We decided to take a look at 10 of the options weve been using for tools over the years. 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. The EDC is there when you need it, tucked away inside your steerer tube or EDC pump. The Pedro's Rx Micro-20 was another of the most feature-rich models we tested. Tech features: We kick off our shootout with this brilliantly made tool. The BITS tool can be installed in most modern mountain bike steerer tubes and has a small, finger-sized grab handle to remove the tool. Its tire-lever flanked frame fits nicely in the palm and provides comfort and leverage. 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. In the future, we would like to see Specialized offering a larger tool with more bits that can still integrate into this specific water bottle cage. On the lightweight and minimalist end of our spectrum, sit the Topeak Ninja 16+, Fabric 16 in 1, and the Pro Bike Tool 17 in 1. This array of tools will allow you to overcome the majority of mechanical issues that might befall you. While that is one function, the tubeless plug or the chain tool can be used under a lock-on grip or even stashed inside a hollow axle crankset. It still fits nicely in hand and provides adequate leverage but falls somewhat short of the top performers. For the full review of the Crankbrothers F15 click here, For the full review of the Fabric 16 click here, 13 of the best ways to attach gear to your mountain or gravel bike, Best mountain bikes for under 3,000 - capable trail bikes that won't break the bank, A closer look Cannock Chase Commonwealth Games XCO course, Mountain bike icons - the Gary Foord story, Gravel in East Africa: Migration Gravel Race, A crash sensor, airy gravel shoes, high-flow valves and more, Ritchey unveils alloy WCS Zeta GX gravel wheelset, Gravel bike geometry: everything you need to know. It's also quite small, 3" long, 1.75" wide, and 0.75" thick, though the neoprene case adds a little girth to the overall size. The most fully-featured model in this test is the ToPeak Mini PT30, with a whopping 30 functions in a relatively small package. Every tool in our test can get the job done, but some tools are more ergonomically inclined than others. Both of these quickly became favorites among our testers, and they provide an excellent option for mountain bikers who loathe strapping on a pack. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. 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. A tool like the ToPeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX is easy to wrench with but loses a little ground for ease of use due to its carrying case and longer deployment time. It takes a bit of elbow grease to pop a chain pin free. Our top-rated models for ease of use are the Pro Bike Tool 17 in 1, the Crankbrothers M19 (without the case), the Unior Euro17, the Fabric 16 in 1, and the Pedro's Rx Micro-20. All Rights Reserved. INTERVIEW: OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST JENNY RISSVEDS AND HER WORLD CUP WINNING IBIS EXIE, FINN ILES: HOW HE BECAME A STAR WHEN HE WAS 14, SAPWI BIKE PARK, THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA, UTAH DEBUTS NEW MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK THIS SUMMER, NEW GLOBAL HANDMADE BIKE SHOWMADE TO DEBUT IN SEPTEMBER 2023, THE WINNERS, LOSERS, AND STORIES OF THE FINAL DAY OF THE U.S. MOUNTAIN BIKE, BLUNK AND SWENSON CROWNED XC NATIONAL CHAMPIONS, VALI HLL AND LORIS VERGIER TAKE THE DOWNHILL WINS IN ANDORRA, PHOTO GALLERY: OUR FAVORITE READER SUBMITTED PHOTOS, PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: OSPREY RAPTOR PRO HYDRATION PACK, Places To Ride: Rock House Trail In San Diego, Ca. It was the only traditional, non-bike-mounted tool to achieve a perfect score in this metric. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. The neoprene case wraps the tool up tight for protection and increased comfort when carried in a jersey or shorts pocket. 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. Unlike others in this feature, this tool has tire levers that hold an additional pair of bits. Although this is the limited edition version in orange (there are also silver and green), its functionally exactly the same as the original F15. While this tool takes a little longer to access compared to the Specialized SWAT tool, it does offer more functions. In many cases, the manufacturers of these multi-tools make several versions that offer varying numbers of featuressome with chain breakers and some without. For those who want to access their tool quickly, this set should not be your first choice, as removing the Stash tools could leave you scrambling to make a quick fix. Its a bit annoying but gets the job done. Deputy Tech Editor here at off.road.cc Liam can alsobe found photographing bikes as well as riding them. ASK MBA: ARE CLIPLESS PEDALS REALLY BETTER THAN FLATS? They're also fun to use. The most portable tools aren't a nuisance to carry in your pocket. When applying substantial torque to the Euro17, you can feel the entire tool twist in your hand. It took us a couple tries to break a chain the first time we tested it. THE WINNERS AND LOSERS IN THE WORLD CUP DOWNHILL AT SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN, WEST VIRGINIA, VIDEO: BIKE PACKING IN NEW MEXICO IN EPISODE 1 OF THE LOAM AND GRAVEL SOCIETY, VIDEO: THE STORY BEHIND LOIC BRUNIS RUSTED DEMO IN EPISODE TWO OF FRAMED. Most riders will find that the tradeoff in comfort versus portability and functionality is well worth it. Long tool bits are an added bonus that helps a tool operate in tight spaces more efficiently. Tools: Hex 8/6/5/4/3/2.5/2/T10/T20/T25/T30/#1 Phillips/flathead/210 N/m torque range. Our team spent weeks testing these bike multi-tools, using them in every scenario to provide the best possible information. Weve said it before and we will say it again: when it comes to riding, having the right tools can make or break your day. He's not shy of an enduro here or there and he's equally happy in the winter slop as he is ripping up the summer's dust. Some riders will even refuse to wear a pack or saddle bag to carry everything they need and prefer to have items hidden or attached to the bike. Unfortunately, this does require the use of a long T-handle or Allen wrench to tighten the headset. Tools: Package opener/bottle opener/5mm-14mm wrench sizes/#1 Phillips/Hex 4/5/6/tire levers. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Tools: Hex 8/6/5/4/3/T25 /flathead/chain breaker. 7 trailside fixes every cyclist should know, 11 tools every home bike mechanic should own, Nine cheapskate alternatives to proper cycling products, For the full review of the Topeak Mini PT30 click here, For the full review of the Topeak Hexus X click here, For the full review of the Blackburn Wayside 19 click here, For the full review of the Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX+ click here. Reviews, buying advice and news. Simply called the Tool, this fits with Spurcycles minimalist philosophy. We had some minor durability concerns with a few of the models in our test. VIDEO: CALEB HOLONKO SENDS IT IN SCRATCHING THE SURFACE, VIDEO: BRANDON SEMENUK AND KADE EDWARDS BLOW MINDS IN PARALLEL II. Field results: We are big fans of making sure bolts are torqued properly, and this tool from Prestacycle helps us get in the general ballpark. It is also among the most expensive options we tested, although we feel it is worth every penny. 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. Tech features: This sleek and clever design from Specialized is a unique system where the tool is integrated into the bottom of a specific water-bottle cage. We don't rate the tools in this test based on their price, but we always love a good value. Between them, Jeremy Benson and Zach Wick drew upon an ocean of cycling knowledge for this review. Made from steel and glass-fiber-reinforced nylon, it can be stored in your pocket, but, given its size, its best for a pack. No matter what kind of terrain or how far you ride, adjustments and mechanical issues are eventualities that everyone should prepare for. Tools: Three preset torque values: 4/5/6 N/m and hex 6 /5 /4 /3 /T25 /flathead. While the frame-mounted wrap offers considerable benefits in portability, it can be a minor hassle when it comes time to make an adjustment. Each of these Crankbrothers tools is appropriately sized to fit well in most hands with rounded edges and no pressure points for the palm. With how convenient it is to remove, use and change various bits, its worth taking a look at the Daysaver for your ride or next race. Tech features: The BITS tool uses a bolt inside the system to preload the bearings. The levers are magnetic and snap together in the middle of the tool to tuck away bits not being used. The Switch Wrap offers multiple options for mounting locations. For $15 more than the PT30s, there is also the ALiEN X from Topeak with four additional functions. Overall, it is a solid tool that functions well when problems arise and has been durable against the elements. It also features all of your chain repair tools, quick link storage, and a small knife. Of course, Crankbrothers has thought of this. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. It also includes some handy extras like a brake rotor truing fork in case you have an unfortunate meeting between rotor and rock. Other than a touch of corrosion its safe to say these tools are designed to stand the test of time. Corrosion of metal is the least of our durability concerns because while oxidized metal may look bad, it rarely causes any performance issues. Like most multi-tools, the 17 in 1 comes with a few compromises. No sponsored content. It's even good as an entry-level tool kit for home use, or as an in-car emergency option when packing as light as possible. Our highest-rated traditional multi-tool designs are Crankbrothers' M19 and F15. The Topeak Mini PT30 is slightly smaller than the M19 and F15. 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. Despite these small issues we still think this tool has what it takes to get you out of most jams, and at such a reasonable price we think it's the best value in the test. Additionally, Blackburn's socket-bit system makes for a lot of components to keep track of while performing a repair. He was also a sponsored skier for over a decade and is the author of Mountain Bike Tahoe published by Mountaineers Books. Not only was it great for our bikes, but it can be quickly grabbed if your buddy needs a tool to make a quick change. Its just missing one important thing Topeak's Hexus X updates an already award-winning format to store more tools and secure twin tyre levers. The Spurcycle tool might be pricier than the lot (also hard to find), but there is a trade-off for high quality. We never encountered an operation that the tool couldn't handle, but things like installing bottle cages, setting up brake calipers, and adjusting derailleur limit screws can be a bit of a pain. Let us know! While the EDC's metal tools gave us no problems, its largely plastic construction may be prone to breaking with extended use. That said, it still rated among the better ergonomic tools in our test. While it doesnt have all the trailside repair essentials, we find that it does have some strengths.

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