Seeking multi-tool recommendations.
#1
Thread Starter
Flyin' under the radar
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 830
Likes: 59
From: O'Fallon, IL
Bikes: '15 LeMond Washoe custom painted, '06 LeMond Croix de fer custom painted, '18 Specialized Crux
Seeking multi-tool recommendations.
I'm looking for the lightest/most compact multi-tool that has: 1) integrated tire lever, 2) 11-speed compatible chain tool, 3) allen wrenches.
My current tool doesn't have tire levers (I've always been able to remove/install clinchers by hand). I've recently swapped to tubeless and discovered I need to use tire levers since the tires are a tighter fit . . . hence, looking for a new tool that has integrated tire levers.
Thanks in advance!
My current tool doesn't have tire levers (I've always been able to remove/install clinchers by hand). I've recently swapped to tubeless and discovered I need to use tire levers since the tires are a tighter fit . . . hence, looking for a new tool that has integrated tire levers.
Thanks in advance!
#2
Should Be More Popular




Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 46,297
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From: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
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Bikes: One with square wheels
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
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I really like this:
Amazon.com : Park Tool MTB-3 Rescue Tool - 22 function : Bike Multifunction Tools : Sports & Outdoors
If weight etc is an issue you could always just carry a couple nylon tire levers.
Amazon.com : Park Tool MTB-3 Rescue Tool - 22 function : Bike Multifunction Tools : Sports & Outdoors
If weight etc is an issue you could always just carry a couple nylon tire levers.
#6
Live to ride ride to live
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,896
Likes: 1
From: Austin, Texas
Bikes: Calfee Tetra Pro
Check out the stuff Lezyne makes. Their stuff is very well made.
Lezyne - Engineered Design - Products - Multi-Tools
Lezyne - Engineered Design - Products - Multi-Tools
#7
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,047
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From: location location
Bikes: MBK Super Mirage 1991, CAAD10, Yuba Mundo Lux, and a Cannondale Criterium Single Speed

Crank Bros M17.
No tire levers, and the chain tool works on my 10spd, but I don't know if it'll work on 11. Why don't you just use a quick link for the chain?
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 95
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From: Ontario Canada
I don't know of any multi tools that do 11 speed chains.
I'm currently using one of these Bicycle tools bicycle tools unweave ride chain belt mountain bike free shipping-in Other Sports & Entertainment Products from Sports & Entertainment on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group
and I've ordered three of these EDCgear Multi tool Campact 12 in 1 Multi function Stainless Steel Tool Grey / Black Colors Free Shipping-in Bicycle Repair Tools from Sports & Entertainment on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group
I'm currently using one of these Bicycle tools bicycle tools unweave ride chain belt mountain bike free shipping-in Other Sports & Entertainment Products from Sports & Entertainment on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group
and I've ordered three of these EDCgear Multi tool Campact 12 in 1 Multi function Stainless Steel Tool Grey / Black Colors Free Shipping-in Bicycle Repair Tools from Sports & Entertainment on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,770
Likes: 369
From: Orange County, CA
Topeak® Cycling Accessories ? Products - Hexus? II
Tire levers are for emergencies only though. They are not for "shop" use.
Tire levers are for emergencies only though. They are not for "shop" use.
#10
Thread Killer

Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 13,141
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Yeah, it's probably time to rethink your kit, as 11spd chaintool can't be had in a mutitool (and is probably about as useful as carrying a crank puller) and the tire levers on MTs are mostly junk; I used one which was indicated Emergency Use Only and snapped it first use.
I'd suggest skipping the chaintool, getting a Ritchey CPR9 tool, and a couple of Park plastic levers, the blue ones. Or, if you wanna get real slick n fancy, scrap the Park levers and get a SciCon seat bag with Roller 2.0 mount, which includes two levers cleverly and discreetly integrated into the bag. Very cool and space efficient.
I'd suggest skipping the chaintool, getting a Ritchey CPR9 tool, and a couple of Park plastic levers, the blue ones. Or, if you wanna get real slick n fancy, scrap the Park levers and get a SciCon seat bag with Roller 2.0 mount, which includes two levers cleverly and discreetly integrated into the bag. Very cool and space efficient.
#11
I like having a chain tool and an extra quick link. A 10-speed compatible chain tool will break 11-speed chains, and then you join it with the quick link.
Multitool tire levers are junk though. Bring a couple of good plastic levers, they are light and compact enough.
Multitool tire levers are junk though. Bring a couple of good plastic levers, they are light and compact enough.
#12
Live to ride ride to live
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,896
Likes: 1
From: Austin, Texas
Bikes: Calfee Tetra Pro
I don't know of any multi tools that do 11 speed chains.
I'm currently using one of these Bicycle tools bicycle tools unweave ride chain belt mountain bike free shipping-in Other Sports & Entertainment Products from Sports & Entertainment on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group
and I've ordered three of these EDCgear Multi tool Campact 12 in 1 Multi function Stainless Steel Tool Grey / Black Colors Free Shipping-in Bicycle Repair Tools from Sports & Entertainment on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group
I'm currently using one of these Bicycle tools bicycle tools unweave ride chain belt mountain bike free shipping-in Other Sports & Entertainment Products from Sports & Entertainment on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group
and I've ordered three of these EDCgear Multi tool Campact 12 in 1 Multi function Stainless Steel Tool Grey / Black Colors Free Shipping-in Bicycle Repair Tools from Sports & Entertainment on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group
#13
Thread Killer

Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 13,141
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
#15
.


Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Rocket City, No'ala
Bikes: 2014 Trek Domane 5.2, 1985 Pinarello Treviso, 1990 Gardin Shred, 2006 Bianchi San Jose
I carry the allen wrenches that fit my bike and a couple of tire levers. Lighter in weight, easier to use, and more importantly, they take up less space in my saddle bag.
I've got a Park MT with chainbreaker and a Topeak one; the chaintool isn't very good, even when used in the garage. I would carry a dedicated chaintool instead.
Don't cheap out on tire levers. Nothing more frustrating than to break one(or two) while out on the road. I like the ones that hook onto the spokes so I can use both hands on the second one.
I've got a Park MT with chainbreaker and a Topeak one; the chaintool isn't very good, even when used in the garage. I would carry a dedicated chaintool instead.
Don't cheap out on tire levers. Nothing more frustrating than to break one(or two) while out on the road. I like the ones that hook onto the spokes so I can use both hands on the second one.
#17
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build
Carry a Var Tire Tool instead of levers. Hard to find but worth it. Jacking action for those really tough tire mounting jobs.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,411
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From: Haunchyville
I considered replacing the pin with the type from the CT series if they fit, but the IB I had was a chunkier model than the 3 and instead I moved on to smaller tools from Lezyne and Topeak.
#22
Mostly Harmless




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From: Norfolk, VA
Bikes: Have two wheels
#23
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,047
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From: location location
Bikes: MBK Super Mirage 1991, CAAD10, Yuba Mundo Lux, and a Cannondale Criterium Single Speed
The chainbreaker on the Crank Bros I've found is actually better than my toolkit chainbreaker, so I usually use the multi-tool instead when doing chain work at home.
#24
Pay attention to the weight of those things when you're shopping. The IB-3 is about 170g and that topeak alien is almost double that! I carry an IB-2 and two tire levers just in case, and an old chain tool stuffed in between the spare tubes. I guess it would be nice to have it all in one but man they get heavy fast.
I know carrying a chain tool is probably a waste of time but that and a spare quick-link will get me home if something happens to the chain. You can wing just about anything else but no chain = no pedaling.
I know carrying a chain tool is probably a waste of time but that and a spare quick-link will get me home if something happens to the chain. You can wing just about anything else but no chain = no pedaling.
#25
Redefining Lazy
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: North Metro, MN
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale Synapse 5 105, 2013 Giant Escape 3
I use this:
Amazon.com : Crank Brothers Multi Bicycle Tool (5-Function, Silver) : Bike Multifunction Tools : Sports & Outdoors
And, these:
https://www.amazon.com/Pedros-Bicycle...R382XC1XSSTS1K
Those levers are GREAT.
I, also, took the 6mm hex off the tool and replaced it with a flat screwdriver off the Crank Brothers multi-10 that I have.
Honestly, I don't even know how to break a chain or repair it.
S
Amazon.com : Crank Brothers Multi Bicycle Tool (5-Function, Silver) : Bike Multifunction Tools : Sports & Outdoors
And, these:
https://www.amazon.com/Pedros-Bicycle...R382XC1XSSTS1K
Those levers are GREAT.
I, also, took the 6mm hex off the tool and replaced it with a flat screwdriver off the Crank Brothers multi-10 that I have.
Honestly, I don't even know how to break a chain or repair it.

S




