How to choose your bike multi-tool?

The true Swiss Army knife of the cyclist, the multi-tool is an essential item that goes with you everywhere, whatever your cycling discipline, whatever the context, intensity or length of your ride. Specialist bike tool brands offer numerous solutions, more or less comprehensive/practical/bulky.

Probikeshop gives you all the key information to choose the best multi-tool — the one that will best suit your needs.

Bike multi-tools: all the selection criteria

The bike multi-tool (or mini-tool) is a compact accessory that fits in the palm of your hand, easy to carry and use on the go. It allows you to deal with the most common mechanical issues, whether on a leisure ride, a training session or a touring trip.

The multi-tool is one of the essential accessories, like a puncture repair kit, that every ordinary or experienced cyclist/mountain biker should prepare before each ride. That said, not all multi-tools are suited to all riders. You need to clearly identify your real needs and choose an appropriate solution that matches your equipment. Of course, the criteria of "number of tools" and "bulk" will not be the same for a short solo ride as for a long multi-day tour.

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

The number of tools / functions: between 5 and 30;

The type of tools / functions: keys (Allen, Torx), screwdrivers, chain breaker, tyre levers…

The dimensions in folded format;

The compatibility between the case and the smartphone (universal or specific system);

Storage: bag or jersey pocket, on the frame, integrated (fork steerer, bottom bracket axle).

The different functions of bike multi-tools

A multi-tool is characterised above all by the number of tools it offers. The range extends from very minimalist models that stick to the basic tightening keys, to the most comprehensive models offering between 25 and 30 functions, with specific bike tools.

Tightening keys and basic bike tools

Before opting for a multi-tool, you should carefully check the different screw heads on your bike. On modern bikes and MTBs, you often find "hex socket" (Allen key) and "6-point star" (Torx key) drive types. A flat-head and Phillips screwdriver are also useful. Certain wheel axles or rack fixings require a flat spanner.

Here is an inventory of the basic keys found on all bike multi-tools available at Probikeshop:

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

Torx key T20 / T25;

Phillips screwdriver;

Flat-head screwdriver.

 

Following these very minimalist models come multi-tools enhanced with the first specific bike tools.
Here are the most common and most useful:

Chain breaker;

Spoke wrench;

Tyre lever.

These multi-tools, which combine basic tightening keys and basic bike tools, allow you to deal with a loose fitting, a broken chain (with a quick link) or a puncture (with a repair kit).

The most comprehensive and advanced multi-tools

The most dedicated riders, those most comfortable with mechanics, who venture out on long solo expeditions, will need a much more comprehensive multi-tool. The most advanced models can feature up to 30 functions!

Here is an inventory of the tools commonly offered by the best multi-tools:

Allen keys (all sizes);

Torx keys (all sizes);

Flat spanners;

Spoke wrenches (all sizes);

Chain breaker with chain hook + storage area for quick links;

Tyre lever;

Flat-head & Phillips screwdriver;

Knife;

Brake pad spreader for brake calliper;

Bottle opener.

Which multi-tool to choose according to your riding style?

If you are used to riding in a group, you would be well advised to choose a comprehensive multi-tool (at least 20 functions), which will allow you to easily help out a fellow rider in case of a problem — the knife and bottle opener will make all the difference during refreshment stops. Comprehensive multi-tools are also recommended if your route takes you quite far from your base camp, especially if you are heading out for several days, in complete autonomy or with friends.

Conversely, if you ride solo while staying close to your starting point, you can make do with a more compact multi-tool. You will have the right tightening keys, tyre levers, and ideally a chain breaker to set off with complete peace of mind (along with a repair kit and a quick link).

How to find an ergonomic, effective and durable multi-tool?

Your choice of bike multi-tool should not be reduced solely to the number of tools based on riding type. Indeed, ease of use — the practical aspect — must also be carefully considered. The right model is one that offers an effective grip, allowing you to apply enough force to manipulate fixings that are sometimes stiff and hard to reach.

You can in particular look at the ergonomics or the general profile of the model you are interested in. The body of the tool varies slightly between models, between compact (and fairly wide) multi-tools and more elongated (and slimmer) multi-tools. It is worth considering, based on your own habits, which format is the most convenient and easy to handle. Specialist brands such as Topeak (with the Alien series) allow the body of the multi-tool to be split into 2 parts, making it easier to grip. On the subject of ergonomics, you can also compare the length of the tools.

The quality of the material used to manufacture the tools largely determines the lifespan of the product. Brands pay particular attention to the finish of the tips, which may be chamfered or coated in black oxide to last longer and avoid marking screw heads. High-quality multi-tools often use chrome-vanadium steel and an aluminium body.

How to carry your multi-tool?

Storage is the final criterion to examine when choosing your bike multi-tool. Most models fit easily into a bag or a backpack pocket. The lightest ones can fit in the pocket of a jersey, bib shorts or a protective gilet. In recent years, multi-tools that integrate directly into the bike have also appeared.

Integrated multi-tools can be found that insert into the end of the handlebar, inside the fork steerer or in the bottom bracket axle. However, as these solutions are not universal, you must ensure compatibility with your bike. For example, insertion into the bottom bracket axle (the All In Multitool brand system) is reserved for hollow axles of 21 mm in diameter. Note also that multi-tools integrated into the fork steerer require the star nut located inside to be removed — an operation not endorsed by all manufacturers.

There are other solutions for riding light, without a bag, without a backpack and with empty pockets. Brands offer in particular tool bottles to store all your essential kit (multi-tool, puncture repair kit with inner tube, pump and CO2 cartridge…). You will also find a few bottle cages that directly incorporate a closed box for your multi-tool.

Most of the time, however, the multi-tool is stored in a saddle bag, a frame bag or in a backpack (always check the exact dimensions and weight before ordering).