Is there a bolt head that is too high for your bidon to slide into the cage smoothly? Maybe you have finished a low profile button head bolt? Or maybe you are looking for a more minimalist option to replace unused bolts on your bike?

The people behind Melbourne-based Prototipo seem to have experienced all this and more. This new company focuses on the smallest small parts and is committed to making these parts better.

The products in the Prototipo range are very small and are shipped in recycled paper receipt rolls (think toilet paper rolls, but for paper receipts). This includes ultra-thin bidon cage bolts, almost headless bidon cage bolts, aluminum bonnets (yes...) and high-quality stainless steel Presta-to-Schraeder valve adapters.

Prototipo's bolts can be selected from stainless steel or lighter 6061 aluminum, and the head profile is lower than anything else. This is the headline news for new startups.

Lindsay Thebus, owner of Prototipo, said: “At present, all our parts are precision CNC machined. [This process] can produce extremely accurate, consistent and repeatable results.” “All our parts are CNC machined and passed Titanium PVD ​​coated or anodized for extra strength and wear resistance."

As Thebus explained, the use of CNC technology is not a standard practice for bolt production.

"Most externally threaded fasteners in the world are produced through the rolling process," Thebus said. "This large-scale production method is economical on scale, but it is limited to a standard head profile. It is not very flexible or financially feasible for unique, small, low-volume customized production runs. We try The use of rolled threads to post-process advanced specification fasteners, but ultimately requires more control over design features, such as stress rise and hex/tox depth, while maintaining the strength of our low-profile heads."

When using Prototipo's bolts, it was obvious that they managed to combine an impressive head-down height without feeling rough to install. In fact, the fit between the tool and the bolt is rock solid, a significant improvement over the general lightweight button head bolts often provided on bicycles.

Thebus said: "It is an interesting challenge to combine low profile heads in such a small area, especially ultra-low profile heads with functional hexagonal / plum depth and competitive strength." "In the most important place, we try to be specific The position retains as much material as possible, and redirects the stress through stress risers, rounded corners, or simply increasing the strength through thickness. We try to maintain the highest possible tolerance to protect all users and all from entry-level to professional-level Level toolset."

All Prototipo bolts have a tapered end, which makes it easier to locate the bolts in place. This is a design element that makes initial threading a breeze and reduces a bit of weight in the process. However, it will reduce the effective bolt length by a few millimeters, so this should be taken into consideration if gaskets or fittings are installed under the cage.

Although Prototipo's original and low-profile bolts work well with or without a cage, the "Under Flush" bolt is a unique solution that cleans up the aesthetics of the frame when bolts are not needed. I am currently reviewing a gravel bike with more than 15 bidon cage/accessory bolts on it, and the Prototipo Under Flush bolts will be something I want to run on some unused installation areas. Likewise, they are perfect for off-road racers who want a more comfortable bike to carry.

However, Under Flush bolts do raise a question: What’s wrong with the cheap plastic caps that fill the bolt space? Well, not much, but it can be said that Under Flush bolts do look better, and they will never be misplaced.

In terms of weight, the minimalist Prototipo bolts are very light, but you need some exquisite scales to measure the difference. For example, the weight of an ordinary steel button head Bidon cage bolt pair is 4.5 grams, while the comparable Prototipo bolt is 3.6 grams. The weight of a pair of ordinary alloy Bidon cage bolts is 1.8 grams, while the weight of Prototipo Original is 1.3 grams. These are very trivial numbers, but Prototipo does feel more powerful and is unlikely to be completed.

Like most unique, well-made and clever bicycle products, these products are not cheap. Currently, bolts are sold in pairs, priced between 9.95 and 12.95 Australian dollars. Most people need to spend $20-26 to replace their existing bidon cage bolts. With the possible postage, this is a lot of money for such a small part.

For those who are hesitant at this price but still need something as low-key as these bolts, then try some regular disc brake rotor bolts. These use Torx T25 heads for low profile and good tool engagement. In other words, even the profile of the original bolt from Prototipo is significantly reduced.

Currently, all bolts only provide a single M5 x 0.8 mm thread to fit most bicycles on the market today.

Price aside, I understand that the market needs better bolts. However, I don't understand the need for Prototipo's alloy Presta valve cover. Of course, they are stronger than plastic (a pair weighs slightly 0.4 grams), but why use valve caps? To me, it is just a fancy product, which undermines the company's excellent work on bolts.

Thebus has a different view. Thebus said: "We found that there is a large group of people who believe that it is necessary to continue to use valve caps to protect quality, prevent entry and barrel protection." "In that sample, there is a small group of people who want something better and stronger than simple standard plastic products. .

“It’s risky to produce such a small niche product, but we got good feedback, it fills in the gaps, and what we like most is to see them used for building, where every component is thoroughly researched and added The finishing touch!"

Speaking of valves, Prototipo provides high-quality CNC stainless steel Presta-Schraeder valve adapters. If you want to refuel your tires at a car service station, this type of adapter is a useful item in your saddle bag. Prototipo is the best I have ever seen.

In short, Prototipo seems to have adopted something as mundane as bidon cage bolts, and adds significant differences. However, the small company wants to put them on the shelves of bicycle stores and large online retailers, because bolts are already expensive upgrades before they have to pay dedicated postage.