best/most compact/lightweight multi tool

[AngryScientist]

i'm putting together a new jersey pocket kit and want to make it a little more compact and light than what i have now.

rec for the best/smallest/lightest tool that has at a minimum:

-chain breaker
-3,4,5 mm hex
-t25

i'm looking right now at the Lezyne RAP 14, what else?

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0043/1246/5494/products/1-MT-RAP-V214T04_Rap14_Black_v2_R1_1800x1800.jpg?v=15577732 72

[Dired]

i'm putting together a new jersey pocket kit and want to make it a little more compact and light than what i have now.

rec for the best/smallest/lightest tool that has at a minimum:

-chain breaker
-3,4,5 mm hex
-t25

i'm looking right now at the Lezyne RAP 14, what else?

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0043/1246/5494/products/1-MT-RAP-V214T04_Rap14_Black_v2_R1_1800x1800.jpg?v=15577732 72

I carry a really simple lezyne sv7 and a park ct6. Not sure how effective the integrated chain-breaker will be on that lezyne.

[joosttx]

This is a really good one and relatively new.

http://www.dynaplug.com/fix.html

I still think spurcycle makes the best quality multitool out there. But it doesn’t have a chain break and I know you don’t like bits in the field. None the less, it a winner for me.

https://www.spurcycle.com/collections/all/products/tool

If you are looking for something nontraditional check out wolf tooth’s encase system. This is what I am currently using.

https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/collections/tools/products/encase-system-bar-kit-one

[scoobydrew]

Check out the Crank Brothers F15.

I've also listed some other neat and relevant options below, but they don't have a chain breaker.

Wolftooth Encase
Spurcycle Tool (includes pouch)
Blackburn Switch (includes pouch)

I personally have the Blackburn Switch and love it. It's about the size of a slim wallet and you can stick other stuff in the pouch, like cards, ID, patch kit, or even a compact chain breaker. It's also reasonably priced.

[Rusa]

Topeak Mini 9 and Park Tool CT 5 chain tool

[eBAUMANN]

Ive been enjoying:

Wolf Tooth Encase - pricey but excellent quality. best used in metal bars, as ive found the inside diameter of carbon bars to be inconsistent between brand/models leading to tighter/looser fit with the Encase.

Fix it Sticks Mountain Kit (https://store.fixitsticks.com/products/mountain-kit) - only been using for a few weeks but i dig it, the pouch is nice and has room in it for other small essentials (co2 inflater/cartidges).

[C40_guy]

AmEx and AAA cards. Between the two, almost any problem can be solved.

[Ozz]

AmEx and AAA cards. Between the two, almost any problem can be solved.
+1
Add a mobile phone and an understanding spouse and you are good....

[dustyrider]

I’ve gone through my fair share of multi-tools. Topeak and Park were some of the better ones. In the end, I settled for individual tools because though the multi-tool is a one stop shop sort of thing, one stop shops rarely do any one thing really well; they’re trying to do everything sort of well.

My current setup includes:
Pedro tire levers
Park ct 6.3
Pedro’s folding hex/torx

I always have a pump, a tube, and a patch kit too. You can use paper money for a makeshift tire boot. In the end, I mostly use my kit to help those without. Good maintenance goes a long way!

[flying]

I use the older Pro Bike Tool Multi & it is very slim & good quality.
https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Bike-Tool-Multitool-Lightweight/dp/B00XLGKTSS



But it has no chain tool but....
They have a new model now that does


Looks equally well done
https://www.amazon.com/PRO-BIKE-TOOL-Bike-Multitool/dp/B07Y38GJMB?ref_=s9_apbd_orecs_hd_bw_bEHwt&pf_rd_r=H81JC6N4Y16CFAW3WP6P&pf_rd_p=4fa055d9-f9fc-5986-ae2f-5c1fe9cd5c81&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-11&pf_rd_t=BROWSE&pf_rd_i=3405591

[Gummee]

Check out the Silca tool too. Space for a spare quick link too!

M

[kppolich]

Fabric 16 in 1 is in my jersey pouch. Slim and light.

https://fabric.cc/products/tools/16-in-1-multi-tool/

pic:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49386803703_d3254d841a_b.jpg

[oldturd]

Mineral Design:

https://www.mineralbikes.com/shop/mini-bar-multi-tool

:banana:

[NHAero]

Some great options I've never heard of.
How important is it to carry a chain break tool? I used to carry a chain tool on tours but haven't on day rides for decades. How often are you folks breaking chains?

That Wolftooth Encase at 50g is the ****tz! But no chain tool...

[htwoopup]

Why not just a 6mm Allen key for your thruaxle? I only carry extra Allen keys like 4/5 and whatever else is on the specific bike if I am doing an adjustment ride. Chainbreak tool and spare link only on 3-4 hour rides into the really uninhabited areas if I am going on some unknown unpaved areas. I have never found a mini tool that was actually mini or actually was usable in getting to the bolts that they would be needed for. Of course by typing this I have just screwed myself for some upcoming rides.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[charliedid]

Some great options I've never heard of.
How important is it to carry a chain break tool? I used to carry a chain tool on tours but haven't on day rides for decades. How often are you folks breaking chains?

That Wolftooth Encase at 50g is the ****tz! But no chain tool...

Exactly my response as well.

[josephr]

Some great options I've never heard of.
How important is it to carry a chain break tool? I used to carry a chain tool on tours but haven't on day rides for decades. How often are you folks breaking chains?

That Wolftooth Encase at 50g is the ****tz! But no chain tool...

only have had to break out my multi-tool a few times, but at least twice the chain-breaker was the reason it was needed. Once for me, once for a buddy...both times it meant the opportunity to make it back to the car. Other time was to adjust a seat-post. But when you need it, you really need it.

[joosttx]

Exactly my response as well.

I don’t. I carry this https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/collections/tools/products/pack-pliers . I feel this all I need in the chain department. For the encase system. I don’t use the chainbreak. Instead, I replaced it with a dynaplug.

[NHAero]

No chain break tool but a master link pliers? What is an example of when you need the pliers and don't need the chain tool?

I'm missing something here...

I don’t. I carry this https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/collections/tools/products/pack-pliers . I feel this all I need in the chain department. For the encase system. I don’t use the chainbreak. Instead, I replaced it with a dynaplug.

[Clancy]

Why not just a 6mm Allen key for your thruaxle? I only carry extra Allen keys like 4/5 and whatever else is on the specific bike if I am doing an adjustment ride. Chainbreak tool and spare link only on 3-4 hour rides into the really uninhabited areas if I am going on some unknown unpaved areas. I have never found a mini tool that was actually mini or actually was usable in getting to the bolts that they would be needed for. Of course by typing this I have just screwed myself for some upcoming rides.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

What I do minus a chain breaker. Road cycling I’ve never broken a chain and the two times I’ve seen it, the derailleur hanger was bent badly and the derailleur cage broken do a chain breaker would have done little good. And, both of those cases were also novice riders on new bikes that either the rider shifted wrong or the bike was defective, hard to determine. What I believe is on a properly prepared and maintained bike ridden even semi-property, a broken chain is extremely unlikely.

Now.... I just jinxed myself

[AngryScientist]

yea, the reality is that the chain tool is something i've only used a small handful of times out on the road, and never on my own bike.

the thing is, i like to put together one kit i carry in my pocket for every single ride, and for a small weight penalty, i dont mind carrying one for the eventual need. planning on some real remote rides this year too, so being prepared may sometimes be the difference between a great adventure and an epic failure.

anyway, thanks, there are some products listed here that i've never heard of before, and i'm just going to pick something new and go for it.

[charliedid]

I don’t. I carry this https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/collections/tools/products/pack-pliers . I feel this all I need in the chain department. For the encase system. I don’t use the chainbreak. Instead, I replaced it with a dynaplug.

Yeah I keep meaning to pick up those WT pliers. In all my years of all types of riding I never broke a chain but I have suffered chainsuck so bad that I always wanted to be able to pull a crank arm. These days it's 1X or 2X with room to spare so I never have to deal with that BS again.

[charliedid]

yea, the reality is that the chain tool is something i've only used a small handful of times out on the road, and never on my own bike.

the thing is, i like to put together one kit i carry in my pocket for every single ride, and for a small weight penalty, i dont mind carrying one for the eventual need. planning on some real remote rides this year too, so being prepared may sometimes be the difference between a great adventure and an epic failure.

anyway, thanks, there are some products listed here that i've never heard of before, and i'm just going to pick something new and go for it.

Nothing wrong with being prepared and for years I carried a chain tool for the reason you mention. Helping someone else on the road or a big ride.

I'm cool with that

[htwoopup]

Chain tool (smallest I could find that works) which I keep in the “extra” pocket pack for long off the grid rides.

[URL] https://www.flickr.com/photos/135458097@N04/40600904223/in/dateposted-public [URL]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Overshot]

Spurcycle tool here. Extremely compact, ti, and multipurpose. You could always get different bits as needed. Torx, bigger allen, etc. I have one between all bikes and am constantly switching it out.

[Mark McM]

Some great options I've never heard of.
How important is it to carry a chain break tool? I used to carry a chain tool on tours but haven't on day rides for decades. How often are you folks breaking chains?

That Wolftooth Encase at 50g is the ****tz! But no chain tool...

Chain breakage is common on MTBs, and not so common on road bikes (chain force is inversely proportional to chainring size), but it can happen with any kind of bike in the right circumstances. I've had many broken chains on MTBs, but only a few broken chains on road bikes. I don't ride gravel bikes, but I imagine chain breakage frequency on these bikes would fall somewhere between MTBs and road bikes.

Some modern chains require the pins to be peened, and not many multi-tools can perform this peening. However, some multi-tools have storage for a spare quick-link, so the chain tool is only necessary to remove broke links.

[MikeD]

I have this tool (Mini 20 Pro, 151g). Topeak makes nice stuff.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200310/415a8d031d2d4b4b36432d17b52cba16.jpg

[Pinned]

Those little integrated chain tools do not work IME - there just isn't a way to get enough leverage on them. I bought a Crank Brothers F15 with the hopes that the larger handle would give enough grip to actually push a chain pin...works great. It's not the lightest for pocket use, but totally fine in a little tool roll.

[unterhausen]

I have wondered about the integrated chain tools. I suppose I should try the ones on the multi-tools I have. I have needed one once. The main question is if it will remove a pin so you can put in a quick link

[thp]

Big kit with a travel size DIY case.

https://www.amazon.com/Wera-Unisex-Bicycle-Spanner-Unspecified/dp/B07X4HRP3X/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=wera+bicycle&qid=1583854257&sr=8-2

[cp43]

What I do minus a chain breaker. Road cycling I’ve never broken a chain and the two times I’ve seen it, the derailleur hanger was bent badly and the derailleur cage broken do a chain breaker would have done little good. And, both of those cases were also novice riders on new bikes that either the rider shifted wrong or the bike was defective, hard to determine. What I believe is on a properly prepared and maintained bike ridden even semi-property, a broken chain is extremely unlikely.

Now.... I just jinxed myself

I disagree that the chain tool isn't useful in that case. In fact, I'd say that's exactly the case where a chain breaker is the tool you need. Shorten the chain, find a decent gear combo and make it a single speed. It's not ideal, but it beats walking.

I do agree that it's not a common occurrence, it's up to each rider to decide if it's worth carrying the tool. But, it can be very useful sometimes.

Chris

[Mark McM]

I disagree that the chain tool isn't useful in that case. In fact, I'd say that's exactly the case where a chain breaker is the tool you need. Shorten the chain, find a decent gear combo and make it a single speed. It's not ideal, but it beats walking.

^^^^ This.

I've done this several times, and ridden with others when they have had to do it. When road riding, you might be able to call someone to pick you up. But when riding off road, you could be many miles from the nearest road.

[weaponsgrade]

That Dynaplug combo tool looks interesting. I think my Dynaplug and pump fell from my backpack when I slid off a trail while mtn biking. The pack I was using had a pump sleeve where I kept the Dynaplug and pump. It had an open top and I ended up on my back with my head on the downslope.

This past year I picked up the EDC Pump from OneUp. Luckily, I haven't actually had to use any of the tools so far, but it's got everything including chain breaker and tire plugs inside a pump. What I like about it is that I can keep a spare tube on my mtn and gravel bikes and just transfer this one thing between the bikes. In all my years riding, I've broken a chain twice - both times mtn biking. On my road bike, I have a full sized frame pump and Lezyne SV11. I like the idea of hiding tools in the bars, but it's certainly not as convenient as moving a pump around. I've also lost many end caps from close brushes with trees. It would really suck to have a nice set of tools fall out.

[Keith A]

This is a really good one and relatively new.

http://www.dynaplug.com/fix.html

I still think spurcycle makes the best quality multitool out there. But it doesn’t have a chain break and I know you don’t like bits in the field. None the less, it a winner for me.

https://www.spurcycle.com/collections/all/products/tool

If you are looking for something nontraditional check out wolf tooth’s encase system. This is what I am currently using.

https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/collections/tools/products/encase-system-bar-kit-oneLooks like Spurcycle's tool is sold out :(
Update: It can be purchased from other vendors :)

[Idris Icabod]

I disagree that the chain tool isn't useful in that case. In fact, I'd say that's exactly the case where a chain breaker is the tool you need. Shorten the chain, find a decent gear combo and make it a single speed. It's not ideal, but it beats walking.

I do agree that it's not a common occurrence, it's up to each rider to decide if it's worth carrying the tool. But, it can be very useful sometimes.

Chris

This exact thing happened to my buddy last Friday afternoon when we took off from work to ride mountain bikes. Probably 10+ miles from the trail entrance he hit a rock and mangled his rear derailleur. I had a chain tool and a quick link. We set him up as a single speed and he rode out just fine (although he did have to muscle some of the hills).

This is the tool that I have. The chain tool isn't great but it did work when it needed to:

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/crank-brothers-multi-19-tool?CMP_SKU=CRN0022&MER=0406?CSPID=0912&utm_source=RM&utm_medium=CRT&mr:trackingCode=357D5EC0-A56D-E511-80FA-0050569475F3&mr:referralID=NA&CMP_ID=RM_CRT_VIS

[charliedid]

I wonder about the CPR-12 Ritchey tool. Never used it but back in the 90's I always carried the CPR-9. Super light chain tool and the basics. Smallest-Lightest.

[skitlets]

I find multitools too fiddly, so I use the topeak ratchet rocket. Without the carrying case and tire levers it should come in ~150g. Good enough for most of my bike wrenching at home too! Some versions have a chain breaker built into the storage case, but I can't attest to that.

[scoobydrew]

Can anyone recommend a compact chain breaker that I could fit into my existing tool kit? I don't want to buy a brand new multi-tool.

I have the Park CT-5 (https://www.parktool.com/product/mini-chain-brute-chain-tool-ct-5) which is relatively compact already, but lives in my tool box. Is there anything more compact than this that will work in an emergency?

[Black Dog]

Can anyone recommend a compact chain breaker that I could fit into my existing tool kit? I don't want to buy a brand new multi-tool.

I have the Park CT-5 (https://www.parktool.com/product/mini-chain-brute-chain-tool-ct-5) which is relatively compact already, but lives in my tool box. Is there anything more compact than this that will work in an emergency?

This might be what you need.

https://www.parktool.com/product/folding-chain-tool-with-peening-anvil-ct-6-3

https://www.parktool.com/assets/img/product/_productDetail/CT-6.3_001.jpg

[AngryScientist]

This might be what you need.

https://www.parktool.com/product/folding-chain-tool-with-peening-anvil-ct-6-3

nice find, i like the looks of this one.

[dustyrider]

nice find, i like the looks of this one.

Hmm...

[tuxbailey]

This is a nice thread. I think I will get a new chain tool as well?

Can someone recommend a nice tool bag?

I have a set of allen keys, Trek brand from 25 years ago. 2 Pedro's tire levers, spare tube, CO2 valve, valve adapter, 2 12oz CO2 cartridge (maybe I just need one,) and a mini patch kit for longer ride.

Edit:

On the other hand, I have an old diabetes glucose testing kit bag that I might be able to re-purpose for this task.

https://pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/184126/2_450.jpg

[Smitty2k1]

Crank Brothers F15 has a chain breaker at 165g: https://www.crankbrothers.com/products/f15

or Crank Brothers F10+ with no chain breaker at 95g: https://www.crankbrothers.com/products/f10-1

I have the F15 and I really enjoy using it. The magnetic sleeve is a great idea.

[cgolvin]

Since we've drifted slightly to chain breaking…

Has anyone used the Silca Venti tool for chainbreaking? That looks well designed to me; I have the tredici, which I certainly wouldn't nominate for the lightweight category but I have ridden with it in my jersey pocket and it's not too bad.

Silca has them on sale right now…

[jtbadge]

The Crank Brothers tools are great, the chain tool is very usable.

However, the bare metal parts of my M17 have been rusty since the first time I rode in the rain with it in my saddle roll. Not a ton of corrosion resistance.

[AngryScientist]

The Crank Brothers tools are great, the chain tool is very usable.

However, the bare metal parts of my M17 have been rusty since the first time I rode in the rain with it in my saddle roll. Not a ton of corrosion resistance.

this was always my problem with CB stuff, rust quickly.

[benb]

I carried the chain tool for 15 seasons and never broke a chain.

Set up a new road bike in early 2016 and immediately I broke a chain in an event like 50 miles from home.

NO one had a chain tool so I could do the "convert to singlespeed" trick.

As soon as I got home and got to the LBS to get a new derailleur hanger + new chain I got a bigger saddle bag so I could put a chain tool in. On my MTB I use a clip-link SRAM chain and I carry an extra clip link. My road bikes I have shimano chains with rivets and I carry one of the special pins in the saddle bag for emergency usage.

Of course I have not had another breakage.

On my 3 bikes I have:
- A Crank Bros - it rusted fast but still works
- Topeak - Also rusted
- I have "Fix it Sticks" on the bike that had the chain breakage + a separate chain tool. Those tools have not rusted, but that might be because that bike has the nicest saddle bag, it's got a waterproof lining + rubberized waterproof zipper.

[m_sasso]

Interesting read about chain strength and why they break early in life. Currently changing all my 1/8 track gearing to 3/32 after reading about the breakage strength of Izumi Super Tuff chains, which I currently use and I had always understood to be stronger than 10, 11 and 12 speed 3/32 chains. Why carry the weight if you are not getting the benefit. I always carry a CrankBrothers M17 with me which includes a chain tool.

https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au/chain_tensile/

https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Converting-Pedalling-Watts-to-Newtons-v6.pdf

[Clancy]

This exact thing happened to my buddy last Friday afternoon when we took off from work to ride mountain bikes. Probably 10+ miles from the trail entrance he hit a rock and mangled his rear derailleur. I had a chain tool and a quick link. We set him up as a single speed and he rode out just fine (although he did have to muscle some of the hills).

This is the tool that I have. The chain tool isn't great but it did work when it needed to:

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/crank-brothers-multi-19-tool?CMP_SKU=CRN0022&MER=0406?CSPID=0912&utm_source=RM&utm_medium=CRT&mr:trackingCode=357D5EC0-A56D-E511-80FA-0050569475F3&mr:referralID=NA&CMP_ID=RM_CRT_VIS

I carry a chain tool when MTB’ cycling but again, never on the road. A couple of Hex wrenches, inflation, usually CO2, 2 tire levers, a few dollar bills (tire boots) and 1-2 tubes depending on distance. Very cheap to put together and light/compact.

Virtually every multi-tool I’ve seen has some tools I need, a few I don’t, and usually is missing 1-2 that I do, and often are awkward or quirky to use, and cost more than a few hex wrenches.

I have a couple of different seat bags set-up for different bikes. My flat kit for my gravel bike is packed with different stuff then my road bike kit.

[AngryScientist]

hey, whoever up there suggested this one, good call!

perfect for what i had in mind.

[Old School]

The British magazine industry is much less biased (towards advertisers) than the US press.

https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/maintenance/tools-kits-and-boxes/multi-tools/page/2/

[NHAero]

This has been an informative thread, thanks all. I was looking for an updated multitool for road biking and MTBing. Have ordered the Wolftooth Hex tool for the road and the Wheelie Wrench Pro for the MTB.

[benb]

My broken chain on the road happened in a big group moving > 20mph when I was pedaling hard.

There was a branch in the road and someone else’s tire kicked it into my chain.

It happened very fast. If I’d been riding solo I’d have seen the branch and chilled out my pedal stroke. Even if I’d run over it I would not have broken my chain.

I actually feel like it’s more likely to happen on the road just due to how much more frequently we are riding in a pack with less situational awareness.

I have gotten a stick in my chain countless times in the woods but never broken the chain cause you can see it coming and slow down/stop your pedaling.

[slowpoke]

The Crank Brothers tools are great, the chain tool is very usable.

However, the bare metal parts of my M17 have been rusty since the first time I rode in the rain with it in my saddle roll. Not a ton of corrosion resistance.
this was always my problem with CB stuff, rust quickly.

Someone with more knowledge on metals and tooling than me can probably confirm this better, but there's probably an inverse relationship between hardness of tool and corrosion resistance. Or maybe between grippiness and corrosion resistance.

So the manufacturers probably would like you to keep your tools lightly oiled instead of them resorting to an inferior steel alloy.

[fmradio516]

Someone with more knowledge on metals and tooling than me can probably confirm this better, but there's probably an inverse relationship between hardness of tool and corrosion resistance. Or maybe between grippiness and corrosion resistance.

So the manufacturers probably would like you to keep your tools lightly oiled instead of them resorting to an inferior steel alloy.

Youre right. high carbon steel is super hard, but any amount of moisture(even humidity) will rust it. of course its dependent on the alloy and amounts of carbon in it.

Stainless is obviously more resistant to the elements but its (usually) softer than high carbon steel. There are some types that are pretty hard though.

[jimcav]

i'm going to try the F15

[scoobydrew]

Just found out about some pretty cool gadgets by Clever

Chain Barrel - Chain breaker & valve core remover. Use with a hex bit/key:
https://cleverstandard.com/products/clever-chain-barrel


Flatout - Chain look, chain hammer, valve core wrench, tire lever:
https://cleverstandard.com/products/clever-standard-flatout

[RWL2222]

This is not a hit for the OP, but after starting this thread and jumping over to the Fabric site, I bought the Chamber tool straightaway on sale at BikeInn.

[RWL2222]

Do you ever carry a spoke tool? This is my kit, still in the 1989 (!) Cannondale bag, refreshed with replacements, but never updated to CO2. There must have been some issue that made me haul that spoke wrench for so long.
I have been wondering whats in the modern kit. This thread is v useful.

[buddybikes]

Recommend in that pack:
- dollar bill (or few) for tire fixes
- Park patch kit
- some sort of energy (gu, life savers, something as a just in case)
- ID

[RWL2222]

Recommend in that pack:
- dollar bill (or few) for tire fixes
- Park patch kit
- some sort of energy (gu, life savers, something as a just in case)
- ID

I am still sorting out my carry. The phone goes in a plastic sleeve. Still carry my wallet with me too. The back of my jersey is getting a bit bulky. Might need a bigger seat bag soon.

Err...I had look up the dollar bill tire fix--that's new to me. That must have become a thing while I was out of the saddle.

[AngryScientist]

Do you ever carry a spoke tool? This is my kit, still in the 1989 (!) Cannondale bag, refreshed with replacements, but never updated to CO2. There must have been some issue that made me haul that spoke wrench for so long.
I have been wondering whats in the modern kit. This thread is v useful.

many multitools include a few sizes of spoke wrench built into some other part of the tool, so you always have one.

it's getting less common these days with much better, more reliable wheels, but i have used a spoke wrench to fix a friends wheel on the road so it didnt rub the brake pads. we were glad i had it and knew how to use it.

with regard to that kit, i'd get a better multitool, ditch the dedicated big spoke wrench, ditch at least one of those tire levers (i only carry 1)