Eric F 

From the "been there, done that" files...

My first MTB had a pump built into the seatpost. The pump was built for schraeder valves, but had a thread-on presta adapter. On a late-afternoon ride, I flatted at close to the furthest point from my car (of course). Everything went fine until it came time to unscrew the adapter from the pump and thread it onto the valve stem. The adapter slipped from my fingers and dropped into the dirt - gone. I gave up looking when it got too dark to look effectively any more, and started the hike back to my car via 2 miles of technical singletrack and another mile of road.

20+ years later, I sometimes lose small parts on the floor of my garage. Small parts out in world - with a tired body and cold hands - is a recipe for frustration.

mpetry912 

Dude you had me at Snap On. Can I raise you one ? I found a really cool little T-handle that has both 1/4" square and hex bit socket holder. it is titanium, from County Comm (countycomm.com)

Great item Sexy Sliding Titanium “T” Driver - Gen 2 Combo – CountyComm

Then add in hex bits from Wera, plus torx or whatever. The Wera hex bits are cupped, like a Snap On "flank drive" socket and they are just excellent

also this little coupler is handy, square drive to hex bit.

/markp

t2p

I like !

( where can I find the square drive to hex bit coupler ? link ?)

this might be a similar option :

https://www.lithegoods.com/shop/p/ti...r_notification

.

t2p

https://www.lithegoods.com/shop/p/ti...r_notification

mpetry912 

See ebay item https://www.ebay.com/itm/282698175761

or Chads toolbox for half the price 05042750001 WERA 784 A QUICK REL ADAPTOR 1/4" SQ X 1/4" HEX (chadstoolbox.com)

this is a top quality item

/markp

t2p

I like the 8mm head - fits pedals - pack it just in case

and as you state - it’s just a head and consumes very little space

but it would bother me if I lost one - had trouble finding them to purchase (initially)

t2p

good small lightweight minimalist tool

( includes two small tire levers and bits are stored inside tool )

unfortunately Topeak discontinued - has not been avail for a while

terrymorse uses one I believe

t2p

agree - but to a point

this past summer had to bring out the tools - but for for other riders / bikes

one time in a MUP parking area - helped another rider that did not have a torx bit (I was the only one in the lot at that time with a torx bit)

another time the rider was in our group - bike not maintained properly - rider did have a small multi tool but was insufficient

another time we encountered a rider that crashed - fair amount of damage done to the bike - so had to disassemble some of the drivetrain to free chain etc and free brake / rotor - and then McGuyver the bike in a state where it could be ridden or at the least pushed back

ScottCommutes

I think there are two parts to this question. The first is identifying the features that you need. Do you need tools for one specific bike? All your bikes? Lots of tools to help others?

The second is locating a reasonably high-quality tool that does what you need it to do. Because I use nicer tools at home the majority of the time, I don't worry about carrying a super-nice multi-tool because it is only for emergencies.

veganbikes

I like being raised!
It's nice but while cool doesn't ratchet..Though I have a few CountyComm ti parts in a cart that make some neat stuff. I love titanium and odd neat stuff for EDC and camping.

I have a Spurcycle tool similar to that but it doesn't do 1/4 sockets so maybe I might go for that thing but I really don't need the sockets on that tool at the moment but would love to maybe carry some for the touring bike for fenders and my rear rack and such might be a cool alternative to the Park Tool thing I have whose name I forgot (not the IB tools but the little stick with the sockets).

Sy Reene

Perfect for me so far. Mind you, I've never broken a chain, nor needed anything larger than a 6mm hex.
SKS Tom7 Multi-Tool

BlazingPedals

My remark was directed at cyccommute's post, where he stated anything was good if it didn't look like a standard multi-tool. While I appreciate the wisdom he brings to the forum, I think that this time he's, well, not in agreement with me. The thing is, I think those ubiquitous all-in-one multi-tools are great. One of those, along with a quick-link and a patch kit, can handle 99% of what I'm likely to run into on the road. Sometimes they're a bit awkward, but I don't lose parts.

cyccommute 

I’ve used mine a lot and never lost any parts. The advantage is that the tool fits in my hand and can actually be used in close quarters on the frame. Some of the all-in-one multitools are so wide that they don’t even fit in my hand which isn’t small.

t2p

ok - super - thank you ! mpetry912

now … where can I find a hex sleeve adapter (or whatever it is called ?) like the one in pic (attached to hex on the old school ritchey cpr tool) ?

t2p

I’m on the fence - so I will often carry multiple types of tools including all-in-one tool and small multi-bit tool



to further make little sense - I carry multiple types of connecting links - but ditched the chain tool

Maelochs

Some multi-tools (I have one from Nashbar like this) are so small that they are ineffective---the screwdriver and some of the small hex-heads aren't long enough to reach into some areas without the body of the tool interfering with rotating the tool.

Smaller is not always better and there is such a thing as "too compact."

cyccommute 

Here’s the Fix-It-Sticks T-wrench I use. The tire levers and chain tool are very clever.





The best old school (and still useful) multi-tool was the Cool Tool. It was Invented by Robert Seals in 1990. I have several as well as the accessories…L.I.T.E. and Q.R. Tools, headset wrench, and hook spanner. I also have a Seals original from Chico, CA. This one is in the original package.



This is the tool kit I carry with me just about every where I go. I’ve used all of the parts but some get used more than others.

t2p

great looking carry case - what type ?

(does not appear to be a fixit sticks case - but could be ?)

t2p

I believe they made a titanium cool tool - but not positive (?)

Maelochs

Fire-starter? If I get so frustrated I want to burn my biker, but it is metal ... I will just get more frustrated. Maybe a hacksaw blade?

wolfchild

Some people go touring and bikepacking and they carry a fire-starter so that they can start a camp fire.

Rick_D

Have a few and while well-suited to older bikes, not a good match for my newest rides. Found this Wolf Tooth 8-Bit Pack Pliers to be comprehensive and very small and light compared to a lot of current options. Getting the correct bit out can be fussy, as they're packed in tightly and the magnet does not let them loose without some force.


Holds a quick link in addition to the bits shown.
https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/...V-yMs-QeNTGpB0

Series has a couple more and they stack, held together magnetically.

GamblerGORD53

Everything suggested in the thread SUCKS. LOL

plumberroy

As I said earlier I carry a crack Bros Y-16 in my Topeak trunk bag and 5 of my 8 bikes have Topeak racks. On the other bikes I have a few tools in under seat bag. I have flat multi-tool that is slime brand has tire lever as each side of housing and allens inside that is a decent tool. I bought several of them at Ollie's for $3 each

Eric F 

Helpful input