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What is your favorite bicycle multifunction tool, and why

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Old 09-12-14, 07:01 AM
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What is your favorite bicycle multifunction tool, and why

Just askingl.
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Old 09-12-14, 07:37 AM
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I guess that would be me. I'm the main malfunction. I always have to change or add things on my bikes. But my favorite tools are the chainset puller and cog removal tool. I never seem to buy a bike that has gearing as low as I want.
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Old 09-12-14, 08:01 AM
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I like the Crank Brothers multi-function tools. Pick one that has the fewest tools, but has everything in the sizes you need on the road.

I carry a Topeak Alien right now, but it is a bit of overkill... but then again, I carry more than I need on rides, so it fits right in.

I am actually considering carrying the individual tools I need, since 3 or 4 allen wrenches, a compact chain tool and a spoke wrench would cover pretty much anything I would want to repair on the rail trail to get me back to the car.
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Old 09-12-14, 08:44 AM
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I have two...one is an Topeak Alien II. The other is a Swiss-Tech model I got recently, and have become quite fond of for it's compactness:

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Old 09-12-14, 08:54 AM
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I have the Park IB-3 but I'm not exactly in love with it because it can be tricky to fit in certain areas of the bike.

I want one of these Park Tool MT-1 'cause I like the simplicity of the design. I wonder how well it works in the real world though, like if it will actually fit in all the nooks and crannies of the bike it needs to.

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Old 09-12-14, 09:06 AM
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Topeak Alien II
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Old 09-12-14, 09:29 AM
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Eklind Metric number M17.. 1.5 - 6.0 folding hex wrench set ,, (made in Chicago USA)

It's always in my Shop Apron front pocket .. I got it from the auto parts store..

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Old 09-12-14, 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Cyclosaurus
I have two...one is an Topeak Alien II. The other is a Swiss-Tech model I got recently, and have become quite fond of for it's compactness:
That Swiss-Tech model looks interesting... That may have to be what I go for the next time I want to update my multi-tool... One question, how do the 2 tire levers work? Does the tool split, or does one of the levers disconnect from the tool? It wouldn't seem very practical to use both the way they are on the tool...
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Old 09-12-14, 10:01 AM
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I really like my Nashbar Woody. It is cheap and has everything I need, even a chain tool. It is a little heavy but it is on a 30# bike so who cares. I do like that Swiss-Tech posted above. I might have to get one of them. For my 22# bike!
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Old 09-12-14, 10:03 AM
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Originally Posted by J.C. Koto
I have the Park IB-3 but I'm not exactly in love with it because it can be tricky to fit in certain areas of the bike.

I want one of these Park Tool MT-1 'cause I like the simplicity of the design. I wonder how well it works in the real world though, like if it will actually fit in all the nooks and crannies of the bike it needs to.

Not perfect but it works. The screwdriver is sharp so you have to be careful how you put it in a bag if it's next to a tube.
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Old 09-12-14, 10:05 AM
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My favorite tool is the Crank Brothers 5 with an 8mm adapter that I got off another tool. It's thin and the tools are longer than some of the other little tools.
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Old 09-12-14, 10:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Little Darwin
That Swiss-Tech model looks interesting... That may have to be what I go for the next time I want to update my multi-tool... One question, how do the 2 tire levers work? Does the tool split, or does one of the levers disconnect from the tool? It wouldn't seem very practical to use both the way they are on the tool...
The levers don't detach.Agreed that this is not exactly ideal. I guess we'll chalk it up to a design compromise.
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Old 09-12-14, 10:22 AM
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I'm not a fan of multifunction tools. The more functions they contain, the less I like them because they get too bulky to fit some applications. Sometimes a job as simple as tightening a water bottle cage can't be done with one.

That said, I do have a folding set that I carry on our Kettweisels. I like it because it has the 3 allen wrench sizes that I frequently use AND a torx bit that fits my brake discs. I don't remember the brand - could be Park.
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Old 09-12-14, 11:27 AM
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Topeak Hexus II. Has everything you need including torx t25, levers, and a chain tool.
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Old 09-12-14, 12:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Elvo
Topeak Hexus II. Has everything you need including torx t25, levers, and a chain tool.


I carry this same tool with me on most rides. I keep a Park Tool IB-2 in my car's glove box, in case I lose or forget the Hexus.
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Old 09-12-14, 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Retro Grouch
I'm not a fan of multifunction tools. The more functions they contain, the less I like them because they get too bulky to fit some applications. Sometimes a job as simple as tightening a water bottle cage can't be done with one.

That said, I do have a folding set that I carry on our Kettweisels. I like it because it has the 3 allen wrench sizes that I frequently use AND a torx bit that fits my brake discs. I don't remember the brand - could be Park.
I have to agree. Have a Topeak Alien but mainly for chain tool. Rest is just a pain for anything else.
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Old 09-12-14, 12:17 PM
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The Topeak Alien is a great tool for touring... it is like the Swiss Army knife of bike tools but is pretty bulky.

My most used multi tool is a simple Filzer 10... I have several in my shop, one in the mobile shop, and one in my small portable tool kit.



It's smaller brother (Micro I-Tool is also very handy but lacks the 8mm allen for crank bolts.



The E2 Multi is a very good tool and takes up minimal space while it integrates a chain breaker and spoke wrenches.

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Old 09-12-14, 03:55 PM
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Originally Posted by hillyman
I guess that would be me. I'm the main malfunction. I always have to change or add things on my bikes. But my favorite tools are the chainset puller and cog removal tool. I never seem to buy a bike that has gearing as low as I want.
I read the subject twice, and both times my brain registered the word malfunction. Glad I wasn't the only one
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Old 09-12-14, 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by treadtread
I read the subject twice, and both times my brain registered the word malfunction. Glad I wasn't the only one
Just my wordplay. But you should call your doctor right away if you start thinking like I do. Hurry man while there's still a chance !
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Old 09-12-14, 08:22 PM
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Topeak Alien II,
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Old 09-13-14, 01:58 AM
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The one I haven't lost yet. But I will sooner or later.
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Old 09-13-14, 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Cyclosaurus
I have two...one is an Topeak Alien II. The other is a Swiss-Tech model I got recently, and have become quite fond of for it's compactness:

A bit more iron that most want to carry along but I find the SwissTech, a Leatherman Supertool, and a Crescent Adjustable Wrench 4 Inch to be an ideal al'round tool set.

Robot Check

https://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-831...man+super+tool
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Old 09-13-14, 02:44 PM
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nightshade

That is what I carry too, except the crescent is a 6".
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Old 09-13-14, 07:31 PM
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dont really have one for a multifunction tool but a park tool threeway allen with a 4 5 6 allen head is always in my pocket
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Old 09-13-14, 08:48 PM
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Have carried several multifunction tools, the Park MT-1 is pragmatic - however they are not quite as effective as a full sized tool. Have phased out my MFT, on the road bike the stuff it might actually need to adjust take a 5. And 6 mm Allen and a Phillips head screw driver. So I got two ball headed Allen's and a shorty Phillips head screw driver. The three tools are compact, weigh very little and really work well when I need them.
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