Why carry a multi tool?
01-02-20, 06:41 AM
#76
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Myself as well, sort of. I only have two bikes. Both have identical wheel size, tires, tubes, etc. so carry tools are identical and I just move the seat post and top tube bag form bike to bike. I have handlebar camera bag and a bracket on each bike so it too swaps easily. I do carry a multi-tool, always have. Rarely used. I carry a two Allen wrenches in the top tube bag, one of which has seen the most use, for seat adjustments.
01-02-20, 10:01 AM
#77
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For a minimalist tool option, if you choose to carry one at all, I typically recommend the Tom7 from SKS. Nice little pouch, good steel.
2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6mm,T25 and a Phillips
2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6mm,T25 and a Phillips
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01-06-20, 12:28 PM
#78
Full Member
I carried a full complement of tools. Then I thought it was a bit overkill, took out the chain tool. A week later someone was disabled on the bike trail with a broken chain, I could have taken out two links and got them going. I put the chain tool back in my kit. I don't mind the weight, just having to take the trunk bag off when the bike is chained at the library, but I would have to do that anyway to keep just the bag from being stolen.
I carried individual tools, but when buying a used trunk bag at goodwill, there was a Topeak bike multitool inside, super bonus. Now I carry that.
That Rocket Ratchet above looks really slick, I might check into that. But I can't recall a road event that would need the speed of a ratchet versus just a wrench. My most common road maladies and tools required:
EDIT: I'm really impressed with Topeak over the years in terms of innovation, those folks are thinking. But that tiny torque wrench from Feedback looks slick. However I have never needed a torque wrench on the trail, I can approximate things pretty good. The main thing I use a torque wrench for is the bolt holding the rear cassette body to the axle, that needs to be right on. For at home, Harbor Freight sells click-stop torque wrenches for 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" drive, on sale all the time for $10 (regular $30 but this is a "loss leader" to get you in the store), and believe it or not, they are not bad, they work. Only once, the calibration ring came loose on one, and I thought for a minute, then adjusted the calibration ring so the spring just engaged when the dial was at zero; I later checked against another wrench, it was right on.
I carried individual tools, but when buying a used trunk bag at goodwill, there was a Topeak bike multitool inside, super bonus. Now I carry that.
That Rocket Ratchet above looks really slick, I might check into that. But I can't recall a road event that would need the speed of a ratchet versus just a wrench. My most common road maladies and tools required:
- Flat tire; Tire levers, sticky patches, spare tube, pump. I also have nutted axles so need a wrench, I carry a small adjustable one.
- Broken spoke; Spoke wrench to retrue to make it home. I also carry spare spokes but if it's on the cassette side, I won't have the tools, a lockring tool and big enough wrench is just too much weight.
- Loose crank; Correct size allen wrench.
- Loose pedal; adjustable wrench.
- Broken chain: Chain tool.
- Front derailleur limit off adjustment; Small phillips screwdriver. Note: This can also help you get home if the cable breaks so you can adjust it into the right ring.
- Broken derailleur cable: Spare cable and cutters (yes you could coil the cable end but I carry one long enough for the rear derailleur so that's a lot of excess for the front), or limp home as noted above.
- Massive pothole bends side of rim; For the axle nuts, I carry an adjustable wrench, and that doubles to bend the rim back out or in.
EDIT: I'm really impressed with Topeak over the years in terms of innovation, those folks are thinking. But that tiny torque wrench from Feedback looks slick. However I have never needed a torque wrench on the trail, I can approximate things pretty good. The main thing I use a torque wrench for is the bolt holding the rear cassette body to the axle, that needs to be right on. For at home, Harbor Freight sells click-stop torque wrenches for 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" drive, on sale all the time for $10 (regular $30 but this is a "loss leader" to get you in the store), and believe it or not, they are not bad, they work. Only once, the calibration ring came loose on one, and I thought for a minute, then adjusted the calibration ring so the spring just engaged when the dial was at zero; I later checked against another wrench, it was right on.
01-06-20, 12:50 PM
#79
Senior Member
That looks great, and a fantastic price (currently $20 online). The main weakness I see is no outside-hex wrenches. I carry a three-way 8/9/10mm wrench (although the bike is all allen-head bolts, but helpful to others) and a thin 14/15mm for axle nuts and pedals, and a small adjustable wrench for the other side of the axle. On a road bike with quick release axles, I could ditch the adjustable wrench. But on my townie with axle nuts and a big trunk bag, I go big.
01-06-20, 01:47 PM
#80
Senior Member
That might conflict with my goal to get a lockring with a thicker flange to prevent the chain from getting jammed between the lockring and frame, though that happens very rarely. (And I got a spacer washer to space out the cassette, but decided against as that, or a spacer under the lockring, as either would reduce lockring thread engagement.)
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01-06-20, 03:06 PM
#81
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That looks great, and a fantastic price (currently $20 online). The main weakness I see is no outside-hex wrenches. I carry a three-way 8/9/10mm wrench (although the bike is all allen-head bolts, but helpful to others) and a thin 14/15mm for axle nuts and pedals, and a small adjustable wrench for the other side of the axle. On a road bike with quick release axles, I could ditch the adjustable wrench. But on my townie with axle nuts and a big trunk bag, I go big.
Fortunately, the old QR skewers are their own tools. One less thing to carry separately. But if I ever get a disc brake bike I'll need a larger bag than my Lezyne Road Caddy.
01-06-20, 03:36 PM
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I have had many multi tools, but none as useful as my Cool Tool. Unfortunately, a piece fell out of the crescent wrench part after a few seasons and most of the other parts have since wandered away. I still occasionally see a 6mm allen key with a Philips head drift past when I rummage through my parts bin.
01-06-20, 06:35 PM
#83
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I use my multi-tool way more than I fix flats.
Should I stop carrying a pump?
Should I stop carrying a pump?
01-06-20, 09:56 PM
#84
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I carry one in my pocket most of the time and generally always try to carry one while riding. I don't use it super often but do use it on occasion. I wouldn't want to go without one. Sure a lot of stuff can be punctures but those times when they are not or if you might be running non-qr skewers or thru-axles or maybe a bolt is loose or something knocks the stem out of whack especially on a quill stem. You never know what you might run into.
I wouldn't take a ton of tools but my Crank Bros M10 is a super handy tool and has gotten me out of a few pickles.
I wouldn't take a ton of tools but my Crank Bros M10 is a super handy tool and has gotten me out of a few pickles.
01-07-20, 06:28 AM
#86
Senior Member
You can fix lots of things with it. Including a frayed cable (you can replace the cable if you have one, which I do on multi-day rides). I usually carry a allen, screwdriver, chain-tool one, and a swiss army type one.
I've used it a lot of times: loose bottle cages, improvising a fix when a cable broke, fixing a broken chain (you need a chain-tool, like the one any decent multi tool has), and even bent back a firend derailleur hanger with the multi tool pliers once. He fell on the first day of a 4 days ride, and after that the derailleur interfered with the spokes.
On multi day rides I also carry a replacement derailleur hanger, shifter cable, a couple of spare brake pads and 4 or 5 zip ties. You can fix almost anything with a zip tie, and they weight next to nothing. Not that I care about weight, since I don't race and don't really care about comparing myself to others.
I know people who don't carry one. All of them have had to call a relative to pick them up at least once.
I only called my wife once, when I got sick. Never had to do it for a mechanical issue.
I've used it a lot of times: loose bottle cages, improvising a fix when a cable broke, fixing a broken chain (you need a chain-tool, like the one any decent multi tool has), and even bent back a firend derailleur hanger with the multi tool pliers once. He fell on the first day of a 4 days ride, and after that the derailleur interfered with the spokes.
On multi day rides I also carry a replacement derailleur hanger, shifter cable, a couple of spare brake pads and 4 or 5 zip ties. You can fix almost anything with a zip tie, and they weight next to nothing. Not that I care about weight, since I don't race and don't really care about comparing myself to others.
I know people who don't carry one. All of them have had to call a relative to pick them up at least once.
I only called my wife once, when I got sick. Never had to do it for a mechanical issue.
Last edited by Amt0571; 01-07-20 at 07:37 AM.
01-07-20, 10:25 AM
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I can't believe anyone rides WITHOUT one. I've had cleats comes loose, thru axles come loose, my buddy's water bottle cage bolts came loose on our last ride. I've used the flathead screwdriver to pick out peanut butter mud from my shoes and pedals. I can only imagine I'll need it in the future for all sorts of things as well..
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01-08-20, 11:44 AM
#89
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I am the most unfortunate person in the world when it comes to flats, I always find a way to run over a tiny piece of glass or a tiny hunk of wire on the ground. That said I ride with a person who has not had a flat out on the rode for years, they might consider not bringing tubes, patch kit or frame pump along since "They never use it". I find having a multi tool very important, I once had my saddle start to rattle a bit, I got off the bike, checked it and it was ready to fall off. I used my multi tool and was back on the road. I have used a multi-tool on rides to tighten up another persons rim brake attachment and tighten a seat post as well. Within reason I like to be able to help someone out who's stuck but no, I'm not carrying a bike stand with me on a ride. I don't think the weight / space penalty to be that significant that I'm going to toss the multi tool out of my saddle bag ever.
01-08-20, 12:03 PM
#90
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I've used a multi-tool more times than I can count, on my bike and others, including this past Sunday morning to make a small seat post height adjustment (final tweak after installing a new saddle). It scares me to ride without one. That's guaranteed to be the time you need it most.
01-08-20, 01:06 PM
#91
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I needed my shorty Hero Kit multi tool a couple of days ago on a test ride after installing a new saddle. Sure thought I'd cranked the bolt snug but it worked loose. First time that's happened to me.
The short bit cleared my rear mounted video camera. My longer multi tool wouldn't.
The short bit cleared my rear mounted video camera. My longer multi tool wouldn't.
01-08-20, 02:30 PM
#92
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I carry one of these. At 92 grams and extremely small, I like it.
Yes I've had reason to use it. Most recently on a rim brake pivot bolt.
Even has a chain tool.
Topeak Ninja 16
OH and if you're in CA.... Many don't know AAA will come get you and your bike. Really - https://calstate.aaa.com/membership/...p=not_assigned
Told you so !
Yes I've had reason to use it. Most recently on a rim brake pivot bolt.
Even has a chain tool.
Topeak Ninja 16
OH and if you're in CA.... Many don't know AAA will come get you and your bike. Really - https://calstate.aaa.com/membership/...p=not_assigned
Told you so !
Last edited by Barry2; 01-08-20 at 02:36 PM. Reason: AAA
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01-09-20, 05:57 AM
#93
Strong Walker
mechanicals i had myself included loose bolts on chainwheels, stems, seatposts, bottlecages.. boken chains... all of which a multitool can be used fixing. Then, there is a chance you might meet some other person with a bike not as well maintained as your own.
01-09-20, 08:40 AM
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I carry a crank bros M19. I hope I don't have to use it but I also hope that if I have a need and unzip my bag, there it is.
01-31-20, 07:57 AM
#95
Frontiers...
01-31-20, 08:36 AM
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Taken out of context. He said he doesn't carry a tool because he feels he's never needed one for himself. I think it a stretch to imply he should start carrying a tool out of common courtesy for others who haven't brought their own tool with them.
01-31-20, 08:41 AM
#97
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I'm not sure if I have a multi tool in my flat tire bag or not. I can tell you I haven't missed it. I have started carrying a tiny needle nose pliers for finding and pulling out those pesky steel belt radial wires.
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01-31-20, 08:53 AM
#98
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Yeah.. getting those buggers out is a pain. Looking at some rubber tipped jewelry/hobby tweezers for this purpose. Really though only need something 2-3" long, but can't find anything less than 5". Nail clippers might work if dulled on the cutting edge.
01-31-20, 09:00 AM
#99
Frontiers...
My point was, if you have water, band-aid or multi-tool with you, and you see a fellow rider in distress, it's a common courtesy to stop and ask if they need help.
01-31-20, 10:54 AM
#100
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