How to choose your bike multitool?

A true Swiss Army knife for cyclists, the multi-tool is an essential that follows you everywhere, whatever your cycling, whatever the context, intensity or length of your outing. Specialist bicycle tool brands offer a wide range of solutions, with varying degrees of completeness/practicality and space-saving features.

Probikeshop gives you all the information you need to choose the best multi-tool for your needs.

Bicycle multi-tools: selection criteria

Le multi-tool bike (or mini-tools) is a compact accessory that fits in the palm of your hand, and is easy to carry and use on the move. It can be used to deal with the most common mechanical problems, during a leisure ride, a training session, a trip...

The multi-tool is one of the accessories like a puncture-proof kit, that the ordinary or experienced cyclist/veteran needs to bring along before every outing. However, not all multi-tools are suitable for all riders. It's important to identify your real needs and choose the right solution for your equipment. Obviously, the criteria "number of tools" and "size" will not be the same for a short solo outing as for a major multi-day trek.

Probikeshop lists here the main criteria for choosing the right bike multi-tool:

Number of tools/functions: between 5 and 30;

Type of tools / functions: wrenches (Allen, Torx), screwdrivers, chain drivers, tire levers...

Dimensions in folded format;

Compatibility between shell and smartphone (universal or specific system);

Storage : case or jersey pocket, on the frame, integrated (fork pivot, crankset axle).

Bicycle multi-tool functions

A multi-tool is characterized above all by the number of tools it offers. The range extends from very minimalist models, content with basic wrenches, to the most complete models, offering between 25 and 30 functions, with specific bike tools.

Wrenches and basic bike tools

Before opting for a multi-tool, you need to take a good look at the different screw heads on your machine. On modern bikes and mountain bikes, you'll often find "hexagon socket" (Allen wrench) and "6-point star" (Torx wrench) impressions. Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers are also useful. Some wheel axles and luggage rack fasteners require a flat wrench.

Here's an inventory of the basic wrenches found on all Probikeshop bike multi-tools:

Allen key 1.5 / 2 / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 mm ;

Torx wrench T20 / T25 ;

Phillips screwdriver ;

Flathead screwdriver.

 

These minimalist models were followed by multi-tools featuring the first bike-specific tools.
Here are the most common and useful ones:

Chain drift ;

Spoke wrench ;

Tire changer.

These multi-tools, which combine basic tightening wrenches and basic bicycle tools, can be used to deal with a tightening fault, a broken chain (with a quick-release) or a puncture (with a repair kit).

The most complete and advanced multi-tools

The most assiduous riders, the most mechanically adept, who venture out on long solo expeditions, will need a much more complete multi-tool. The most advanced items can have up to 30 functions!

Here's an inventory of the tools usually offered by the best multi-tools:

Allen keys (all sizes) ;

Torx wrenches (all sizes) ;

Flat wrenches ;

Radius wrenches (all sizes) ;

Chain rivet with chain hook + area for storing quick-releases ;

Tire changer ;

Flat & Phillips screwdrivers ;

Knife ;

Brake caliper pad spreader ;

Bottle opener.

Which multi-tool is right for you?

If you're used to riding in a group, you'd be well advised to choose a complete multi-tool (at least 20 functions), which will enable you to easily help out a fellow rider in the event of a problem - the knife and bottle opener will make all the difference at refuelling breaks. Full-featured multi-tools are also advisable if your route takes you a long way from your base camp, especially if you're setting off for several days on your own or with friends.

On the other hand, if you're riding solo and staying close to your starting point, you can make do with a more compact multi-tool. You'll have the right wrenches, tire levers and, ideally, a chain-drivetrain so you can set off in complete peace of mind (with repair kit and quick link).

How to find a multi-tool that's ergonomic, efficient and durable?

Choosing the right multi-tool for your bike is not just a question of selecting the right number of tools for your riding style. Ease of use - practicality - must also be taken into account. The right model is the one that offers an efficient grip, allowing you to apply enough force to handle fasteners that are sometimes tough and difficult to access.

In particular, you can look at the ergonomics or general profile of the model you're interested in. The body of the object evolves slightly from model to model, between compact (and fairly wide) multi-tools and more elongated (and slimmer) multi-tools. Depending on your own habits, it's up to you to decide which format is more convenient and easier to handle. Specialist brands such as Topeak (with the Alien series), allow you to separate the body of the multi-tool into 2 parts, to facilitate handling. On the subject of ergonomics, you can also compare tool lengths.

The quality of the material used to manufacture the tools largely determines the product's lifespan. In particular, brands work on the finish of bits, which can be chamfered or coated with black oxide, to last longer and avoid marking screw heads. High-quality multi-tools often use chrome-vanadium steel and aluminum bodies.

How to transport your multi-tool?

Storage is the final criterion for choosing the right bike multi-tool. Most models fit easily into a pannier or backpack pocket. Lighter models can be stored in the pocket of a jersey, shorts or protective vest. Recent years have also seen the emergence of multi-tools that integrate seamlessly into the bike.

There are integrated multi-tools that can be inserted at the end of the handlebars, inside the fork steerer tube or in the bottom bracket axle. However, as these solutions are not universal, you need to make sure your bike is compatible. For example, insertion into the bottom bracket axle (All In Multitool system) is reserved for hollow axles with a diameter of 21 mm. Note also that multi-tools integrated into the fork steerer require extraction of the star located inside - an operation not endorsed by all manufacturers.

There are other solutions for riding light, without panniers, backpacks or empty pockets. In particular, brands offer tool-holding cans to store all your essential tools (multi-tools, puncture-proof kit with inner tube, inflator and CO2 cartridge...). Last but not least, you'll find a number of water-bottle holders that directly carry a closed box for your multi-tool.

But most of the time, the multi-tool is stored in a saddlebag, frame bag or in a backpack (please check exact dimensions and weight before ordering).