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Best cycling multitools: Buyers guide
CyclistBest cycling multitools: Buyers guideA multitool is an essential for every cyclist, whether youre a new rider, a seasoned vet or anything in between. Mechanical issues are unfortunately a part of cycling that even the rampant advances in technology havent found a solution for yet, however the risk of a ride-crippling issue can be greatly reduced by carrying the necessary tools to fix it. Whether its a damaged spoke, snapped chain or even a puncture in a tubeless tyre, there is a huge range of multitools on the market to help get you back on the road.Some riders like to be prepared for every eventuality when heading out for a ride while others are quite content with carrying the bare minimum, and the current crop of multitools reflects this diversity in opinion. Some pack upwards of 30 tools and equip the rider with all the tools they need to fix almost all common mid-ride issues, whereas other tools are better suited for simply adjusting a few hex bolts.Review of the best cycling multitools Abbey 4-Way Multi-Tool:RRP 51 Read our full review Blackburn Big Switch Ratchet:RRP 47.21 Read our full review Lezyne Super SV23:RRP 56.25 Read our full review Muc-Off 17 in 1 Multi Tool:RRP 20 Read our full review Pedros Rx Micro-21:RRP 68.99 Read our full review PNW Pebble:RRP 33 Read our full review Silca Tredici:RRP 54 Read our full review Topeak Mini PT30:RRP 48 Read our full review Why should I trust Cyclists advice?We test a lot of bikes here at Cyclist and often find ourselves adjusting various things mid-ride, from saddle height to lever position to get our position sorted on new and unfamiliar bikes. For that reason, our multitools get a lot of use. Even when we have adjusted our fit on the bike, derailleur limit screws need tweaking, GPS mounts need adjusting and thats even before we encountered any real mechanical issues.How to choose the best bike multitool for youAs with many things in the world of cycling, theres a huge range of options on offer, all with different tools. A good starting point is to establish what tools you actually need; a tubeless repair kit is useless if youre still rolling on inner tubes and Torx fasteners are becoming more common and not every tool includes the appropriate bits. Some tools are small and lighter than others too, so its worth thinking about where you ride; if epic gravel rides far from civilisation are your thing, then a larger, more fully fledged tool is a no brainer, but if you tend to stick closer to home and can call for a lift or afford a taxi, then you could get away with something more minimalist. Related Posts Best tubeless repair kit: Buyers guide Best mini pumps 2024 reviewed and rated Best track pumps reviewed: Buyers guide Best road bikes 2024 reviewed by Cyclists experts Best cycling multitoolsAbbey 4 Way Multi-ToolMatt Buckley51.00 |View offerPros: Ease of use, quality build, low weightCons: Only four tools, better suited to workshop49 grams, customisable at point of purchaseAbbey Tools has forged a reputation for handsome yet highly functional tools and the Four Way Multi-Tool is no different. Four precision-machined bits are mounted to a US-drawn aluminium alloy chassis anodised in the brands iconic green to produce a tool that feels excellent in the hand.Bit engagement into bolts is second to none and feels very secure even under high torque, however the Four Way Multi-Tool may be too minimalist for even the most tool-averse riders. The choice of bit is customisable from Abbey but theres a limited pool of repairs you can tackle with it; I found myself using this tool more frequently in the workshop than out on the bike, but if you like to keep things super simple then its a solid, if expensive, choice.Read our full Abbey 4 Way Multi-Tool reviewBlackburn Big Switch RatchetMatt Buckley33.99 (RRP: 47.21) |View offerPros: Ratchet mechanism, nylon case is durable, space for other itemsCons: Quite sizeable159 gramswith 17 tools using interchangeable bitsThe Blackburn Big Switch Ratchet looks very similar to the Topeak Ratchet Rocket, both use a small ratcheting handle to drive a series of interchangeable bits. There are 17 tools included, they are; Hex bits from 2.5mm to 8mm, T10, T25 and T30 Torx bits, a flathead screwdriver, disk pad spreader, 7-12 speed chain tool, #0, #1, #2 spoke wrenches and a Presta valve core tool.Unlike the Topeak Ratchet Rocket, the bots are stored in a sturdy nylon wallet with Velcro fastening so while it is a little larger than the Topeak, it feels much more secure and theres no risk of the bits falling out. It also provides a place to keep other small spares such as a Powerlink or tubeless plugs.The ratcheting handle engages quickly meaning bolts with limited access can be adjusted with ease and the whole tool feels like it is built to last. I would choose the Blackburn over the Topeak due to the more secure bit storage and the option to store small parts in the wallet.Read our full Blackburn Big Switch Ratchet multitool reviewLezyne Super SV23Matt Buckley54.99 |View offerPros: Good selection of tools, includes tubeless tools and chain breakerCons: Quite heavy155 gramswith 23 toolsFeaturing an impressive array of 23 tools the Lezyne Super SV23 offers riders plenty of options to repair any mechanicals. Included is the expected spread of Hex keys from 2mm to 8mm, Torx from T10 to T30, Phillips screwdriver and chain tool. Theres also a rotor truing fork, disc brake wedge and bottle opener built into the chain tool. Finally, there is a tubeless repair tool as well as a handy canister to store the plugs. The tubeless tools are protected by a chunky rubber cap to prevent injury in the event of a crash.The aluminium chassis has a pair of magnets to hold a quick link and I found the chain tool to do the job. Overall, I found the selection of tools on the Super SV23 to be excellent and it felt sturdy and dependable in the hand too.Read our full Lezyne Super SV23 multitool reviewMuc-Off 17 in 1 Multi ToolMatt Buckley20.00 |View offerPros: Value for money, compactCons: 8mm cap could easily be lost, limited availability112 gramswith 17 toolsThe Muc-Off 17 in 1 Multi Tool is a great value for money option, offering 17 tools in a very slender package, measuring only 10mm thick. The tools included are nothing out of the ordinary: 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm and 8mm hex keys, a T25, 1, 2 Phillips and SL5 flathead screwdrivers. A chain breaker compatible with 9/10/11 speed chains and spoke wrench with Shimano and Mavic spokes. The 8mm cap fits on the 5mm for packaging reasons but the 5mm is one of the most commonly used sizes and I can see it getting lost after a while.The bits are chrome vanadium steel, which bodes well for long term durability, and the side pars are aluminium, which helps shed some excess weight; overall its a well featured tool for a very competitive price.Read our full Muc-Off 17 in 1 Multi Tool reviewPedros Rx Micro-21Matt Buckley35.99 |View offerPros: Good selection of tools, includes two tyre leversCons: Hard to find in the UK, no Phillips head155 grams, 21 toolsThe chassis of the Rx Micro-21 is flanked by a pair of sturdy, bright yellow tyre levers, which clip onto the tool to prevent them from being lost; remove them and the Rx Micro-21 is a very compact package. The obligatory Hex selection ranging from 2mm to 8mm is present, along with a T25 and T30 Torx, flat head screwdriver, chain tool, three spoke wrenches, Shimano crank cap removal tool and Presta valve core tool. The 8mm Hex is a cap that fits on the 6mm but our sample didnt have one included so utmost care needs to be taken not to lose it.Elsewhere, the feel of the tool is excellent, the bits are coated in a semi-matte finish that feels durable, which is echoed across the rest of the tool. The Shimano crank cap removal tool is something Ive never seen on a multitool before but makes use of otherwise dead space, however I would like to see a Phillips screwdriver included for adjusting derailleur limit screws and light mounts.Read our full Pedros Rx Micro-21 multitool reviewBuy now from Pedros Europe for 61PNW PebbleMatt Buckley106.73 |View offerPros: Compact and lightweight, includes tubeless repair plugCons: Only six tools, tools are a little short51 grams, compact and smooth edgedThe Pacific Northwest Pebble is by far the smallest multitool in this guide, measuring a tiny 65mm 20mm 16mm. Its equipped with only 6 tools but does include a Dynaplug (tubeless repair tool). The body of the Pebble is machined from aluminium and feels exceptionally well built with metal hardware throughout. The tools are very smooth to unfold but are a little short to reach some recessed bolts.The Pebble includes a 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, T25 Torx and Dynaplug to fix tubeless punctures. The T25 is actually hidden under the Dynaplug to save space on the tool. Some might find the Pebble just too small and not feature rich enough but if you tend to stick near civilisation and just need a tool to undo a thru axle or tweak your saddle height, the Pebble could be a great choice.Read our full PNW Pebble multitool reviewSilca TrediciMatt Buckley38.99 |View offerPros: Well made tool, long wrenches to reach recessed boltsCons: Quick link storage but no chain breaker100 grams with a range of 13 quality toolsMuch like Silcas track pumps, the Silca Tredici is built on fastidious attention to detail that adds a touch of class to your roadside wrenching. The Tredici includes 13 tools: 2mm 8mm Hex, T10, T20, T25, PH, PH Flat and disk pad spreader. Quick link storage is integrated into the aluminium side rails but the tool doesnt include a chain breaker, so youll need to carry one of those separately.Bit engagement is solid across all the tools and theyre long enough to reach more recessed bolts. The Tredici feels great in the hand due to its fairly compact size and all the tools lie flat rather than overlapping to make the tool thin when not in use.The Tredici should be durable too, all the tools are double chromed, the hardware and bushings are stainless steel and the rails are aluminium, all of which reduces corrosion and reduces weight.Read our full Silca Tredicimultitool reviewTopeak Mini TP30Matt Buckley38.39 |View offerPros: High number of tools, includes tubeless repairCons: A little heavy176 grams with 30 tools includedThe TP30 is one of the most feature packed tools on the market, offering 30 tools to fix almost anything at the roadside. The included tools are; 2mm 8mm hex wrenches, 10mm hex, T10, T15 and T25 Torx, 14G, 15G, Mavic M7 and Shimano 4.5mm spoke keys, chain tool, chain hook and frankly genius Powerlink tool. There is also a #2 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, along with a tyre reamer, plug insertion tool, serrated knife, and disc pad spacer.Anyone thats tried to split a Powerlink without the correct tools will know its a hassle, but the Topeak PT30 has an ingenious mechanism that had them apart in no time at all and includes a wire hook to hold the chain together when you need to join it again.Throw in a selection of tubeless repair tools and the TP30 is a almost a workshop in your pocket and one that I would carry with me safe in the knowledge I could fix pretty much anything.Read our full Topeak Mini TP30 multitool reviewNeed tubeless repair tools? Read our guide to the best tubeless repair kits. Related Posts Best tubeless repair kit: Buyers guide Best mini pumps 2024 reviewed and rated Best track pumps reviewed: Buyers guide Best road bikes 2024 reviewed by Cyclists experts The post Best cycling multitools: Buyers guide appeared first on Cyclist.
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