Best Bike Multi Tool
By Samantha Wolfgang
11
You could ride a long time and never have issues on the road or trail. At some point, especially if you are riding off road you could eventually bump into something on the road that will cause you to make a fix or adjustment to your bike. It’s a total bummer to be out on the open and to need to do a fix. One way to avoid this is to carry a multi-tool and to be ready to make those necessary adjustments. Although it may be daunting for some to do manual adjustments, the most common issues that might arise are actually fairly easy to fix. If you can learn how to maintain your bike on your own, you are going to have more confidence on long rides. Also, you will save a bit of cash by getting these things done at home.
Keeping your bike maintained is super important whether you do it by yourself or at the local bike shop. A bike in tip-top shape will keep you on the road for many miles. Similar to a car, there is bike maintenance it is just something that you have to accept when getting into bicycling. Should you notice something is off or doesn’t feel right, take a look at it yourself or give it to the professionals at your local bike shop. Learning how to do some maintenance on your own isn’t as hard as you think. There are lots of online tutorials and some outdoor recreation stores hold classes where you can learn in person the tools and skill needed for bike maintenance.
- Crank Brothers 19
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Our rating - Good even in wet conditions
- Price: See Here
- Topeak Alien II
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Our rating - Well thought design
- Price: See Here
- CrankBrothers 17
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Our rating - Super durable
- Price: See Here
10 Best Bike Multi Tools
Crank Brothers 19
This tool has a frame made of aluminum and the tools themselves are made with high tensile steel. It is light weight which makes it easy to pack it with you on a ride. What also makes it easy to pack is the flask that comes with this piece. Just slide the tool in and it is protected and and solidly tucked away.
Versatility
You get many options with this easy to pack multi-tool. Two Phillips screwdrivers, 4 size spoke wrench, chain tool, 8mm and 10mm open wrenches, flat screwdriver, torx t-25 and t-10, as well as hex keys (2,2,5,3,4,6,8).
Cost and Value
Crank Brothers offers 19 high quality tools made with tough tensile steel. You get a sleek flask to hold it in as compared to your humdrum bag as seen with many of its competitors. The tools are accessed easily and the profile of the entire unit is flatter than many other multi-tools so it fits easily into anybody’s wedge pack.
Durable construction
Perfect for quick basic fixes
easy to carry
A bit bulky
Topeak Alien II
Offering a sweet 31 tools, you would think some of would be redundant and maybe unnecessary but it is just the opposite. You can easily access each tool, as the location of each are placed perfectly in this tool. The two halves of the tool come apart which is not only convenient but one half will help support the other in terms of leverage when you are turning the tool.
Full circle kit
This is a heavy duty product with all the tools needed to assist you should you need to make adjustments or repairs on the road. Has added advantage of etched labels on the tools. Well engineered and balanced.
Cost and Value
You have a fairly complete tool here that has literally everything you could ever need to make adjustments or repairs when you are on the road. It fits well in your traditional underseat bag along with the CO2 inflator, cartridge and extra tube. The knife is really sharp but safely placed within the tool and the wrench sizes are spot on to remove or install and adjust if you need them.
- Lots of tool options
- Terrific customer service
- Thoughtful design
- Works well for on-the-go minor maintenance
- Even with all the extra tools and added bulk, it stows away nicely
- A little bulky
- Can be heavy when packing the tool whole, but the option to separate it into halves gives you options with regards to weight
CrankBrothers 17
You will get a tool with high quality material as per usual from CrankBrothers. Expect to use this tool a bunch and have it for the long haul. It will stand up to years of repeat use.
Great compact bike kit
Small and light enough to fit well in any small saddle. Tools work great especially handy is the chain tool which adds extra support that will give you additional confidence on the road. You are getting every Allen wrench that you need to fix your bike up in a pinch should you ever need to.
Cost and Value
This nifty little compact tool will not let you down if you ever need it. Super sturdy, it is very well made and engineered as the tool itself performs like an impressively powerful handle for the wrenches and for the chain tool. A great, reliable set of portable tools.
Has Torx T-25 wrench built in
Super convenient design
Has what you need for basic issues on the road
Durable build
A little bulky in a pocket
Pro Bike
You will not be disappointed with this product or with Pro Bike as a company. This little tool, is just that, it is small and it is very unobtrusive. You can handle this one with ease and without sacrificing strength. It performs well.
Great company
Pro Bike is known for their awesome customer service and their attention to detail with their products. This is a compact, lightweight, reliable and practical tool. It can be stowed easily, and will not take up much space at all during your ride. Comes with a pouch that will protect your tool and keep your tool from scratching anything else you pack it with.
Cost and Value
This tool is perfect for your quick fixes that can unfortunately come up on the road during your ride. A slim tool that fits easily into any saddle bag, the Pro Bike multi tool will make your adjustments with ease. Great price for a reliable and well-rounded tool from a reputable company that has customer service in mind.
- Robust and comfortable
- Terrific customer service
- Slim design
- Protective pouch
- Lifetime warranty
- Limited number of tools available on this piece
- Tough, sturdy tool could benefit from a rubber padding to protect your hands when you are applying pressure during and adjustment/fix
Vibrelli V19
19 tool options Hex (2,2.5, 3,4,5,6,8); a Universal chain breaker; M7, M9, 3.3mm, 3.45mm spoke wrenches; 8 and 10mm open wrenches, phillips screwdrivers; torx (t-25) and non-slip sidebar grips. This tool meets military grade MIL-STD 810G, it is built to last with hardened high-tensile Cr-V steel and the confidence of a lifetime warranty.
Packaging
The Vibrelli is almost gift like in it’s appearance. The fit and finish are high quality. The tool is very light and is all stainless steel. This tool will hold up nicely for you and look good too. Attractive carrying pouch is included.
Cost and Value
This tool is well made and very compact, and can hold up to some decent torque. Nice side grip bars that will help in wet or tight spaces. It is an overall great value for a multi tool. It will get the job done for you when you need it and you can pack and travel with it easily.
- Quality feel, fit and finish
- Good value
- Includes glueless tire patches
- Protective pouch
- Compact product that includes a chain tool
- Case fits only the multi tool, not the patch kit
- When using one tool, the others move around
Protocol
Allen wrenches galore! It is a simple tool that is practical and easy to carry. It will be your reliable companion on the road should you run into any issues.
Well Rounded
This tool is a decent and dependable multi tool. It has good quality, it is durable and it will function well for you on all types of bicycles. The attractive pouch is an added bonus that will hold your tool and keep it intact.
Cost and Value
This tool is exactly what you need to take on any ride should you find yourself having any potential problems. The design and quality are both there, nothing sacrificed. A quality piece that you won’t regret purchasing.
- Dependable and rugged
- Good value
- Attractive design
- Easy to take on the go
- Highly rated
- Slightly larger than other multi tools in it’s category
Lezyne
All riders really should be carrying a multi tool with them. This tool is very well made and offers a lot of features. Minimalists can feel comfortable with this tool because while you can find other well-constructed tools that weigh less, but then they do less. However, if you come upon an unexpected problem on your ride, this tools isn’t going to weigh you weigh you down in any type of noticeable way and it is going to have the features you need to make your adjustments quickly and get back on the trail.
Respected company
This tool is highly rated and that is not a surprise because Lezyne is a highly reputable company. They just plain make good quality products, and this is no exception. This quality tool can stand up to heavy torque, and prove a useful and dependable, long lasting tool that will serve you appropriately.
Cost and Value
Great company that produces quality tools. This bike multi tool has everything you need for all your adjustments and fixes when on the road or on the trail. Ingenious design and sharp appearance this multi tool has got it all.
- Good for minimalists
- Has all the tools you will need
- Attractive design
- Easy to take on the go
- Quality company that makes top tier products
- Allen heads could be longer
SIGTUNA
SIGTUNA Gear is a Swedish business who boasts that they are a team of bike lovers. They design their products with the avid, rugged bicyclist in mind. They care about the quality of the products they put out, this is a tool you are going to buy and it will work.
High quality
This multi tool is CELAB-certified. CELAB is a body that does inspections on the technical construction of companies who manufacture and supply various products. SIGTUNA takes testing their products seriously and ensuring that they comply with the highest of standards and technologies available to offer the most well made products in the market.
Cost and Value
The SIGTUNA is pretty much everything you need to take on a ride. It is a nice, compact kit that includes screwdrivers, allen keys as well as chain and spoke tools. It is brilliantly designed and this tool can stand up to wear and tear, you will keep this tool with you for the long run.
- Technically certified
- Has all the tools you will need
- Intelligent design
- Works exquisitely
- Nice, solid feel
- Terrific concept, but design could be tweaked
- Plastic is present on this tool
Pedro’s RX
You get a very sturdy tool here. The chain tool is absolutely top notch, it slides in and out smoothly and it fits tight. It is a solid choice for your portable bike repair kit. It will fit nicely in your pack. You really can’t go wrong here.
Well designed
The chain tool is much easier to use than you would think and it works like a charm. You won’t leave home without this little gem. The thoughtful placement of the tools is a pleasant feature. All the tools are solid and sturdy as well as easy to unfold and fold for use.
Cost and Value
The Pedro’s RX is a terrific multi tool that is fully equipped with most everything needed for a bike repair kit. It is equipped with all the tools you need in a bike repair kit to keep your rides going strong. It comes at an affordable price and is highly rated.
- Solidly built
- Has all the tools you will need and a nice bag
- Dependable tool that won’t let you down
- Nice value
- Great chain tool feature
- Some people have said that it is a bit heavier than they expected
UST Carabiner
It is a cute, and handy tool. You can easily pack it in your pocket and take it with you anywhere. The range of designs is a quirky option. It works well and it is fairly decent quality.
Carabiner
You can pack this easily and take it anywhere. It will fit into any pack with ease, and the added bonus of the carabiner makes it easily attached to your gear, your belt or onto your bags that will save space.
Cost and Value
This tool is going to do the job you need it to. It is a convenient tool that anyone can use and find value with. The cost is spot on, and why not have a tool that is not only functional but adorable.
- Quirky
- Easy to pack anywhere
- Intelligent design
- Great stocking stuffer
- Great for camping or hiking
- Some people had problems with shipping and packaging when they received the item
- No bag
Bicycling is a super fun activity. It is a great cardio workout that can be a real calorie burner. In general, a 180 lb. cyclist that rides at a decent pace can potentially burn 650 cal/hr. Outside of the health perks, riding off road or cross country as they say is not only physically challenging and enjoyable, seeing the sights and exploring outdoors is a terrific way to spend a morning or afternoon on a nice day.
All that said, it is important to be prepared when you hit the road or the trail because you will be able to cover quite a bit of ground. Yes you need snacks and water, but just like with a car who holds a spare tire, having the right multi tool made of rugged material and with the tool assortment to allow you to have the option of fixing most any problem or make any adjustment is a must have in your pack. There are many good options on the market, the 10 we reviewed here are really top notch and you aren’t going to go wrong with any of them.
The Criteria We Used For Our Evaluation
Strength
The best options will be made with strong, high quality materials that can hold up to the tension and torque needed to make fixes to your bike. The tools we reviewed were either made with high tensile steel or stainless steel. High tensile steel is a perfect material to use in something like a bike tool because it is the type of metal that can handle tremendous amounts of stretching and pulling and be strong enough not to break in the process.
Steel is used in many tools and is the obvious choice. Steel comes in a variety of forms and it is graded. The grade is based on the percentage of carbon it has in it and the difference in stainless steel and carbon steel is simply the amount of chromium added to it. Stainless steel is made with a large amount of chromium in it and the protective layer it has allows it to resist corrosion and rust. That’s great for increasing the longevity of your tool.
Functionality
A multi tool that is strong, durable, has the versatility of tool options and is easily packed away and traveled with are all important points for a rider. The tool needs to be able to work well for you on the road and keep your wheels turning. You want a diverse amount of tools that are strong but also come together in a package that is lightweight. A light tool is so important to the practicality of your gear. You do not want any extra unnecessary weight holding you down or back from a nice long ride. You want one that will give you all the Allen wrenches and hex keys, one that will also have screwdrivers and having a chain tool is a really nice addition. Once you have a concrete multi tool you will have the complete portable fixer upper kit right along with your CO2, tire lever and patch kit.
Design
How many functional tools can a manufacturer fit into a multi tool while still being compact, lightweight and durable? Add in a sleek appearance and that is a tool most avid cyclists are going to purchase. Many of the best multi tools we reviewed came with pouches or bags, some type of holder. Some also came with a chain tool, which most any cyclist will tell you is invaluable. Crank Brothers really does design right with an awesome multi tool that has a sweet design and they do one better than a pouch, you get a legit steel carrying case.
Value
Multi tools can be very affordable to fairly pricey. We took price into account when we reviewed our 10 best list because money is important. You don’t always get the best product by spending more and you don’t necessarily get the worst product by spending less. If you are on an isolated trail or far away from civilization, you need a tool that is going to work. It won’t matter how much you spend on your tool at that point, the only thing that will matter will be does it stand the test of making your fixes and adjustments. All of the tools we reviewed are affordable and reliable. These are quality products that will be there for you for the long term, and help you when you need it and you won’t have to spend an arm and a leg to buy them.
Other Important Factors to Consider
In addition to the criteria used to review our list of multi tools, you may also want to consider the reputation of the company. Some companies, simply put have strong reputations for making top quality products consistently, they are leaders and experts in their field. We included some of these companies in our review. Buying from a reputable company with a good standing in the industry will most likely also come with a tool that you are more than likely going to like as well as the customer support and service that goes along with a solid brand.
It is important to understand that even though you can purchase the best, lightest multi tool on the market, you are still going to have limitations. Any multi tool is not going to be able to take the place of full sized tools or your local bike shop, but when you are out there far away from the conveniences of a bike shop per se, a multi tool is invaluable.
FAQ
Q: Is the SIGTUNA chain tool able to remove links?
Yes, the SIGTUNA chain tool can remove links and rivets from a bike chain.
Q: Will the Topeak tool work on Schwinn bikes?
You should have no problem using this tool on any bike including Schwinn. It is a universal tool.
Q: Does the Crank Brother tool have a truing system?
The tool offers quite a few spoke keys. If you find yourself in an emergency these should help you true a wheel.
Q: Does the Pro Bike 8-in-1 have a spoke wrench?
No, the Pro Bike tool does not have a spoke wrench.
Q: Will the Lezyne chain tool work on an 11-speed?
Absolutely, it will work very well on an 11-speed.
Q: What are some riding hazards to be prepared for?
There is a lot going on around you weather you are riding in the mountains, on busy roads or in the county. To keep yourself safe, pay attention to your surroundings. Hearing clearly is a crucial part of that to be abreast of what is happening all around you, so don’t muffle your hearing with headphones. You want to listen for car doors opening, movement near you, traffic, etc. Try not to ride closer than 4 feet to a car and stay out of a vehicle’s blind spot. Watch for debris and uneven roadways. Cross railroad tracks at a 90-degree angle which will help to not catch your tire. Learn bike hand signals to keep the rest of the bikers and motorists up to speed on what your next move will be.
Q: What are some core items that are necessary for a bike kit?
For any trip you should really have packed a mini-pump, spare tube or tire-patch kit, tire levers and a bike multi tool that has Allen wrenches. An added note, you will need to know your tire/tub size, and you can easily find that information on the actual tire itself.
Q: What are some options for storage on a bike?
There is actually a wide variety of options to carry your necessities for your bike trips. A lot of what you pick really depends on your personal choice. You could do an underseat bag which is also known as a saddlebag and it is mainly used for small items like multi tools and other repair products. A rack trunk fits on the rear and can hold a sizeable amount of gear. Panniers will attach to a rack on your bike, they allow for greater ability to haul more items. A front rack bag is similar to a pannier. The messenger or laptop bag is something that you, the rider wears. A day pack also is also attached to the rider. A handlebar bag can carry small items that are easily accessible due to the location attached, on the handle bar as the name displays. Last a basket can be used and some can be detachable which is great for a shopping day trip.
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