Actually I guess it's probably OK, but I thought I was getting the MTB3 but I really got the MTB7. I was after the pedal wrench but I didn't get that one dangit!!!! I already have an alien tool so it's a little redundant. It does have a knife. The blade is sticking out right next to the tools you might need to use, kinda silly to me.

What is that metal thing for? It has 2 hex cutouts and what looks like spanner protrutions. Does anyone have an opinion as to how this tool compares to the alien?

Multi tools are almost useless. Go to a hardware store and buy the individual tools your bike needs. Usually a 4,5 & 6mm hex wrenches, a small screwdriver, patch kit, tire levers and maybe a couple of small bike wrenches. Put it all in a zip lock baggie and you have your repair kit. bk

Multi-tools tend to be craps. Try to do everything, and none well.

the topeak Hexus for 12 bucks isnt junk, its pretty nice actually.

The OP should really look at the instruction sheet that came with the multi-tool, barring that maybe it is available online.

Multi-tools are multi-tools, they are not meant to take the place of a good set of tools but, depending on the tool, can be great for the smaller jobs.

The "metal thing" holds the two halves together, and you'd use the hex cutouts to hold a nut while you turn the bolt with another part of the tool. Unlike the knife blade, which you wouldn't use while using another part of the tool.

I've used this tool to do most of the maintenance on my bicycle, and needed regular hand tools to do things I couldn't do with this tool. Like adjust the bottom bracket bearings, change the pedals etc....

As I mentioned in another post somewhere, I've never had much use for the mini-tool I bought 10 years ago, or any other. They are too limited. Even if you have the allen key or whatever you need in it at any given time, they tend to be in awkward positions that are difficult and sometimes impossible to use in real life when you actually need it. Much better, I think, to get a mini Allen key set, and whatever other specific tools you need, plus a good Swiss Army knife.

Multi tools are compact tools for emergency repairs IMHO. At home I prefer regular single tools.

Like expecting a mini pump to compete with a floor pump?

Precisely.

Thanks for the replys. I knew the bracket was to hold it together but did not understand why the redundant wrench thing, I've never had that issue on the road. It didn't come with instructions, none are really needed except for that bracket thingie.



I actually came to like the alien. Of course I have real tools at home, and I used to carry separate tools in a pouch awhile back but the alien is a little more compact so I started carrying it. Then I got to reaching for it instead of going to the garage for my real tools, even though it can be awkward, just because it's within reach.

I have an offset allen wrench thingie that has 2 differant sizes on each end. Between that and tire tools it's probably all I would need on the road most of the time. Every now and then though it's really handy to have a box wrench and the multitools have nice thin ones that can be handy sometimes.

It's probably good that I have a couple, I tend to misplace things. Now instead of looking for one I can wait for it to show up on it's own. They hide from me.