Commuting - Topeak Hexus 16 vs. Alien II

Hello,

I'm a novice looking for my first multitool in case I need to change a flat or very basic stuff. Is it worth to buy the expensive one? What's the main difference in the extra 10 tools? In which case I would need to do something with the Alien that I can't do with the Hexus?

Hexus 16 ($19.20)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000FICB22/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

Alien II 26 ($31.50)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000FIE4AE/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

My vote for the Alien because i found that being able to have two separate tools is a need to fix some things.

Coque.

I carry a tiny 8-tool one (Ascent Barebones, from Performance, but its out of stock) and add in a set of higher quality tire levers to my bag. You are never going to use 75% of the stuff on the Alien. The 8 tool just has 6 allen wrenches and a phillips and flat screwdriver.

That takes care of any derailleur, headset, or fit issues (seatpost, stem). It won't give you the torque of a wrench, but a 6mm allen wrench will get you home if a pedal comes loose. The only thing it really lacks is a chain tool, but I've never broken a chain yet, and think I can accept limping home on the small chance I do.

Having a set of quality tire levers is more important for everyday riding than having 20 extra tools with the integrated levers those tools have, if you ask me.

I much prefer the Topeak. It is flat, so it fits into my bag better, the black plastic handles are actually tire levers that pop right off the side when you need them, and the chain tool is better. I broke a chain tool on my wife's Alien. Never a problem with the Topeak. It is my favorite mini-tool, hands down.

Hello Pinyon, both are Topeak... which are you talking about? Thanks!

I carry a tiny 8-tool one (Ascent Barebones, from Performance, but its out of stock) and add in a set of higher quality tire levers to my bag. You are never going to use 75% of the stuff on the Alien. The 8 tool just has 6 allen wrenches and a phillips and flat screwdriver.

That takes care of any derailleur, headset, or fit issues (seatpost, stem). It won't give you the torque of a wrench, but a 6mm allen wrench will get you home if a pedal comes loose. The only thing it really lacks is a chain tool, but I've never broken a chain yet, and think I can accept limping home on the small chance I do.

Having a set of quality tire levers is more important for everyday riding than having 20 extra tools with the integrated levers those tools have, if you ask me.

+1 to all this. I have real tools at home, and my plan for a mechanical catastrophe is to walk or get a ride. Just consider how far from home you're likely to be and what mechanicals you may have to deal with; for many riders there's no need to carry a complete tool kit along on a ride.

I have the Hexus and am very happy with it. It has everything I need and almost nothing that I don't use. It works so well that when I'm at home working on the bike I usually use it because I'm too lazy to walk down to the basement to get 'real' tools.

Hello Pinyon, both are Topeak... which are you talking about? Thanks!

I feel stupid! I like the Hex 16 better than the alien.

Thanks everybody... I'll definitely become a pro if I keep on asking in this forum!

I have a Accent bare bones on one bike with a set of tire levers. Does basic adjustments and takes up minimal room in the seat bag.

I have The AllienII on one bike but it weighs a ton compared to the Accent and you start adding that to a bunch of other junk it ads up. The Alien will come with me when I tour but it is over kill for a short trip bike where SAG from work mates or wife is around. The Accent is on sale for $5 right now at performance May have to go pick up 3 more for the other bikes so I don't have to remember to grab it. :lol:

Can somebody explain to me the use of the 3x spoke wrenches, the 9/10 speed and the T25 in this Lezyne tool? Is it worthy to get the CRV20 instead of the CRV12 only for the tire levers? Can I compare this with the Hexus 16? Thanks!

http://www.lezyne.com/index.php/products/multi-tools/crv-12.html

Can somebody explain to me the use of the 3x spoke wrenches, the 9/10 speed and the T25 in this Lezyne tool? Is it worthy to get the CRV20 instead of the CRV12 only for the tire levers? Can I compare this with the Hexus 16? Thanks!

http://www.lezyne.com/index.php/products/multi-tools/crv-12.html

Get a quality set of tire levers seperate from the multi-tool. Multi-tool tire levers are almost never as durable / useful and it bloats the cost of the multi-tool.

Lezyne, Topeak, Park Tool, Pedro's all make really good tire lever sets.

Another vote for the Accent bare bones. Does pretty much all I need on the road and fits into my very small seatbag, along with a spare tube and a single tire lever.

I switched to this after hauling around a muti-tool of some sort with tons of stuff on it that never got used.