Best multi-tool ..
12-07-23, 09:29 AM
#26
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If I can't take care of it with a basic multi-tool, I'm in deep doo-doo because I didn't do proper maintenance at home. Anything with separate bits is a non-starter because the first time using it on the roadside, it's guaranteed to lose parts into some tall grass or leaf debris that's inevitably there.
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12-07-23, 10:30 AM
#27
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I have this: Big Switch Ratchet Multi-Tool | Blackburn (blackburndesign.com)
But I usually do not carry that. Instead, I carry the minimalist SV Pro 5: LEZYNE SV PRO TOOL | STAINLESS STEEL BIKE MULTI TOOL
Just enough to remove the through axles.
But I usually do not carry that. Instead, I carry the minimalist SV Pro 5: LEZYNE SV PRO TOOL | STAINLESS STEEL BIKE MULTI TOOL
Just enough to remove the through axles.
12-07-23, 10:48 AM
#28
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If I can't take care of it with a basic multi-tool, I'm in deep doo-doo because I didn't do proper maintenance at home. Anything with separate bits is a non-starter because the first time using it on the roadside, it's guaranteed to lose parts into some tall grass or leaf debris that's inevitably there.
Anything could happen on the road ,
It's nice to have something to work with ..
Say something worthwhile or shut the H..up !!
12-07-23, 10:57 AM
#29
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What's best totally depends, primarily, on which fasteners and components you have on your bike. For example, if you've a modern bike which only uses Allen and Torx bolts, you don't need a tool with a hex wrench. Similarly, if you have SAE fasteners, a metric spec tool will be pretty useless.
So, what kind of bike do you have?
So, what kind of bike do you have?
12-07-23, 11:18 AM
#30
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I don't like tools that use small 1/4" drive bits. I tend to fumble and drop things like bits, and losing the bit you need to make a necessary repair could add up to a long walk back to safety - especially in the dirt where little things disappear easily. I prefer a folding multi-tool that includes a chain breaker.
I carry a Crankbrothers M-17 multi-tool in my MTB and gravel bike kits, and a Blackburn Switch 8 set in my road bike kit. I like the Crankbrothers tool better than the Blackburn set. Now that I'm thinking about it, I should probably buy another M-17.
I carry a Crankbrothers M-17 multi-tool in my MTB and gravel bike kits, and a Blackburn Switch 8 set in my road bike kit. I like the Crankbrothers tool better than the Blackburn set. Now that I'm thinking about it, I should probably buy another M-17.
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Last edited by Eric F; 12-07-23 at 11:57 AM.
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12-07-23, 11:20 AM
#31
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BlazingPedals is spot on, IMO. Tools with small pieces are an open door for losing those pieces when you really need them. I've been there, and done that.
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12-07-23, 11:40 AM
#32
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I ask for what tool "brands" that people actually used and their experiences ..
I didn't ask for how to use them
STOP lecturing me NOR others .. !!
12-07-23, 11:57 AM
#33
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Also...
Lighten up, Francis.
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12-07-23, 12:01 PM
#34
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IMO, it was helpful information on why someone might select one type of tool or another. If that info wasn't helpful to you, so be it. However, there may be others who read this thread and find that info to be useful for making their own decision.
Also...
Lighten up, Francis.
Also...
Lighten up, Francis.
12-07-23, 12:06 PM
#35
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12-07-23, 12:10 PM
#36
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12-07-23, 12:28 PM
#37
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Some people gave specific tool recommendations based on their actual experiences. Other people shared their reasons why they made a decision about one type of tool vs. another, based on their actual experiences, which is pretty much spot-on with what you asked for in your OP...
None of that is "smart ass" or ego-driven. It's just sharing knowledge based on experience, which is what discussion forums are about.
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12-07-23, 12:44 PM
#38
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If I can't take care of it with a basic multi-tool, I'm in deep doo-doo because I didn't do proper maintenance at home. Anything with separate bits is a non-starter because the first time using it on the roadside, it's guaranteed to lose parts into some tall grass or leaf debris that's inevitably there.
Originally Posted by Eric F
I don't like tools that use small 1/4" drive bits. I tend to fumble and drop things like bits, and losing the bit you need to make a necessary repair could add up to a long walk back to safety - especially in the dirt where little things disappear easily. I prefer a folding multi-tool that includes a chain breaker.
I carry a Crankbrothers M-17 multi-tool in my MTB and gravel bike kits, and a Blackburn Switch 8 set in my road bike kit. I like the Crankbrothers tool better than the Blackburn set. Now that I'm thinking about it, I should probably buy another M-17.
I carry a Crankbrothers M-17 multi-tool in my MTB and gravel bike kits, and a Blackburn Switch 8 set in my road bike kit. I like the Crankbrothers tool better than the Blackburn set. Now that I'm thinking about it, I should probably buy another M-17.
I don't see anything about Eric F's post that is a lecture.
12-07-23, 01:11 PM
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12-07-23, 01:24 PM
#40
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I, too, like the Topeak Mini 9, although I don’t really need the 8mm for pedals— mine never have come loose in decades now, even though I change them frequently, moving my power meter pedals between bikes— but I carry it on my gravel bike for the SRAM Force crank fixing bolt, which did come loose on the road once. I’d failed to torque it properly on install, so that was more on me than anything else.
... I don't think I've ever used the 8mm hex head on my multi-tool. It's just nice to have. Plus, the 8mm is just a removable head placed overtop the 5mm tool, so it's somewhat of a "throwaway" addition to the set. If at some point it gets lost, it wouldn't bother me in the least 
.
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12-07-23, 01:37 PM
#41
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12-07-23, 02:24 PM
#42
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You created the problem you’re complaining about. Maybe discussion forums aren’t the place for you. Good luck.
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12-07-23, 08:04 PM
#44
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Why the aggressive behavior? I am baffled why someone comes here asks a question gets good answers and then goes off the rails and starts attacking people? It is weird. I certainly have seen where people can be harsher than needed but there wasn't any of that here. Take a nice deep breath, relax and go ride a bike for a while. No need to be so negative especially not over multi tools of which there are a multitude of.
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12-08-23, 12:09 AM
#45
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12-08-23, 12:12 AM
#46
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Over Thanksgiving, my nephew 3D printed me a bottle cage mount for the Lezyne SV Pro 5, which will be installed in the third bottle cage mounting position under the down tube.
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12-08-23, 05:40 AM
#47
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Building on Chaadster and Blazing pedals, maintenance can make any multi tool better. Given that they are all less ideal than regular workshop tools, the best multi tool is one you never have to use.
12-08-23, 08:17 AM
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I carry links in a separate package ... I know myself, and I know I would pull out the tool, drop the links, and be stuck on the roadside in knee-deep grass looking for them for an hour ... probably at night and in the rain. (A selection from the "Been there, done that" line of uncomfortable cycling experiences. )