3 replies to this topic

[Dayne]

I am in the market for a new multi tool, and I am willing to spend a bit on it as I intend it to be a one time purchase. I would like some advice about the tools out there (available here in Thailand). I have been advised both Parktools and Topeak, as well as a few others, so I come here to get a bit more advice. Personal experiences and such. About me: I am hard on everything. Not intentionally, I'm just big, like a huge dog that doesn't realize its own strength. If there is a flaw in a design or build, I find it every time. My current tool works well enough, but I have already had it fall apart on me once, lost one nut, and am seeing the hex wrenches and other tools twist/bend out of shape. I would like a strong tool that will not fall apart from the vibrations of the trail/road I am on, or have week metal that will warp.    I have already been given the advice of looking at my bike to see what sizes/tools I will actually need, and I am not really concerned with weight as long as it will hold up to abuse.  It needs to be versatile as I am already seeing that I ride hard and things break and/or need adjustments regularly.  Thanks

[Ulysses N. Owen]

hpwheelman, I've had great success with Crank Brothers multi-tools over the years. They are a bit harder to locate here in Thailand and if you're unable to get one of their fine tools I'd recommend Park Tools as the next 'go to' brand for durability and practicality. Buying the biggest tool with most amount of flashy extras isn't necessarily the best choice. Assess what YOUR bike will need and then purchase a multi-tool to match.   Here are a few things to consider: 1) What is the most common allen key size on your bike? A tool with a 4, 5, and 6mm hex key is pretty standard with 5mm being the MOST common size for bicycle parts (Derailleurs, cables, brake and gear shifters). If you have lock-on grips make sure you get a tool with the correct size to tighten them as having a grip move around on your ride could be bothersome and possibly dangerous. Also, check your water bottle cage size because they always seem to work themselves loose over time. A rattling bottle cage is a real nuisance on any ride. 2) Will you need a chain breaker? If you're not confident with using a chain breaking tool why buy a multi-tool with one included? Perhaps just carrying a connecting chain link like a SRAM or KMC 'missing link' is more practical. That decision is up to you of course but if you do get a multi-tool with a chain breaker included it would benefit you greatly to practice breaking and connecting a chain in the safety of your garage to familiarize yourself with the procedure before you have the need to perform the repair trailside in the blazing heat or pouring rain. Remember also that Shimano brand chains require special connecting pins that you'll need to carry with you as well. 3) Does your bike have disc brakes? If yes, then consider a multi-tool with TORX style wrenches included. TORX style wrenches will be necessary to tighten some brands of disc rotor bolts. 4) Once you decide on a multi-tool make sure that you keep it stored in a plastic bag of some sort to prevent moisture from causing the tool to become rusty (and more prone to failure). Oil the pivot areas of the tool periodically. Try to avoid using your multi-tool as your ALL PURPOSE bike repair tool kit because while they are capable of performing many repair tasks most manufacturers have designed them as an 'emergency' tool rather than an 'everyday use' tool.   Hope this helps. Happy Riding!

[Moobin1]

I just bought a cheap and cheerful multi-tool to hold me over until I can find something better. It has all the hex keys (allen Keys) I need plus a phillips and flat head driver, but I want something a little more complete. I checked out the CrankBrother's Multi - 19 tool online which seems to be just the ticket. The reviews were good too. I don't suppose its availble in Thailand? If not, what comparable tool is avaiable here and where? The Ice Toolz Reserve 16 Multi-Tool looks interesting but does not look as strong as the Crank Brothers' one. Also I did not find any reviews worth mentioning.

[geoffreymanderson]

I think you should avoid using multi-tool as your all-emergency tool becaused ther are mainly called as emaergency tool not for daily purpose. You should buy another tool kit for fixing your bike. Even Triathlon Expo NY gives information about the bike fixing and the tools or equipmants which you should use for bike. So this may help you.