What the best multitool for my bike?

spanners and allen key.

I have tried various multi-tools, but I keep going back to 'real' tools - proper spanners/allen keys/scredrivers etc work so much better and are much easier to use - as I have a seperate tool kit for each bike, I only carry the tools I find I actually need - when I go away on a longer trip I add extra tools for items (like eg MountainDrive) where special tools are needed.

John Turvey

I had some Allen key Set. A proper one with indiviual keys and it work well right I dropped the one in hand. That one I need and its gone!!!

I dont think the multitool would go as fast.

When I was at Cyclfest I got the proper tools in a dissection wrap (job) and they were good right up to when I loaned them out to a friend.

"No! I dint lose any..."


dint? I wonder what that mean. It was ok in my head but its come out wrong.

'Dint' is what you cause in a car after an unplanned interface incident on your bike

John turvey

it was Tom Johnston who lost a couple of Allen Key at Cyclfest

If you can get one I reckon these.
[forum.multitool.org]

Merry Xmas

I havent seen a Cool-Tool for ages. As least 20 years.

I have two 'true' multitools: a Topeak Alien II and an older but quite similar tool made by M&S.

Both have all the Allen wrench sizes I ever need, both have the occasionally-needed chain tool, both have emergency tyre levers, both have a limited selection of spanners (though the Alien is actually the poorer on this one), both offer flat and Philips screwdrivers... The Alien includes a not-very-strong 15mm emergency spanner and three small hex fittings, and a blade, but the M&S one is much more comfortable in use.

So by and large, either of those multitools goes everywhere with me. On the Brompton if I'm out of town I also bring my Park 15mm/36mm spanner, which deals with pedals, axle nuts and headsets.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 21/12/2011 11:40PM by arellcat.

The Topeak Alien II.
That the one I should have had when I had a Trice.

When for a hodliday to the Nertherlands and took and of the tools that ICE mentioned in their booklet, "Step-by-step assembbly instructions and owners manual," p47.

So, I had all the tools I need on the holiday?
I dont think so.

As lrft the boat on the first day the handbar were loose. It was an allen screw on the thingy thing.

Had had all the 3,4,5 and 6 mentioned in the booket thing but not the 10mm that I needed.

I used a 8mm with something choking it until bought an 10mm Allen key in Arhnem.
NOT a happy bunny.

The multi toll I find most useful did come from M&S I think. Has three interchangeable sockets for 8, 9 and 10 mm bolts. Very useful for bolts that a spanner can't get near.


I also carry one set of Revolution allen keys in plastic sleeve. These have the rounded end - very useful as a more leverage and length than any multi tool.

Also got Swiss Card for some non bike tools. Also an old style box spanner for old style seat posts.

I'm still using an old Mafac toolkit that was very popular amongst club riders in the 70s, not exactly a multi-tool, but takes up the same amount of space. Around a dozen double-ended aluminium tools (open and closed) and allen keys in a plastic pouch measuring approx 12 x 6 cms.

these are the allen keys I need....
[www.edinburghbicycle.com]

and sticky skin so I dont drop them.

The best multitool is the one you have with you, not the one you've left at home...
Rob
wrhpv.com

Quote Seamus
"I havent seen a Cool-Tool for ages. As least 20 years."
I don't think I've had it quite that long but time does fly. I've looked after it though and it still works.

The chain-splitter on my Topeak Hummer Multi-Tool is good. Unfortutly is also needs an allen key to make it work.

that would a Multi-Tool on a Multi=Tool. Grrr. Hummer and one allen key set.

That works well.

PDQ Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If you can get one I reckon these.
>
>
> Merry Xmas

PDQ that looks great! Do they still make cool tools at all? It would be so much more convenient to have just the one multitool that actually covers everything with you on the ride rather than loads of separate bits and pieces.

Any links for where you might be able to find one of those little gems at a good price?

Seamus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The chain-splitter on my Topeak Hummer Multi-Tool
> is good. Unfortutly is also needs an allen key to
> make it work.
>
> that would a Multi-Tool on a Multi=Tool. Grrr.
> Hummer and one allen key set.
>
> That works well.


My multi-tool has the Allen keys on a separate bit that clips off, so you can use an allen and a spanner at the same time.

Mind you, it doesn't have a chain splitter!

If I had a baby elephant, it could help me wash the car. If I had a car.

Also often found on www.cyclechat.co.uk

I still use my Cool-Tool. Wish I'd bought a titanium one when they were still around.

--
Peter Eland - Velo Vision publisher

I've been very happy with my Passport CDW multi-tool. I usually carry a second set of Allen keys as some of the nuts on the Fuego need to be torqued at either end.

I'm always amazed by people who think carrying a chain tool is overkill. Maybe it's a recumbent thing.



Review of said tool:

[www.bikeradar.com]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blue 2007 Nazca Fuego rider

Hi.
I just read that that pice,
[www.bikeradar.com]


"It’s one disadvantage is, that like most multi-tools it features spoke wrenches that are as useful as chocolate fireguards."

I wonder what this means?

Seamus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi.
> I just read that that pice,
>
>
>
> "It’s one disadvantage is, that like most
> multi-tools it features spoke wrenches that are as
> useful as chocolate fireguards."
>
> I wonder what this means?


I'll take the reviewers word for it that the spoke wrenches are no good - it is one tool I have never used.

I'm not confident enough to go about adjusting spoke tensions. Even when I've had a busted spoke I'll get off and push in preference to trying to adjust the wheel back into makeshift true.

It is probably something I should learn at some point.

Come to think of it, I have an old wheel with a busted spoke out in the shed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blue 2007 Nazca Fuego rider

THANKS to Rob and Carol for sending me a Titanium Cool-Tool.

Is just sticky-fingers I need to stop me dropping tools.

Or magnetic fingers.

--
Peter Eland - Velo Vision publisher

Is titanium magnetic?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blue 2007 Nazca Fuego rider

It must have iron.

"Or magnetic fingers." BAD!!!

If the stuff I touch has magetism it'll attract bits of iron that'll where it down badly.

Theres a science lesson here' Just like what I used to do before.