Multi-Tools
 

Heya everyone

Just recently, some multi tools caught my eye, namely the Hexus 16 from Topeak and the Crankbrothers 17.
See the thing is, all I really need is a pair of tire levers, a chain tool, spoke wrench and a 2.5mm allen key wrench.

Unfortunately, the tire levers, chain toola and spoke wrench add up to 25 on their own and I already have a ton of allen key wrenches (2,3,4,5,6,7,8, and a lot of SAEs, but No 2.5mm!!).

So for 40 bucks, I can get the topeak, 35 for the crank brothers. I hear the crank brothers is better, but it doesn't have tire levers.

Which do you suggest, and what do you carry when you go out (in terms of tools)?

My 2 cents for tire levers. Buy metal ones. Plastic ones just don't cut it.

People will say that metal ones will scratch up your rims and cause damage to your sidewalls of the rim. That is true if you don't use them properly.

I like metal ones because the tires i usually mount require a lot of force. Plastic Park Levers snap like twigs.

Sometimes, you don't even need levers. Your hands could mount it.

Okay metal for tire levers.
I have a bit/screw driver combo. Is it really worth it to get a multi tool and leave the bit/screw combo at home, not to mention get some chain tool, spoke wrench and so on?

i have the crank bros 17, my only problems with it are, that i stripped one of the hex wrenches trying to take my pedals off, but my pedals were on so tight that i had to bring it to the lbs for them to take them off... the other thing is that the chain tool does not remove the link fully...

a side note about the stripped hex wrench: i emailed crank bros customer service, the emailed me back the next day requesting my address (in canada) and a few days later i got a replacement wrench in the mail, no questions asked, and did not have to mail them my stripped wrench.. their customer service is top notch and i reccomend them highly based on this. i also asked them about the chain tool and they say that it is not designed to remove the link completely..

I only carry a chain breaker, and a rear derailleur hanger. That way I can make a single speed or re-attach the derailleur, maybe. I don't even bother with a pump or tube anymore. I can count the flats I've had over the past 12 yrs. on one hand. I'll just jog out with it if I can't ride....

So how do you deal with the chain tool?

Not sure what you mean, but I use the chain breaker to either shorten it to make a single speed if needed & no derailleur, or to simply remove the chain altogether, and jog it out.

ive never had to deal with a broken chain on the trail, but when i was cleaning my chain at home i took it off, it took a lot of wiggling and i even had to use a pliars to get the link to the point where i could detach the chain

EDIT: i got my crank bros for 25cdn at the lbs, if you have time, and are cheap enough, look around and it can be cheaper

Perhaps some haggling?

Multi tools aren't for working on your bike home. That would suck if you had to remove a pedal on the trail. I have a Topeak Hummer with everything. It's heavy, but does the job. I don't think the chain pin is supposed to be pushed all the way out. The Hummer includes plastic tire levers, which is what I've used without problem for at least 15 years. I now use Kevlar bead tires, so rarely need a lever, just good technique.

I have a little Park kit in a neoprene pouch that comes with all the items you described except the 2.5mm hex key. And I bet if you looked around online, you could find a source for that single item.

Here you go: link

The Hummer 16 is only 50 cents more than the Crank Bros Multi 17, according to dealer pricing, so I would expect quality to be about equal. Personally, I don't think one is any better than the other, so I'd go with the one that has all the stuff you want.

I carry a topeak alien, and toolbar, and a gerber multi-tool

Raiyn, are you just following me from thread to thread?

There were 2 posts by me before you showed up, SO THERE! :p

Fairy nuff.

Me too, why bother with anything less than Toppeak Alien 2, it even comes with a pedal wrench plus a cute black little holder. I built a bike up from scratch with it, nothing else needed.

I like the Crank Brothers 17, it suits my needs for anything that I will ever come across on the trail. As for the tire l;ever situation I used to have a plastic pair of trek no names (or something of the sort), once they broke on me i got a set of Park Tools TL-1's and I've never been happier, they are super stiff and work great.

Kris, does your chain breaker work well?

I carry a Swiss Army bike tool kit. I got it at a small bike shop. it wont cheap but it is as good as their knives(the real ones not the Xmart knockoffs) and I can use the tools at home as well as on the trail including the chain breaker. as far as tire lever if you can find it get a Quik Stik. they wont scratch,and are guarrenteed for life not to break. ive never seen them online any where,just in bike shops. get a Mguyver. plenty of stuff there as well as a cool name

I have a Topeak Alien II and a Crank Bros. 17. I strongly prefer the Crank Bros. simply because it's so much smaller and lighter than the Topeak.

The Topeak has a nice chain tool so I'll use that at home but on the trail, I only carry the Crank Bros.

I paid $20 USD for mine. I think they're still on sale at Performance for that price.

Do any of you who use it actually need all of the tools on the Alien 2 when you're out riding, or is it your home tool kit as well? The Topeak Hummer has always been plenty for anything I encounter riding and it's definitely smaller than the Aliens.