A mini-chain breaker or a multi-tool with a (even smaller) chain breaker?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NoVA
Posts: 1,421
Bikes: Specialized Allez Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
A mini-chain breaker or a multi-tool with a (even smaller) chain breaker?
So which one do you carry when you ride? Or do you even carry one? I don't carry one but think I should get one. The thing is I am pathetically weak and don't shift under load so I can't imagine ever breaking a chain. In fact, no one I know had ever broken a chain before.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 8,546
Mentioned: 83 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 163 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Well, you better start carrying one cause you just jinxed yourself! ;->
Why do you think you need one?
I don't carry one except when I'm bike touring (multi-day/week) and then I have a little one on a multi-tool.
Why do you think you need one?
I don't carry one except when I'm bike touring (multi-day/week) and then I have a little one on a multi-tool.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NoVA
Posts: 1,421
Bikes: Specialized Allez Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Because I often ride solo exploring the country side. I wouldn't be able to call anyone for a ride back.
#6
Carpe Velo
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Posts: 2,519
Bikes: 2000 Bianchi Veloce, '88 Schwinn Prologue, '90 Bianchi Volpe,'94 Yokota Grizzly Peak, Yokota Enterprise, '16 Diamondback Haanjo, '91 Bianchi Boardwalk, Ellsworth cruiser
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 14 Times
in
13 Posts
I prefer a multitool with a chain breaker. I don't need it often, but when I do, I'm glad I have it. I did need it just this past Saturday. Instead of walking, calling for a rescue, or begging for help from a passing cyclist who had one, it was simply a few minutes delay to remove a link.
I have a handful of them, as I don't like moving all my stuff from bike to bike. (I forget things that way)
-Crank Brothers
-Topeak Alien
-Park MTB-3
-Nashbar Woodie
-Performance Rescue 16
Nagrom_ ,
Did that nifty case come with your Crank Bros tool? Mine just has a thick rubber band around it.
I have a handful of them, as I don't like moving all my stuff from bike to bike. (I forget things that way)
-Crank Brothers
-Topeak Alien
-Park MTB-3
-Nashbar Woodie
-Performance Rescue 16
Nagrom_ ,
Did that nifty case come with your Crank Bros tool? Mine just has a thick rubber band around it.
#7
Fixie Infamous
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SF
Posts: 10,474
Bikes: 2007 CAAD Optimo Track, 2012 Cannondale CAAD10, 1996 GT Force restomod, 2015 Cannondale CAADX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Nagrom_ ,
Did that nifty case come with your Crank Bros tool? Mine just has a thick rubber band around it.
Did that nifty case come with your Crank Bros tool? Mine just has a thick rubber band around it.
#8
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,303
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1447 Post(s)
Liked 727 Times
in
372 Posts
The difference in weight between a small multi tool with a chain breaker and without is about an ounce. For example a Lezyne Carbon 10 is 80 grams, and a Carbon 5 is 44g. The 10 adds a chain breaker, multiple spoke wrenches, a torx bit, more size allen wrenches, as well as a chain breaker. (And it opens beer bottles)
It's rare to wreck a derailleur or break a chain on single road bike, but it does happen. Having a chain breaker is the difference between riding home SS and walking.
For me it's worth the 36 grams of insurance.
It's rare to wreck a derailleur or break a chain on single road bike, but it does happen. Having a chain breaker is the difference between riding home SS and walking.
For me it's worth the 36 grams of insurance.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,224
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
The difference in weight between a small multi tool with a chain breaker and without is about an ounce. For example a Lezyne Carbon 10 is 80 grams, and a Carbon 5 is 44g. The 10 adds a chain breaker, multiple spoke wrenches, a torx bit, more size allen wrenches, as well as a chain breaker. (And it opens beer bottles)
It's rare to wreck a derailleur or break a chain on single road bike, but it does happen. Having a chain breaker is the difference between riding home SS and walking.
For me it's worth the 36 grams of insurance.
It's rare to wreck a derailleur or break a chain on single road bike, but it does happen. Having a chain breaker is the difference between riding home SS and walking.
For me it's worth the 36 grams of insurance.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 137
Bikes: Cannondale Quick 4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just added this to my bag last week.
https://www.amazon.com/Avenir-Woodsie...Bike+Multitool
$13.28 shipped. One of the cheapest multitools with a chainbreaker I found.
https://www.amazon.com/Avenir-Woodsie...Bike+Multitool
$13.28 shipped. One of the cheapest multitools with a chainbreaker I found.
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NoVA
Posts: 1,421
Bikes: Specialized Allez Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The difference in weight between a small multi tool with a chain breaker and without is about an ounce. For example a Lezyne Carbon 10 is 80 grams, and a Carbon 5 is 44g. The 10 adds a chain breaker, multiple spoke wrenches, a torx bit, more size allen wrenches, as well as a chain breaker. (And it opens beer bottles)
It's rare to wreck a derailleur or break a chain on single road bike, but it does happen. Having a chain breaker is the difference between riding home SS and walking.
For me it's worth the 36 grams of insurance.
It's rare to wreck a derailleur or break a chain on single road bike, but it does happen. Having a chain breaker is the difference between riding home SS and walking.
For me it's worth the 36 grams of insurance.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Posts: 252
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I actually use its chain breaker at home instead of the POS stand-alone chain breaker that i have. Very good quality tool.
#13
Should Be More Popular
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Posts: 43,055
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
Mentioned: 560 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22599 Post(s)
Liked 8,926 Times
in
4,159 Posts
#14
Senior Member
I carry two tube boxes, one with a tube in it, one with other stuff, including a chain breaker. I carry a KMC Missing Link so I know that the chain will be 100% after it's reattached (albeit shorter). This way any cheap chain breaker will work.
#15
ka maté ka maté ka ora
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: wessex
Posts: 4,423
Bikes: breezer venturi - red novo bosberg - red, pedal force cg1 - red, neuvation f-100 - da, devinci phantom - xt, miele piste - miche/campy, bianchi reparto corse sbx, concorde squadra tsx - da, miele team issue sl - ultegra
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 25 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Two weekends ago I needed one and didn't have one. Now I have one.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Mountain View, CA
Posts: 1,257
Bikes: 2012 Scott CR1 Comp
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ever since my chain blew up (ended up bending the inner plate on the RD and making it impossible to tune properly, and nuked the hanger too), I carry a proper chain tool, a quicklink, and 5 pins. Better to have and not need, than need and not have.
#17
.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Rocket City, No'ala
Posts: 12,763
Bikes: 2014 Trek Domane 5.2, 1985 Pinarello Treviso, 1990 Gardin Shred, 2006 Bianchi San Jose
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 62 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 28 Times
in
13 Posts
I broke my chain on my last ride; luckily I was only two miles from the finish. I will definitely be picking up a chain tool for my next ride as I generally ride in the middle of nowhere and cellphone coverage can be iffy.
But in two weeks my mechanic gets out of jail and can resume SAG duties.
But in two weeks my mechanic gets out of jail and can resume SAG duties.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NE Indiana
Posts: 8,687
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1126 Post(s)
Liked 253 Times
in
204 Posts
Tool selection is a very personal thing. I carry the Park MTB3 mini tool which includes a chain tool. The chain tool works to, I used it on a kid's bike on the path today when he broke his chain, I removed one link and rejoined the chain and the rear wheel went back on with no problem...though it was a good thing another person in car had an adjustable wrench because none of the wrenches in the MTB3 were large enough to remove the large nuts on the hub. Anyway because of two strangers the kid rode his bike home. So yes the mini tool's chain tool does work.
#19
Farmer tan
This Topeak Super Chain Tool has saved my butt from walking home twice. It's nice that it comes with the 2-sized allen wrench as handle.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Montreal, Canada
Posts: 94
Bikes: Cervélo R3, Trek Wahoo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Crank Brothers Multi19
Even has spoke wrenches.
Even has spoke wrenches.
Chain tool and spoke wrench work great. The hex keys are a bit short but get the job done.
#21
Mr. Dopolina
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Taiwan
Posts: 10,217
Bikes: KUUPAS, Simpson VR
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 149 Post(s)
Liked 117 Times
in
41 Posts
LIKE.
I really don't like chain tools that are part of a multi-tool. They are impossible to use and don't offer any real leverage in most cases. I want a stand alone chain tool or at least one apart from my multi-tool.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 3,078
Bikes: Roubaix SL4 Expert , Cervelo S2
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I just got one of those plus I pack a small multitool. I think it's easier to pack in a saddle bag when you break them up into two pieces.
#23
Farmer tan
It's small enought that it actually fits up under the seat between the seat rails without a seatbag. I hold it and a spare tube in place with velcro. You almost can't even see it.
#24
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,303
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1447 Post(s)
Liked 727 Times
in
372 Posts
Yes. 4 mm for a lot of bolts on a bike. 8mm for crank bolts. Phillips head for limit adjustment. Spoke wrench to true a wheel. Chain tool for impromptu single speed conversion. (and to open beer bottles). Torx bit for the stem bolts on my stem.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
#25
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,303
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1447 Post(s)
Liked 727 Times
in
372 Posts
The chain tool on the Lezyne multi tool works acceptably. It does take a bit of hand strength.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.