Bicycle Mechanics - 2 and 2.5 mm Allen Keys...What for?

I recently bought a mini-tool at my LBS. I didn't really need it, but it was on clearance. The price was too good to pass up. It includes 2mm and 2.5 mm allen wrenches. Now I have those wrenches in my home tool kit. They see only rare use. I can't quite fathom out why I would need them on a take-along mini-tool. What would I use them for at the side of the road or the trail?

They are sometimes used on road bikes.

I need a 2 mm wrench for the XT V-Brake adjustment. Unfortunately there is not such piece included in my multy-tool...

Perhaps you miss my point. I realize that tiny Allen keys are sometimes needed when the bike is on the stand. I'm asking what use I would have for them when broken down by the side of the road or trail. I really don't expect to adjust my brakes, road or mountain, while out on a ride.

If they are causing you soooo much greef!:rolleyes: Clamp the offending allen key in a vise and strike smartly with a hammer! Make sure to wear protective eye wear also!;) You should not be bothered by them any more!

Perhaps this tool is the Swiss Army verson, designed by the Boy Scouts (be prepared).:p

Go ride your bike.:eek:

I had the grip-shift come loose on my commuter on the way to work - its 2.5mm (admittedly thats happened once in 4 years....)

Well, if you happen to have one of U.S.E.'s new Alien seat posts and somehow knocked your seat out of alignment (nose up/down - seat fwd/back) you'd need the 2.5mm to loosen the two clamp bolts. Worst clamp design I've seen yet but, hey, it's light.

Say you damage a cleat and need to make a pedal adjustment... I think 2.5mm is used for that.

i too used it for my gripshifters