What's The Best Multi-Tool For Bikepacking?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ค. 2024
- What makes the best bike multi-tool for bikepacking or long backcountry rides? In our latest video we delve into that topic, showcasing good and bad multi-tools, and the different styles available on the market. Plus, Miles, Logan, and Neil share their tools of choice which range from the ultra-minimal to ratchet style to feature rich folding multi-tools.
Here’s a list of the multi-tools we mentioned in this video. If you want to buy one of them, support your local bike shop and pick it up there if you can. Otherwise, you can use the affiliate links below and we’ll get a small kickback to help support videos like this one.
Neil: Topeak Alien Tool, $42 (amzn.to/2UDaKHg); Silca T-Ratchet, $99 (amzn.to/38Od1YF)
Miles: Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX, $35 (amzn.to/3nvWZGS): Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+, $63 (amzn.to/2Hb07Zl)
Logan: Mineral Mini Bar, $40 (www.mineralbikes.com/shop/min... Wolf Tooth 8-Bit Pack Pliers, $70 (bit.ly/38R9Wab); Wolf Tooth Chain Tool, $50 ( Revelate Tool Cash, $45 (bit.ly/2UDilWt)
Do you enjoy our videos, routes, and articles? Help sustain this resource by joining the Bikepacking Collective: bikepacking.com/join/?...
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Hosted by Neil Beltchenko
Music by Ben Weaver (benweaver.net)
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Related or Mentioned Video: Repair and Maintenance Video - bikepacking.com/gear/bike-cha... - บันเทิง
I’m old school. I use the good old craftsman 1/4 ratchet and went through my bike and found the 1/4 bits that fit my specific bike to do all the repairs if needed. The bits all also replaceable.
I'm old school to a few quality allen keys to match the sizes you need or just add to as required does the job much better than these useless multi-tools that are to big and difficult to use as stated weighing a ton - or the Topeak / Silca mini ratchet sets win out over multi-tools any day of the week!
Harbor Freight has an Icon-branded 1/4" rachet set with all the necessary bits (plus some) and an extension that also makes the ratchet a T-handle. If you happen to need sockets, Makita makes some 1/4" sets that come in a handy rubber holder. I have them in all the cars, and with the unnecessary bits and sockets removed they aren't much heavier than some multitools. The only thing multitools have up on the standards tools is the addition of specially things like chain breakers.
I think this is the route I may go as well. It seems like there is not much benefit to the multi tools. I have done this with my cars over the years. If I use a tool on the car I go and buy the tool for the car and build a kit as I go.
My toolkit consists of:
- a regular set of allen keys
- torx key
- short screwdriver with two bits
- little plyer
- chain breaker i took off an old multitool (includes a spoke wrench)
- valvecore remover
- Tubless repair kit & small bottle of sealant
- milkit tubeless bosster (doubles as a water bottle)
- tube repair kit and inner tube
- spare chainlinks
- spare shifting cable
- pump
- a few spare bolts
i forgot chain lube, a small rag and ametal reinforced tire lever
Excellent review per usual. I’ve been road and mountain biking for over 35 years and have own many multi tools, including the original “Cool Tool.” As you mentioned, the Swiss Army style multi tool isn’t the most useful in the field. So, I started looking at replacements such as those from Silca, Spur Cycle, Blackburn, and Topeak, among others. After all the research, I settled on the Wera Bicycle Set 1. They’re a high end tool maker (Tool Rebels) from Germany that recently began packaging their existing tools into bicycle specific sets. I think there’s like 7 or 8 in total but, the one to get is the Bicycle Set 1. The first thing to do with this set is, ditch the extension and pick up Wera’s Joker self setting spanner in XS. It’s an awesome set up with the mini Zyklop ratchet and XS Joker for backstopping all the nuts and bolts found on bike racks, lights, basically all the stuff that bike packers use. The price is a little steep but, nothing more than tools from Silca or Spur Cycle and significantly more functional. I can’t wait for my bike to break down now.
Crank Brothers M17 is probably the first multi tool I ever bought when I first got into cycling. Still my go-to
I recently bought the Silca T ratchet and I love it. I managed to fit a chain tool in the case and I even take it on my motorcycle as its so well made. Great video.
I carry that same Topeak tool. It should be noted that I did break the rachet trying to remove a pedal, but Topeak replaced it no questions asked. I now carry an 8mm allen key as well (courtesy of Ikea). I also have the chain breaker/spoke key half of a Crankbros F15 and the Wolf Tooth Pack Pliers, but I think I'm gonna upgrade to the new pack pliers though, as I like having two tools on trips.
Great video!
I'm really liking Blackburn Big Switch. It's a T handle style can use in either direction when need more torque for axles. I even like using this for home bike maintenance. I think I am done with folding tools.
it’s so hard for me to listen to the American “Mull-Tai Tool” pronunciation over and over 😂
I used to carry Fix-It Sticks before they got stolen. I was rather impressed with how versatile and durable they were, I may have to order another pair :P
I'm using the SYNCROS Greenslide 11CT Multi-tool. It's great and it has a pretty smart design. It's also long enough to access annoying bolts :)
Crank Brothers M17. It was my first multitool that I bought when I started doing long mountain bike rides. I may try out a ratchet set up some day.
M19 with pack pliers and others essentials for two bikes then for commuter fixed/ss one of those multi tools that’s hide in a bottle cage plus a 15mm!!! Great video I like the ratchet ones i might try one of those
I wonder if a bike manufacture could rationalise bolts down to, say, 3 Allen key sizes and simply reduce the number of tools required? I’m sure some of the diversity is not really required. Maybe when reviewing bikes for bike packing you could highlight the number of tools to cover 90% of trail side repairs?
I think there are certain applications that just need different sizes. There's some room for standardization of course (i.e. all cranks could use 10mm), but some parts just need small sizes to fit (think of stem bolts or barrel adjusters), and others need to be stronger and torqued higher (pedals, RD bolts, aforementioned cranks, etc.). Plus there are those weird applications that will always need a special tool, like chain breakers, quick link plyers, valve core wrenches, and tire levers. So as nice as having fewer tools would be, I'd rather have a bike that uses the right system for the job.
Unfortunately/fortunately, the engineers have done their job and 99 times out of 100 the bolts are the size they are because its the best compromise between weight/torque needed and head size needed.
I always carry the Crank Bros M17 and Leatherman Squirt. Both have served me well on many occasions.
The first multi tool I ever had was the Cool Tool. It's the only one I've seen that has an adjustable wrench. It along with the Giro Pocket Rocket? were stolen and I switched to the Alien II. Back then what you needed was simpler but also a larger number of them. Newer multi tools are so much better constructed and lighter since for most repairs you need so little and for bike packing situations you're pretty much always going to be supplementing your tools with some weirdly specific ones that are difficult to find as a multi tool (e.g. BB and/or cassette tool for certain disc rotors, masterlink breaker if you don't carry Wolftooth's version, …).
Overall, its pretty cool to see how much and how little multitools have come. So many choices for so many bicycling situations: a quick adjustment on a short ride to a multi day self-supported off-road adventure.
I have a Topeak Hummer 2 that I always carry with me on my bike. For EDC use I have a Leatherman Wave +. When I'm bikepacking I'm bringing them both with me and that way I can fix just everything.
I carry a crankbrothers f15 "unisex" with the magnetic case, wolf tooth quick link pliers (old one, not the multitool), 2 plastic tire levers and a leatherman in my standard kit, plus a tubeless kit that lodges in bar ends if I ride tubeless, a set of patches, one or two spare tubes, some tape. For long distance I add super glue (actually very handy to repare a tire), a sewing kit, spare cables and pads.
I'm considering taking a ratchet tool for multidays rides since having a bigger leverage can be usfull.
I love my bar end torx drivers and chain breakers.
Although I've only used the breaker a few times, all and all these have saved my butt multiple times.
Also, torx work way better than Allen's and fit all of them without stripping.
Crankbrother M17 love it.
I think il compile a bunch of singular tools and keep adding until I can do most things. Thanks for the review 😌
Crank Brothers M17/19 as bike specific tool and Gerber Dime Mini on my keys for knife, box cutter, pliers, tweezers, etc. I also have the Silca T-Ratchet but use it more at home than on the bike. The one thing I'm wanting is the chain pliers from the Wolf Tooth tool as I've struggled to split that link before out on the road.
I recently got the wolf tooth encase system. While it's great for leverage the parts can be easily dropped and its hard to easily find the Allen key you need without taking them off.
I started working in Industrial Bridge painting and one of the best multi tools for that was a leather man. I’m a GC now and I do t love a tool more than my Wave. Leatherman offer lifetime on the tools if you break it. The Wave is my go to and if you pair it with Rae Gear sheath you got yourself a hex bolt tool (although very limited). Now to really make it useful a bit kit is needed along with the magnetic holder by RaeGear. I wear these around my belt so I always have in arms reach.
I just recently got a new bike and when my suspension started knocking, I just pulled out the wave, threw a bit on it and tightened it back up.
It would take me forever to write all the other things that this tool can do around the house and during the construction of an entire home but I’m It can do a lot of things on the bike as well so I don’t have to spend any more money. I do need a torque wrench.I’m having trouble deciding which landed me to this video somehow. Any suggestions are welcome. Range need to be min 2nm and maybe up to 30nm
Crank bros m19 has served me well for at least 7 years. I do like the ratcheting style ones though.
I use a Toppeak AlienII and few normal torks that the tool doesn't have and my bike has. bevore my bikepacking trip I always check if I can open all bolts with the tools.
I removed the chainbreak from the AlienII to save some weight because I have a belt drivetrain
I have many multi-tools, but the one I keep using isn't really a multi-tool at all - it's an old Park tool pack that is essentially a small tool wrap that holds their small chain tool, a couple of tire levers and the dog-bone tool they sell. And whatever else I can stuff into the wrap - like a Wolf chain link tool, a tubeless plug kit, a valve tool, and a tire boot. I have replaced the dog-bone tool with a custom assembled 1/4" drive ratchet and bit holder with various bits my bike uses. I do like the new Wolf tool. I may look into that. One of my bikes also has a One Up steerer mounted tool, but mainly because it came with a used fork I bought.
The crank brothers f15 is my favorite multitool I never leave the house without it when I’m going on a ride
I still have a Topeak Alien which I bought more than 20 years ago. Talk about sustainability :-))
I am using Crank Brothers M17 with wt "classic' pack pliers - it works for almost all needs what i have during the rides(except flat tires ofc). New 8 bit pack pliers from wt looks nice too! But seems unlogic to buy it now, when i already have Crank Brothers tool. Would be nice to see also video from you about dynamometric tools, think a lot of ppl are using them at home(or thinking to buy).
I've used an CB M19 for years now. No complaints.
However, I have had my eye on a Blackburn Big Switch Ratchet. I do like having the bits so I can pick and choose which bits I really need. Also, the bits in that tool are not proprietary, so if I lost one it would not be hard to find a replacement.
nobody has mentioned the uniche tools. you should check them out
Topeak Hexus X and Crank Bros M17/19 are my favorite
3:58 A thru axle is not an axle in the sense that it takes radial load. It is just a glorified quick release and the radial loads are transfered via clamping force into the hub. So tighten your axle at least to 10-15Nm. With the included levers this is often nearly impossible unless you crank down as hard as you can.
I carry a PB470 Swiss Tools bit set + Park Tools CT-5 chain breaker + Knipex mini wrench pliers in a small bag. Which is virtually the same weight as the Alien 3 at 272 grams vs 273 grams for the set of tools. Though I usually toss the Swiss Tools tyre levers (10 grams) and add a pair of blue Schwalbe tyre levers. Those things are brilliant. Granted, the Knipex are already more expensive than the Alien 3 but they are very versatile since they can fit anything between 0-27mm. So mounting pedals, straightening disc rotors or just clamping bolts is really easy with those.
Oh and a pair of those first gen Wolftooth pack pliers for everything else chain related.
My favorite multi-tool is Daysaver Essential8 & Coworking5 Bundle.
I use basically a Topeak NTX + (always on my Sling bag) and, also carry a Blackburn Tradesman Multi-tool on the bike (inside the Topeak Ninja Pouch). That's it, simple & neat 🤙🏻 See ya, blue skies 🍀📷
Park Tools MT-1 + leight weight spokewrench + light weight chain breaker. Im replace all torx bolts with hex and use Wipperman chainlinks. For short rides im only bringing the MT-1.
The bit driver sets can be bought as generic tools for like 10 bucks, but some of these folding tools look pretty sweet.
Really interested in that Wolf Tooth kit, looks like it has a lot of leverage. Looks like I need to pick up a CB M17 too. Personally right now Im using a little syncros tool day to day. Easy to use and bits are a good length but it lacks some very important bits. On longer rides I usually bring some full size tools as well.
We published a review it yesterday, in case you missed it: bikepacking.com/gear/wolf-tooth-8-bit-pack-pliers-review/
My favorite multi tool is is my combo beard trimmer/comb.
Logan is spot on. There is no single perfect tool. So I carry two
I find all the multi tools with chain breakers are to fat and unweildy. So I go with a Spin Doctors Bare Bones multi, which is compact and covers everything on my bike.
I also carry a little Topeak chain breaker. I've only needed a chain breaker 2-3 times in about 30 years of riding, but when I needed it, I really needed it.
Those two tools get me through most things. They're also fairly cheap and not too heavy.
I may get an adaptor to turn my 6mm Allen into an 8mm. Then I'll be loaded for bear!
If you lose bits on those rachet style tools, it's not a big deal, any home improvement place sells them, and they're cheap, plus if by chance the rachet tool doesn't have a bit that you need, you just go buy one at the home improvement place. I got a Lezyne Torque drive tool, and it did not come with a couple of bit sizes I needed, so off to the Improvement place and found them, now they're in my Lezyne kit.
Blackburn Tradesman is fantastic
I see Alan Harper got into biking, good stuff!
I've owned a Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite, and as mentioned in this video, yes, the bits can get lost (I'm currently missing my 2mm bit), so I recently decided I want to get away from tools with lots of separate pieces that can get lost on the trail and settled on the Crank Brothers F15 which has all the customary hex bits plus T25 torx, and a Philips and flat head screwdriver in addition to a great chain breaker that works as well as a dedicated tool. I tried the M17, but the chain breaker was simply too hard to use
Check the Super T Handle Metric set, a compact new design that solves the rotational problem when torque is not needed (at Amazon).
Silca T-ratchet + granite chain breaker in the handlebar
How about checking out the knipex 5" plier wrench.?
I had the specialised multi-tool that goes under your drink bottle holder it's rubbish I forgot I'm going to alien 2 in the garage and put in my pack thanks for a great review
CB M19 Rocks! It just has the length in the tools. Coached HS MTB and the little OEM tools that Specialized and others merchandises at the shops when parents buy bikes,(for their kids) are always too short. Question? - I am riding a 29" bike. As a spare tube, which size do you bring? Do you bring a smaller size like a 27.5? Does it even matter?
Blackburn wayside which is similar to the crank brothers but with almost full size Allen wrenches
Me too❤
If you use a chainbreak tool all the time then you need to look at upgrading the chain.
Using topeak hexus x.
Mine would be Topeak Hexus X
Logan looks like he'd pull that Mineral tool out at a camp and smoke from it.
In 30yrs I have not found a better multi tool than the Park IB3. Everything you need, nothing you don’t.
Blackburn(with loose allen keys) still the best
Wolf tool not great. Magnets that hold it closed fell off. The one holding the metal unclogging tool as well. Finally it’s not coated so it’s soon full of rust if it’s in contact of moist or water.
Check out Rides Of Japan, he made his own multi-tool.
👍
Is this the only video Logan has ever been on?
He was also in this one :) th-cam.com/video/WQoyfdP-HJ0/w-d-xo.html
M19 all the way
So the Wera Bicycle Set Torque 1, 16 Pieces wouldn't be a contender to take along E-Biking? Too bulky & missing essential tools? I just detest the thought of using tools made in China or Taiwan.
How many chains are you breaking?
In like in 2020 or a real year?
Snapped a chain the other day, the one day I left my chain breaker at home.
Enjoy the walk home Jeff
@@zerofighter42 Have no idea what you are talking about. I have chainbreaker tools but when the host said he was using his chainbreaker all the time I was curious. Are chains not good now? I've broken 1 on the road in 15 years. And yes I fixed it in place.
@@BIKEPACKINGcom Any year. Are new chains not being made well these days?
No oneup?
It's definitely the tool (EDC Pump) that I carry on most trail rides, and even some bikepacking trips...
What no Cool Tool? :0
Ya man. I still have the Cool Tool I got at an after party at 1990 Worlds in Dgo.
You don't test tools BEFORE taking them to the trail? Amateur move.