chip

Thanks for all the posts

Raiyn

<nods>

chip

Yes the McGuyver looks good but does it have a chain breaker,I do not think it does
or otherwise it would be on my list

belfast-biker

They're just holding it for you right? You'll get it back, yeah?

The Terminator

I have a Crank Bros. It has hexes, phillips, flathead, chain tool, and spoke wrench. I also have 3 Leatherman tools. I am kind of a knife/ multi tool junkie.

Raiyn

Mine does

cyclinrunt

Do you guys carry this tool with you on rides, or keep it at home? The alien is rather bulky and heavy.

Kev

These tools really are not meant for home/every day use. they are designed to take with you when riding for emergency repairs.

doonster

Another vote for the Crank Bros. Sturdy performance, has everything I need (incl torx & 8mm hex for cranks). Only use with MTB.

khuon

I throw my Alien into a small seatpack along with a minitripod for my digital camera and a small bottle of sunscreen. At home, I'll defer to even bigger and bulkier tools that I wouldn't dream of carrying with me on a ride.

DanFromDetroit

Mine is the Park PPM-2 tool kit.

I also carry a small 6" crescent wrench. My rear wheel is attached with 15mm bolts (Nexus 7-speed) and the wrench is helpful for aligning the axle in the dropouts.

For general use, I carry a Wenger Swiss Army Knife (Soldier). I found that I never used the pliers or the file on the Gerber multi-tool, so now I carry the Soldier.

Dan

MeHT

Topeak Alien RX.
Keep it on my belt.
Woot.

chip

I've use my alien so much it should be worn out but it still works great[chain breaker]I know they were meant to be emergency tools for the road but the alien is so good people are using them anyway...not just for the road but it is sure nice to have the alien just for the road?

cyclinrunt

There are several different Aliens out there:
The regular one
DX
XS
XT
RX

Which is the best? What are you using? I'm looking at the RX.

khuon

I'm using the original regular one. When I bought mine, they only had one kind. I've not tried any of the others to know if they offer more or less tools than I want/need. I'm not sure what to tell you is best for you but I can tell you why the others would probably not fit my needs. For instance, while the DX includes pliers, I'm not sure they'd be particularly useful given their size. I can't see being able to get much leverage on those tiny grips so to me it would just be added unnecessary weight. The XS lacks many tools I'd want such as the chaintool. The XT (which looks to be the same as the RX) is snazzy looking but lack the box wrenches I would need for my seatpost (old Easton CT2 clamphead).

cyclinrunt

I don't think I'd need the box wrenches. I have a 2004 bike (YAY - just got it last Friday!!), so I can't see that I'd need them - so, no need to carry them.

khuon

Yeah, the Easton CT2 posts are great posts... until you go to adjust them. However, Easton has just revised the clamp design and is using the more familiar unibolt/micro-adjust clamp other manufacturers have been using.

The Terminator

I disagree. I would think that a new bike is more in need of adjustment while breaking in to service. The cables have not yet stretched, and some adjustment may be necessary in other areas as well. The seat post may work loose, the handlebars or brake levers may slip or you may have a flat or broken spoke for some reason and need to adjust the spokes so that you can ride back home. I recently lost two hex nuts on one pedal of my pedal straps. I was able to take one off of the good pedal, and put it on the other side. I was able to use the pedal straps for both pedals because of this. The chain can certainly break, and it doesn't have to be a used chain. Some products are not at 100 percent even when brand new. I'm not wishing your new bike ill, it just doesn't hurt to be prepared. I am usually at least 10 miles from my vehicle at the far end of my trips. The tool that I carry certainly provides its dollar value in re-assurance if nothing else.

cyclinrunt

I definately need tools, my chain slipped off today, and I didn't have any (not that I needed them). I just don't think there is anything on my bike that I need box wrenches for, is there?

I know the cables are stretching, and since I'm a newbie, I don't know how to fix it on the road yet. I'm taking it to the lbs about once a week, and they are taking care of it for me.

Because I am new, that's why I'm unsure whether I have anything on the bike that uses box wrenches, all the other tools on the RX I definately need, but not point carrying something I don't need - I could end up pulling a small cart of tools! *laugh*

khuon

Aside from my seatposts, I can't think of anything on my roadbike for which a box wrench would be needed. I can probably come up with a few applications for a box wrench on my MTB however. And older bikes or bikes with older parts with hex bolts in certain places would need it. I suppose if you ride with a group of people, having box wrenches might also be nice in case someone does have hex bolts on their bike. Also, if you're far away from a well-stocked shop and broke a bolt or something, you may be able to find a hexhead bolt at a hardware or auto parts store easier than an allenhead bolt.

free_pizza

Im thinking of getting a Crank Brothers Multi-17 tool for $25 (canadian). Anyone have any opinions on this model?

Raiyn

https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Tools/product_79142.shtml

qmsdc15

Crank Bros.

Don Cook

After many miles and many years, the only "mini" tool I've ever needed is an air pump for flats. Therefore that's the only tool I carry.

Demolition

On my MTB, I carry an old Cool Tool (circa 1992), tire boot, patch kit, FiberFix replacement spoke, a few inches of bailing wire, and duct tape. On my road bike, I carry a Finish Line/WTB Chain Pup (chain tool, spoke wrench, 4/5/6 Allen keys -- circa 1993), jeweler's screwdriver, patch kit, and some duct tape. So far, with those tools, I've been able to repair every breakdown that I've encountered (not including catastrophic stuff like broken frame tubes, obviously).

D.