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Do I need a multi-tool?

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Do I need a multi-tool?

Old 07-18-16, 02:38 PM
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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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Old 07-18-16, 02:42 PM
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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.
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Old 07-18-16, 02:47 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by chaadster
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.
Funny you mention that, it's been years since I owned it, and my recollection may be faulty, but I'm pretty sure I remember having trouble tightening or loosening bottle cage bolts with that tool.
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Old 07-18-16, 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by topflightpro
I run run-flat tires, so not only do I not need a spare tire, there is not one included with my car.
I like that idea!
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Old 07-18-16, 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by RPK79
Replacing the tube is already taking up your time do you really want to add to that waiting for glue to dry?
I don't know. I'd hate to screw around patching a tube in the rain or cold (I ride year round).
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Old 07-18-16, 02:53 PM
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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?

Last edited by Dan333SP; 07-18-16 at 03:13 PM.
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Old 07-18-16, 02:54 PM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by Dave Cutter
I don't know. I'd hate to screw around patching a tube in the rain or cold (I ride year round).
Not all flats can be patched either.
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Old 07-18-16, 03:09 PM
  #33  
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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.

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Old 07-18-16, 03:49 PM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by andr0id
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.

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
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Old 07-18-16, 04:05 PM
  #35  
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When in doubt, use what the pros use:

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Old 07-18-16, 04:25 PM
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Originally Posted by PepeM
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.
I agree; I carry the version of this tool that clips to the bottom of my bottle cage. I carry a a tube, (2) CO2 canisters and an inflator in my jersey pocket.
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Old 07-18-16, 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by PepeM
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.
I think it varies.. some basic things like my stem's bar clamp, brake pads and seatpost clamp all adjust with a torx T25. YMMV
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Old 07-18-16, 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Bolo Grubb
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
Huh? What's a seat bag?
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Old 07-18-16, 04:56 PM
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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
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Old 07-18-16, 05:02 PM
  #40  
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Originally Posted by PepeM
When in doubt, use what the pros use:
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Old 07-18-16, 05:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Sy Reene
I think it varies.. some basic things like my stem's bar clamp, brake pads and seatpost clamp all adjust with a torx T25. YMMV
Yes it definitely varies. For you something with a torx would make sense, mostly for the pads.
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Old 07-18-16, 05:57 PM
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I always carry a basic Park multitool. I don't use it often but for that one time, you will be glad you had it.
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Old 07-18-16, 07:20 PM
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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.

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Old 07-18-16, 08:53 PM
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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.
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Old 07-18-16, 10:35 PM
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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
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Old 07-19-16, 07:00 AM
  #46  
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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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Old 07-19-16, 06:08 PM
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anyone know what type of ParkTool multitool on the right

Last edited by bleui; 07-19-16 at 06:39 PM.
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Old 07-19-16, 10:03 PM
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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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Old 07-19-16, 10:07 PM
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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.
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Old 07-19-16, 10:10 PM
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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.

Last edited by f4rrest; 07-24-16 at 10:00 PM.
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