Finest mountain bike multi-tools reviewed and rated by specialists

One of many cornerstones of mountain biking is self-sufficiency; particularly the power to get out of a repair and perform emergency repairs on the path. To make repairs and changes you’ll want a path instrument, and the most effective mountain bike multi-tool will provide you with the whole lot you want in a transportable bundle.

Take into account a multi-tool akin to the Swiss Military Knife of mountain biking, the place a sturdy metallic physique is full of folding practicality. In recent times, designers have gotten impressively inventive with multi-tool design, making choices that slot in virtually each nook and crevice discovered on a contemporary mountain bike. Which implies you’ll be able to disguise most emergency instruments and spares in and across the bike, so much less to hold in your physique and fewer to recollect on each experience because it’s already mounted in your bike.

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1. Topeak Mini Professional 20

Finest all-in-one multi-tool

Weight: 153g | Instruments: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10mm Hex keys, T25 Torx, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, chain instrument, spoke wrenches, chain hook, bottle opener, chain pin instrument | Ranking: 10/10

Causes to purchase: Filled with instruments. 90º bend hex key’s helpful for awkward areas.

Causes to keep away from: Chunky, so tough to get quite a lot of torque (for, say, pedals). Tyre lever shouldn’t be very efficient.

With its chrome end, this instrument has actual bling issue, and may keep that means protected by its personal neoprene pouch. The instruments are all fairly stubby, however there are many them, together with a neat chain breaker, which sports activities 4 spoke keys, a series hook and a 3mm Hex.

All of the Allen sizes wanted for repairs and changes are included, even a 10mm for crank bolts and L-shaped 2mm for adjusting the attain in your brake levers. The one redundant instrument is the tyre lever – it’s too quick and sharp, and wouldn’t need it anyplace close to carbon rim.

That’s our solely criticism although, as a result of the Mini Professional 20 is a superb instrument and simply the most effective on check.

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Finest compact instrument for on-board bike storage

Weight: 75g | Instruments: 2/2.5/3/4/5/6/8mm Allen, T25, flat screwdriver, cassette lockring instrument | Ranking: 8/10

Causes to purchase: At all times there whenever you want it. Straightforward to entry. All probably the most usually used instruments included.

Causes to keep away from: Not designed to do heavy obligation, high-torque jobs.

Should you hate having instruments rattling round your pocket (or pack) or uncovered to the weather, ruining the aesthetics of your bike, you then’ll love the covert OneUp EDC Lite instrument. It matches contained in the steerer tube of your fork, however doesn’t want any particular fixings to put in – merely hammer your star nut deeper into the steerer after which use the provided cradle to carry the instrument.

At all times handy, the vary of instruments are good for the short changes that develop into annoyingly faffy if it’s a must to delve inside your pack. And if you would like a extra complete system, OneUp additionally has the extra refined EDC (see under)…

Learn our full evaluation of the OneUp  EDC Lite instrument

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Do-it-all multitool together with chain and tubeless restore components

Weight: 205g | Instruments: Chain instrument, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm hex, Phillips, flathead, three spoke keys, T10 and T25 torx | Ranking: 9/10

Causes to purchase: Compact design, loads of options, nice vary of instruments, consists of chainlink and tubeless restore components

Causes to keep away from: On the heavy facet

The Crankbrothers Multi M20 has 20 particular person instruments (listed above) but in addition a small clip-on treasure chest, which when you flip open consists of a number of sticky rubber tyre plugs. Included on this little treasure chest are additionally two indents for a chainlink, which is one other one of many present path instrument must-haves. Should you don’t run tubeless you’ll be able to simply ditch the tyre plugs for some glueless patches or a compact puncture restore equipment.

Through the years I’ve examined many Crankbrothers instruments and the M-series are a number of the firm’s finest. They’re primarily based on an old-school Allen-key block, so are simple to make use of and the standard is high notch. Should you run tubeless, the Crank Brothers Multi M20 is a worthy addition to your arsenal and when you don’t, I nonetheless advocate it as a result of it has the whole lot you want for many tweaks and repairs.

Learn the total evaluation of the Crankbrothers M20 multitool

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Nice little instrument that stashes within the steerer tube

Weight: 141g | Instruments: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6mm hex, T25, Spoke key: 0, 1, 2, 3 with valve core instrument  | Ranking: 8/10

Causes to purchase: Compact, on-bike storage design, simple to put in

Causes to keep away from: Just a little tight at first, heavier than some options

The Granite Stash consists of a mini multi-tool and aluminium holder that you just match into the fork steerer. Should you’ve seen the One Up EDC you’ll know this design isn’t new, the truth is One Up’s new EDC Lite is nearly an identical to the Stash however comes with a nine-bit multi-tool for round £45. The Stash is a bit bit extra pricey and twice the load, nevertheless it does have 5 extra instruments, though they’re all spoke keys.

I like having a instrument on my bike as a result of I check quite a lot of gear and I’m always tweaking it, so I’ve reached for the Stash quite a few occasions throughout my rides. It’s a neat and tidy design however One Up’s EDC Lite is cheaper and lighter, so when you’re in search of a hidden mini-multi that’d be the one I’d advocate.

Learn the total evaluation of the Granite Stash MTB instrument

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The most effective compact on-board multitool will get an improve

Weight: 126g | Instruments: T25 torx, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm Hex, tyre lever, chain breaker and room for extra | Ranking: 9/10

Causes to purchase: At all times there whenever you want it. Straightforward to entry. All probably the most usually used instruments included. Nice use of wasted area.

Causes to keep away from: Not designed to do heavy obligation, high-torque jobs.

Just like the EDC Lite, the full-fat EDC makes use of the fork steerer as storage, however on this case there are extra instruments packed into the total size of the steerer tube. The EDC instrument storage is modular, which suggests you’ll be able to combine and match relying on how a lot area you’ve got or private choice.

Within the higher a part of the EDC there’s a multi instrument, a tyre lever and a series breaker however threaded on the underside is one other small storage chamber, which is sufficiently big to take OneUP’s Plug and Pliers equipment; important a set of mini chain hyperlink pliers and a motorbike-style, tubeless restore equipment. Alternatively, you’ll be able to take away this fully and thread in a single 20g CO2 cartridge. A terrific storage resolution.

Learn our full evaluation of the OneUp EDC V2 instrument system

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One other hidden steerer resolution

Weight: 213g | Instruments: 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm Allen keys and a T25 Torx | Ranking: 9/10

Causes to purchase: Fast to take away. Helpful vary of instruments. Cut up hyperlink holder on the base is a pleasant additional.

Causes to keep away from: Dearer than the OneUp. Lacking a couple of hex instrument sizes. Device can get jammed contained in the cradle. Swing door can foul on sure stems.

This SWAT resolution weighs a bit greater than a separate multi instrument and chain breaker, and there are additionally much less instruments than its closest different; One Up Parts’ EDC  Lite system.

The value is fairly steep in comparison with its rival, however Specialised’s resolution is straightforward to suit, removes rapidly and in addition has area for a spare chain fast hyperlink within the base of the steerer. It has a serious benefit over its rival when it comes to ease of fitment; the entire meeting tightens on itself (and three completely different screws are included) to suit steerers from 165 – 225mm lengthy.

Learn our full evaluation of the Specialised SWAT Conceal Carry multi-tool

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Sturdy and nifty

Weight: 255g | Instruments: 2, 2.5, 3,4, 5, 6 mm hex, T-25, and P2 Bits, Two Tyre Levers, Chain Breaker | Ranking: 9/10

Causes to purchase: Revolutionary T-handle model instrument. Good for really producing respectable torque.

Causes to keep away from: Will be tough to entry awkward areas. Heavier than a multi-tool.

Repair It holds the bits in a barrel magnetically and the most effective factor is sticks can’t waggle unfastened on the pivot factors like virtually each flip-open multi instrument we’ve ever owned has over time. Nearly the one criticism then is the entire bundle comes up a bit heavy and costly in comparison with a folding instrument.

Learn our full check evaluation of the Repair It Sticks Mountain Device

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Protected against the weather

Weight: 235g | Instruments: 8mm socket, T-15, T-25, 8 & 10mm field wrench, 4 spoke keys, chain instrument, chain hook, two tyre levers, P2, glueless patch equipment, disc brake spacer, mini hammer | Ranking: 9/10

Causes to purchase: Good vary of instruments – a mini, moveable instrument equipment. Field retains the whole lot clear, dry and collectively.

Causes to keep away from: You’ll want a again pack or hip pack to hold it.

Except for a scarcity of claimed seatpost compatibility (as a result of everybody runs dropper posts today), it is a neat little bit of equipment simply to sling in your pack that can resist rusting and getting gunked up with crud far more than a ‘customary’ multi-tool.

Learn our full check evaluation of the Topeak Survival Gear Field

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The multi-tool that splits into two, with loads of instruments

Weight: 204g | Instruments: 1.5-L / 2-L / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8 mm Allen wrenches, 10 hex socket T10 / T15 / T20 / T25 Torx® wrenches, T30 Torx® socket 14G / 15G / Mavic M7 / Shimano® 4.5mm spoke wrenches, CrMo metal chain instrument*, chain hook, CrMo metal grasp hyperlink pliers, Tremendous onerous anodized tire lever, #2 Phillips sockets, serrated knife / noticed, Presta valve core instrument, engineering grade polymer disc spacer | Ranking: 8/10

Causes to purchase: Large vary of instruments, together with knife, tyre levers and disc spacers.

Causes to keep away from: Will be uncomfortable to make use of

The break up design permits extra leverage on cussed bolts, and in addition means you’ll be able to tighten issues like essential pivots with opposing Allen heads. One downside of getting two halves is that the interlocking plastic edges are a bit sq. and sharp, to allow them to press into palms when torquing onerous.

Topeak’s Alien has been round so lengthy, it’s onerous to recollect when it wasn’t kicking about on the backside of a buddy’s, or your individual, driving pack. This new X model can also be a piece of cash for a multi-tool, however the well-made X solutions virtually each trailside repair you’ll encounter out driving, and contemplating unique Aliens are nonetheless going sturdy after 20 years, I’d count on this Topeak Alien X to final an excellent whereas too.

Learn the total evaluation of the Topeak Alien X multitool

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10. Blackburn Wayside 19

Nice mixture of instruments

Weight: 195g | Instruments: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm Hex keys, T25 and T30 Torx, flat-head screwdriver, spoke keys, chain instrument, chain hook, pad separator, Presta valve core instrument, serrated knife | Ranking: 9/10

Causes to purchase: Good vary of instruments with helpful ball-ended hey keys. Knife is at all times helpful

Causes to keep away from: Chain instrument wants an even bigger deal with.

Hooked up to 1 facet of the Blackburn Wayfarer is a set of ball-end Allen keys. These are good for working in confined areas, and make adjusting brake lever-reach a doddle. The chain splitter options the vital secondary place for loosening stiff hyperlinks, however sadly the deal with is simply too small, making it uncomfortable to make use of.

Additionally included on this half are the spoke keys, Presta valve core remover, and a helpful disc splitter wedge. The serrated blade is super-sharp and there’s a decent-sized hook for holding the chain collectively. A terrific instrument, however simply misses out on the highest spot because of the undersized chain splitter.

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11. Pedros ICM

Multitool with tyre levers and spoke keys

Weight: 183g | Instruments: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm Hex keys, T25 Torx, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, chain instrument, bottle opener, two tyre levers, spoke wrenches | Ranking: 9/10

Causes to purchase: Respectable tyre levers. Correct spoke key. Good vary of hex keys.

Causes to keep away from: Tyre levers don’t keep connected to the physique very effectively.

Sadly, the tyre levers clipped to both fringe of the ICM, spring off when making an attempt to tighten something with the Allen keys. That mentioned, in comparison with the miniature levers elsewhere, they work and might really get a tyre off with out scuffing a rim.

Additionally slipped into the physique of the instrument is spoke key, which really appears like a correct workshop merchandise. There’s a 3rd, Mavic-specific spoke key on an extended arm however truing is a chore as you’ll be able to’t flip it very far between the spokes with out having to take away it.

All of the Allen keys are an excellent size, so you’ll be able to entry these tight spots, and the chain splitter has the second gate for stiff hyperlinks, however the quick deal with means we needed to grip onerous to interrupt a series.

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What to search for in the most effective mountain bike multi-tools

Most mountain bike multi-tools are primarily based round old style Allen key clusters, improved by the addition of screwdrivers, Torx keys and spoke wrenches. Ideally they’ll embody 16-22 gadgets, with probably the most important being a series splitter, so you’ll be able to break and be part of the chain if it has snapped, or it’s a must to untangle a busted mech. Most instrument firms make one of these instrument – now we have these on check right here too.

There are additionally many different choices and we’ve reviewed these too. They vary from a multi-plier (popularly often called a Leatherman or Gerber) to a fold-up chain instrument. The previous is ideal for these ugly jobs, like bending a mech hanger straight, and we’ve included the latter just because a lot of the path instruments’ built-in miniature chain splitters are tough to make use of.

Protecting case

Mountain bike multi-tools might be rattling round in your pack getting scuffed and moist, so some type of holder or case is helpful.

Spoke keys

These are nice for straightening a buckled wheel, but when they’re too fats you received’t have the ability to get them between the spokes and it’ll make truing a laborious chore – the narrower this instrument, the higher.

Chain breaker

A sequence splitter is crucial, however upon getting joined a series, the hyperlink might be stiff, so it’s good to work it unfastened. A second gate, or place on the mattress of the instrument, lets you do that simply, however lots of the instruments on this check don’t have them. Additionally only a few have replaceable pins, co as soon as that is bent, the splitter is subsequent to ineffective.

Device size

Quick instruments are compact, however an extended instrument supply better leverage for cussed bolts, and automobile attain into areas with out the physique of the instrument fouling on the part or body.

Tyre levers

If these are included, they’re often tiny and received’t have sufficient leverage to launch the bead. Our recommendation is to at all times carry a separate lever, like Topeak’s wonderful Shuttle 1.2 lever.

Torx key

This can be a star-shaped instrument, and the frequent measurement used on mountain bikes is a T25.Most disc rotors use this measurement, and SRAM additionally makes use of it for the derailleur mounting bolt and the brake lever clamps.

Allen keys

These might be lengthy, quick, L-bend and, in some circumstances, separate. crucial factor is you’ve got all of the sizes, together with a 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 and 6mm. Some instruments have an 8mm or 10mm, nevertheless it’s typically too quick to take away a pedal or tighten a crank – the 2 parts the generally require this measurement.

Stow-away instruments

Many fashionable instruments are designed to be hidden in and across the bike so that you just don’t have to hold them in your physique or bear in mind to pack them on each experience – they’re at all times with you. Well-liked areas to retailer instruments embody the steerer tube, BB axle, bottle cage and handlebar. With a little bit of thought it’s fairly simple to stash all of the instruments you’re prone to want someplace in your bike.

Want one thing with extra choices for residence use? Try our tried and examined information to the finest residence instrument kits, and be sure you’re rolling proper with finest flooring pump to make sure these tyres are on the proper strain.