DJConspicious

What kind of all-in-one tools do you use when you are out commuting. You need to be prepared for when something happens and having to dig through your backpack or panniers can be a pain!

I've been using a cheap-o multi-tool that I got for 8 bucks. It works ok but the blade isn't very well built and gets dull rather quickly. Today I picked up a Leatherman Core multi-tool and love it! It came with a case that goes on my belt right next to my blackberry case. It has most of the tools I would need when working on my bike sans hex bits.

I know there is a version of the Core that has a bit driver and you can use different kinds of bits. That is obviously going beyond the compact-ness of having an all-in-one if you have to carry another pouch with all the bits.

dlester

My most useful multi-tool is the cell phone.

Barring that, I have the standard metric allen wrench/screwdriver swiss army looking widget along with a spare tube, inflator, and two cartridges.

On any bike manufactured in the last 15 years or so, most of what you show on your multi tool would not be of much use to you in any situation short of being stranded in the wilderness.

RedRider2009

Pedro's Trixie for the SS/FG

CB HI

This is my favorite for cycling:

https://www.topeak.com/products/Tools/ALiEN_II

landstander

I like the Topeak Hexus.

Big_e

I carry the Bell Multi-tool I bought at Walmart. It's covered all my needs so far. It came just like in the pic with the patch kit. I think it was like $12.00.
Ernest

tronstar

https://www.lezyne.com/index.php/prod...-tools/v5.html
the Lezyne V5, has only things i need, no extras. It's also lightweight and purdy

TrekJapan

I've got one of those too that I used to carry in my Camelback backpack when I was mountain biking. The constant exposure to the wet from my sweat and the condensation from the water bladder turned it into a rusted hunk 'o junk. Not saying that wouldn't happen with any other tool but I learned the hard way with the Bell tool not to leave it in the Camelback and to half way dry it off. I actually replaced it with another one and once I started taking care of it, it was fine.

I didn't want some $40 multi tool out in the jungle of Okinawa as we always manage to lose stuff while riding.

It wasn't the most sleek tool but as you say it's all there and I liked having all the patch stuff with me when deep in the sub tropical jungle.

My favorite tool of all time is the crank bros. multi 17 or 19. Darn near nothing you can't do with one of those. The chain tool actually works like a champ as well. I never dreamed it was worth a hoot until I needed it once and it's pretty doggone slick.

John

kaseri

Park Tool IB-1

savethekudzu

The Crank Brothers m17 is made of WIN alloyed with AWESOME.
Lots of allen wrenches; chain tool; philips & flat-head screwdrivers; even spoke wrenches!
May still be worth carrying pliers (such as in a Leatherman-style) or, if an older bike, a small adjustable wrench.
But for most recent bikes, the m17 fills the bill.

rugerben

I've used a couple but right now I use a Topeak Mini-18. It's the best bike multi-tool I've ever used.

My every day multi-tool is my Schrader Tough-Tool. It broke my heart when the company went under. They made great stuff, and that multi-tool, despite the fact that it's 10 years old, is still better than the current leatherman's as far as I can see.

meanwhile

I don't understand the multi-tool thing for bikes, even with a bike specific tool. Long allen keys in the 3 main sizes weigh nothing and are handier - I'm not sure that any of the tools here could adjust a brake lever position. Tyre levers are light and more useful as separates. After that all I want is a tube, a means of inflation, and a tyre boot. Re the OP's tool - I have a SOG Powergrip (a serious piece of hardware and very useful) with an adaptor than can take hex heads, but the fat heads with their attachment collars are often too awkward to get where I need them. Hex/allen keys should be strong, long, and thin!

Ronniewo

+1. I like cheap and effective.

xtrajack

I run the Park Tool MTB 3:


I used it to install my Free Radical attachment when I built my Xtracycle.

Standalone 

Topeak Hexus. And my smallest adj. crescent wrench when I'm on my Dahon Curve. I use it all the time at home for adjustments rather than take out other tools.

https://www.topeak.com/products/Tools...6yellowW_O_Bag

Not that it's the 100% best out there or anything. It was just what was at this one shop that was going out of business.

tsl

One piece of advice I got in this forum real early on was, "Maintain your bike well enough at home and you won't have to fix it on the road."

Following that advice, in four years, all I've had to fix on the road so far are flat tires, and twice chain quick-links have let go.

I've been carrying a Nashbar equivalent of the Topeak and Crank Brothers multi-tools shown above, but I've never used it. I've been considering eliminating it from my bags (I have two, one for each bag) and just keeping my tire levers with me. Maybe supplemented with a small, lightweight chain tool.

I'll always keep tire levers, tube, patch kit and a spare quick-link with me.

chephy

Don't like multitools; they're very cumbersome to use. For example, the screwdriver on most multitools I've seen does not lock and thus is practically useless. And I always seem to need the Allen key just one size up from the largest in the multitool.

lil brown bat

I have an Alien, but I've never have to use it. I tend to agree with tsl. Other people borrow it at work sometimes to do their bike stuff, though.

DX-MAN

CB Multi-17, 2 Park tire levers, bits of chain/Power Links, patch kit and spare tube, and pump. Except for the pump, all fit inside a discman-size carrier (came w/ my pack).

I've had to use the 17 twice; broke two chains on commutes. One was a week old, so maintaining at home didn't apply.... I've replenished the patch kit 3x in 3 years, 2x for the tubes.

For my maintenance, since my job involves assembling bikes, I an do it at work during my lunch if needed; but most of it is taken care of by my Park Rollup Tool kit.

rugerben

Don't. You know that the first time you don't carry the tool is going to be the first time you need it.

fuzz2050

But you never know when one of your friends (who might be less diligent than you about repair) might need a hand.

gomadtroll

Wow, new meaning to feature creep :-) I do use the most basic , 7 tools ?, Topeak, but I prefer real tools to get stuff done. I carry a small tool pouch with everything needed to rebuild my bike, .. from scratch ;-)

I have only forgot my tools twice and both times something needed fixing, or else I walked.

d2create

The one thing you're missing (allen wrenches or hex bits as you call them) are the most commonly needed tool(s) for bikes. Your new multi-tool might be good for getting lost in the wilderness, but as far as fixing bikes it's far from ideal.

eshvanu

I don't. I carry a small adjustable wrench, a handle and socket that fits the one bolt I have to double-up on to change the rear tire, a small double-ended screwdriver (one blade, one phillips), a pair of pliers, a Husky allen wrench set all-in-one, and my tire pullers in the box with my spare tube. Works for me.

dynodonn 

I have a Cannondale multi tool that I received for free at a Bike to Work rally and it's been very useful so far. No more carrying bulking tools, freeing up much needed space and reducing weight as well.