Variety of Multi Tools for different types of bikes With all the gadgets used by folks keeping up in a multi tasked world one could say that bike multi tools have been taking care of that for cyclists for several years now. Having one gadget that can perform several different tasks that is compact, light weight and fairly simple to use has become a standard for modern efficiency.
I'm not stating this as a fact but being from Portland, Oregon I like to think that the Leatherman Tool was the first multi tool to hit the market with any success. Since 1983 and long before multi-tasking was a household term gadgets abound. As could be expected multi tools for bikes have shown up for cyclists as a new best friend in "keeping the donkey light" as we like to say when packing our gear.
I'm not stating this as a fact but being from Portland, Oregon I like to think that the Leatherman Tool was the first multi tool to hit the market with any success. Since 1983 and long before multi-tasking was a household term gadgets abound. As could be expected multi tools for bikes have shown up for cyclists as a new best friend in "keeping the donkey light" as we like to say when packing our gear.
"Hehe, last time I saw a bike tool kit it was the cheesy old crusty crap tools in a zippered vinyl case, held in place with elastic webbing. They weighed a ton and weren't very good!"
Topeak Hexus II Multi Tool reliable as ever Having a multi tool that matches up well with your bike is mostly where product selection begins, "if the tool fits use it". While comparing features to cost consider the fact that a lot of the tools offered may not ever be used on your specific bike. That's ok as it is nice to be of roadside assistance to a fellow cyclist needing one of your excess tools. The point is to find the best multi tool for your bike with a few extras "just in case".
One of the reasons I prefer the Topeak Hexus II is it's very thought out design which in its' simplicity has managed to provide one of the best features missing on most all other multi tools. Namely the chain holder which looks like nothing more than a small piece of wire and if you didn't know it an actual tool to be removed and used you would think it was just part of the tool itself.
One of the two included tire levers has a built in hex bit for attaching the torx bit (included in the tool) and fits as a handle for the chain tool shown in photo above.
If you're looking for some much needed open or box wrenches either carry a Leatherman Tool, a small adjustable wrench or pliers or consider the Park MTB-3 Rescue Tool. Box wrenches are something to consider if you have fenders with fender stays, some rack stays and some older model derailleurs and bolt on wheels as for example many internally geared three speeds.
One of the reasons I prefer the Topeak Hexus II is it's very thought out design which in its' simplicity has managed to provide one of the best features missing on most all other multi tools. Namely the chain holder which looks like nothing more than a small piece of wire and if you didn't know it an actual tool to be removed and used you would think it was just part of the tool itself.
One of the two included tire levers has a built in hex bit for attaching the torx bit (included in the tool) and fits as a handle for the chain tool shown in photo above.
If you're looking for some much needed open or box wrenches either carry a Leatherman Tool, a small adjustable wrench or pliers or consider the Park MTB-3 Rescue Tool. Box wrenches are something to consider if you have fenders with fender stays, some rack stays and some older model derailleurs and bolt on wheels as for example many internally geared three speeds.
Park MTB-3 Rescue Tool has lots of features I appreciate Park Tool Company for all they have done and continue to do to make working on bikes safer and simpler than ever before. The name Park Tool means quality to most bike folks of all ages and their multi tools are excellent. I own an older model Park MTB-3 Rescue Tool (photo at left) that provides 22 tools for most all basic repair needs and especially nice for older model bikes that require a wrench to adjust the seat and seat post.
Although I had to replace the chain tool on my older MTB-3 it has been a reliable tool to keep in my pack and have helped others on several occasions with it. Other than most of the popular nut sizes covered by the box style wrenches the MTB-3 also provides a mini saw style knife blade and a cute little bottle opener molded into the chain tool handle. The tire levers do not include a spoke holder and are a bit wide if you have a stubborn tire that needs a smaller lever to get the bead started over the rim. Another factor some bike folks consider is it's bulk and weight compared to the Topeak or many other multi tools though comes with a nice carry pouch that can be worn on a belt. Of course this tool lacks the little wire thingy for holding two ends of the chain for repair like that supplied in the Topeak Hexus II.
Although I had to replace the chain tool on my older MTB-3 it has been a reliable tool to keep in my pack and have helped others on several occasions with it. Other than most of the popular nut sizes covered by the box style wrenches the MTB-3 also provides a mini saw style knife blade and a cute little bottle opener molded into the chain tool handle. The tire levers do not include a spoke holder and are a bit wide if you have a stubborn tire that needs a smaller lever to get the bead started over the rim. Another factor some bike folks consider is it's bulk and weight compared to the Topeak or many other multi tools though comes with a nice carry pouch that can be worn on a belt. Of course this tool lacks the little wire thingy for holding two ends of the chain for repair like that supplied in the Topeak Hexus II.
Although the MTB-3 has been recommended for older bikes due to the box wrenches the newer 3.2 model is an excellent choice for newer bikes with disc brake. The Park MTB3.2 Rescue Tool has been very well reviewed for it's size and weight being much smaller and lighter than the MTB-3. This 27 in 1 model is very popular for it's rotor truing tool, disc brake piston press and rugged pedal wrench.
Looking to add this to my kit on my mountain bike for touring and commuting.
Looking to add this to my kit on my mountain bike for touring and commuting.
Non branded but quality multi tool has basics covered I received a basic multi tool shown at left as a gift with a Windsor Oxford Three Speed a couple years ago. A chain tool has been added to this generic piece and the nylon plastic tool holders double as tire levers like the Park MTB-3.
This tool fit the needs of the three speed and I like the spoke wrenches notched on the box type wrenches. Although this tool is of a no name brand it has worked well when I needed it and is still a very solid quality item that I keep in the bike's saddle pack.
Very reasonably priced for the budget minded and makes an excellent gift like the other tools reviewed here.
This tool fit the needs of the three speed and I like the spoke wrenches notched on the box type wrenches. Although this tool is of a no name brand it has worked well when I needed it and is still a very solid quality item that I keep in the bike's saddle pack.
Very reasonably priced for the budget minded and makes an excellent gift like the other tools reviewed here.
Vintage bike repair set is still very useful. Today's multi tools for bikes have come along way from the days of rounding up several bulky, heavy tools of so called "poor quality". I keep this old set that includes a small spoke wrench for an old Puch Bergmeister that doesn't have much need of hex bits other than the new stem I added.
Any of the multi tools discussed here can help get you out of a bind whether it's on the trail, commuting or on a long bike tour when it's essential to have some basic repair items.
Any of the multi tools discussed here can help get you out of a bind whether it's on the trail, commuting or on a long bike tour when it's essential to have some basic repair items.
If this has grabbed your interest and you'd like to look through some more multi tools read
this great guide on the best multi tools from Gear Hungry.
this great guide on the best multi tools from Gear Hungry.
RSS Feed
