Practical Multi-Tools – Coming to the Rescue in Times of Need

You can keep your bike or e-bike as well maintained as you like, but it’s always going to need some hands-on attention at some point when you're out and about. A loose screw on your saddle or a clipless pedal that’s not been set quite right — it’s at moments like these when a multi-tool comes into its own. Why? Because a compact multi-functional tool contains all the equipment you need to help resolve problems on the roadside, from classic Allen keys to tire levers. Depending on the size you opt for, there can be 15 or more common bicycle tools contained in one single multi-tool. And yet it still fits comfortably in your saddlebag — practical, right?

The answer to this question is simple: the perfect multi-tool should have all the functions needed to work on the components on your bike. So before you buy a multi-tool, you should have a careful think about the kinds of repairs you need assistance with. Some tools – such as a 5 mm Allen key – come in handy for every bicycle, whilst others are used more rarely. As such, you should check exactly which tools you need for your bike before making your purchase.

You should also think about what suits you in terms of size: the road bike multi-tool is more minimal when it comes to equipment, which means it is particularly small, but you may be missing a tool or two. The equipment on the MTB multi-tool is more comprehensive, meaning it is too heavy for storing in the pocket of your jersey, but if you carry a backpack, it can be popped inside and you won’t be short of the equipment you need. One thing that should be made clear, however, is that a multi-tool is not a full-fledged tool for performing regular work on your bicycle.

You can find a large selection of reputable bike tools in our range as a matter of course.

Below you can find an overview of the core functions a multi-tool should have.

• Allen key: Allen keys are an essential piece of equipment on every multi-tool. The tool should definitely include keys with dimensions of 2.5 mm to 6 mm, and preferably 2 mm and 8 mm too. 
• Torx key: In addition to Allen keys, Torx wrenches, also known as star screwdrivers, have become increasingly important for components such as the stem and seatpost clamp in recent years. The T25 is the standard size that should definitely be featured on a bicycle multi-tool. 
• Chain tool: you need a chain tool to fix the chain if it slips or breaks, as well as for chains with a master link if you need to remove a chain link, for example. Some multi-tools also come with a piece of steel wire which can be used to re-close the chain without a new master link or rivet.
• Tire lever: two sturdy tire levers can make things a lot easier when you need to get the tire off the rim on the roadside. This is particularly true for tubeless tires on mountain bikes, gravel bikes or road bikes, but even some conventional tires are hard to get off the rim without the help of tire levers. 
• Spoke wrench: if a spoke loosens or breaks on the go, you need the right spoke wrench to fix it. Since not all spoke nipples are the same size, it’s best if the multi-tool features the three most common spoke wrenches at the least, namely 14g, 15g and Mavic M7.
• Screwdriver: lots of derailleurs need a cross screwdriver to be adjusted. Multi-tools often also feature a flathead screwdriver too.

On the one hand, a multi-tool for taking out and about with you should be as small and handy as possible, but on the other hand, it should also feature all the tools needed to fix your bike. So before you make your purchase, make sure you’ve picked a product with all the right keys and equipment. And last but not least: you should also make sure that your multi-tool is always with you — otherwise even the simplest repair will be tricky.

But at the end of the day, having the best multi-tool is only half the battle. Our range also includes all the other tools that should definitely be part of your toolbox — such as a bike tool kits and chain whips.