Originally Posted by
Burton
Those tool kits have their uses, but if you actually did 'build an entire bike' with one - there's not a chance the pedals, crank bolts, bottom bracket cups, cassette, centerlock disc rotors, or wheel nuts are properly torqued. And there's not a chance you could use something like that to remove any of those components on a bike where they HAD been installed with proper torque values. Even less is any of those items are seized. The leverage just isn't there.
Oh I agree with you completely, but most people starting out could give two cents about torque values, proper this or that. This is basically enough tools to really get you in trouble, or the better way to say it is most of the tools you would need for adjustments and to get you started. Everyone must start somewhere.
Also, your tone is a bit harsh, you expect people to know how to put together a top of the line 29'r first try out? This is someone starting, how did you start out for comparison?
My comment about swap meets is true, the multi-tools are versitile, surprisingly so. I don't use them for maintenance but it may be a good entrance to the tools she may actually need. Likewise, if she found some of the work daunting, she would at least have a handy tool for ride breakdowns and stem adjustments. Would you rather she go to work on bicycles for the first time with SAE wrenches and pliers?