Great Lakes - What's your favorite multitool?

I need one.

What do you recommend?

EDIT: I'd want something small and lightweight, to go in my jersey pocket. Something with whatever I'd need for emergency roadside repairs, but nothing more.

I hardly ever use one, but I have the Crank Bros 17 tool one. It rusts though.

Expanding on my post on the other (*cough* www.madisonbiking.com) board, (and too lazy to look up that password), this was the most favorite multitool in 2006> http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=11&item=IB%2D1# and might fit your requirement for portability.

Mine's a little bigger and is parked in the seatbag. Maybe that's why I am slower than you; too much weight back there.

I like the minimalist Park MT-1 (http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=11&item=MT-1), sort of a modern take on the Campy "Y" tool -- one piece. If it has the tools you need, it can be a good choice.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/412CK6YG5JL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Campy "T" tool I meant. Must go ride and restore the brain to full function.

duct tape

Psimet2001

A multitool in the purest sense.
Traxle bolt spanner and a peanut butter spreader:

http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&major=6&minor=4&description=769+Crank+Bolt+Wrench&vendorCode=CAMP

EDIT: I'd want something small and lightweight, to go in my jersey pocket. Something with whatever I'd need for emergency roadside repairs, but nothing more.

Psimet2001
This was going to be my answer, too.

The great thing is he's almost lightweight enough these days to fit in a jersey pocket.

I have a Park MT-1 that I would trade for a couple of new tubes (700C, 26" or 650B) or something of similar value.

I have a serfas muti tool it has 6 allen head and flat and phillips head. Works well to adjust cleats and tighten any bolts that might come loose during and ride. Fits well in my seat bag or jersey pocket. Don't know about long term yet but so far so good

Will fix just about anything:

http://www.screwfix.com/sfd/i/cat/53/p3439053_l.jpg

or if you're near a railroad

http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/teachers/train/rock3.jpg

Thanks for all the gag replies - Kimbercop, your suggestion of Psimet is the front-runner, since, as I said, I'm looking for something lightweight (rimshot).

IceNine, I might be interested in your MT-1. I want to ride with basically those tools plus a spoke wrench.

And maybe a chain tool - on the fence about that. I've never had a chain break on me, but jbmadtown's "chain explosion" experience got me thinking I should be prepared. Are the older chains more durable? I have two bikes running Sedis GT-7 chains from the 70s and 80s that are still going great and not stretched.

My other chain tool question: when a multitool's chain tool is described as "10-speed compatible" or "8/9/10-speed compatible," is it also compatible with my 5/6/7-speed chain?

I own two "full function" multi tools (Topeak Hexus 16 and a Park Tool I-beam mini w/chain tool) and a small 6-hex key fold out (Topeak mini multi-6) that is about the size of a pink rubber eraser. The bigger tools are nice to have, but I can't honestly say that I've needed all the extra tools whilst on the side of the road. Between the mini fold out, a patch kit and a set of levers, I have everything I need for quick repairs. For anything more than that I have my cell phone and a full set of tools at home.

That being said the one real advantage of having the larger tools with you is torque. When something is slipping, you just can't get any good leverage on the small tool to do something like cinch down a loose shifter or seatpost clamp. Maybe enough to get you home, but not enough to fix the problem.

In all honesty, do you really need one? I'll sometimes carry a spoke wrench, but not usually (then again I run 32 or 36h wheels). Break a chain? I never have. What if something comes loose? It won't. If you keep up with the maintenance, you shouldn't need any tools along (except a tire iron or two). Unless, of course, you crash. Then all you need is a big rock to bang whatever is crooked, back into place until you get home.

What's in my home tool box? LOTS of stuff! THAT's where your tools should be! :)

As funny as they are the comments about "Bang it back into shape" are making the mechanic in me cringe.

For a shakedown ride on a new build I do think some extra tools and care are a good idea, honestly. But, once all those bolts are torqued down (you are using a torque wrench aren't you?) it shouldn't be a problem.

Crank Bros multi-tool user here.

i like the minimalist park mt-1 (http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=11&item=mt-1), sort of a modern take on the campy "y" tool -- one piece. If it has the tools you need, it can be a good choice.

+1

Psimet2001

+1

later.

+1

Hey, weren' t you working at 259, the time of this post?? Seems to me I lost track of you for a few minutes there today. How'd you get around the webfilter??

Psimet2001

Forget him for repairs for a while longer.....he has my bike in his shop. He's never beheld such a sight; I think he will recover but I'm sure my bike's neglected state has left him permanently scarred.

Cant be any worse than my commuter I dropped on him a couple of years ago. How you feeling smokin?

This was going to be my answer, too.

The great thing is he's almost lightweight enough these days to fit in a jersey pocket.

He's also a great replacement to a Chia Pet too.

Cant be any worse than my commuter I dropped on him a couple of years ago. How you feeling smokin?
Thanks for asking! Much better. After 12 weeks, I am finally released to exercise. Liver function isn't totally normal yet. But,hey, nothing about me is totally normal!

After 12 weeks without excercise, you could still out ride most people on this site. You'll be back in no time. Glad to hear your doing better, go get'em

psimet2001

lol!

How did I miss this thread?


Psimet2001

Thanks. Wait....is this a good thing?


Forget him for repairs for a while longer.....he has my bike in his shop. He's never beheld such a sight; I think he will recover but I'm sure my bike's neglected state has left him permanently scarred.

I don't knwo what you're talking about.....:twitchy:

BTW - Horrible picture, but it's done. See you at the trainer class tonight. Aham and CyLowe....I expect you there too....Timmyquest too....kimber too...
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/5776/crystalsbikemedium.jpg

See you at the trainer class tonight. Aham and CyLowe....I expect you there too....Timmyquest too....kimber too...

My dog ate my homework.

My dog ate my homework.

My dog ate my trainer....

I did get a new RD and so it's running again.

Not that it matters anymore, but I'm getting the MT-1 from IceNine. Thanks all. Best of luck healing up SM, hope to see you with the usual suspects on 5/30.

The bike looked even better in person! And felt awesome! The trainer class was great. Psimet is quite the coach; I loved the accelerations. :) I'll be back on Thursday.

I think the weather looks good enough this afternoon to get out for a ride on the roads. I truly hate to get it dirty.

sekaijin, I'm so sorry we hijacked your thread, but I'm glad that ( no thanks to any of us) you were able to choose a multitool.

I'm feeling much better but just went by perceived effort last night at the class. Didn't want to depress myself with any sort of power meter.
See ya in May!