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I ordered that Wolf tooth and the 2 plastic tire levers that turns into one. So far the plastic has won on bike but the Wolf tooth is cool as hell. I'm sure will eventually win but too long for my Ortlieb micro seat bag.
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Originally Posted by hillyman
(Post 20937719)
I ordered that Wolf tooth and the 2 plastic tire levers that turns into one. So far the plastic has won on bike but the Wolf tooth is cool as hell. I'm sure will eventually win but too long for my Ortlieb micro seat bag.
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Originally Posted by RGMN
(Post 20936648)
:thumb: Still the best bike multitool made.
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I think it's worth mentioning a really basic tool, even if it doesn't have all of the bells and whistles. This is what I carry, sufficient for adjusting something or tightening a loose fastener.
https://www.amazon.com/Eklind-21171-.../dp/B0186KCA2G They make several different styles with different sizes. They're quite old fashioned, basic, all metal. But they're fairly compact, take a lot of abuse, and last forever. And they won't break the bank. It doesn't take much for a multi-tool to be worth more than my bike. ;) |
Originally Posted by f4rrest
(Post 20937428)
I've broken the Topeak Chan tool, so won't use aluminum chain tools any more.
The Park 6 Pack contains 3 of the above (spoke key, flat driver, 5mm, steel chain tool), so I just add a separate 4mm Allen key. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d776e9126f.jpg In a previous reply, I had shown a picture of a cheap eBay chain tool that looks very similar. Having just taken the time to test it out, I cannot recommend it, for a couple of reasons. Though it looks identical to the Pedro's, mine came with a slightly bent pin. That might not have been a problem, but the slot to press the rivet in through is very tight. With a bent pin, the rivet is no longer centered over the slot, so you're just trying to press it straight against the tool. Finally, the quality of metal used is pretty poor. Even after centering the rivet on the slot, it was very difficult to press the rivet out. It seems the threads were getting mangled (yeah, technical term) when trying to press the pin in. I was actually able to press the rivet out after greasing the threads. This is no reflection on the Pedro's Six Pack. The reviews of it have been very positive and I'm sure it is made to much higher standards. Just going by the pictures, the finish is nicer, probably because it is also made with a better material. So there you go, a cheap eBay tool doesn't compare to the part it's undercutting by over 80 percent. Also, this goes to show, you should really test your tools before thinking of depending on them on the road or trail. Finally, in my previously mentioned post, I said I'd test the Mineral Design Barstow. It had no problems with the same chain I tested the eBay special on. I'm unsure whether I will get more of the Barstow, buy a Six Pack, or experiment with something else. The Industry Nine Matchstix looks appealing, but I don't have any thru axles to use it with anyway. |
Originally Posted by f4rrest
(Post 20937428)
In tens of thousands of miles, I've only ever needed
Spoke wrench 4mm Allen key 5mm Allen key Flat driver Chain tool 1 lever I've broken the Topeak Chan tool, so won't use aluminum chain tools any more. The Park 6 Pack contains 3 of the above (spoke key, flat driver, 5mm, steel chain tool), so I just add a separate 4mm Allen key. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d776e9126f.jpg This thing looks great! I can't find it at the Park website, so I am guessing you bought it some time back and it has been discontinued. Shoot. |
Originally Posted by Geekage
(Post 20938028)
That's actually the Pedro's Six Pack.
In a previous reply, I had shown a picture of a cheap eBay chain tool that looks very similar. Having just taken the time to test it out, I cannot recommend it, for a couple of reasons. Though it looks identical to the Pedro's, mine came with a slightly bent pin. That might not have been a problem, but the slot to press the rivet in through is very tight. With a bent pin, the rivet is no longer centered over the slot, so you're just trying to press it straight against the tool. Finally, the quality of metal used is pretty poor. Even after centering the rivet on the slot, it was very difficult to press the rivet out. It seems the threads were getting mangled (yeah, technical term) when trying to press the pin in. I was actually able to press the rivet out after greasing the threads. This is no reflection on the Pedro's Six Pack. The reviews of it have been very positive and I'm sure it is made to much higher standards. Just going by the pictures, the finish is nicer, probably because it is also made with a better material. So there you go, a cheap eBay tool doesn't compare to the part it's undercutting by over 80 percent. Also, this goes to show, you should really test your tools before thinking of depending on them on the road or trail. Finally, in my previously mentioned post, I said I'd test the Mineral Design Barstow. It had no problems with the same chain I tested the eBay special on. I'm unsure whether I will get more of the Barstow, buy a Six Pack, or experiment with something else. The Industry Nine Matchstix looks appealing, but I don't have any thru axles to use it with anyway.
Originally Posted by Koyote
(Post 20938219)
This thing looks great! I can't find it at the Park website, so I am guessing you bought it some time back and it has been discontinued. Shoot.
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Steel is real.
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Originally Posted by f4rrest
(Post 20938271)
Sorry, I meant Pedros. Still available on their site for$15.
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Originally Posted by Mitkraft
(Post 20935838)
My favorite so far is the Topeak Hexus II. I haven’t tried the Hexus X but looking at it I can’t see anything that would make me prefer it. The tire levers and chain tool of the Hexus II work really well.
I only carry an IB-2 multitool by Park in the bike I keep at work. I'm never far enough away my office to worry about anything that it can't handle. Plus I keep a Planet Bike set of tire levels in the bag, so I'm set to go, I think. |
Originally Posted by Altair 4
(Post 20939099)
The Hexus II is the one I carry in the saddle bag of the bike I ride far from home on. Haven't had to use the chain break yet (well, I've doomed myself now, haven't I?), but the other tools have been fine in a pinch.
I only carry an IB-2 multitool by Park in the bike I keep at work. I'm never far enough away my office to worry about anything that it can't handle. Plus I keep a Planet Bike set of tire levels in the bag, so I'm set to go, I think. |
Originally Posted by martianone
(Post 20935531)
Park MT-1 for me.
simple and pragmatic https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...43f04d9d1d.jpg Park Tool MT-1 https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7b0db4fa7a.png Crank Brothers M19 |
Originally Posted by Juggy_Gales
(Post 20935046)
There are so many choices out there. Some Great.. Some Adequate.. some suck.. And some that have tools you will never use.
Of course a Multi tool will never replace some good quality shop tools.. but when you are on a ride alone or with a group.. They can really save your Butt.. Ive also had to help out friends that did not have one with me and had a chain failure or their grip wasn't tight and was sliding around making riding very annoying and potentially dangerous for him etc etc etc.. Many things.. That one quality multi-tool can come in handy and at least make it so you can get home. I generally Just Carry One on me. But Sometimes I will Carry 2 diff types on me if I am going on a longer ride. Below I will list a few that I personally use, what I think of them and whether I think their are better choices out there. First is a cheap one WOTOW 16 in One For under $10 You get a lot. It was my first multitool and has saved me often. The fact that it comes with Tire levers was a nice bonus The construction is solid enough.. and if you are on a very tight budget.. It's a good buy.. I did find there are many tools I really don't use when I am on the trails.. It does lack a couple things I would like Second is Crankbrothers M17 Which is a Very useful tool and most all of the tools on this thing are useful to you or someone you may be riding with.. It even has a Chain Tool to fix a broken or jammed link and though it's rated up to 10 speed chains many comments say it works on 11 speed chains as well. It has a torx 25 for your disc brakes if you run into an issue and a 8mm allen Key for pedals if your bike needs it that many multitools lack. And for just over $20 it's a an amazing Value.. Plus it is Built VERY well and comes in many diff colors to fit whatever style you want if you are into that sort of thing.. There is another one.. Crankbrothers M19 Is on sale now for the same price as the M17 which has a couple extra tools Plus comes with a nice aluminum case. The M17 does not and I did not know this before buying the M17.. I love my tool.. But it's nice that the M19 gives you a few extra things. The Leatherman Wingman while not a "Bike Tool" is a very useful tool and built well.. I have it.. What I don't get is.. When I bought it 4-5yrs ago it was about $30 and has now doubled in price to about $60.. so even though I like my tool.. If you were to want to pick up a multitool with a set of Pliers.. I would spend a lil more and get the Leatherman Wave Plus for $99 Which has more tools, better build quality, is a lil bigger in the hand so you can grip things a bit better and you can replace parts of it if they wear out plus you can get accessories. Im going to pick one up soon. There are so many amazing Multitools out there that I haven't mentioned. What are some that have served you well over the years? Which Bike Multitool do you feel is the "Best" ? |
Originally Posted by BikeLite
(Post 20946021)
This guy is just sending amazon affiliate links to make money.
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Better multi tool for road bikes...Crank Brothers M17 or Topeak Hexus X?
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Originally Posted by iamLefty
(Post 21028482)
Better multi tool for road bikes...Crank Brothers M17 or Topeak Hexus X?
More seriously, the M17 seems to have more functions tool-wise but if the Hexus X has all the bits your road bike needs I'd go with that one since it integrates tire levers I suppose. |
What's the best multitool? Depends on what problems are likely and your access to help.
I do day rides of up to 75 miles from home. If I get truly stuck I can call home for a ride, or call a cab, but I have never had to. Here's my multitool: https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2fd82def87.jpgIt has 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm hex wrenches, and a small flat-blade screwdriver. For the riding I do, this is all I need. I have never had a chain problem in over 40 years of riding, and on a three-month cross-country tour, so I don't carry a chain tool (I did on the tour). My most frequent on-road problem is tire punctures, typically one or two per season. I carry an extra tube, patch kit and a pump. I don't carry tire levers because I can remove and install my tires by hand. My next most common problem is, uh…hmmm… A few years ago a derailer cable broke. I used the flat-blade to adjust the low-limit screw to a middle gear and rode home. My fault for lack of maintenance on the cable. That's it. Some of these jackknife-style tools look capable of totally rebuilding a bike, and if I were going on a tour, I'd carry one. But I maintain my bike at home, and I'm not going to pull a crank or true a wheel on the roadside. Off-road riders have different problems and may need extensive tools, but for a day trippin' road guy, this little Park tool is all I am likely to need. (Famous last words :lol:) |
I've had a couple of the more elaborate, big name units, (Crank Bros? Topeak? I forget) but now I just have 3 old-school Park multi-tools, that I've had for decades now. I don't even know what they're called, but they're the ones that look kinda like a big blue Boy Scout knife. Two just have Allens, but one has a Phillips and a flat-head in it, too. I get tons of use out of those things, and never go on a ride without one.
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Thanks for the replies. I just ordered and went with the Hexus X. The m17 looks way better and is a great multi tool, but the Hexus X has more tools i need for my rb, the T30, valve core tool, tire levers, even the chain hook. Doesn’t have a flat screw though or it would’ve been a complete multi tool for me.
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I like the Spin Doctor multitool I got from Nashbar last year on blowout for something like $15. The chain and spoke tools are really good -- I've used them instead of my shop chain and spoke tools a few times. But there's no way to fold it flat. It mostly goes in my hybrid's larger saddle bag.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...069d37f346.jpg Spin Doctor Rescue 16. It's good. Doesn't quite lay flat. *** But recently I wanted a minimalist multi-tool that also included a chain tool. It needed to fit inside the dinky Lezyne Road Caddy, along with a tube, levers, patch kit, and maybe a CO2 inflator (the Road Caddy is too small for a complete CO2 kit unless I omit something else). Amazon read my mind and suggested the Hero Kit multi-tool. It's the first I've seen with a chain tool that lays flat. The reviews seemed honest, mentioning some rusting with the early samples. That's an indication of high carbon steel, which should be tougher. One of my Topeak multi-tools is carbon steel, no problems with rust here in Texas. So I bought the Hero Kit. It seems good. I've only used a couple of the Allen keys so far, but it seems to be well made. And it fits the Lezyne Road Caddy perfectly. If I can find a CO2 inflator smaller than my Red Zeppelin I might be able to fit a CO2 cartridge and inflator in the Road Caddy. Pretty good deal for my only carbon bike. On my steel bike I'm less weight conscious and carry a Serfas Speed Bag with plenty of room for junk. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3adeb61b5e.jpg Hero Kit multi-tool with chain tool. It lays perfectly flat. And fits in a dinky Lezyne Road Caddy. |
This article here may be relevant.
They seem to think the Topeak Mini20 Pro is the best overall choice, but their criteria might not be everyone's. I've recently replaced my chunky $5 Chinese multitool with a Crank Brothers M10. The latter is a bit more svelte and shouldn't get in its own way as often. Covers all the screws on my current bike from what I can tell and it matches the Red/Black color scheme I've got going on to boot! I think the Blackburn Tradesman might be a future tool for the next bike I add in to the stable; lots of tools and it has integral stowage for a set of quick-links - which is neat.. |
Originally Posted by MEversbergII
(Post 21031332)
This article here may be relevant.
They seem to think the Topeak Mini20 Pro is the best overall choice, but their criteria might not be everyone's. I've recently replaced my chunky $5 Chinese multitool with a Crank Brothers M10. The latter is a bit more svelte and shouldn't get in its own way as often. Covers all the screws on my current bike from what I can tell and it matches the Red/Black color scheme I've got going on to boot! I think the Blackburn Tradesman might be a future tool for the next bike I add in to the stable; lots of tools and it has integral stowage for a set of quick-links - which is neat.. |
Originally Posted by cyccommute
(Post 21031371)
The problem with that article is that they only compared the chunky multitools. How would they stand up to something like the Fix-it-Sticks or the Full Windsor Breaker or the old Cool Tool, for that matter? All of those tools have a smaller shape which fits hands better. As you say, the wide chunky tools get in their own way far too often.
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Originally Posted by drlogik
(Post 20935274)
I used to carry a multi-tool on each of my bikes. There's only one bike that has a multi-tool in its seat bag now. I love multi-tools! They're cool. I have expensive ones and cheap ones and now I don't use them hardly at all. Why? They simply do not work well as a real tool, when you need a tool to really work as a tool should.
Yes they have all of those sweet little tools in that nice compact carbon-sided folding swiss army-like frame and it even comes with a built-in chain breaker that doesn't work very well. Yep, I have some of the very best multi-tools made. I now carry individual tools in the seat bag needed for the specific bike. Why? They work better. Is it cool to carry individual 5mm and 4mm Allen keys, a Park chain tool, two tire irons and a small Phillips screwdriver? No. But when my bike broke down and all I had was my cool $100 dollar Lezyne Carbon-10 tool...it didn't work! Beautiful tool, truly gorgeous but it simply did not function well. I now have individual sets of tools tailored for each of my bikes. They really don't add much more weight or space than the multi-tool they replaced. However, I bought a PB Swiss Tools multi-tool last year as a "oh what the heck" impulse buy. Although it is a "multi-tool", it actually functions as a dedicated tool with swappable bits. Meaning, it works pretty darn well...and it has a tire iron! The jury is still out on this tool, and I keep it on one bike. It wasn't cheap either but it out-performs every other multi-tool I own. PB Swiss makes really fine quality tools...in Switzerland. I have a set of their Allen keys and they are the finest I have ever used. Better than my Bondhus Allen's, which are also very good tools. I carry this tool and a chain breaker on the one bike and I'm confident that if I need it to really function, it will. This tool: https://shop.pbtools.us/PB-470-BikeTool_c2.htm https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5e5b62a3ad.jpg https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The picture on amazon doesn't show it, but mine came branded both Victorinox and PB Swiss. It's the same quality as my other PB Swiss tools. |
I used to carry one of these more minimalist multi-tools, when riding bikes that had just 1-2 sizes of Allen bolts. My main 2 bikes now have a few critical bolts that are smaller (like the stem and seatpost collar), so I don;t use it much anymore, but I miss the practical simplicity and lower weight/bulk.These would always squeeze into a seat bag, no matter how full it already was.
https://i.ibb.co/t2Ph38k/0fd71761-d7...6c3ef-S4x5.jpg |
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