multitools

kangaroo
kangaroo Posts: 1,199
edited October 2009 in MTB buying advice
I'm in the market for a new multitool, and im just considering what feature i actually want/need on one

mostly i use the allen keys, when I'm out and about, i have separate tyre levers in my pack so i don't need those. my chaintool broke on my last multitool, i specialized one that's a few years old and weighs a ton. do i need to have a chaintool on my multitool.

now i recently got a free alan key only multitool with mbr mag, and its really light and works a treat, but i dont think it would last to long being a freebie, i am probably expecting the allen keys to round off quite quickly. it did make notice how much easier it is to use straight allen keys, usually the small ones tend to be L shaped and difficult to use on the screws of that size, namely cause of where the screw is, but having straight ones on this tool means its much easier to get to the screws and much easier to use.

so i would really like one with straight allen keys, and no tyre levers. im not sure about screwdrivers, or chain device
what are brakes for again

Comments

  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    topeak hexus 19+ works a treat, great chaintool too, i've even used it on 1/8" 1/2 link chains.
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • rapid_uphill
    rapid_uphill Posts: 841
    poundland sell them and they work, what more could you want.
  • nonnac85
    nonnac85 Posts: 1,608
    I have a topeak Alien II
    Have used a fair few of the tools it has and no problems. It can even get my Maxxis tyres off which my standalone tyre levers struggle with.
    My Website - Trail Centre info for the UK: MTB Trail Time
  • night_porter
    night_porter Posts: 888
    I have both the Topeak X-Tool and the Hexus and to be honest I hardly ever use the Hexus. The X-Tool only has allen keys and screwdrivers so is much lighter/simpler/easier to use. The Hexus with it's chain tool & tyre levers is bulkier and if you don't really need them then go for the X-Tool.
  • ilovedirt
    ilovedirt Posts: 5,798
    i have a decathlon one, had it for a good few years and used it loads and the allen keys haven't rounded at all. It also has flat and philips blade screwdrivers and a torx driver, was about £12 i think, bargain.
    Production Privee Shan

    B'Twin Triban 5
  • ccc
    ccc Posts: 193
    +1 for the Hexus. Everything I need and nothing I don't.

    I do carry some Pedro's levers though and a valve tool, but everything works and it is pretty strong. Even used it to bend my mech hanger back into shape so I could finish my ride at Leith Hill the other week. The chain tool is excellent as well.

    Would definitely recommend it.
    Eyes on the prize.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    I think you def need a chaintool. Broken chains don't happen often, but when they do they can really wreck your day!
  • mac_man
    mac_man Posts: 918
    ccc wrote:
    +1 for the Hexus. Everything I need and nothing I don't.

    I do carry some Pedro's levers though and a valve tool, but everything works and it is pretty strong. Even used it to bend my mech hanger back into shape so I could finish my ride at Leith Hill the other week. The chain tool is excellent as well.

    Would definitely recommend it.

    Just got the Hexus as a birthday prezzie. Looks a nice piece of kit. Not had to use it yet though :lol:
    Cool, retro and sometimes downright rude MTB and cycling themed T shirts. Just MTFU.

    By day: http://www.mtfu.co.uk
  • mac_man
    mac_man Posts: 918
    ccc wrote:
    +1 for the Hexus. Everything I need and nothing I don't.

    I do carry some Pedro's levers though and a valve tool, but everything works and it is pretty strong. Even used it to bend my mech hanger back into shape so I could finish my ride at Leith Hill the other week. The chain tool is excellent as well.

    Would definitely recommend it.

    Just got the Hexus as a birthday prezzie. Looks a nice piece of kit. Not had to use it yet though :lol:
    Cool, retro and sometimes downright rude MTB and cycling themed T shirts. Just MTFU.

    By day: http://www.mtfu.co.uk
  • fourcrossjohn
    fourcrossjohn Posts: 2,500
    crank bro's multi tool
  • ilovedirt
    ilovedirt Posts: 5,798
    alfablue wrote:
    I think you def need a chaintool. Broken chains don't happen often, but when they do they can really wreck your day!
    A chain tool is a must, i always have one when i'm out riding, and i have had to use it a couple of times. Though i'm not too sure how good a chain tool on a multi tool would be, or how ergonomic it would be. I'd rather have a good multi tool with some good quality allen keys, and a good quality chain tool.
    Production Privee Shan

    B'Twin Triban 5
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    The chain tool on my Alien is very good, I use it in the "workshop" as well as on the road - the Alien is over-equipped for general riding (though good for touring) so I would say go for the Hexus.

    I also have a very minimalist Lezyne tool that has a chain tool, I use this on my road bike. It would get me out of trouble but the tools are a bit too short to be easy to use.
  • Flenser
    Flenser Posts: 372
    fourcrossjohn wrote:
    crank bro's multi tool

    +1
    Claud Bulter Cape Wrath D27 (2009)
    Raleigh MaxLite FS1 (2001)
  • fourcrossjohn
    fourcrossjohn Posts: 2,500
    Flenser wrote:
    fourcrossjohn wrote:
    crank bro's multi tool

    +1

    +1
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    Hexus, it's not flash but it just works. The chain tool's great, up to workshop standard, the other tools are all high quality, and it's pretty compact and gives decent leverage. I don't like the tyre levers though, but that's being picky, i have lezyne powerlevers and everything else is rubbish by comparison ;)

    Lezyne's multitools are nicer, possibly better made but none are quite as good a basic design.
    Uncompromising extremist

Categories