Multi-tools
Author
Discussion

arryb

Original Poster:

11,184 posts

225 months

Sunday 21st September 2008
quotequote all
Having asked as part of a different post and not receiving many responses, I'm opening this up in a new post specifically for this. I'm looking for the few essential tools I would need should anything happen to me whilst out and about on the road!

Am I better off going for an all in one like this: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Topeak_Compact_S... or buying the tools and bag separately (I currently use a camelback but the pocket is only small and I need to be able to carry a spare inner tube, phone, keys and tool kit which won't all fit) if so, any reccomendations?

Thanks in advance! Arry.

Roadru77er

473 posts

218 months

Sunday 21st September 2008
quotequote all
I carry a Topeak Alien II on my mountain bike compact an has done everything I've askedof it so farthumbup

R1 GTR

2,152 posts

236 months

Sunday 21st September 2008
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I use on of these: http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=11...

Never needed to carry anything else.

sjg

7,645 posts

288 months

Sunday 21st September 2008
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I use one of the smallest topeak saddlebags on my road bike - just big enough for a tube, levers, multitool. Bought it for a triathlon (didn't want to faff about transferring tools to pockets) but have kept it on there. Pump lives either on a bracket or in the back pocket (cambelbak if MTBing).

When you're buying a multitool, make sure it has the sizes you need - have been caught out in the past by tools that didn't have the right size for my lock-on grips, or that lacked a Torx driver for disc brake bolts. A little chain tool is worth having, either separate or built-in. For tyre levers, I always carry a couple of proper Park ones - snapped too many flimsy little ones from multitools.

Parrot of Doom

23,075 posts

257 months

Monday 22nd September 2008
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Make sure you have a link remover.

arryb

Original Poster:

11,184 posts

225 months

Monday 22nd September 2008
quotequote all
Gone for a Topeak Hexus 16 bit tool http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Topeak-Hexus-16-Function-Mul...

Park pucture repair kit including self adhesive patches and separate tyre levers http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Park_Tools_Punct...

And a topeak aero bag http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Topeak_Aero_Wedg...biggrin

pdV6

16,442 posts

284 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2008
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That's what I carry. The coloured shell pieces on the sides are actually tyre levers (metal ones, with plastic over). The torx bit for disc bolts is handy.

neil_bolton

17,113 posts

287 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2008
quotequote all
Topeak Aliens are the nuts thumbup

arryb

Original Poster:

11,184 posts

225 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2008
quotequote all
The Alien was a bit much for my needs I think, I'm a road cyclist so don't need the torx but it's on there so oh well!

I know the sides are tyre levers but I read that they were quite flimsy so for the extra £2 and few grams of weight I thought I might aswell get some park ones too!!

Can't wait for them to arrive now, need to get out and about hehe

Parrot of Doom

23,075 posts

257 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2008
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Anyone got an email address for Topeak? My mudguard clip has fallen to pieces, its only about a year old. I ain't buying a new one.

Gooby

9,269 posts

257 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2008
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neil_bolton said:
Topeak Aliens are the nuts thumbup
+1

hondafanatic

4,969 posts

224 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2008
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Gooby said:
neil_bolton said:
Topeak Aliens are the nuts thumbup
+1
I broke mine...specifically the chain tool. And I wasn't being a fkwit with it.

DanH

12,287 posts

283 months

Wednesday 24th September 2008
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Like my Alien II as well. Seems well made although I've already scored up the flat screwdriver type tool when I had to prise a cleat out of my peddle when it came undone from my shoe.