor activities, it's a good idea to be prepared for those times when your adventure doesn't go to plan. Taupō-based Neutron Components have designed a "get you home" tool set that fits neatly into the handlebars of your bike.

"We believe it's the ultimate mountain bike multitool set," says Neutron Components founder and engineer Mike Boys. "We've included all the essentials you need on the trail like allen keys, a tyre lever and spoke wrenches. Each piece is a standard size, so can be replaced at your local hardware store. We've also included a bottle opener for those really big jobs."

The idea came to Mike while stranded on a mountain bike track.

"I'd had a decent crash, and didn't have the right tools to fix my bike. It was a long walk home. I started wondering if there was a way to attach tools directly to your bike, so you would have them with you all the time," he says.

Mike looked around and couldn't find something that ticked all the boxes, so got to work designing his own. Using 3D printing, he perfected the design over the course of a year and a half. He then began working with an injection-moulding company in Hamilton to create a prototype.

"I was keen to find a local company to make the product. Their expertise has been invaluable, and customers love the fact that the tool is made here in New Zealand. It's a real selling point," he says.

Neutron Components launched their "Oh Sh!t Kit" multi-tool at Crankworx Rotorua in March. Feedback was positive and sales have been strong — the company achieved their first-year sales target in just three months.

"We opened for pre-orders during the national lockdown at alert level 4 and started shipping at alert level 3. There's been a lot of interest and it's given us the confidence to expand to Australia and Europe. We have found a stock-holding warehouse in Europe so those customers can receive their order in two to three days, rather than waiting for a delivery from New Zealand," says Mike.

Neutron Components founder Mike Boys with a customer at Neutron Component's Crankworks Rotorua product launch. Photo / Supplied

Mike says Taupō is the perfect place to base the business.

"Taupō is close to everything we need — we have access to pro riders in Rotorua and Taupō to test our product, and our Hamilton manufacturing site is within driving distance.

We've also had great support from the team at Enterprise Great Lake Taupō. They have shared lots of good tips and helped connect us with people and organisations that can support our growth," he says.