Specialized EMT Mini £16.99
99
IF YOU ARE loiiking for lightness -
and most rideis are - ihis 6cm long
tool weighs jus! 159g ami has 2.5,
ft, S, 6 and 8mm Allen keys plus a
T25 '{'otx. The Phillips screwdriver
fits into ihc era! of the 8mm Allen
key and is a tail loo small fur
stubborn screws an, say. a Irani
mech but it is handy for changing
batteries on some cycle computers.
The chain tool requires the use of
■in Allen key. hut like the Crank
TopeakMini18 £2199
UNLIKE THE CHAIN tools Oil the
Other multi-tools in the test, the one
on theTopeak Mini completely
detaches from the tool body, and a
rainless steel extension folds out to
make the h.mdle longer for better
grip. However, it was thwarted by
the 10-speed chain test. The list oi
features continues with a tin
opener, spoke key, Piiiliips and ilii
liljde screwdrivers and a single
steel lyre lever that, aJthough
strung, can inflici damage on tyre
SKSCT-Worx £16.99
ALTHOUGH THE ALLEN keys - 2.5,
-. 4, 5 and6mm -and flathead and
Phillips screwdrivers have a cheap-
looking zinc plated finish, there
were no issues with them rounding
off as we'd feared. The two grey
plastic tyre levers are very effective
rut SKS needs to address the
i mount of pressure required to
■'lease them - in wei weather we
had to resort to levering them off
with a coin. The CT-Worx is the
Passport Fastpass Micro £6.
Bros tools, (here's noi enough
leverage to get a really firm grip
when removing a link to break the
chain so it's strictly for emergencies
unless you're happy to put up with
,i bit of discomfort. The price
includes a tough nylon protective
pouch to stop it rubbing against
other things in your saddle p,ick or
jersey pocket. No spoke key.
1WWR Sparta Uzetl. com
Weigh!:
The grip is limited on th
chain tool but it's a great
price and light
headings and inner tubes if you use
it carelessly. Curiously, there are
two 2mm and '1111111 Allen keys,
plus a 2.5. 3. 5, 6, 8 and 10mm size
for tightening the key-release units
on Truvativ cranks. The padded
I.ycra pouch helps to protect the
grey anodiseit end plaies from
getting scuffed when it's in a saddle
pack with other items - and helps
prated those items from the tool.
Wi'ight: I95g
Neatly packaged, tough,
and the spoke key is
easy to use
only tool on test to include a 15mm
pedal spanner; it's basic and siides
(into the 6mm Allen key, but it is
tip to the job provided the pedals
haven't been fitted with excessive
force. The spoke keys are effective
and the chain tool passed the ID-
speed link test willi ease, though it
loses a point because of the
omission of an 8mm Allen key (the
body of the chain tool looks like ii
ought to be one, but is slightly too
small to work).
Best tyre levers on test
and only tool with a
15mm pedal spanner
THIS DIMINUTIVE TOOL has a ihc size gf the average mobile
painted aluminium body and phone, this tool is a bit small for
features a 10-piece set that includes gelling a really good grip when
2, 2.S, 4, 5 and 6mm Allen keys. It's you're tightening Allen screws, and
the smallest tool In the test with a as with the Cyclepro on page 70
T25 Tora driver. The omission of a you'll find that you will struggle to
spoke key here - as with some oi shift a stubborn pedal because of
the other tools on test - could be that shortness.
views) as a problem if you get wunp.ison-disthlmtion.com
caught with a broken spoke ai the Weight: 107g
side of the road, but as many
wheels come widi special dedicated
nipples these days then this isn't a
major issue. Boili flat and cross
head screwdrivers are included and
there's even a handy bottle opener
for post-ride celebrations. At half
tOgO1
then this is a reasonably
priced tool
Lezyne Stainless 21 £22.99
THE STAINLESS STEEL I.ezyne Will for impromptu mid-ride
never rust. The grip is wide and refreshments, a 10mm open ended
long so there's plenty of leverage spanner for cantilever brake blocks
here, but although the chain tool's and an 8mm one for securing
shnrt handle is fine for 9-speed mudguard bolts, a 725 Tbtx bit and
chains it baulked when it came to 14 and 15 gauge spoke keys. It also
Splitting ,1 10-speed chain. The has a Lycra cover that stops the
range of Allen kuys starts with chain tool from digging into your
cranked/right angled 2 and 2.5mm back when you're riding with it in
sizes and continues with straight 3, your jersey pocket.
4, 5, 6 and 8mm sizes. The built-in WWDI. upgrudebikes. co.uk
steel tyre lever needs more care Weight:
than a plastic one to avoid nipping
the inner lube, but it's unlikely ever
to break, as can happen with plastic
ones in very cold weather. There's
also a decent tin and bottle opener
j
Chain tool could be better
but otherwise a great
product
Wheels Manufacturing Mufti Gimp £19.99
HAVING A REPLACEABLE gear which you'll need for fitting and
banger means if it gets bent, it adjusting Campag Record cartridge
won't destroy your frame and can brake blocks or disc rotors on a cily
be replaced. Normally it would bike, but (here's no spoke key. In
mean a trip to the bike shop before use the handle is too short to get a
you can ride your bike again, which really tirm grip on larger jobs like
is a problem if you're nowhere near removing pedals, but for minor
a shop, but Wheels Manufacturing adjustments it's fine,
has come up with this tool that uniw. uUimatepiBsuits.m.ttk
effectively takes the place of any Weight: 132s
type of broken gear hanger, so
you're ready for such an
eventuality. Alongside the hanger is
the usual run oi Allen keys - 2, 2.5,
3, 4, 5 and 6mm sizes - plus
flaihead and Phillips screwdrivers.
There's also dn M25 Torx driver.
A good idea but otherwise
a basically equipped
too! for the price
TopeafcHexus 16 £18.99
THE HEXUS HAS 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6
and slide-over Cinin Allen keys plus
,i T25 Torx driver, Phillips and flat
head screwdrivers, ami a 14 gauge
spoke key. The plastic lyre levers
clip into the end plates and one of
them hooks over the spokes to
make lyre removal easy. They're
safer than - hut not .is tough as -
melal levers, so lake care with
stubborn tyres, especially given that
one of them doubles up as a
screwdriver for the chain tool. The
Crank Brothers Multi-10 £13.99
THIS 10-PLECE TOOL ll.is an
aluminium body for low weight.
Opening Ihe Allen keys lakes a litile
nil mnre oomph than it does wiih
the other tools on test, bin this
gives greater stability when you're
spinning bolts into threads and
particularly when you're using the
Phillips and flat bladed screwdriver.
The Allen key sizes are I, 2.5, 3,4,
ParklB-3 £17.94
THIS 13-FUNCTION TOOL lias eight
Allen keys plus a tyre lever thai
neatly slides over the [-Beam body
section, but we struggled to remove
.1 stubborn tyre without .1 second
lever. It's the only tool on tesi with
a 1.5mm Allen key, which is
needed for some high end
i-jiuitif^ return spring adjusters.
The remaining keys are 2, 2.5, 3,4,
5,6 and Bmm. and there's a 14
gauge spoke key in the middle of
the body. Curiously there's no
longer than average size and cast
aluminium body mean you can yet
far greater leverage than the smaller
tools on tesi. which is handy if you
need to remove a stubborn pedal
using a 6mm or 8mm Allen key.
For rejoining a chain, a loop of wire
unclips from ihe tool so you don't
have to relieve tension by
unhooking the chain from the
chaiurings - good for dean hands.
nwnv,extmuk.cD.uk
WeiglU:
A good one for roadies
who don't need
spanners
5, 6 and 8mm and there's the
obligatory '\'1S Thrx driver too. The
Allen keys are longer than mosi of
the others on test, and so the
smaller sizes tend to twist as you
increase force on ihe handle, bin
it's okay wiih the 4mm and larger
Allen keys. The 8mm Allen key is
longer than those on the other tools
on test, making it a bit easier 10
spin a pedal Into the thread of a
crank arm. There's nn spoke key
included on [his one, liul the
lifetime warranty on all Crank liros
multi-tools is a bonus.
wivw.2Pure.co.uk
Weight I56g
Superior stability when
using a screwdriver and
a good price
Phillips screwdriver but the flat
bladed driver tackles small
adjustments ID the gear limit screws
easily. Like the others that use fold-
oui chain amis, we found it best to
position this pan of the tool ai right
angles 10 the job 10 get Ihe besl
leverage. The tyre lever Ihai
doubles as a spanner feels flimsy
for the considerable force required
10 shift a lu-speed link pin.
uiww.ullimatepmsnlis.co.uk
Weiglu: 183$
Lacks a secon e lever
and a Phillips, but
legendary Park quality
SKS Travel Toolbox £24.99
THIS GERMAN MADE lool slides the 5min Allen key. so there's less
together in the middle and each chance of losing it In typical
Side forms a lyre lever. It has 2, 2.5. roadside debris. The Travel Toolbox
4, 5.6 and 8mm Allen keys and ihe also has 8 and Minim ring spanners
requisite T25 Torx, plus Phillips and and spoke keys, though these are a
[fathead screwdrivers. There's tad awkwardly placed on Ihe ends.
ample grip on the handles when The Velcro-closure pouch it comes
tackling jobs on the chain and ii in has a handy strap so it can be
passed our 10-speed link tesi with mounted 10 the stem or seatpost if
flying colours, though it is possible you don't have a jeisey pocket to
to push the link through too far if carry it in.
you're not careful. The 8mm Allen UMnttmkigtux>.uk
key is spring-loaded onto the end of Weight: 226s
A great design but SKS's
CT-Worx tool offers
better value
Topeak Ratchet Rocket £29.99
IF you prefer the idea of filling handled ihe ID-speed chain test
ihe mulii-lool to your bike instead superbly, although you have to be
of keeping il in your back pocket careful not to Qvertighten small
then tile Ratchet Rocket is the Allen key screws OB there's far more
answer. It comes with mounting leverage on offer here than with ihe
brackets that fit onto any lube, or it other tools nn lest. You also get a
c,v\ be attached to a pair of bottle pair of aluminium tyre levers into
cage bosses. The top peels back to the bargain,
reveal a line of Allen key sockets, imvw.t'xmiuk.co.uk,
though the omission of an 8mm Weight: I'J'Jg
key means that you will have to
rely on your home toolkii for
fixing pedals, and Ihe {mini Allen
key isn't deep enough (or
Shimano Dura-Ace top bolts.
There's also no spoke key.
Otherwise, the Ratchet Rocket
Socket set in miniature
and it's barely heavier
than the others
Pro Super Compact Mini Tool £6.99
FORA PENNY less than seven quid tool handled ihe inosi formidable oi
you can't go wrong with [his roadside lasks: loosening a pedal
straightforward Allen key sei with titanium ihieads, though a lot
consisting of 2, 2.5. 3. 4, S, 6 and more force was required than with
Hmm sizes, plus a T2S Torx, and the longer tools thai give better
straight blade and Phillips head leverage such as the Topeak Hexus
screwdrivers. The set screws or Passport CDW. There's no spoke
retaining the tools were perfectly key, but the inclusion of theT2S
adjusted so ihe screwdrivers Torx is commendable .11 this price.
remained stable when attempting to wimv. ultimatt!i mrs u its. co. uk
loosen stubborn screws. The frame Weight: ISSg
of ihe multi-tool is formed by a
crude looking 'S' shaped sieel bar
so we were expecting some twisting
when applying high forces, such as
lightening or loosening a pedal with
an 8mm Allen key. Thankfully, the
iis is a fairly basic tool,
t the price means it's
still good
Cydepro 10 in 1 Multi-tool £10.99
if vou simply need a bimdi of
essential tools, then ihc Cydepro is
worth a look. This multi-iool lias
weight-saving aluminium face
plates thai .ire fashioned 10 look
like the side of a combination
kpanner, and, as with the bigger
tools on lest, each section is
separated by a steel washer for easy
opening and closin;-. The overall
dimensions and specification are
very similar to the Passport
Kistpass Micro (p67) but the set
screw holding the Allen keys
THE VERDICT
together is tighter so there's greater W
stability when applying force 10 a
Phillips screw, though the short WINNER
length is an issue for grip. Along
with 2, 2.5, 3,4, 5 ,ind 6mm sixes
[here is .in 8mm Allen key linking
between the folded tools for
removing and fitting pedals. One
advantage to this tool's diminutive
proportions is that the spoke key is
easy to turn, hut having said that,
because it is only compatible with
the smaller, lighter 15 gauge spoke
nipples then it's of limited use.
wwiv.raIeigh.LV.uk
Weigh!: 124g

A basic tool for short rides

©
where you need to keep
weight down
THE CHAIN GETS a lot of abuse stainless steel locking knife and
so it's worth casting aside any ring spanners is unbeatable, and
Crank Bros Multi-19 inc Tool Flask £22.99 prejudices as regards choosing a it passed the 10-speed chain test

CRANK BROS IS a past master at screws. It has two flat blade and multi-tool with a chain splitter as with case.

packaging relatively plain items like
pedals into something worthy of a
I Vsign Council award, and this tool
i !■ the same treatment sheathed
i i <i plastic and stainless steel flask
i'/ii[] the Crank Bros motif on the
side. There's room inside the flask
far coins, spare inner tube patches
in 1 the house keys. The Allen keys
ik1 2, 2.5, 3,4. S, d and Bmm sizes,
.ind they are short enough not to
twist too much when tightening
two Phillips sizes, with the smallest
being handy for extracting watch
size screws or when replacing the
batteries on some brands of cycle
computer. It also has four spoke
keys. The short handle on the chain
splitter makes it hard to deal with
10-speed chains and their tight-
fitting pins, though it tackled
9-speed chains with ease.
nww.2Piuv.co.uk
Weight: 217g (178g without flask)
this adds a negligible 8Og
compared to the total weight of a
tool without one. Bearing this in
mind, the winning tool is the
Topeak Hexus with its slimline,
proportions and ultra stiff cast
aluminium body.
If you need a tool that doubles
up for the odd camping trip, then
the £19.99 Passport CDW with its
The Topeak Ratchet Rocket has
the attributes of a home toolkit
but loses out on top marks due to
the omission of an 8mm Allen
key and a longer 5mm needed for
tightening some rear gear mechs.
At £29 it's the most expensive
tool on test, but in terms of
usability and engineering, it's still
something of a bargain.

Practical and stylish too,

with room for extras
like coins

Passport CDW £19.99

THIS 20-PIECE TOOL separates into
two halves by squeezing a pair of
huiiona either side of the resin
I k!1.'. Sharing space alongside a
lhain tool are the 2, 2.5 and .1mm
Allen keys plus .i Phillips
screwdriver and a flat one on the
end of the 10mm ring spanner.
There ,ire three ring spanners -
■i/.es 8, 9 and 10mm with spoke
> i ys on the ends, and the locking
device greatly enhances safety
when using the knife and ring
spanners. On the other half of the
too! there's a furthei resin tyre lever
and the remaining 4. 5, 6 and 8mm
Allen keys together with a T25 Torx
driver Tightening the set screw
gave better stability when using the
screwdrivers. The large surface area
gives you a very firm grip on the
tool, and the tough nylon pouch
with belt loop is a bonus.
wunv. ison-i I isi ri It ution. com
Weight; 246g

The only tool on test with

a knife, so best for light
touring/camping