![]() ![]() Most cyclists will also carry a puncture repair kit of sorts, but some of the best bike multi-tools come with elements to help with this, such as tyre levers or even tubeless tyre repair kits. In most cases these are small adjustments to seat posts or gear lever placements, but also you want cover for worst-case scenarios. You don't want to be lugging around a full tool kit on your rides so most cyclists carry a multi-tool that fulfils most of the duties that are likely to be required. Best bike multi-tool: everything you need to know What tools should I carry on my bike? The metal tyre levers aren't likely to snap on you but come with an 'emergency use only' warning from Topeak for those nervous about their rims. The Topeak comes with a chain breaker that has integrated spoke wrenches, while the pin is driven by the 3mm Allen head to give you extra leverage when trying to punch the pin out of a broken link. It also has T10 and T25 Torx bits, flat head and Phillips head screwdrivers, and a removable chain breaker. The wrenches range from 2mm to 10mm, with the smallest size being L-shaped and the 10mm a head that fits onto the end of the 8mm bit. All in, there are 23 tools here, which Topeak has managed to pack into a surprisingly small and compact package – and a nice neoprene case. Topeak’s Mini 20 is the brand's most fully-featured ‘mini’ bike multi-tool. Topeak has made the bit attachments on the handle of the ratchet tool and bit holder magnetic to securely hold bits in place, stopping them from falling out and getting lost.Īgain, it's a bit chunkier and heavier than many of the other options in this list but it is closer to the type of tools you might usually leave at home, while still being very portable. Ratchet direction is controlled by a small lever that allows quick switching between tightening or loosening. Topeak also includes a chain tool compatible up to 12-speed chains (although not Campagnolo hollow-pin chains, as is the standard), a bit holder that adds extra leverage and two slim but surprisingly effective tyre levers in its soft case. Topeak offers a good range of bits as standard and, as they are just standard bits, the tool selection can be easily customised or replaced should one go missing. Its low height and ratchet system mean that even the most awkward bolts can be tightened or loosened extremely quickly and easily. Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX+ is the best tool we have used for getting into those tight areas. It is a different design approach to the likes of the more classic Swiss army-style Topeak Mini PT30 but comes with a nice case to stash it away safely and there is an option to buy a bracket to mount it behind your bottle cage. The extras make it a fair bit heavier than the basic version – 255g compared to 116g – and there are a number of other add-ons available, including a chain breaker and a bit extension It could also be used as a pedal spanner in an emergency. The basic kit comes with 2-6mm Allen, a T25 and Phillips head bits but this version adds a 15mm spanner – a rarity among multi-tools – making it useful for running repairs on bikes with axle nuts. The brand says the wrench can withstand up to 40nm of torque. This also allows you to use the tool both as an L-handle wrench when you need some leverage or a screwdriver for hard to reach spaces. Using a modular design, two rods come together to create a T-handle wrench with a bit carrier on each end. Starting as an idea on Kickstarter, Fix-It sticks are a unique take on the multi-tool. We've got you covered on both accounts, and everything in between. That said, different cyclists have different needs – a commuter may want a simple tool that quickly and robustly adjusts a wheel nut, while a road cyclist with a carbon frame worth thousands is more concerned about applying the correct torque to adjust their seat post. Still, you don't want a poorly machined tool to strip the heads of your fixings, so the best bike multi-tools, while using lightweight materials for the body, are likely to use strengthened steel for the parts that interact with the bike. They aren't meant to be the main tools in your toolbox they are there for small adjustments, perhaps when testing out new components or experimenting with seat heights, and for unexpected emergencies. Finding the right balance between size and functionality is critical and making sure you always pack your multi-tool, alongside your best bike pump, will help you to remain self-sufficient on your rides. ![]() The best bike multi-tools come in all shapes and sizes, some packing in nearly a workshop's worth of equipment, while others are lightweight and minimalist with only the bare essentials.
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