Our Guide to Finding the Best Bike Multitool

Mountain biking is a rewarding hobby. But to get the most out of each and every ride, you have to take care of your bike. That means making repairs and doing maintenance tasks whenever necessary. The right bike multitool can help you get the job done faster and with precision.

Crank Brothers Multi Bicycle Tool (19-Function	Our favorite for 2017
Bike Multitool 8 in 1 by PRO BIKE TOOL – Reliable	A great value option
Crank Brothers Multi 17 Tools	Only 17 functions but still great

But how do you find the right tool for you? That depends on your needs and your individual bike, but there are a few key things that you want to keep in mind when comparing tools:

• Functions: How many functions does the tool offer? The more functions it offers, the more versatile the tool will be. In the very least, make sure that it includes a good assortment of Allen wrenches, an open wrench and screwdrivers. Chain and T-25 Torx tools are also great to have.
• Customer Feedback: It’s especially important to read through customer reviews when buying a bike tool simply because there are a lot of cheap tools that aren’t even worth a dollar on the market. Reviews are a good indication of whether the tool will last, or if it will break after just a few uses. Use this feedback to your advantage to help you narrow down your choices.
• Quality and Durability: When you purchase a bike multitool, you want it to last more than just a few uses. So, when you compare models, take a look at the materials used to create the tool. Stainless steel is often the best option because it’s resistant to rust, but other materials can be just as durable. Also, look at the design of the handle or frame to make sure that it will be comfortable to hold and will be able to stand up to heavy usage if necessary.

Now that you know what to look for when comparing tools, let’s take a look at our top five picks for the best bike multitool this year.

Reviews

These are the five best bike multitools on the market based on price, durability, versatility and customer satisfaction.

Pro Bike Tool 8-in-1 Multitool – Constructed with SUS420 stainless steel, the Pro Bike 8-in-1 multitool is exceptionally strong and durable. The stainless steel used to create this tool is heat-treated and hi-tumble polished, so it’s sleek, smooth and can stand up to the toughest of jobs. It won’t rust either, which is a major benefit for mountain bikers who may need to make repairs on wet and rainy days.

Compact, lightweight and a slim profile make this tool easy to take with you on the go.

It’s durable, sure, but what tools does it include?

• Hex/Allen tools: 6/5/4/3/2.5
• Philips tools: PH1 cross drive
• Torx Tools/Star Shaped: T30/T25

Pro Bike’s 8-in-1 tool gives you everything you need for adjusting and tightening handlebars, seat posts, stems, derailleurs, chain ring bolts and more. This is our top pick for bike multitools, and it’s backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Crank Brothers 19-Function Bicycle Tool – The Crank Brothers 19-function tool is the optimal choice for bikers who need more tools than the Pro Bike model offers. This model is essentially a portable bike tool kit with 19 functions, including: flathead and Philips screwdrivers, four spoke wrench sizes, 7 hex wrenches, universal chain tool, T-25 Torx driver, and 8 and 10mm open wrenches.

Compact and lightweight, this tool comes in its own aluminum hard case that can easily slip into your toolbox or backpack. The frame of the tool is made of aluminum, while the tools are made of high tensile steel.

If you’re looking for a multitool that can tackle just about any task, this is the model you want.

Crank Brothers 17-Function Bicycle Tool – Another great multitool from Crank Brothers. This model doesn’t have quite as many functions, but it comes at a more affordable price, and in a variety of colors.

Included with this tool is:

• 7 hex wrench sizes
• 4 spoke wrench sizes
• 10mm and 8mm open wrench
• Flathead and Philips screwdriver

Like the previous Crank Brothers model, this tool’s frame is made of aluminum, while the tools are made of high tensile steel.

If you don’t need quite as many tools as the previous model, the 17-in-1 is a good choice, and will give you years of use.

Topeak Hexus II – The Topeak Hexus II is an affordable bike multi-tool that’s lightweight, compact and easy to carry. Made from hardened steel, this tool includes: chain tool (cast CrMo steel), spoke wrenches (14g and 15g), Allen wrenches (7), T25 Torx bit, chain hook (steel wire), screwdrivers (flathead and Philips) and tire levers.

The body is made of engineering grade plastic, so it’s highly durable, and the entire tool weighs just 5.88 ounces, so it won’t weigh you down when you’re out on the trail.

The only reason this model comes in lower on our list is because the tools are made of hardened steel instead of stainless steel. Despite this very slight drawback, this is a quality, reliable and durable tool that you can toss into your pack and go.

WOTOW 11-in-1 Folding Tool Set – The most affordable model on our list, the WOTOW 11-in-1 tool provides you with all of the basics you need to tackle most adjusting and tightening jobs.

With this model, you get: 7 Allen wrenches, T-25 Torx, flathead and Philips screwdrivers, chain tool and 3-piece nylon pry tire rods.

Weighing less than 8 ounces, this compact tool can easily be stored in your pack or your car’s glovebox for on-the-go use. It’s durable, rugged and can tackle most jobs with ease.

If you’re on a really tight budget, the WOTOW 11-in-1 tool is a smart choice because it offers a versatile range of tools without sacrificing quality.

Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Mtb Multi Tool for You

Which tool is best for you? We’ve provided you with five great options, but which of these is the right one for you? Here are some tips on how to buy a mountain bike multitool:

• Your Needs: The first and most important thing to consider is your needs. How many tools do you need, and which ones? If it’s just a few basic tools, you can get away with a smaller and cheaper model. If you need a lot of versatility, opt for a tool that offers 17-19 functions. If you can, spring for a model that has a chain tool and tire rod for emergency repairs.
• Size: The size of the tool is important, too. You don’t want to carry around a big bulky tool when you’re out on the trail. Look for a tool that’s compact and lightweight, so it can fit in your pack with ease. Most tools weigh well under 1 pound, so you shouldn’t have a problem bringing it with you on the go.
• Material: We touched on this earlier, but it’s very important to make sure that the tool you buy is made from high quality materials. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion, which is a great quality to have if you need to make frequent adjustments while you’re out on the trail.
• Budget: Naturally, your budget is important, too. We always recommend buying the highest quality you can afford. The cheapest model is rarely the best, so make sure that the tool is well-built using high quality materials.