Bike cool tool

Whatever your preferred cycling discipline, it's guaranteed that at some point you'll experience a mechanical issue.

When this happens, a quality bike multi-tool is an indispensable accessory to get you back up and riding instead of walking back to the trailhead or waiting for someone to come and pick you up.

Of course, not every mechanical problem can be fixed with a multi-tool, but there are plenty that can be addressed with a little knowledge and the right equipment. Ideally, you will never need to use a multi-tool while out on a ride, but on the off chance you break your chain, need to tighten a bolt, or simply want to make an adjustment, it's nice to have the right tool at your disposal.

A multi-tool can't fix problems on its own, so it is important that you also familiarize yourself with your bike and its components to be prepared when a mid-ride mechanical pops up. We recommend taking a basic maintenance or bicycle service course to learn the ins and outs of basic bike repair.

We don't rate the tools in this test based on their price, but we always love a good value. The differences in price between the models in this test are fairly minimal for most models, and some of the highest-rated models are also some of the most affordable. The Pro Bike Tool 17 in 1 is a good example of a more affordable option that is also highly rated. That said, price and performance often go hand in hand, and the top-rated ToPeak Mini PT30 is also one of the most expensive.

Each of the multi-tools in this test has at least what we consider the minimum tools and functions for both road and mountain biking. With the standard hex sizes—also known as Allen keys—which are 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm and a Torx 25 star-shaped bit, a multi-tool will be able to handle the most common mechanical issues. Beyond that, the tools and functions vary between the different models. The tools mentioned above are essential simply because they service the most commonly found bolts on today's bikes.

Modern stems, brakes, brake rotors, calipers, derailleurs, chainrings, pedals, and clamps will often be serviceable with this basic tool suite. While not every model in the test includes one, we think a chain tool is nearly as essential as the basic wrenches. Without a chain tool, there's not a lot that you can do to Macgyver a broken chain back together out on a ride. At that point, you had better hope that the way back home is mostly downhill because you're not pedaling anywhere without a chain.

In many cases, the manufacturers of these multi-tools make several versions that offer varying numbers of features—some with chain breakers and some without. We highly recommend the former if you're relying on your bike multi-tool to get home. We evaluated each model based on the number of tools that it has and additional functions like quick link storage, disc pad spreaders, spoke wrenches, tire levers, and storage cases.

In general, we feel that more features are typically better as long as they are actually useful for the user and don't come with a big weight penalty. Some riders may prefer a minimalist approach and would rather not lug around a tool with functions that they may never use, while others prefer to be prepared for everything. Our test includes multi-tools for every type of rider with tools that span from a low of 15 functions to a high of The most fully-featured model in this test is the ToPeak Mini PT30 , with a whopping 30 functions in a relatively small package.

It has all of the hex key sizes you'll ever need from 2 to 10mm, flat and Phillips head screwdrivers, Torx 10, 15 and 25 bits, and a quality chain tool with four sizes of spoke wrenches integrated into it.

It also has convenient extras like a quick link breaker, quick link storage a chain hook to help with chain repair, and a disc pad spreader. This new model even comes with tire repair tools like a plug insertion tool, reamer, and a small knife. The Lezyne Super V 22 offers the next most features with It doesn't pile on the extra fluff that you get with the Mini PT 30 , but we found in testing that all of its features were well-thought-out and frequently useful out on the trail or road.

It covers all of the basics with a full set of the most common hex sizes, T15, T25, and T30 Torx wrenches, and an easy-to-use chain tool. It also includes some handy extras like a brake rotor truing fork in case you have an unfortunate meeting between rotor and rock. The Pedro's Rx Micro was another of the most feature-rich models we tested. This tool offers a unique package including a Shimano crank cap tool, two full-fledged tire levers, and quick link storage. Also included are 7 and 8mm box wrenches, three spoke wrench sizes, and T25 and T30 Torx wrenches along with all of the standard hexes and a chain tool.

If you ride Shimano cranks, this tool is worth a look for its unique crank cap tool alone. With T10 and T15 Torx wrenches, a clever chain holder, three spoke wrench sizes, and Phillips and flathead screwdrivers on top of the basics, it will get you out of most jams. The Pro Bike Tool 17 in 1 is a more traditional minimalist option, but it manages to pack in one more feature than the Ninja without a big weight penalty.

In evaluating a bike multi-tool's ergonomics we considered its shape, feel in hand, leverage, and the usefulness of its tools in relation to their lengths. A tool with good ergonomics feels comfortable in your hand, can be grasped tightly without pressure points, and provides the leverage to apply torque when necessary. Long tool bits are an added bonus that helps a tool operate in tight spaces more efficiently.

Every tool in our test can get the job done, but some tools are more ergonomically inclined than others. This miniaturized ratcheting socket set provides excellent leverage as well as easy access to hard-to-reach bolts. The system works so well that it wouldn't be out of place in a home workshop. The Blackburn Switch Wrap has a similarly ergonomic bit-and-socket design that allows you to configure the wrench as either an L or T handle, but doesn't include the ratchet system.

Our highest-rated traditional multi-tool designs are Crankbrothers' M19 and F Each of these Crankbrothers tools is appropriately sized to fit well in most hands with rounded edges and no pressure points for the palm. Their lengths provide good leverage when dealing with finicky bolts, and their chain tools make popping a pin easy.

The F15 specifically has a smooth, brushed metal case that doubles as a wrench or chain tool handle, making it a favorite among our testers. For most operations, the Rx Micro 20 sits on par with the highest-rated tools in our test.

Its tire-lever flanked frame fits nicely in the palm and provides comfort and leverage. Our only problem with it came when breaking a chain. The chain tool is difficult to grasp, and leverage is hard to come by. It took us a couple tries to break a chain the first time we tested it.

It still fit nicely in hand and provided adequate leverage but falls somewhat short of the top performers. The small sacrifice these tools make in ergonomics is made up for by their portability. Due to the compact nature of the OneUp EDC's unique design, all of the tools are small and they're more challenging to hold onto and torque on when needed.

The Park Tool IB-3 is easily bottom of the pack for ergonomics. This tool is chunky and uncomfortable in hand, with removable parts that move around and get in the way. Portability is a fundamental design tenet of any multi-tool. In testing, we found that each tool can easily fit into your pack or saddlebag, but not all of them are lightweight and compact enough to carry comfortably in a pocket.

We rated each model's portability based on a combination of both the weight and the size. As for virtually every piece of cycling gear, lighter is generally considered better, and a more compact tool takes up less space when not in use. The importance of both size and weight is up to the individual user and varies based on need and desired carrying location. It was the only traditional, non-bike-mounted tool to achieve a perfect score in this metric. Its incredibly light weight allows you to choose whether you want to store it in a pocket or a pack.

In a pocket, it all but disappears while you're riding, and in a pack, it will save valuable storage space. Both of these tools mount to your bike, so you don't have to lug them around in a pocket or a pack while you pedal.

The gram EDC stores in your bike's steerer tube, so it's virtually nonexistent until you need to pull it out and make an adjustment. At grams, the Switch Wrap isn't the lightest model we tested, but it can mount in multiple locations on your frame and provides storage for a tube, CO2 cartridge, and tire lever.

It's fast and easy to mount and doesn't create a nuisance while you ride. Both of these quickly became favorites among our testers, and they provide an excellent option for mountain bikers who loathe strapping on a pack. Weighing right at the higher end of average in our test at g g with the neoprene case , the ToPeak Mini PT30 is still relatively lightweight considering that it has 30 functions.

It's also quite small, 3" long, 1. Both the Crankbrothers M19 and the Blackburn Tradesman have similar dimensions and are a couple of the largest and heaviest tools in this test. By combining all of the tools you might need into a single, compact unit, multi-tools inherently provide a user-friendly experience.

For the most part, the differences in user-friendliness of the various models are relatively small, but certain models offer an easier and faster experience. Things like carrying cases that must be removed before use, multiple components to keep track of, or hard-to-find tools are the main culprits that make a tool harder to use. Throughout testing, we quickly found certain go-to tools that allowed for quick and easy adjustments, and these tools scored highest in this metric.

Each of these tools is ready to use the moment you pull it out of your pack or pocket. The 17 in 1 has its tools labeled, so you never accidentally pull out the wrong wrench. Others, like the Rx Micro , and Euro17 , have simple layouts that allow for quick tool identification and access. None of these multi-tools have an excessive number of removable pieces, and none require their tools to be assembled before use. Out on the trail, these models will be your best bet if you want to minimize time spent fiddling and maximize time spent riding.

The ToPeak Mini PT30 has a cover that adds a small step when pulling it out for use or stowing it away. The cover also represents an additional component to keep track of on the trail or roadside.

The Mini PT30's chain tool also needs to be removed from the main body of the tool for use. The TubiHead is a pump head designed specifically to aid with the inflation of stubborn tubeless tyres. Spoke pliers are a common sight in professional workshops for assistance with preventing spoke twist on lighter builds or to simply make it possible to work with round-shaped straight-pull spokes.

For a long time Roval had its name on the prized spoke-holding tool, and more recently Unior made such a thing accessible and affordable. The parallel clamping jaws mean this spoke-holding plier should work with round and bladed spokes. Prior to offering click-type torque wrenches, Park Tool had its name on a couple of basic beam-style torque tools. Now Park Tool has brought back those classics.

The TW Due to the different scales on these tools, those wanting accurate torque control below 10 Nm really should use the smaller TW The large TW Click-type torque wrenches still have benefits related to the ratcheting heads, compact shape, and tactile feedback, but these beam-type tools should suffice nicely for most casual users. Silca recently made a large investment into in-house 3D printing metal capabilities. The first production part to roll out of the machines was the high-priced Mensola computer mount , and that was quickly followed by an equally expensive hammer, a cassette lockring tool, and a chain whip.

And now Silca is offering these hand tools with Cerakote finishes a highly durable ceramic coating in addition to the original raw titanium finish. Currently Silca offers this Cerakote in a choice of black pictured or a limited edition copper colour.

Such weight savings inevitably do carry compromise and the tools are quite short in length and lack leverage compared to those found in many professional workshops. And then there are questions over the durability and strength of such tools if used on over-tightened or stuck parts. Like the Crombie, the Silca tool is hollow to fit over axles and quick-release nuts. The matching chain whip, which replaces the top span of chain with a 3D printed section, weighs just 89 grams.

Compare that to the Abbey steel chain whip at grams. However, unlike the Abbey cassette tools, the Silca tools cannot be stored within each other. One comes with JIS-compatabile 1 and 2 crosshead bits and a 5 mm flat head.

The other version comes with a T25 Torx, and 2 and 2. The end cap for those spare bits spins on a bearing for comfortable screw driving. You can loan them to others on a ride. They provide a much-needed upper body work out. They are not thrown away after a single use. You can fly with them. They cannot be used to make seltzer. Top: the middle weight contender, the Topeak Masterblaster Road. I like Topeak stuff, and this pump is readily available and works fine.

Middle: the lightweight legend, the Silca Impero. The vintage, classic, plastic Silca. It is finiky, can and will bend presta valves, and can and will break with misuse. Bottom: the heavyweight champ, the Zefal HPX. My favorite French-made bike part. It is THE best frame pump ever made, works perfectly, is tough as hell, and is rebuildable.

And in that Legnano livery painted to match a bike of mine, it is drool-worthy. I have nothing but praise for the relaunch of the Silca brand. They are creating great stuff with everything they do these days. The HX-One is a great example. I use this tool set all of the time, and not just for bike projects. The quality, look and feel, and precision are unmatched. And it says Bike Law on it. Yes, all the way around. My number one bike tool is from my number one bike company and my go-to bike: the Brompton folding bike.

This tool set has it all: ratchet, 15 mm wrench, tire irons, hexes and heads, and patch kit. Hold on to your socks, folks, because the kit fits into the unfolded bike tube and attaches with a reassuring magnetic clunk. Just like the bike itself, it is ever-present and ever-useful and ever-ready.

Submit your favorite tool below or on social media. Many of you have heard about the horrific multi-victim crash from October 7, , in which a Chattanooga driver brutally plowed her car into a group of 5 pedestrians as they were crossing a street, causing catastrophic and life changing injuries. In the chaotic aftermath of running a red light and almost killing an entire […].

I hope that this […]. He was killed on his bike by an under-aged driver who blew through a red light. My brother blessed me with so much, but 3 things stand out: […].

Kickstand channels donated bicycles to low-income and homeless members of our community whose lives can be improved with […]. My vocation and my passion as a bike crash attorney is representing injured bicyclists and families of bicyclists who have been killed by careless drivers.