Bicycle Mechanics - Multi-tool

I need to buy a multi-tool, that is something that would have a bunch of tools in a small, foldable package. So far, I have seen one from Crank Brothers that has more or less all I need - allen keys, regular/philps screwdrivers, chain tool. Is there anything better? It does not have to be super-light but it does have to be fairly small.

I've been carrying this one around for a few years: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/TL401J15-Topeak+Alien+Ii+Folding+Tool+26+Function.aspx

I'm not familiar with the Crank Bros tool you mention, so I can't compare.

I have the crankbrothers, it looks good but when I use it, the allen wrenches keep rotating which makes it hard to use. I'm considering something like this: http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=T0008

I haven't had any problems with this while on the road and needing to do things. I have much better tools available at home in my garage, but this works fine in the middle of nowhere.

http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=74

The trick with multi-tools is find one with all the tools you need but none that you don't.

For a modern road bike I like the Topeak Hexus 16, http://www.topeak.com/2007/products/tools/toolmain.php

Regards, Anthony

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23435&subcategory_ID=4217

I just received this one and it has everything, and packs away very tight and light.
Hope I never have to use it but cheap ins.

Ron C

I've used the Crank Bros Multi-17 tool for several years & like it alot. The one & only time I've needed a chain tool away from home, it worked nicely. I use the allen wrenches frequently to tighten things up pre-ride w/ no problems.

As Ron C said: these tools are cheap - lots of options for under $20. Buy one; if it doesn't suit your needs, give it to a buddy & buy a different tool.

Man, there are lots of multi tools out there.

Back in the day, I carried a Cool Tool.

I have a couple different ones now.

A Crank Bros Multi 19

A Park IB-3

Hmm. The trick is that it's probably going to be my only tool-kit for this particular bicycle - this one is going to live in a small city appartment and the space is at a major premium. I like the components of both CoolTool and the Crank Brothers tool, the little wrench is pretty nifty just like it's nifty to have a chain tool. Alternatively, I might buy CB tool and a leatherman or something universal like that.

I bought individual tools at the hardware store and only carry what my bike uses. 3,4,5 & 6mm hex wrenches, small reversible screwdrilver, tire levers and a small pair of pliers. You can get more leverage on separate hex wrenches than multi tools. Weight; not enough to worry about. bk

Oh yeah, I also carry a Victorinox (Swiss Army) Tinker.

Picked up this Gerber 'Clutch' mini leatherman-type.

I'm kinda with Ken and Bkaapcke. I have a Gerber multitool (an "800 compact" or something, if I recall) where the important thing for bikes are the multiple standard driver bits, and a fold-up hex wrench. That way, I've got a knife, pliers, and a bottle opener with me, as well. But then, I've been accused of having a Batman-approaching belt. I've also got a little flashlight in there and a big-ass cellphone.

I've never been happy with bike specific multi-tools. Either poorly constructed, flimsy or don't provide enough leverage.

If you look at what you really might need on a typical recreational or commute ride, the reality is you can get by with a few targeted tools. In a touring situation, your needs are different, but then again I wouldn't tour with just a multi-tool.

Vetta Tube Tool Pro is pretty nice.

If you want every tool known to man, the Park MTB3 has it all. I left my wedge unzipped one day and lost it, but retrieved after it's being run over. It's a tank.

I've never been happy with bike specific multi-tools. Either poorly constructed, flimsy or don't provide enough leverage.

If you look at what you really might need on a typical recreational or commute ride, the reality is you can get by with a few targeted tools. In a touring situation, your needs are different, but then again I wouldn't tour with just a multi-tool.

+1

My experience is the steel in multi-tools are not as good as I'd like.

I prefer a few allen wrenches, a small phillips screwdriver and a chain tool. Everything works well and it all fits easily into a small seat bag.

A Swiss Army knife with a flash drive.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/images/products/zoom/swiss-memory.jpg

I'm kinda with Ken and Bkaapcke. I have a Gerber multitool (an "800 compact" or something, if I recall) where the important thing for bikes are the multiple standard driver bits, and a fold-up hex wrench. That way, I've got a knife, pliers, and a bottle opener with me, as well. But then, I've been accused of having a Batman-approaching belt. I've also got a little flashlight in there and a big-ass cellphone.

I'm with you on this; dates to my bike-boom days when I did LOTS of repairs on the road.
In my seatbag are a cheap-o Bell combo tool (the one with the sockets) and a small adjustable wrench; in my pockets are a Leatherman PST and a Swiss Army knife.
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I like the Crank Bros 17 but find the chain tool difficult to use. Perhaps
your fingers are stronger. I got a Park IB-3 to overcome the chain tool
problem but haven't used it at all yet.

The trick with multi-tools is find one with all the tools you need but none that you don't.

For a modern road bike I like the Topeak Hexus 16, http://www.topeak.com/2007/products/tools/toolmain.php

Regards, Anthony

+1, I use a Hexus 16 all the time. I flip a few bikes from time to time and use it to remove/install chains, adjust heads and other sundry uses. I've had it three years with no complaints other than it shows the scars of being used about 5 days a week. Added advantage, its small enough to take on long road rides. If it failed tomorrow, I'd get the same model.

+1 for the Topeak Hexus 16 or whatever its called