Bicycle Mechanics - is a multi tool really necessary?

Those multi tools seem to be hot items in the lbs, but I can't imagine needing allen wrenches, screwdrivers, socket sets etc... on my bike rides.
The only problems I've had (so far) are flat tires. The only thing I can see breaking is a chain, so a chain tool could probably come in handy some day.
Have any of you ever needed more then tire levers on your rides?

I have needed a chain tool in 2 races so far. The first race I broke my rear derailleur, and didnt have a chain tool so I had to borrow one. I still didnt have a chain tool in the second race, and the quick link on my chain jammed itself into the front derailleur, so I had to borrow a chain tool again. And I still have it because I didnt even bother to pay attention to what the guy was riding or what he looked like. I usually take my CO2 hand pump, my leatherman, maybe some duct tape, some zip ties, an allen wrench tool, and an extra tube when I go on rides. I think some of the multi tools are worthless, they come with so much crap that you dont need.

KleinMp99, why do you need duct tape for? And zip ties?

For shorter local rides it's not that big a deal to not have one. I didn't buy one until I went to NM. I'd hate to be halfway through a ride like that and have something come loose and have my ride ruined. Not to mention having to walk many miles.

On a fast descent a few days ago after an intense and technical cyclocross ride, I felt a low-frequency vibration through my brake levers and heard a knocking sound. I knew I had a loose headset, so I pulled over to the side, pulled out my allen keys and tightened the headset bolt. It [i]was loose, and I continued my descent at 60 km/h confident that I had solved a potentially dangerous problem:

Loose headset + high speed descent = shimmy.

Shimmy + high speed descent = Bad road rash.

QED

Green Lion - Why the duct tape?
I actually wind some around my pump.
On one ride, a member of our group tore a hole in his tire about 8 mile from the end of the ride. We put in a new tube, put duct tape around the tire and wheel and pumped him up. At least he could RIDE back to the start.

Also,...torn ditty bag or broken zipper on bag. Need to carry something small and can attach it somewhere on your bike.

Whatever holds your mirror on broke.

Whatever.
It is more valuable than a multi tool.

Oh yes, I carry two allen wrenchs. One to tightened my water cage if necessary and one to adjust my brakes if necessary. Only used the former so far.

Any self sufficient cyclist will need to make adjustments and repairs at some point. Ive had saddle rotate, derailleurs need adjusting, rack bolts come lose, cables snap.

I always take allen keys with me, and have used them. I like the ones which come with the CoolTool (2 sizes on one key), and they are pretty good quality keys. The chain tool is for emergency use only and the spanner is pretty crappy.
I had a Topeak took and that was junk.
The Leatherman micro tool (pliers and a handle which folds in half) is great. I once had to remove the valve retaining nut of an inner tube that had corroded in place. No pliers, no puncture repair, long walk home.

All-in-one tools mean you cant apply two tools to one job

Agreed. You will eventually need tools when you are riding. The tool you will need is often the tool you did not bring.

I don't like multi-tools. They are not as easy to use as a regular hand tool. Get the tools you need - small and comfy, and put them in a saddle bag.

Originally posted by green lion
KleinMp99, why do you need duct tape for? And zip ties?

Why not? Who knows what could happen.....I put duct tape over my fraying rear brake cable because it was scratching the hell out of my leg...and zipties fix anything.....and its not like their awkward to carry. And I took some girl scout cookies on my ride tonight, but forgot about them, and after about 3/4 of the ride was over, my friend was like whats in your camelback and I was like O ****! THE GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!!! (thin mints:D) That was a highlight of the ride.

Last summer a fellow I met on a rented bike with one of those kiddies "attach-a-bike" thingamajigs was sure glad I had some tools. The hitch had come apart, and with my handy pair of pliers which I carry, alonf with some other tools we were able to get a temporary fix and get him on his way. Otherwise, a rather long walk for the dad, mom (on another bike) and the little kiddo.

Then, a short time later, I happened upon a guy walking (he had road bike shoes and was walking on hot pavement in his stocking feet) with about 7 miles to go. Sorry, I had no chain tool, and he had left his at home. So, I could not help him, but I do have a chain tool NOW, (although I haven't a clue how to use it). I always figured that if I had a tool, someone else would come along who knew how to use it!! :D

So, tools can not only help you, they can help others.

Originally posted by DnvrFox
So, tools can not only help you, they can help others.

Great attitude, DF! That is one reason I am pleased that my current frame pumps can adapt to help Schraeder-valved cyclists in distress.

I used to carry a spare gear cable, a spare brake cable, a few spare spokes rubberbanded to my pump, a small adjustable spanner, pliers, spoke wrench, hex keys, open-end wrenches, small screwdriver, innertube or tubular tyre, patch kit, tyre levers, etc. Since I have not snapped a cable in years and rarely break a spoke these days, I have lightened my repair kit load somewhat.

I love my victorinox Swiss tool... but it's not really for biking... whatever. it still rules.

Well, my brother-in-law calls me the pack mule when we go riding. The funny thing is, we never have to walk back! I use a Camelback Razor and in it I carry the following:

Allen Multi-tool: Metric. The cheap one from Home Depot, with just allen wrenches, not the super expensive ones from Bike Shops!

LeatherMan Type tool: includes needle nose pliers, flat tip and phillips tip blades, a knife, and a file, and scissors too!

Spoke Wrench: I carry a Wrench Force multi-sized one. It has four sizes on it, so it'll work on my spokes and whomever else's.

Chain Tool: I use a small compact one that takes up no space at all!

Mini-Pump

Spare Tube AND a patch kit!

Zip Ties

Duct Tape (Actually I put a couple of wraps around my seatpost. My post is black and you can get black tape, you hardly notice it!)

Spare Crank Bolt

Flashlight

A few first-aid items. Triple Anti-biotic, some gauze, some bandages! Duct tape works well too!

Remember the old Boy Scout Moto: "Always be prepared"

L8R

My multi-tool has saved many a ride for me. Most recently I used the 3mm allen key to remove a broken water bottle cage and the 4mm key to replace it with one I borrowed from another bike. I don't think it is possible to be prepared for every contingency, but that is no excuse for being completely unprepared. If your seat post starts sliding into the frame, your bottle cages start to rattle, or your brake pads shift out of alignment, a multi-tool can be a ride saver.

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
Well, my brother-in-law calls me the pack mule when we go riding. <snip>
A few first-aid items. Triple Anti-biotic, some gauze, some bandages! <snip>
Along with that, I've been carrying surgical gloves....if I have to help somebody else.....you never know.

I'm not a big fan of the all-in-one tools. They seem to try and make those things as tiny as possible. Pardon me, but when I use a tool I want leverage.

I have a multitool that has 4 allen keys a phillips head and a flat head screwdriver on it. It also apparently has a couple of spoke wrenches, but my Park spoke wrench is superior in every way and takes up almost no room. I sometimes think that even this is less than ideal and that separate tools would be preferable.

Originally posted by beowoulfe

Along with that, I've been carrying surgical gloves....if I have to help somebody else.....you never know.

Good thinking. Along with using the gloves for injured people, you can use them to keep your hands clean when doing on-the-road repairs.

A lot of cyclists (myself included) keep a pair of plastic disposable gloves in the tool bag in case I need to make repairs during my commute to work. I hadn't thought of using them for first-aid, but it is a good idea.