Just a few quick words about bike specific multi tools…

Personally speaking I don’t ever go too far on the bike without at least a 5mm Allen key as it is the most common size needed on bikes, although 4 and 6mm are fairly common too and because of this, more often than not I pick up a multi tool as a handy means of carrying all the tools I’m likely to need when hitting the trails.

A snapped chain is going to put a dampener on any ride unless you have  a chain tool which is handy for removing links from a snapped chain and allowing a quick link to be installed which should get you up and running… er  peddling again.

Example of a Quick Link

Other commonly needed tools are a spoke key for trailside spoke tensioning and ‘get me home wheel truing’, make sure it fits your spoke nipples before you set off. A Phillips head screw driver for adjusting mech limits is handy and a flat head can be useful for not only adjusting limit screws but also lightly prying or ‘persuading’ components. A T25 Torx key for disc brake bolts that shake themselves loose or get damaged in crashes is also useful.

Equally important as having the correct tools is knowing how to use them to carry out some basic repairs, do some homework before you need to rely on your tools to get you home!

Lezyne, Park Tool and Topeak all have multi tools which have all of the above features and sometimes even more, theres one to suit every budget, see bleow!

Lezyne carbon v10 multi-toolTopeak Alien iiTopeak Alien-ii

Park Tool mtb-3 Rescue-Tool

Topeak Alien-ii

Andy