Which Multi Tool with Chain Tool?

[jimmyVX]

So after a snapped chain cut my ride short yesterday and eventually coming across a good bunch of lads who helped me out with a chain tool and power link, I really need to invest in a suitable chain tool to take out on the trails with me.

Just wondered if anyone could recommend one that I could try? This one looks good and has some decent reviews but no experience of any to be honest: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/crank-brothers-17-function...

Thanks in advance.

[Mr Will]

Keep your existing multi-tool and get one of these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tools-chain-brute-cha...

Every multi-tool based one I've ever seen used has been a pain in the arse, not worth the hassle IMHO.

[anonymous-user]

Topeak Hexus 2 - fantastic piece of kit, chain tool is really simple to use and very effective

[donfisher]

Mr Will said:

Keep your existing multi-tool and get one of these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tools-chain-brute-cha...

Every multi-tool based one I've ever seen used has been a pain in the arse, not worth the hassle IMHO.

Agreed.

I actually have the crank bros multitool and it's fine but the chain splitter couldn't get the knackered link off a mangled chain whereas someone with a proper chain splitter managed it fine. That park tools one looks perfect.

[jimmyVX]

donfisher said:

Mr Will said:

Keep your existing multi-tool and get one of these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tools-chain-brute-cha...

Every multi-tool based one I've ever seen used has been a pain in the arse, not worth the hassle IMHO.

Agreed.

I actually have the crank bros multitool and it's fine but the chain splitter couldn't get the knackered link off a mangled chain whereas someone with a proper chain splitter managed it fine. That park tools one looks perfect.

Thanks chaps, I'll get that one ordered.

[mrmr96]

Apart from that tool, what else do you need to be able to repair a chain at the roadside? I keep hearing about these special chain links. Or fitting a "quick link". What's it all aboot?

Cheers

[Rob_T]

Streets ahead of anything I've had:

http://www.meccanicacycles.com/product/31027/Brook...

[Matt London]

jimmyVX said:

Just wondered if anyone could recommend one that I could try? This one looks good and has some decent reviews but no experience of any to be honest: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/crank-brothers-17-function...

This worked fine for me. I have only use it roadside once and have no complaints.

[Gren]

Mr Will said:

Keep your existing multi-tool and get one of these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tools-chain-brute-cha...

Every multi-tool based one I've ever seen used has been a pain in the arse, not worth the hassle IMHO.

Exactly this. Last time I snapped a chain my mate had one of these. So much easier than my multi tool one. I bought one the next day

[Gren]

mrmr96 said:

Apart from that tool, what else do you need to be able to repair a chain at the roadside? I keep hearing about these special chain links. Or fitting a "quick link". What's it all aboot?

Cheers

KMC missing links are what you need. Sometimes need a tool to get them off but putting them on is usually straightforward

[uncinqsix]

Question: what are you all doing to snap chains on your rides? Is it a reasonably common occurrence? Is it mainly an issue with the thinner 10/11 speed chains?

[yellowjack]

I had an issue with an 8 speed chain that just shed an outer plate. I think that the 'head' of the pin holding it in place was damaged when I bent a couple of teeth on the chainrings (rock strike). I bodged the chain back together using the inside of a crank arm as an anvil and bashing it back into place.

When I got home (surprisingly, the bodge held OK) the first thing I did was to order up another chain tool (I already had one on my other bike ) and some suitable quick links.

ETA: As a result, I now have a chain with two quick links in it, with ten 'normal' pinned links between them, as the chain was supplied with a quick link from new.

Edited by yellowjack on Sunday 22 June 20:20

[Gren]

That was more or less what happened to me. The outer plate came away at one end of the link and got jammed in the rear mech cage - after changing gear on a steep hill. Snapped the mech hanger but at least I could single speed home with the missing link

[Mr Will]

uncinqsix said:

Question: what are you all doing to snap chains on your rides? Is it a reasonably common occurrence? Is it mainly an issue with the thinner 10/11 speed chains?

I've only ever snapped one, and that was after a bike shop cocked up joining it back together. Full tilt, out of the saddle, up a gentle hill and it just let go completely. Threw me off the side of the bike and resulted in some rather nice gravel rash. Very lucky it didn't happen a day later when I would have been in the middle of a group on the club run. Actually gave up and walked home after that one, so the only time my chain tool has ever been used on the road has been on other people's bikes but it's come in handy a few times for that - either when the chain has snapped or when the dérailleur has gone through the rear wheel.