The multitool is one of the most important things you should have in your saddlebag. But yet, you’d be surprised many cyclists don’t carry them.
I know it doesn’t see much use on most days. But when you need it, that’s when you realize how important it is. Often being touted as the cyclist’s Swiss army knife, it comes with many functions.
But the question is, which one is the best?
How many tools do you really need?
There are hex keys, Torx drivers, flat and Philips head screwdrivers, and even chain breakers. And to complicate things a little more, they come in various sizes as well.
On this page, I’ll discuss how to decide the type of tools you’ll need and share some of the popular ones among cyclists.
A Quick Glance : Our Bike Multitools Recommendations
Compact Sized Multitools
Park Tool IB-2
The Park Tool I-Beam is, for all intents and purposes, the standard multitool. If you pry open a bike mechanic’s personal saddlebag, odds are you’ll find an I-Beam in it.
10 tools include hex wrenches, a Torx driver, and a flathead screwdriver, weighing in at a mere 108g. If you’re looking for the perfect blend of weight and functionality, then look no further.
Topeak Mini 6
Topeak gives Park Tools a run for its money with their Mini 6.
Weighing in at a scant 73g, the Mini 6 has a nice range of tools including a Phillips head screwdriver and a range of hex wrenches. With an aluminum body and chrome vanadium steel materials, the Topeak is hardy for its weight.
If you’re in need of a basic tool that gets the job done, then this fits the bill. But, if you need Torx bits, look elsewhere.
Pro Bike Tool 8-in-1 Tool
This model features an innovative design that we really enjoy.
Instead of the usual Swiss army knife setup that many multitools tend to employ, the Pro Bike Tool aligns its tools along with a thin and stylish stainless steel band.
Usually, multitools are quite small to grip making it hard to gain leverage. But with the Pro Bike Tool 8-in-1, the long handle makes for a nicer surface to really wrench into tight and stubborn bolts.
Lezyne 5-in-1 Multitool
When you’re looking for a bike tool you want one that doesn’t feel like…well a tool. Nobody wants to carry a rock in their saddle bag or jersey pocket.
You want it to be lightweight, yet durable and useful when you need it. That’s what Lezyne had in mind when it designed its 5 in 1 tool. Lezyne pairs Nickel-plated chrome vanadium bits and an aluminum frame to keep its bike tool strong yet lightweight.
Keeping overall weight in mind, Lezyne only includes the tools you’re likely to use, including 3,4,5, and 6 mm Allen wrenches and a Phillips screwdriver.
Blackburn Tradesman
Sometimes being prepared is more important than shaving grams. No, no one wants to be stranded in the middle of the nowhere because they didn’t bring the right tool for roadside repairs.
You’ll be worry-free with the Blackburn Tradesmoon in your bike’s saddlebag. It has everything you need, including all the hex and torx wrenches you’ll need for every screw and bolt on your bike.
You’ll never have to fear a broken chain either, as the Tradesmen includes a quick link tool as well as a place to store a spare chain link. Nor will you have to endure damaged disc brakes as the Tradesmen also includes a disc-pad spreader.
Fabric 8-in-1 Tool
Fabric made a huge splash in the cycling world when it introduced cageless water bottle holders a few years back.
They followed that up with a line of saddles that took an entirely different approach to ergonomics and bike fit.
Clearly, Fabric thinks they do it better, and it’s hard to disagree. Their multitool takes the compact design of the classic Park Tool I-Beam and makes it more angular, denser, and sturdier.
The CNC machined steel tools have a 360º range of movement to get into hard to reach places, and at 84g, you’ll hardly notice it in your saddle bag.
Silca Italian Army Knife
You might say the Silca Italian Army knife is the Swiss Army knife of cycling tools. That’s because it has just about everything that could possibly need for field repairs.
The Silca comes in two different sizes with the Venti being the largest.
Fourteen tools fold out from the larger size including every hex wrench, torx wrench, and screwdriver you’ll ever need. The sidewalls are magnetized for storing a chain connector. Despite all that, it is surprisingly svelte, thanks to a thin size and compact design.
It is double-chromed to resist corrosion and rust while the stainless steel frame adds durability.
Multitools with Chain Breaker
Crankbrothers M19
If you’re going off to the trails or are planning on a big day out with very little support, you’re going to need the Crank Brothers M19.
It comes with 19 different functions, including hex and open wrenches, three different screwdrivers, spoke wrenches, T25 and T30 Torx drivers, and a chain tool.
This is probably the one that bails you one in most situations except the very complicated ones.
Lezyne SV10
Bike accessory company Lezyne has made a name for itself by designing high-quality innovative tools. Such is the case with its SV10 and its center-pivot design, which keeps the bit in line with the frame, making it feel like an extension of the tool.
Levyne also uses high-quality aluminum and precise cutting to make each of its tools. This means better connections with the bolts and screws on your bike.
And despite its compact size, the SV10 includes every tool you need to ensure you won’t end up stranded, including 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex wrenches, a Phillips screwdriver, and a chain tool.
Vibrelli V19 Bike Tool
The Vibrelli V19 is clearly meant to compete with the Crank Brothers M19 and features a nearly identical toolset and build.
If you’re trying to decide between this and the Crank Brothers M19, the perks of the Vibrelli include lower pricing and an included puncture repair kit.
Additionally, the lifetime warranty offered by Vibrelli is a great bonus to riders concerned with staying covered.
Park Tool IB–3
The IB-3 has everything cyclists love about the IB-2, but with the addition of a suite of tools to get you in and out of the toughest situations.
Park Tool’s standalone chain tools are award winners, so you can expect that their multitool integrated versions are worth your money as well.
Instead of including a few different screwdrivers like the Crank Brothers M19, the Park IB–3 includes a pair of tire levers which also has a spoke wrench built-in.
Topeak Mini 20 Pro
The Mini 20 delivers on size and functionality with over 23 different variations possible between all of the included tools.
Working on hydraulic disc brakes on both road and mountain bikes on the fly is a cinch with the included Torx wrenches and the included neoprene bag and self-tightening tool to keep the Mini 20 in top condition.
VC Bike Gooj 3
VC Bike is a newer entrant to the bike tools space and makes its debut with the Gooj 3.
The Gooj 3 lacks functionality compared to the other models mentioned above, but it does come in ahead of the pack on price and the inclusion of two tire levers.
Additionally, the Gooj 3 comes with a chain breaker tool that could really come in handy if you ever run into a chain issue mid-ride.
All in One Tool
Topeak ALiEN 2
The Topeak Alien II is an entire toolbox in one handle. An astounding 31 tool functions take you through the gamut of roadside repair scenarios – all in a fairly lightweight package for the sheer amount of work you can get done with it.
If you’re looking for a one-stop tool that will take anything you can throw at it, then the search is over.
Bicycle Multitool Buying Guide
1. Build Quality
When choosing a multitool for your bike repair needs, keep in mind that first and foremost, the bike tool will be there to bail you out when you need it most.
That means you’ll be relying on it in the middle of nowhere, or stranded on a rainy day along a country road someplace.
For those reasons, it’s important to take note of the quality of your multitool since the last thing you’ll need is for it to fail on you. There are super lightweight options out there that use feathery materials.
But consider this, is it worth going for a material that handles less stress than something like stainless steel?
Your choice should be the most quality piece of kit in your saddlebag because it’s the thing most likely to save your ride, not to mention your day.
Geek Tip : Go for a one with the highest build quality that’s within your budget.
2. Number of Tool Functions
Multitools come in various sizes, weight, and ultimately the number of tool functions. You’ll often see them being labeled or described by their number of functions.
Generally, the more functions it has, the bigger and heavier it is.
Add in a high-quality build. You might be looking at a heavy one. Try to find a good balance between weight and tool functions.
These multifunction tools can come in the combined form of Hex wrenches, spoke wrenches, Torx drivers, flathead screwdrivers, chain breaker tools, and sometimes even tire levers and a tire plug tool.
Even with Hex wrenches itself, there can be multiple sizes from 2 to 8, or even higher.
So, knowing your bike and what tools it needs is the first and best way to determine your multitool choice.
Geek Tip : Spend 5 to 10 minutes checking out the various bolts used on your bike. If unsure, consult your local bike shop’s mechanic.
3. Must Have's Functions
While many functions are optional, there are a few that are necessary.
These 3 tool functions are the must-have, regardless of your bike setup.
Hex Keys
Also known as Allen keys, the 4/5/6mm hex keys are most commonly used. They can be found on almost all bolts in bottle cages, headset, stem, seat post, chainrings, derailleur, and shoe cleats.
If you’re using Shimano, Look, Time, or Speedplay pedals, then you’ll need an 8mm hex key in the event you’ll need to remove them (very unlikely). If you’re at home, a pedal wrench would be a better choice.
Smaller, compact-sized ones like the Park Tool IB-2 don’t come with an 8mm hex key. It has a removable adapter that converts from 6mm to 8mm hex key.
Torx Drivers
The torx head has a 6 pointed star pattern. Over the past 5 to 6 years, component manufacturers like Fizik, Zipp, and SRAM are increasingly leaning towards using T25 bolts in their bike components.
The reasoning is simple. With hex bolts (especially those 3mm and below), they’re prone to be stripped out overtimes. The 6 pointed star pattern allows you to exert a higher torque on the bolt head compared to a hex bolt.
Among all the Torx drivers, the T25 is the most commonly found in road bikes, especially in stems, chainrings, and disc rotor bolts, depending on the brand.
Screwdrivers
The screwdrivers need no introduction as they’ve been around for ages. Make sure you have the 2 most common screwdrivers, the Phillips and flathead.
While they don’t see much use these days except adjusting the limit screws in the derailleurs, they come in handy for other purposes. For example, trying to unscrew a washed-out hex bolt.
Geek Tip : The 4/5/6mm hex keys and T25 torx key are the must-haves in your multitool.
4. Optional Tool Functions
If your multitool has all of the above covered, then you can start thinking about optional additions to the pool if you don’t mind the extra weight penalty.
Think about this : What type of riding are you doing?
That’s an important question to consider when deciding the additional features that you’ll need.
- Commutes and bunch rides. If you’re doing daily commutes around urban areas, or your regular bunch rides, then you might not need these optional tool functions as help is just around the corner if you need it.
- Solo. If you’re riding solo in remote areas, then you’ll more likely need these to bail you out.
Chain Breakers (Chain Splitters / Chain Tool)
It’s quite rare these days to have a broken bike chain mid-ride unless you’re really unlucky. A good habit is to ensure your bike chain is always lubed with the right chain lube.
Having said that, it still happens. You’ll need a chain breaker such as the Crank Brothers M19 to break the chain links and join the broken chain together.
Alternatively, you can also join the chain using a master link.
Spoke Wrench
Spoke wrenches definitely come in handy if you’re deep in the remote areas and break a spoke.
But bear in mind that you’ll also need to bring along replacement spokes. A spoke wrench without replacement spokes is as good as useless.
To do this job, the Park Tool IB-3 is one of the best around. It comes with a spoke wrench, tire lever, and chain breaker in addition to all the different hex and Torx keys you’ll also need.
CO2 Inflator
Some models comes with a CO2 tire inflator built-in. This way, you don’t need to carry a separate one. But bear in mind that having a built-in CO2 might make the multitool becoming bulky.
