The Best Bike Multi-Tools
Best Overall Bike Multi-Tool
ToPeak Mini PT30
After weeks of testing, ToPeak's Mini PT30 rose to the top step of the podium and was the best bike multi-tool we tested. This feature laden model is packed with 30 functions in a moderately sized and sleek package. It boasts all the standard size hex bits from 2mm through 10mm, plus common Torx bits, and screwdrivers. It also features all of your chain repair tools, quick link storage, and a small knife. If that wasn't enough, this new model even has a tire plug insertion tool to help with tubeless tire repairs. In addition to the wealth of functions, this nicely sized tool fits perfectly in the palm of your hand with good ergonomics and comfortable grip. The neoprene case wraps the tool up tight for protection and increased comfort when carried in a jersey or shorts pocket.
While we loved most things about the Mini PT30 it far from the lightest model we tested. That said, we feel the weight is respectable given the number of tools and functions it has. It is also among the most expensive options we tested, although we feel it is worth every penny. Whether for road, gravel, or mountain biking, the Mini PT30 is an excellent multi-tool.
Read review: ToPeak Mini PT30
Best Bang for the Buck
Blackburn Tradesman
The Tradesman is an affordable and quality multi-tool from cycling accessory brand, Blackburn. With 18 tools and functions, the Tradesman has you covered for just about any adjustment and repair possibility on the road or trail. It has all the regular hex key sizes from 2 through 8mm, Torx 25, and 30, plus a flathead screwdriver and a disc pad spreader. Add to that a quality chain tool with a unique quick link splitter and integrated quick link storage, and you should never be at a loss if your chain breaks on a ride. The quick link splitter is an innovative tool not found on most other models and is incredibly helpful in certain situations, even doing drivetrain work at home. It also has decent ergonomics and durable, mostly metal construction.
The Tradesman weighs in at 178-grams, one of the heaviest models in the test, and likely won't be the first pick of the gram-counting cyclist. It is also one of the largest tools, so if space is at a premium, it may not be for you. That said, there was little that testers didn't like about the Tradesman, especially at this price.
Read review: Blackburn Tradesman
Best for Lightweight
ToPeak Ninja 16+
ToPeak hit another home run with the Ninja 16+. At 93-grams and just over two inches long, this tool maximizes its real estate, packing in 16 relevant functions. It offers each of the most commonly used hex sizes with 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm wrenches along with T10, T15, and T25 Torx bits, a quality chain breaker, two spoke wrench sizes, Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, and a chain hook. This array of tools will allow you to overcome the majority of mechanical issues that might befall you. Despite holding so many functions in its diminutive frame, the Ninja 16+ maintains an intuitive, easy-to-use design that allows for quick adjustments and repairs in the field. A carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer frame makes possible this tool's featherweight feel while maintaining stiffness and durability that will stand the test of time. Riders trying to maintain a slim kit would benefit by adding this tool to their quiver.
With so many features in such a small, lightweight package, the Ninja 16+ makes some minor compromises in its ergonomics. Its short and narrow body doesn't fit ideally into larger palms, and some of the tools attached to the sides of the frame can create pressure points when applying torque. That said, it still rated among the better ergonomic tools in our test. Most riders will find that the tradeoff in comfort versus portability and functionality is well worth it.
Read review: Topeak Ninja 16+
Best for Pack Ditchers
Blackburn Switch Wrap
The Blackburn Switch Wrap offers a uniquely portable and capable design among the tools we tested. With 15 functions and on-bike storage for a tube, CO2 cartridge, and tire lever, it is an enticing minimalist option for riders looking to ditch their pack. Rather than a single-piece multi-tool like most of the models in our test, the Switch Wrap contains a tool kit comprised of a socket handle and various bits including 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex wrenches, T25, and T30 Torx bits, and a flat head screwdriver. Also included is a chain tool with 0, 1, and 2 spoke wrenches. In testing, the clever T and L-handle capability of the socket-bit system provided great leverage, allowed us to reach bolts in tight places, and reminded us of ergonomic workshop tools. Those among us who prefer riding without a pack quickly took a liking to the Switch Wrap, and we would recommend it to anyone looking for a little bit of extra storage.
While the Switch Wrap offers huge portability benefits, it also sacrifices a bit of speed and ease of use to more traditional multi-tool designs when performing repairs and adjustments. Each time you want to make an adjustment, you have to remove the wrap from your bike, extract the tool kit from its tight velcro pocket, and assemble your desired wrench. This process doesn't take long in the grand scheme of things, but riders who value expedience in their repairs may get frustrated over time. Additionally, Blackburn's socket-bit system makes for a lot of components to keep track of while performing a repair.
Read review: Blackburn Switch Wrap
Best for Ergonomics
ToPeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX Tool Kit
Beyond its mouthful of a name, the ToPeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX has a ton to offer for the mid-ride mechanic. This is the only tool we tested with a ratchet system, and we think it offers a huge improvement ergonomically over the traditional multi-tool. The socket-and-bit design combined with the ratchet and magnetic bit extender means that there is no bolt on your bike that this wrench can't easily access. The kit comes standard with every hex wrench size you'll need and a selection of the most commonly-used Torx sizes. For high-torque operations like removing pedals, the magnetic bit holder can be fixed to the back of the socket wrench for increased leverage. Fiddly bolts in tight places like bottle cages can be threaded and unthreaded rapidly using the socket's thumbwheel. We liked this tool so much that we would even consider giving it a place in our home workshop setups.
The Ratchet Rocket Lite DX does have a few drawbacks. First and foremost, the kit does not include a chain breaker, which is a major concern for a multi-tool. When your chain snaps far from home, you don't want to be caught without a way to fix it. ToPeak offers a "plus" version of the tool kit that includes a chain breaker for a small upcharge, but we think it should be included in the standard kit. Additionally, the Ratchet Rocket Lite DX has a lot of small parts to keep track of out on the trail. For most one-bolt fixes and adjustments, it's not an issue, but for big fixes, you will end up with bits scattered all over the ground if you're not careful.
Best for Innovation
OneUp Components EDC
The OneUp EDC is a unique and innovative model that stands out from the typical bike multi-tool crowd. Mountain bike parts and accessory manufacturer OneUp has been designing interesting products for several years, and the EDC is a fully-featured multi-tool that stores within the empty space inside your fork's steerer tube. They have managed to pack an astounding 21 functions into a lightweight, only 108-grams, and extremely portable package. It has all of the usual bits, including hex keys sizes 2-8mm, a Torx 25, and a flat head screwdriver. It has a small but functional chain tool, spare quick link storage, a tire lever, four sizes of spoke wrenches, a spare chainring bolt, and more. If you're the type of rider looking to ditch your pack, you can rest assured that you've got all the tools you need conveniently tucked away on your bike.
The most obvious drawback to this system is that you have to thread your steerer tube and purchase an EDC top cap for an additional $25, making it by far the most expensive model in the test. It is also limited to use on one bike, although you can carry the tool with you in a pack or pocket. The compact design also means that the tools themselves are quite small and aren't as ergonomically friendly as some of the larger models. With that in mind, we still feel the EDC is quality multi-tool for the right consumer.
Read review: OneUp EDC
Why You Should Trust Us
Between them, Jeremy Benson and Zach Wick drew upon an ocean of cycling knowledge for this review. Our two authors each have tons of experience, both riding and working on bikes. Jeremy rides almost every day while testing bikes and other gear, training for races, or riding just for fun. This die-hard cyclist spends a lot of time on the racecourse and has racked up results at big events like the Downieville Classic and the Lost and Found Gravel Grinder. He was also a sponsored skier for over a decade and is the author of Mountain Bike Tahoe published by Mountaineers Books. Zach has been religiously riding, racing, and working on bikes for the last fifteen years. With experience on mountain, road, cyclocross, gravel, and track bikes, he brings breadth and depth of cycling knowledge as well as years of industry experience working in a test lab. These two know the value and necessity of a quality multi-tool and hope to impart some of their knowledge in this review.
Our team spent weeks testing these bike multi-tools, using them in every scenario to provide the best possible information. Through testing in the field and the workshop, they scrutinized all aspects of each model to learn its ins and outs. During testing, we analyzed and rated each model's features, functions, ergonomics, portability, ease of use, and durability.
Related: How We Tested Bike Multi-Tools
Analysis and Test Results
Whatever your preferred cycling discipline, it's guaranteed that at some point, you'll experience a mechanical issue. When this happens, a quality bike multi-tool is an indispensable accessory to make adjustments or perform simple fixes to get you back up and riding instead of walking back to the trailhead or waiting for someone to come and pick you up. Of course, not every mechanical problem can be fixed with a multi-tool, but there are plenty that can be addressed with a little knowledge and the right equipment.
Related: Buying Advice for Bike Multi-Tools
Ideally, you will never need to use a multi-tool while out on a ride, but on the off chance you break your chain, need to tighten a bolt, or simply want to make an adjustment, it's nice to have the right tool your disposal. A multi-tool can't fix problems on its own, so it is important that you also familiarize yourself with your bike and its components so that when you do need to repair or adjust something, you actually know how. We recommend taking a basic maintenance or bicycle service course to learn the ins and outs of basic bike repair.
Value
We don't rate the tools in this test based on their price, but we always love a good value. The differences in price between the models in this test are not that extreme in what is generally an expensive sport, and some of the highest-rated models are also some of the most affordable. The Blackburn Tradesman is a good example of a more affordable option that is also highly rated. That said, price and performance often go hand in hand, and the top-rated ToPeak Mini PT30 is also one of the most expensive.
Features
Each of the multi-tools in this test has at least what we consider to be the minimum tools and functions for both road and mountain biking. These features are the standard sizes of hex keys, also known as Allen keys, which are 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm. Each tool also has a Torx 25, star-shaped bit. Beyond that, the tools and functions vary between the different models. We feel the tools mentioned above are essential simply because they service the most commonly found bolts on today's bikes. Modern stems, brakes, brake rotors, calipers, derailleurs, chainrings, pedals, and clamps will often be serviceable with this basic tool suite.
While not every model in the test includes one, we think a chain tool is nearly as essential as the basic wrenches. Without a chain tool, there's not a lot that you can do to Macgyver a broken chain back together out on a ride. At that point, you had better hope that the way back home is mostly downhill because you're not pedaling anywhere without a chain. In many cases, the manufacturers of these multi-tools make several versions that offer varying numbers of features—some with chain breakers and some without. We highly recommend the former if you're relying on your bike multi-tool to get home.
We evaluated each model based on the number of tools that it has and additional functions like quick link storage, disc pad spreaders, spoke wrenches, tire levers, and storage cases. In general, we feel that more features are typically better as long as they are actually useful for the user. That said, some riders may prefer a minimalist approach and would rather not lug around a tool with functions that they may never use, while others prefer to be prepared for everything, even if it comes with a small weight penalty. Our test includes multi-tools for every type of rider with tools that span from a low of 10 functions to a high of 30.
The most fully-featured model in this test is the ToPeak Mini PT30, with a whopping 30 functions in a relatively small package. It has all of the hex key sizes you'll ever need from 2 to 10mm, flat and Phillips head screwdrivers, Torx 10, 15 and 25 bits, and a quality chain tool with four sizes of spoke wrenches integrated into it. It also has convenient extras like a quick link breaker, quick link storage a chain hook to help with chain repair, and a disc pad spreader. This new model even comes with tire repair tools like a plug insertion tool, reamer, and a small knife.
The OneUp EDC offers the next most features with 21. The cleverly designed OneUP EDC packs these functions into its unique tubular design that stores within your fork's steerer tube. It's got all the usual hex keys, a Torx 25, flat head, and a chain tool with four sizes of spoke wrenches. Also, OneUp has integrated a tire lever, quick link storage, a spare chainring bolt, and CO2 storage into this compact system.
The Pedro's Rx Micro-20 was another of the most feature-rich models we tested. This tool offers a unique package including a Shimano crank cap tool, two full-fledged tire levers, and quick link storage. Also included are 7 and 8mm box wrenches, three spoke wrench sizes, and T25 and T30 Torx wrenches along with all of the standard hexes and a chain tool. If you ride Shimano cranks, this tool is worth a look for its unique crank cap tool alone.
On the lightweight and minimalist end of our spectrum, sit the Topeak Ninja 16+, the Specialized EMT Pro, the Fabric 16 in 1, and the Lezyne V10. As the lightest tool in our test, the Ninja 16+ hardly represents a compromise, offering 16 tools to keep you moving. With T10 and T15 Torx wrenches, a clever chain holder, three spoke wrench sizes, and Phillips and flathead screwdrivers on top of the basics, it will get you out of most jams. The EMT Pro and Lezyne V10 are more traditional minimalist options. The EMT Pro offers a disc pad spreader, two spoke wrenches, and a bottle opener along with the basics.
Ergonomics
As far as multi-tool ergonomics are concerned, we are interested in the tool's efficiency in its design, which includes its shape, feel in hand, leverage, and usefulness of tools in relation to their lengths. A tool with good ergonomics feels comfortable in your hand, can be grasped tightly without pressure points, and allows you to create plenty of leverage force when necessary.
Every tool in our test can get the job done, but some tools are more ergonomically inclined than others. The highest-rated model in our analysis for this metric is the ToPeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX. This miniaturized ratcheting socket set provides excellent leverage as well as easy access to hard-to-reach bolts. The system works so well that it wouldn't be out of place in a home workshop. The Blackburn Switch Wrap has a similarly ergonomic bit-and-socket design that allows you to configure the wrench as either an L or T handle, but doesn't include the ratchet system.
Our highest-rated traditional multi-tool designs are Crankbrothers' M19 and F15. Each of these Crankbrothers tools is appropriately sized to fit well in most hands with rounded edges and no pressure points for the palm. Their lengths provide good leverage when dealing with finicky bolts, and their chain tools make popping a pin easy. The F15 specifically has a smooth, brushed metal case that doubles as a wrench or chain tool handle, making it a favorite among our testers.
The Topeak Mini PT30, the Pedros Rx Micro-20, and the Specialized EMT Pro also rated highly for their ergonomics. For most operations, the Rx Micro 20 sits on par with the highest-rated tools in our test. Its tire-lever flanked frame fits nicely in the palm and provides comfort and leverage. Our only problem with it came when breaking a chain. The chain tool is difficult to grasp, and leverage is hard to come by. It took us a couple tries to break a chain the first time we tested it. The Topeak Mini PT30 and the Specialized EMT Pro are both slightly smaller than the M19 and F15. They still fit nicely in hand and provide adequate leverage but fall somewhat short of the top performers. The small sacrifice these tools make in ergonomics is made up for by their portability.
Tools that lost considerable ground in the ergonomics category include the OneUp EDC and the Park Tool IB-3. Due to the compact nature of the OneUp EDC's unique design, all of the tools are small. Their small sizes make the tools a little more challenging to hold onto and torque on when needed. The Park Tool IB-3 is easily bottom of the pack for ergonomics. This tool is chunky and uncomfortable in hand, with removable parts that move around and get in the way.
Portability
Portability is a fundamental design tenet of any multi-tool. In testing, we found that each tool can easily fit into your pack or saddlebag, but only some of the tools are lightweight and compact enough to carry comfortably in a pocket. We rated each model's portability based on a combination of both the weight and the size. As for virtually every piece of cycling gear, lighter is generally considered better, and a more compact tool takes up less space when not in use. The importance of both size and weight is up to the individual user and varies based on need and desired carrying location.
At 93-grams and just over two inches long, the Ninja 16+ was the lightest tool in our test, and it achieved our highest rating in portability. It was the only traditional, non-bike-mounted tool to achieve a perfect score in this metric. Its incredibly light weight allows you to choose whether you want to store it in a pocket or a pack. In a pocket, it all but disappears while you're riding, and in a pack, it will save valuable storage space. The Ninja 16+'s 93-gram weight is 57 grams lighter than the average of tools in our test and 8 grams lighter than the next lightest tool, the Lezyne V10.
Along with the Ninja 16+, the OneUp EDC and the Blackburn Switch Wrap also scored perfectly in portability. Both of these tools mount to your bike, so you don't have to lug them around in a pocket or a pack while you pedal. The 108-gram EDC stores in your bike's steerer tube, so it's virtually nonexistent until you need to pull it out and make an adjustment. At 178-grams, the Switch Wrap isn't the lightest model we tested, but it can mount in multiple locations on your frame and provides storage for a tube, CO2 cartridge, and tire lever. It's fast and easy to mount and doesn't create a nuisance while you ride. Both of these quickly became favorites among our testers, and they provide an excellent option for riders who loathe strapping on a pack.
Weighing right at the higher end of average in our test at 163g (170g with the neoprene case), the ToPeak Mini PT30 is still relatively lightweight considering that it has 30 functions. It's also quite small, 3" long, 1.75" wide, and 0.75" thick, though the neoprene case adds a little girth to the overall size. Both the Crankbrothers M19 and the Blackburn Tradesman have similar dimensions and are a couple of the largest and heaviest tools in this test.
Ease of Use
By combining all of the tools you might need into a single, compact unit, multi-tools inherently provide a user-friendly experience. For the most part, the differences in user-friendliness of the various models are relatively small, but certain models offer an easier and faster experience. Things like carrying cases that must be removed before use, multiple components to keep track of, or hard-to-find tools are the main culprits that make a tool harder to use. Throughout testing, we quickly found certain go-to tools that allowed for quick and easy adjustments, and these tools scored highest in this metric.
Our top-rated models for ease of use are the Specialized EMT Pro MTB, the Blackburn Tradesman, the Crankbrothers M19 (without the case), the Unior Euro17, the Fabric 16 in 1, and the Pedro's Rx Micro-20. Each of these tools is ready to use the moment you pull it out of your pack or pocket. Some of them, like the EMT Pro,, and 16 in 1, have their tools labeled, so you never accidentally pull out the wrong wrench. Others, like the Rx Micro-20,, and Euro17, have simple layouts that allow for quick tool identification and access. None of these multi-tools have an excessive number of removable pieces, and none require their tools to be assembled before use. Out on the trail, these models will be your best bet if you want to minimize time spent fiddling and maximize time spent riding.
The Lezyne V10, along with the ToPeak Mini PT30 and Syncros Matchbox 16 have covers that add a small step when pulling them out for use or stowing them away. The cover also represents an additional component to keep track of on the trail or roadside. The Mini PT30's chain tool also needs to be removed from the main body of the tool for use. These additional steps may seem relatively trivial to many riders out there, but for those who enjoy frequently adjusting their bike's setup or want a tool that can keep them in the race when something goes wrong, time savings carry great importance.
Ease of use represents the Blackburn Switch Wrap's biggest weakness, and it received our lowest score in this metric. While the frame-mounted wrap offers considerable benefits in portability, it can be a minor hassle when it comes time to make an adjustment. Every time you want to use one of the Switch Wrap's tools, you have to remove the wrap from your frame, pull the tool kit out of its velcro pocket, find your desired bit, and assemble the wrench with the socket handle. This process only takes a handful of seconds, but it's much more involved than that of any other tool we tested. We also found that the Switch Wrap's tool kit can take a bit of muscle to get in and out of the wrap when it's fully loaded with a tube, CO2, and tire lever.
Durability
Under normal conditions with regular use, a good bike multi-tool should last you years, and maybe even decades if you can avoid misplacing it. Most models are made entirely of metal parts like forged aluminum and corrosion-resistant steel. One of the primary durability concerns with multi-tools is the heads of the bits since a spun or rounded bit is completely useless and can damage your bolts with continued use. Plastic parts in multi-tool construction are a concern because plastic is more prone to breaking or warping over time. Corrosion of metal is the least of our durability concerns because while oxidized metal may look bad, it rarely causes any performance issues.
The majority of the models in our test scored well in this metric. None of them will last forever, but most of them are made to withstand numerous years of use with all-metal constructions featuring aluminum side plates and chrome-plated or chrome vanadium steel bits. The Specialized EMT Pro MTB, the Lezyne V10, Blackburn Tradesman, Crankbrothers M19, Crankbrothers F15, and ToPeak Mini PT30 should all last you long enough that you won't remember when you bought them.
The Ninja 16+ represents the only model with non-metal frame construction to receive our highest durability score. Its carbon fiber reinforced polymer body offers a fantastic strength to weight ratio and facilitates its low-weight, feature-packed nature. Initially, we had concerns about it fatiguing and failing over time since polymers typically struggle in that department. Still, we couldn't detect any movement or stress in the frame even when applying high torque. With the considerable weight benefit it brings, we commend ToPeak for their bold material choice.
We had some minor durability concerns with a few of the models in our test. The OneUp EDC, Euro17, Rx Micro-20, and Matchbox 16 all feature plastic in either their frame constructions or certain components. While the EDC's metal tools gave us no problems, its largely plastic construction may be prone to breaking with extended use. With the Euro17, Unior devoted resources to ensuring their tool tips would span the test of time with a coating of black oxide, but they also constructed the multi-tool's frame with flexible plastic. When applying substantial torque to the Euro17, you can feel the entire tool twist in your hand. While we didn't see any problems in our testing, we fear that the plastic might fatigue quickly. The Rx Micro-20's frame construction gave us no issues, but after our rotor bolt test, we noticed some minor wear on the T25's tip.
The Park Tool I-beam was the least durable tool in our test by far. The first time we ever used the tool, we were attempting to remove a rotor bolt, and the T25 tool tip spun, rendering it nonfunctional. Additionally, we had concerns about the longevity of its plastic-coated tire lever. When applying torque to the body of the tool, the plastic twists, wearing it over time. Without the tire lever, the I-Beam's chain tool is useless, so this was a significant concern for us.
Conclusion
You have a lot to consider when searching for a new bike multi-tool. Whether you're looking to be prepared for anything or to simply travel with the basics, a variety of viable options exist to fit your needs. The tools in this test provide differing benefits in speed, comfort, and portability. Depending on what you value when out for a pedal, your ideal tool might not be the same as the next rider's. We hope that our detailed comparative analysis helps you find the model that's right for you.
— Jeremy Benson, Zach Wick