mountainwalker

A bike mechanic at my best local shop recommended some Crank Brothers 25 tool multi-tool, but couldn't remember the model. Any recommendations?

I'm really getting back into biking and enjoying learning about maintenance and repair again.

AnkleWork

Define "best."

hueyhoolihan

i've used a CB multi-tool for quite a few years now. it's fine, but i'm sure others are of equal quality. it's got about 5 or 6 hex wrenches on there and a phillips head. but it's really about what you need. i could easily get along without the phillips head or one of the wrenches. so i should probably just carry 5 hex keys...

now that i think about it, it's not a bad idea.

Bezalel

I had a Crank Brothers Multi-19 but didn't like the feel so I exchanged it for a Topeak Mini 18+.

dsbrantjr

I don't like multi-tools (try installing a water bottle cage with one) so I carry the hex L-wrenches and open end wrenches required, along with a chain tool and some quick links wrapped in a shop rag, instead.

I think I have 4 L-wrenches and 3 small ignition wrenches all told; likely lighter than a multi-tool and the fit and leverage are superior. There is a small roll of duct tape, a small double-ended screwdriver and a couple of zip ties in there as well. My tire levers are with my spare tube and patches.

Rowan

Topeak Hexus II.

FLJeepGuy

Seconded...

Gnosis

I always carry a Park Tool IB-3 multi tool which provides 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm hex wrenches, a flat blade screwdriver, a T25 Star driver for disc brake rotor screws, an excellent composite wrapped tire lever which triples as a spoke wrench of two sizes (3.23mm & 3.45mm nipples), as well as serves as the handle for tightening its 7 thru 10-speed capable chain breaking tool. This multi tool weighs just 6 ounces (170 grams) per the link provided below. I’ve used this multi tool’s chain breaker several times when installing new chains on my bikes as well as on the bikes of family and friends and it works quite well.

Park Tool Co. » IB-3 : I-Beam Mini Fold-Up with Chain Tool : Multi Tools

I’ve never broken a chain while in use, but I suppose it’s bound to happen eventually, so carrying a couple of 8-speed Power Links and my chain breaking tool will allow me to get back underway again fairly quickly if a chain ever breaks while in use. Being able to repair most potential failures while roadside is of vital importance to me, as my solo rides have been as long as 200 miles and I have a 250 mile ride awaiting a break in the current heat wave (so quite possibly this coming weekend). I’m completely self-reliant on all of my rides (don’t even own a wireless communication device, so no ability to “call for assistance” while out in the remoteness of the mountains, which is the way I like it), so my long distance rides are as much “missions of survival” as they are “personal long distance challenges”, which makes their success all the more gratifying at my current age of 58.

Retro Grouch 

I'm frequently surprised at the amount of tools many riders feel necessary to carry with them on every ride. For decades all that I've carried with me is enough stuff to handle one flat tire.

I'm writing this from home so I've always managed to get back.

Gnosis

When I was 25 years old (and invincible ), I never carried anything with me, not water, not food, nor a tire repair kit, nor a spare inner tube or pump; absolutely nothing. However, my longest rides were only about 10 to 11 miles away from home and they were few in number, as most were more local to my neighborhood, so I could easily walk home if worse came to worse. That was back in the days of my Huffy Aerowind 12-speed, which never incurred a single flat tire for the several years I owned it.

It’s highly probable that you carry a wireless communication device hence, you likely have someone that you can call to come to your assistance if the worst occurs or, you likely don’t ride solo for 200+ miles carrying only enough to handle one flat tire.

But for those of us that ride entirely solo for 200+ miles and refuse to own a wireless device just as we refuse to call anyone for assistance, it is absolutely essential to be self-reliant hence appropriately equipped to handle a myriad of potential failures rather than be stranded simply because we had otherwise foolishly elected to be a weight weenie who objected to carrying a few relatively lightweight tools.

Riding prepared to deal with potential failures is a far better plan than hoping the only thing you’ll ever need to do is repair one flat tire.

HillRider

There is no "best" but the simplest and lightest useful multi-tool I know of is Park Tool's MT-1 "dogbone" tool. It has 3,4,5,6 and 8 mm hex keys, 8,9 and 10 mm box wrenches and a small flat screwdriver and weighs only about 50 grams. It's shaped so that the larger hex keys have decent leverage. Combined with a small chain tool it will do most road-side adjustments.

Leebo

Never snapped a chain or a cable? Mt bikers tend to carry more for back country rides, 10-20 miles is along way to walk. Plus it is not unusual to get more than one flat or a mechanical on a mt bike ride.

Hendo252 

My pick too; simple, lightweight and has most of what you want for a low price.

Not sexy and it won't get many comments from fellow riders but it will get you riding after most on-road calamities.

start with this and replace it when you find it lacking...

gsa103

There's two approaches to multi-tools, basic vs fix everything.

I use Bontrager: Multi Tool (Model #08928), its small, light, and has everything needed for adjusting any of the components.

cyccommute 

Yup. This is my back country kit



Everything in that picture has saved my bacon at least once.

As for the best multitool, it's this one



Unlike other multitools, this one actually feels like a tool. It fits in your hand. I've looked at other multitools but never liked them because they don't feel right in your hand. This one does all the things that other multitools do and a couple of things that they won't. Unfortunately, they aren't made anymore.

fietsbob

Lezyne's costs more .. Lezyne - Engineered Design - Products - Multi-Tools more expensive = best, Right?

Jed19

I lucked out about three years ago and found a new Lezyne Stainless 12 on Craigslist at a dirt cheap price. I totally recommend it.

SkyDog75

If there was a single "best", there probably wouldn't be so many wildly different models. It's a matter of personal preference and what multitool has the specific tools you think you might need for your particular bike.

I usually carry a Park Tool MT-1 "dogbone" on my road bike. It's very basic, but has the tools I'm most likely to need for that bike. Well, other than a chain tool and a spoke wrench, but I can pack those separately if I think I need 'em.

I also have a Crank Brothers Multi-19 and like it. The chain tool and spoke wrench are particularly good for a multitool. I usually keep it on the bike I ride with my daughters because when I'm riding with them, I've got three very different bikes that might need attention and the tool has almost everything I might need for all of them. I can deal with the weight of an "everything but the kitchen sink" kind of tool if it keeps the three of us from walking home.

Wilfred Laurier

i can fix any mechanical breakdown I have ever had
with two exceptions
with any tool that has the following

allen keys
Philips and flat screwdriver
chain tool
tire levers
patch kit
pump
spare tube

my current multi tool
has everything up and including
tire levers

the exceptions I have encountered are
broken frame
and
broken bottom bracket spindle

I think I actually did ride the 5 km or so home with a broken bb spindle
but my right leg was tired and sore for the next few days

Wilfred Laurier

cant see the picture
but my money is on it being a cool tool
which was a little tool kit
based around a thin adjustable wrench
with a chain tool built into the handle

the thing that amazed me about the cool tool
and what differentiated it from most multi tools
was that the chain tool dint break after three uses
which has been my experience with most multis


edit

just saw the picture
yup
that is also what i think was
the best multi tool ever made
the one flaw with the tool was
the pin around which the wrench adjuster rotated
would fall out
which could be overcome
if the tool and tiny parts
were still in your bag or pocket
but not if they escaped

i think i still have the two combnation allen keys somewhere

Retro Grouch 

You do what you think is best for you, I'll do what I think is best for me.

Retro Grouch 

Yup, I've done all three. It's been a long time but I broke a rear derailleur cable on a ride. Rode all the way back home in high gear. Snapped a chain on a solo mountain bike ride. I had a Park mini-chain tool with me but discovered the pin was missing. Lowered my seat and "flint stoned" 4 miles of singletrack back to my car. Once just last year I had 2 flats on the same ride. Fortunately I had a patch kit with me so I patched both tubes by the road side and rode home. None of those experiences were traumatic enough to affect my attitude.

Darth Lefty 

The one I have was from Specialized and looks like a bad Swiss Army knife. It's supplemented with a knockoff Leatherman because you always need scissors and dikes and pliers and no bike tool has them.

Ah, here we go. This thing: Specialized Bicycle Components. You need another rod or Allen wrench to use the chain breaker.

achoo

Lezyne stainless - doesn't get all rusty WHEN it gets wet.

filmcan

Careful, 'cause most multi-tool chain breakers are not 11 speed compatible. I got the Pedro's Six Pack chain tool and it works excellent on my 11 speed chain. Then I went to Harbor Freight and got a (long) bit kit (Warrior brand) and a short handle all for $14. Just take the bits you need. The bits work way better than any multi-tool and actually take up less space. Here's a photo...