Do I need a multi-tool?
#26
aka Tom Reingold
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I carry 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm allen keys, and two steel tire levers. I bind them together with a rubber band. That's my multi tool. I can reach the allen bolts from any angle because they are not constrained by the weird shapes of multi tools.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#27
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One watchout regarding some of the smaller tools previously mentioned. If you have any componentry that's newer you may need a T25 torx head. I have both of these (on different bikes) - SKS Tom 7 and the Blackburn heist 6 tools.
#28
well hello there
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Surprising, since the shape and placement of the fixed tools are it's most brilliant aspect. There's no folding out to do, so you have access to all of the tools with only one hand. There's no stabilizing to do because the tools don't pivot, so it doesn't fall out of position if you change your grip. The 5mm and 6mm hex heads are the longest so they can reach into bottle cage bolts, while the 2mm is the stubbiest for short-reach jobs like pedal tension screws. From a design perspective, it's really smart.
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#31
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Couple thoughts- carrying a multi tool is not an admission that you've failed to adequately prepare your bike before a ride. Also, the weight (even for the bigger ones) is negligible. If you're racing, you wouldn't have a tool or a flat kit, but just riding around... I think carrying one is a no-brainer.
I sometimes like to tinker with my saddle using the hex head on my tool, and having a phillips head allowed me to adjust my limit screws recently after my shift cable snapped so I could force the bike into an easier gear to get home. Sure, I'd have survived without it, but I have the space in my little bag so why not bring it?
I sometimes like to tinker with my saddle using the hex head on my tool, and having a phillips head allowed me to adjust my limit screws recently after my shift cable snapped so I could force the bike into an easier gear to get home. Sure, I'd have survived without it, but I have the space in my little bag so why not bring it?
Last edited by Dan333SP; 07-18-16 at 03:13 PM.
#33
Portland Fred
I always carry a multitool, specifically the Park MT-1. Things can fail or you might just need to make an adjustment. I also keep zip ties in my handlebars and a couple extra winds of electrical tape around my bars. A huge amount of versatility does not need to weigh much or take much space.
#34
Senior Member
Thread Starter
If you do a good weekly check/clean then you don't need to carry a tool except to help others in need.
I carry 2 tubes, 2 CO2 cartridges, 1 tire tool and an inflator head and have only had 2 instances in the last 10 years where I've not got by with that. Both involved busted chains, so I would have needed a multi-tool with a chain tool and a spare link.
In our group rides, there are usually a few people that feel the need to bring an entire bike shop with them on their backs though.
I carry 2 tubes, 2 CO2 cartridges, 1 tire tool and an inflator head and have only had 2 instances in the last 10 years where I've not got by with that. Both involved busted chains, so I would have needed a multi-tool with a chain tool and a spare link.
In our group rides, there are usually a few people that feel the need to bring an entire bike shop with them on their backs though.
This is along the lines I was thinking.
I will wait to decide for certain until I get a new seat bag. Somehow getting a new bike, makes it a requirement to get a new seat bag for it
#36
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I recommend this one. Incredibly small and has the basics. I'm sure someone will recommend something with spoke wrenches and chain breakers and torx keys and everything, but most bike related things can be solved with a few allens, which is what that one has.
#37
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I recommend this one. Incredibly small and has the basics. I'm sure someone will recommend something with spoke wrenches and chain breakers and torx keys and everything, but most bike related things can be solved with a few allens, which is what that one has.
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Huh? What's a seat bag?
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I've been wondering this same things, Haven't used mine yet but I check regularly. If you don't want a saddle bag or a multi tool in your pocket check this out:
https://www.velogear.com.au/bike-par...r-end-kit.html
https://www.velogear.com.au/bike-par...r-end-kit.html
#40
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#41
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#43
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First determine is your bike has mostly Allen or Torx hardware. Then find a tool that has what you need.
I carry a Shimano Pro 11. Its like an insurance policy, you hope to never use it. But its there if needed. It weights about 100 grams.
I carry a Shimano Pro 11. Its like an insurance policy, you hope to never use it. But its there if needed. It weights about 100 grams.
#44
Senior Member
I have a variety of multi-tools. The further I am going from home the more 'complete' tool I bring. Most often I bring a tiny Topeak tool with the common hex keys and a Phillips screw driver. Rarely used but very appreciated.
#45
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I carry a Crank Brothers M5 and Pedro's Yellow tire levers, along with a spare tube.
I try to keep the bike tuned at home, so, I don't really need tools on the road.
S
I try to keep the bike tuned at home, so, I don't really need tools on the road.
S
#46
Don't Bug Me
I've carried a Spin Doctor Bare Bones mini tool in my jersey pocket for years. Love it, it has all the Allen keys you need plus a flat blade and Phillips screwdriver. Tiny, light, doesn't rust.
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I've got one of the small Crank Bros multi tool. Ive never had to use it, but it helped out two other people.
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I think I've gotten more use out of multi-tools out on the road helping others than fixing anything on my own bike. I don't always carry one, especially if I'm not going far.
#50
Farmer tan
No multitool. Too much unnecessary junk.
I've only ever needed 1 spoke wrench, a 5mm hex key, and the usual flat stuff.
The spoke wrench is dual-purpose as my normal keyring anyhow.
Goes in jersey pocket.
I've only ever needed 1 spoke wrench, a 5mm hex key, and the usual flat stuff.
The spoke wrench is dual-purpose as my normal keyring anyhow.
Goes in jersey pocket.
Last edited by f4rrest; 07-24-16 at 10:00 PM.