Bit-based multi-tool recs

[weaponsgrade]

This past weekend I discovered my Lezyne multi-tool can't reach the high/low limit screws of my front derailleur. I'm thinking about picking up a bit-based tool and have looked at Fixit Sticks, Victorinox Bike Tool, Mineral Designs Mini Bar, and the Spurcycles Tool.

I'm leaning very heavily towards the Victorinox which I understand is made by PB Swiss. It's not too expensive, comes with tire levers, and isn't too much heavier than the Spur (which doesn't come with tire levers). Thoughts?

What I don't like about the bit-based tools is that there's no chain breaker. So, I'll have to pick that up separately. Any one have a recommendation there? The Mineral Designs Barstow chain breaker is slick, but I want to be able to transfer between bikes.

[SpeedyChix]

I've been really pleased with this Toepeak ratchet.

https://www.todson.com/collections/t...ion-kit-tt2520

Having been stuck unable to access things with a multi tool or wrench, limited to making 1/16 of a turn at a time, etc. this has been a game changer. I have one on the workbench now too. If it doesn't have all the bits you need it takes standard bits so you can assemble what you need.

Have had fix it sticks and others in the past and too many times can't get to what the wrench needs to be on.

[simonov]

I found the PB Swiss/Victorinox tire levers to be pretty useless unless you have loose fitting tires. The tool is great otherwise. So is the Spurcycle. I don't think you can go wrong with either of those.

[zzy]

Topeak ratchet rocket + Silca torque shaft is a pretty decent combo

[weiwentg]

Cyclingtips did a review on bit based tools last year. They rated Mineral Designs, Spurcycle, PB Swiss, and Fix It Sticks as their top choices. Make of that what you will.

[joosttx]

I used quite a few (it’s kinda a fetish for me). Spurcycles is the best

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

[joosttx]

Originally Posted by simonov

I found the PB Swiss/Victorinox tire levers to be pretty useless unless you have loose fitting tires. The tool is great otherwise. So is the Spurcycle. I don't think you can go wrong with either of those.

The victorinox levers Break easily and the bits rust.

[simonov]

Originally Posted by joosttx

The victorinox levers Break easily and the bits rust.

I had the same experience with the levers, but not the bits. Though, to be honest, I use the Spurcycle much more often and it still looks new.

[SlowPokePete]

Originally Posted by joosttx

I used quite a few (it’s kinda a fetish for me). Spurcycles is the best

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

Yup...agree

SPP

[Clancy]

Originally Posted by joosttx

I used quite a few (it’s kinda a fetish for me). Spurcycles is the best

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

This is what I carry although Fix-it stixs are a very close second.

[Ronsonic]

As a bit-based set, I like my very old-school Chapman set. But I rarely carry it alone. It'll go with my MTB kit in the camelbak or I'll pack it if I'm expecting to do a lot of adjustments.

For me and my exertion based clumsiness, bit-based is too fiddly for unplanned roadside repairs, but they are better tools if I can take the time.

Want to try the Fixit Sticks and see if that isn't a best of both worlds situation.

[joosttx]

Originally Posted by Clancy

This is what I carry although Fix-it stixs are a very close second.

I think the mineral designs is second. I did not like the fix-it-stiks at all. Probably should look at them again.

[joosttx]

Not mention is the I-9 Matchstix. If the spur cycle multi-tool was not such high quality I would be using this.

https://industrynine.com/matchstix

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by joosttx

I think the mineral designs is second. I did not like the fix-it-stiks at all. Probably should look at them again.

mine rusted....


the spurcycle one doesn't rust easily?

I love my 2 PB swisses but one is starting to rust.

[joosttx]

Originally Posted by R3awak3n

mine rusted....


the spurcycle one doesn't rust easily?

I love my 2 PB swisses but one is starting to rust.

I have on spur for at least two year and another for about a year and a half. Neither have shown any signs of rust. The tool is titanium or at least part of it is.