Originally Posted by
Steel Monkey
While I'm all for the concepts of light and comprehensive, most multi-tools made for field use seem so "stubby", even to the extent of being situationally unusable. I am aware that my choices could be made lighter by eliminating redundancy. However, my tool choices were made with the ability to extend tool length, while packing away in a compact manner. A pair of tubes and either a frame pump or mini exist on each bike. In/on my motorcycle style hip pack are the following:
In the pouch or on the belt.
All fit in one hand.
Cool Tool allen wrenches can be used to apply more leverage.
Widens to just over 17mm.
Fabric Chamber actually has longish bits.
Smallest and longest reaches for the ratchet. The ratchet is the primary reason I carry this "luxury".
Middle of the road for tighter spaces.
Pedro micro levers. Sometimes it is more important in how you use it.
Inside the Rema Kit: The usual, plus cotton (for finding objects inside tire), tube adapters, SS chain link, and tiny allen wrench.
my Campag Power-Torque crank requires a
14mm hex to tighten - pretty much precludes a roadside adjustment with a multitool 😀. All that said, in ~50 years, I can recall one time where I needed a multitool for an unforeseen circumstance (loose cleat bolt). If I’m doing a shakedown ride after major work, where I anticipate some roadside tweaking, I’ll carry the required hex keys etc in my pocket. I still have a saddle bag with multitool, CO2, mini pump, tube, levers, quick link etc on my #1 bike, but for my more retro #2 bike, which has a full-size frame pump, I’m fine with just a spare tube and levers in my jersey pocket.
TLDR - good maintenance >>>> any multitool