Which multitool you should buy might be a good question. The question, whether you should have one, doesn't really arise – it's always good to have one on hand. You need it not only if your bike breaks down on the road; even the sturdiest bike needs to be adjusted from time to time. And that's where a multifunction tool helps. Our tool advisor introduces you to the different tools here and we explain which one you need.
Which multitool should you take with you? If you're traveling light, especially a small one... here is a good example of how a lot of tools can be accommodated in a small space! E-Bike Drivetrain Tool © Muc Off
How much multitool do you really need for your bike?
Which multitool you should buy depends on your skills and your bike, further down some questions will help you choose. Because if your toolbox at home contains a few unnecessary parts, that's not a big deal. But on bike tours, you certainly don't want to carry around unnecessary ballast, do you? Therefore, it's worth considering carefully before buying which multitool you really need. Here you will learn how to find it and what to look for when buying!
What multitools are there for on the go?
Whether in individual parts or as a whole – which multitool you should buy for bike repairs is a matter of taste and depends, among other things, on your knowledge of tools. Multitool © SQLab
Let's start with the basics: What is a multifunction tool anyway? It's quite simple. It is a tool or a tool set that
- fulfills multiple functions and
- has compact dimensions, because it is intended for on the go.
- There are small tool sets that consist of a few individual parts or
- tools that accommodate various functions in one housing.
It is primarily intended for on the go.
Attention: There are multifunction tools for all sorts of occasions and special bicycle multitools. Then typical bicycle equipment is included, there is a chain rivet tool, spoke wrench, valve tools, or tire levers. In addition, there is a selection of common Torx heads, Allen bits, and screwdrivers. Even frequently used ring wrenches or a chain lock can be included.
The Bike Multitool with Pocket Knife Trick
From spoke wrenches to tire levers to chain tools – depending on which multitool you choose, it may be that you have (almost) a complete workshop in your pocket! 11 in 1 © Fabric
Multitools are particularly practical when various tools are housed in one casing. They can be folded out to the side like a pocket knife, and the casing serves as a handle. There are smaller versions with 6 or 12 different functions, and you have a larger selection with a tool with almost 40 functions!
Multitools with Brains
A handle with different screw heads, hex or Torx – the classic ratchet set also comes in "small". You can then simply attach the bit you need to the ratchet and repair or adjust your bike. Occasionally, the handle even directly serves as a torque wrench.
In this toolset, different heads can be attached to a ratchet. The chain tool and tire levers make this set a bicycle tool. RatchetRocket Lite DX+ by Topeak
Torque Wrench for On the Go
This torque sleeve can measure 2 to 6Nm, and various matching hex and Torx are also included. TorqBox X © Topeak
Manufacturers often specify how much force a screw connection on the bicycle can be tightened with. A torque wrench ensures that you do not tighten or loosen the screw too much in this case. This tool is also available as a multitool for on the go.
If you find that you need to tighten many screw connections with the same torque, you can purchase a set that measures 4, 5, or 6 Nm. However, there are also compact devices that can be set to different strengths (see image).
Which Multitools Do You Need for Specific Bicycle Components?
Actually, the practical companions are known as all-rounders that fix damage everywhere on the bike. But often the functions are focused – primarily to save weight and space! One multifunction tool may include more tools for the wheels of your bike, while another has a very good chain breaker contains. If you're unsure which multitool to buy, check out the questions in the next section. Which bike components you should prepare for primarily depends on which ones you can or need to repair!
Tiny multitools that fit in the bike
A toolset that disappears into the bike is always at hand when you need it on a bike tour. Stash RCX Multi Tool Kit © Granite
The best tool is of no help if it is left at home. For all those who habitually forget their tools, there is an elegant solution: Use the hollow spaces of your bike to permanently store some emergency material. There are small sleeves that contain different tools, you can insert them into the steerer tube or handlebar ends and leave them there until you need them. Since there is really not much space here, these multitools are often equipped for individual components of the bike.
Which multitool should you buy? The FAQs:
With a multitool like this, no wishes are left unfulfilled! Alien X © Topeak
So, there are different multitools. Finding the right one among these many bicycle tools is actually not that difficult. Here are a few questions that will lead you to the perfect tool:
Do I need a bike-specific multitool?
A multifunction tool from the hardware store is better than none at all. But if you buy one that is really made for bicycles, you'll get much further with bike work! Here you have tire tools or chain tools, screwdrivers, ring spanners, or a knife included. There are also special tools for camping and outdoor activities, which are also quite interesting for some cyclists! Especially if you plan bikepacking tours , tent and campfire are of course on the agenda, and the appropriate tool in the bag!
A multifunction tool for bicycles, on the other hand, can help you in many life situations, it is not only practical when you have a bicycle breakdown! Parktool, Birzmann or Topeak build excellent toolsets for bicycles, with which you can also work on other things.
Which screws do you need to move on your bike?
There are no standards for the screws that hold a bike together. So if you want to know, which bits your multitool should have , a look at the screw connections you will work on with it helps. So take a look at your bike - do you need Torx and Allen keys or rather flathead and Phillips screwdrivers? Do you need ring spanners? If you know that, you won't carry unnecessary bits around. The Torx T25 is becoming more and more standard and is therefore included in most multitools.
Which multitool is better – individual parts or as a piece?
Whether you do better with a set of individual pieces or with many functions in one case is purely a matter of taste. Individual pieces are more flexible and lighter. Many parts in one piece are more versatile and you can't lose anything. It's best to test and try out what you get along with better.
How much experience do you have?
Which multitool you should buy depends mainly on your skills. If you rarely work on the bike and prefer to leave larger repairs to a workshop, a smaller tool with few functions may be sufficient. If you repair all possible bike breakdowns yourself on the road, your multitool cannot be extensive enough. Even if you enjoy screwing and want to gradually expand your knowledge, a multitool with many different functions is a good purchase for the future.
Does your bike have weaknesses?
For some reason, does your bike chain keep breaking? Does your saddle keep sliding down? Have you been annoyed by a "flat" several times in the last few months? Then it absolutely makes sense to prepare the tool and spare parts for it specifically and always take them with you!
If you suspect that your bike really has a weakness, a thorough check at home or in the workshop can be worthwhile. Without wanting to offend you - your riding style can also be responsible for repeated breakdowns. If you repeatedly slam a heavily loaded trekking bike off the curb, for example, it can cause tire punctures. That's not a big deal, you should just have tire levers, other suitable tools, and the necessary spare parts!
Which multitool do you need for an MTB?
There are few multitools specifically packed for MTBs. A tool with as many functions as possible usually saves your day in the bike park, no matter what error messages the bike produces. You can also do the screw check here to find out what you might need in case of an emergency.
Which multitool do you need for a road bike?
If you have a carbon road bike, a compact torque tool for on the go is a good choice, because with it you won't damage the valuable bike on tour. Apart from that, the same applies here: Look at the connections on your bike, then you'll know what you can move them with.
How do you store your multitool on the go?
Saddle bag, frame bag, bottle holder, or pocket - depending on where you want to transport your tool, the weight and size a role. If it is to travel in the pocket or backpack, a small, lightweight tool is practical, it should also have no sharp edges. If you put it in the bicycle bag , a little more weight is not a big deal.
➽ Multitools and bicycle tools in the BMO online shop
Multifunction tools | Bicycle tools | Tools
You have a multitool with you and don't really know what to do with it?
If you are now wondering how to best use your multitool on the go, we would like to recommend our repair corner! Here you will always get tips to help you repair and maintain your bike! You'll learn how to shorten brake lines , adjust the gears, install a new handlebar and adjust it, when you need a torque wrench and much more.
Title image © Tekton on unsplash
