This can be a lot to keep track of while performing a trailside repair, and reassembling the whole unit can be slightly fiddly until you get used to it. Additionally, to store this tool in your steerer tube you'll need to thread your steerer using OneUp's tap kit or purchase the new Threadless Carrier which will cost you a handful of extra dollars, making one of the most expensive tools in the test even more pricey.
Between them, Jeremy Benson and Zach Wick drew upon an ocean of cycling knowledge for this review. Our two authors each have tons of experience, both riding and working on bikes. Jeremy rides almost every day while testing bikes and other gear, training for races, or riding just for fun. This die-hard cyclist spends a lot of time on the racecourse and has racked up results at big events like the Downieville Classic and the Lost and Found Gravel Grinder. He was also a sponsored skier for over a decade and is the author of Mountain Bike Tahoe published by Mountaineers Books.
Zach has been religiously riding, racing, and working on bikes for the last sixteen years. With experience on mountain, road, cyclocross, gravel, and track bikes, he brings breadth and depth of cycling knowledge as well as years of industry experience working in a test lab.
These two know the value and necessity of a quality multi-tool and hope to impart some of their knowledge in this review. Our team spent weeks testing these bike multi-tools, using them in every scenario to provide the best possible information.
Through testing in the field and the workshop, they scrutinized all aspects of each model to learn its ins and outs. During testing, we analyzed and rated each model's features, functions, ergonomics, portability, ease of use, and durability. Whatever your preferred cycling discipline, it's guaranteed that at some point you'll experience a mechanical issue.
When this happens, a quality bike multi-tool is an indispensable accessory to get you back up and riding instead of walking back to the trailhead or waiting for someone to come and pick you up. Of course, not every mechanical problem can be fixed with a multi-tool, but there are plenty that can be addressed with a little knowledge and the right equipment. Ideally, you will never need to use a multi-tool while out on a ride, but on the off chance you break your chain, need to tighten a bolt, or simply want to make an adjustment, it's nice to have the right tool at your disposal.
A multi-tool can't fix problems on its own, so it is important that you also familiarize yourself with your bike and its components to be prepared when a mid-ride mechanical pops up. We recommend taking a basic maintenance or bicycle service course to learn the ins and outs of basic bike repair. We don't rate the tools in this test based on their price, but we always love a good value.
The differences in price between the models in this test are fairly minimal for most models, and some of the highest-rated models are also some of the most affordable.
The Pro Bike Tool 17 in 1 is a good example of a more affordable option that is also highly rated. That said, price and performance often go hand in hand, and the top-rated ToPeak Mini PT30 is also one of the most expensive.
Each of the multi-tools in this test has at least what we consider the minimum tools and functions for both road and mountain biking. With the standard hex sizes—also known as Allen keys—which are 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm and a Torx 25 star-shaped bit, a multi-tool will be able to handle the most common mechanical issues. Beyond that, the tools and functions vary between the different models. The tools mentioned above are essential simply because they service the most commonly found bolts on today's bikes.
Modern stems, brakes, brake rotors, calipers, derailleurs, chainrings, pedals, and clamps will often be serviceable with this basic tool suite. While not every model in the test includes one, we think a chain tool is nearly as essential as the basic wrenches. Without a chain tool, there's not a lot that you can do to Macgyver a broken chain back together out on a ride. At that point, you had better hope that the way back home is mostly downhill because you're not pedaling anywhere without a chain.
In many cases, the manufacturers of these multi-tools make several versions that offer varying numbers of features—some with chain breakers and some without. We highly recommend the former if you're relying on your bike multi-tool to get home. We evaluated each model based on the number of tools that it has and additional functions like quick link storage, disc pad spreaders, spoke wrenches, tire levers, and storage cases. In general, we feel that more features are typically better as long as they are actually useful for the user and don't come with a big weight penalty.
Some riders may prefer a minimalist approach and would rather not lug around a tool with functions that they may never use, while others prefer to be prepared for everything. Our test includes multi-tools for every type of rider with tools that span from a low of 15 functions to a high of The most fully-featured model in this test is the ToPeak Mini PT30 , with a whopping 30 functions in a relatively small package.
It has all of the hex key sizes you'll ever need from 2 to 10mm, flat and Phillips head screwdrivers, Torx 10, 15 and 25 bits, and a quality chain tool with four sizes of spoke wrenches integrated into it. It also has convenient extras like a quick link breaker, quick link storage a chain hook to help with chain repair, and a disc pad spreader. This new model even comes with tire repair tools like a plug insertion tool, reamer, and a small knife. The Lezyne Super V 22 offers the next most features with It doesn't pile on the extra fluff that you get with the Mini PT 30 , but we found in testing that all of its features were well-thought-out and frequently useful out on the trail or road.
It covers all of the basics with a full set of the most common hex sizes, T15, T25, and T30 Torx wrenches, and an easy-to-use chain tool. It also includes some handy extras like a brake rotor truing fork in case you have an unfortunate meeting between rotor and rock.
The Pedro's Rx Micro was another of the most feature-rich models we tested. This tool offers a unique package including a Shimano crank cap tool, two full-fledged tire levers, and quick link storage. Also included are 7 and 8mm box wrenches, three spoke wrench sizes, and T25 and T30 Torx wrenches along with all of the standard hexes and a chain tool. If you ride Shimano cranks, this tool is worth a look for its unique crank cap tool alone. With T10 and T15 Torx wrenches, a clever chain holder, three spoke wrench sizes, and Phillips and flathead screwdrivers on top of the basics, it will get you out of most jams.
The Pro Bike Tool 17 in 1 is a more traditional minimalist option, but it manages to pack in one more feature than the Ninja without a big weight penalty. In evaluating a bike multi-tool's ergonomics we considered its shape, feel in hand, leverage, and the usefulness of its tools in relation to their lengths. A tool with good ergonomics feels comfortable in your hand, can be grasped tightly without pressure points, and provides the leverage to apply torque when necessary.
Long tool bits are an added bonus that helps a tool operate in tight spaces more efficiently. Every tool in our test can get the job done, but some tools are more ergonomically inclined than others. This miniaturized ratcheting socket set provides excellent leverage as well as easy access to hard-to-reach bolts. The system works so well that it wouldn't be out of place in a home workshop. The Blackburn Switch Wrap has a similarly ergonomic bit-and-socket design that allows you to configure the wrench as either an L or T handle, but doesn't include the ratchet system.
Our highest-rated traditional multi-tool designs are Crankbrothers' M19 and F Each of these Crankbrothers tools is appropriately sized to fit well in most hands with rounded edges and no pressure points for the palm. Their lengths provide good leverage when dealing with finicky bolts, and their chain tools make popping a pin easy.
The F15 specifically has a smooth, brushed metal case that doubles as a wrench or chain tool handle, making it a favorite among our testers. For most operations, the Rx Micro 20 sits on par with the highest-rated tools in our test. Its tire-lever flanked frame fits nicely in the palm and provides comfort and leverage. Our only problem with it came when breaking a chain. The chain tool is difficult to grasp, and leverage is hard to come by.
It took us a couple tries to break a chain the first time we tested it. It still fit nicely in hand and provided adequate leverage but falls somewhat short of the top performers. The small sacrifice these tools make in ergonomics is made up for by their portability. Due to the compact nature of the OneUp EDC's unique design, all of the tools are small and they're more challenging to hold onto and torque on when needed.
The Park Tool IB-3 is easily bottom of the pack for ergonomics. This tool is chunky and uncomfortable in hand, with removable parts that move around and get in the way.
Portability is a fundamental design tenet of any multi-tool. In testing, we found that each tool can easily fit into your pack or saddlebag, but not all of them are lightweight and compact enough to carry comfortably in a pocket. We rated each model's portability based on a combination of both the weight and the size. As for virtually every piece of cycling gear, lighter is generally considered better, and a more compact tool takes up less space when not in use.
The importance of both size and weight is up to the individual user and varies based on need and desired carrying location. It was the only traditional, non-bike-mounted tool to achieve a perfect score in this metric.
Its incredibly light weight allows you to choose whether you want to store it in a pocket or a pack. In a pocket, it all but disappears while you're riding, and in a pack, it will save valuable storage space. Both of these tools mount to your bike, so you don't have to lug them around in a pocket or a pack while you pedal. The gram EDC stores in your bike's steerer tube, so it's virtually nonexistent until you need to pull it out and make an adjustment.
At grams, the Switch Wrap isn't the lightest model we tested, but it can mount in multiple locations on your frame and provides storage for a tube, CO2 cartridge, and tire lever. It's fast and easy to mount and doesn't create a nuisance while you ride.
Both of these quickly became favorites among our testers, and they provide an excellent option for mountain bikers who loathe strapping on a pack. Weighing right at the higher end of average in our test at g g with the neoprene case , the ToPeak Mini PT30 is still relatively lightweight considering that it has 30 functions. It's also quite small, 3" long, 1.
Both the Crankbrothers M19 and the Blackburn Tradesman have similar dimensions and are a couple of the largest and heaviest tools in this test. By combining all of the tools you might need into a single, compact unit, multi-tools inherently provide a user-friendly experience. For the most part, the differences in user-friendliness of the various models are relatively small, but certain models offer an easier and faster experience.
Things like carrying cases that must be removed before use, multiple components to keep track of, or hard-to-find tools are the main culprits that make a tool harder to use.
Throughout testing, we quickly found certain go-to tools that allowed for quick and easy adjustments, and these tools scored highest in this metric. Each of these tools is ready to use the moment you pull it out of your pack or pocket. The 17 in 1 has its tools labeled, so you never accidentally pull out the wrong wrench. Others, like the Rx Micro , and Euro17 , have simple layouts that allow for quick tool identification and access. None of these multi-tools have an excessive number of removable pieces, and none require their tools to be assembled before use.
Out on the trail, these models will be your best bet if you want to minimize time spent fiddling and maximize time spent riding. The ToPeak Mini PT30 has a cover that adds a small step when pulling it out for use or stowing it away. The cover also represents an additional component to keep track of on the trail or roadside.
The Mini PT30's chain tool also needs to be removed from the main body of the tool for use. These additional steps may seem relatively trivial to many riders out there, but for those who enjoy frequently adjusting their bike's setup or want a tool that can keep them in the race when something goes wrong, time savings carry great importance.
Ease of use is the Blackburn Switch Wrap 's biggest weakness, and it received our lowest score in this metric. While the frame-mounted wrap offers considerable benefits in portability, it can be a minor hassle when it comes time to make an adjustment. Every time you want to use one of the Switch Wrap 's tools, you have to remove the wrap from your frame, pull the tool kit out of its velcro pocket, find your desired bit, and assemble the wrench with the socket handle.
This process only takes a handful of seconds, but it's much more involved than that of any other tool we tested. We also found that the Switch Wrap 's tool kit can take a bit of muscle to get in and out of the wrap when it's fully loaded with a tube, CO2, and tire lever.
Under normal conditions with regular use, a good bike multi-tool should last you years, and maybe even decades if you can avoid misplacing it. Most models are made entirely of metal parts like forged aluminum and corrosion-resistant steel. One of the primary durability concerns with multi-tools is the heads of the bits since a spun or rounded bit is completely useless and can damage your bolts with continued use.
Plastic parts in multi-tool construction are a concern because plastic is more prone to breaking or warping over time. Corrosion of metal is the least of our durability concerns because while oxidized metal may look bad, it rarely causes any performance issues. The majority of the models in our test scored well in this metric. None of them will last forever, but most of them are made to withstand numerous years of use with all-metal constructions featuring aluminum side plates and chrome-plated or chrome vanadium steel bits.
Its carbon fiber reinforced polymer body offers a fantastic strength-to-weight ratio and facilitates its low-weight, feature-packed nature. Initially, we had concerns about it fatiguing and failing over time since polymers typically struggle in that department.
Still, we couldn't detect any movement or stress in the frame even when applying high torque. With the considerable weight benefit it brings, we commend ToPeak for their bold material choice. We had some minor durability concerns with a few of the models in our test. While the EDC 's metal tools gave us no problems, its largely plastic construction may be prone to breaking with extended use. With the Euro17 , Unior devoted resources to ensuring their tool tips would span the test of time with a coating of black oxide, but they also constructed the multi-tool's frame with flexible plastic.
When applying substantial torque to the Euro17 , you can feel the entire tool twist in your hand. While we didn't see any problems in our testing, we fear that the plastic might fatigue quickly. The Rx Micro 's frame construction gave us no issues, but after our rotor bolt test, we noticed some minor wear on the T25's tip.
GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves.
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