+1
I have one of these, and the smaller version M5. Im a tool junkie and have had a few different multi-toold in the past and Ive been very happy with my CrankBros. Of corse a little preventative maintenance and you wont have to use these much.....:thumb:

And won't be useful if you can't use it when you need it and you're away from home. There aren't that many parts on a bicycle, and being able to use the tools you've got with you (whether they're carefully selected high quality specialized tools or a cheap multi tool) is better than finding out your backup tool won't work and you need the tool that's at home in your toolbox. Using the multi tool at home to do the basic tasks you might need to do when away from home allows me to know I can fix what I might need to if needed when I'm away from home.

Nashbar has the Crank Bros M-19 on sale.......

I'm telling you that the Blackburn Airfix is primetime- it has basic tools and a CO2 cartridge if you're into that kinda thing- fits well into small saddlebags and works well

Thanks for the tip!

Not a multi tool but quite compact and probably cheaper; everything fits into the tiny camera case including a spare tube. I've been using this same set for over 10 years and never have been stuck for lack of the proper tool while cycling. Only have had to replace the tube of glue and the case itself after wearing out in my commuter travel bag. Note the replacement bulbs for lights I haven't used in over 7 years. This kit requires little updating. Of course, it helps to ride reliable bikes.

Ah, but it's missing the chain tool and the bottle opener of the more specialized multi-tools. :D

i like the crank bros design, but i've had to throw away two of 'em due to rust!

Here's my variation on that theme:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/...fa91a0.jpg?v=0

Photoset with more details.

I prefer a quick draw bottle opener; always available and right at hand. Also has a pop can tab lifter too for those with easy to break finger nails.

I don't need no stinkin' chain tool when riding; only use the chain tool at home when I change out a worn chain, once a year at most

The Park MTB-3 is what works for me... I can (and have) taken a bike apart with it on the side of the road and put it back together. In fact, I've got two or three of them stashed away somewhere.

I broke a chain once... probably didn't put it back together well. So to this day I carry a chain tool on longer rides. Of course these days all my chains have master links.

Now as far as opening bottles... even a house key will work in a pinch... but there is a certain cool factor with using a multi-tool. I think Park even made a bottle opener.

http://www.parktool.com/images/produ...0768_11109.jpg

After years of field repairs with multi tools, I now use the neoprene topeak tool bag that comes with their multi tools to hold a folding allen set, a park chain tool, a park 3-way spoke wrench, and a short length of chain links.

I really like the Topeak Hexus that others have mentioned. Well put together and small.

I got this Serfas multi tool last year, and plan on getting another so I don't have to swap it from the MTB and the Road bike. VERY compact, and seams to be pretty well built.

Chris

I have this one, any trips more than 10 miles from home she comes.

I have a Crank Brothers Multi-17 that is pretty nice. I think it has a lifetime warranty too.

I'd be interested to hear of peoples' experiences with the chain tool on their multitools. Every one I've tried seems to look like a chain tool, but in practice either breaks/doesn't work. I now carry a park chain tool, works every time in the field and in the shop.

I have been using a Filzer multi tool for years and because I also work in a bike shop... it has seen much more use than what the average rider could subject one to.

I prefer to have a separate spoke tool and chain tool and both of those are also Filzer and have stood up to much rigorous use.

I have a Crank Bros. Multi-17 that I really like. I did my first chain break and reattach the other day using it and it worked pretty well. The design allows enough leverage to push out those stubborn pins :)

If you want one tool that just does everything, the Topeak Alien II is the thing. That, a pump and some patches are about as complete as you can get in a seat pack. People complain (understandably) about weight, or that it's not pretty, but it really is the most complete multitool out there. I tell every persoon I can to get one, as well as a pump, patches, helmet and lights, when they buy a new bike.

I've got a Park mini I carry on my mountain bike. Needed it twice but it's only one for two. The other time, when I got ready to use it, I found the replaceable pin was AWOL. I lowered the saddle and Flintstoned my bike about 5 miles out of the woods.