Tools - multitools
Birzman E-Version Mini Tool 5 Function
Specialist bike-tool manufacturer Birzman is relatively new on the UK scene, but their product range is impressive, from hefty spanner sets for the workshop to little minitools for emergency side-of-the-road repairs. And it's the latter type we're testing here: the simplest of the minitools, with just five basic functions - three allen keys (4, 5, 6mm), a torx tool (t25) and a cross-head screwdriver.
Crank Brothers M17 multi tool
Crank Brothers M17 multi-tool manages to do exactly what is says on the tin while looking decidedly chic into the bargain. Sure, some of you will bemoan the lack of tyre levers and a neoprene pouch would've been a damn sight more useful than the rubber strap that vanished annoyingly within the first week. However, a lifetime warrantee inspires confidence, pricing is very competitive and best of all, it's a delight to use.
Carradice 8 in 1 Multitool
Carradice have a reputation for using old-fashioned materials in their products, although I'm still waiting for them to produce a pannier woven from the beard and leathery skin of ancient audaxers. However, using bamboo for the sideplates of their 8 in1 multi-tool is more than just a refusal to acknowledge the existence of such modern fripperies as plastic and aluminium. It's hard wearing, gives a very comfortable grip and should age nicely, developing a pleasing patina by the time you come to hand it down to your great-grandchildren.
BBB Prime Fold M multi tool
This excellent little multi-tool from BBB would make a great stocking filler and it's shiny enough to hang from the Christmas tree as an ornament.
It's a pretty standard setup, black side plates with an array of tools set between them. The tools run the full length of the cage plates on both sides, so it's a very compact design at just 73mm long.
Crank Brothers M17 multitool
Crank Bros M17 doesn't just look cool, it's a really nice tool to use.
Pro Six Function Mini Tool
This offering from Shimanos spin off accessory brand PRO is certainly a great looking piece of kit, very slim and nicely finished. It also has just about everything you could need when out on the road tool wise except a chain tool and a couple of tyre levers.
For £14.99 you get 2,3,4,5 and 6mm Allen keys and a Phillips screwdriver. It also features a 2 inch measuring rule laser etched into the side of the tool body. What this is exactly for I dont know, my best guess would be to quantify the effects of your saddle on a cold day whilst on a nature break?
Knog 20 function multi tool
Knog’s twenty- function multi tool crams a phenomenal amount of useful stuff into a very confined space and is just the thing for best bikes loving to travel light. Good quality steel won’t chew delicate fasteners but it wouldn’t be my first resort for group rides and for all their charms offer limited leverage when tackling stubborn fasteners…assuming the crank bolt adaptor hasn’t vanished down the sofa.
Maxgear Gooj 18 function multi tool
Not that I have spent much time at Her Majesty's pleasure but the Maxgear Gooj (Get Out Of Jail) is probably not the sort of tool I would ask for to be hidden in a cake and smuggled into prison. Jails are probably not easily dismantled with a set of Hex wrenches (2 / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8mm), Chain tool, Spoke wrenches, Torque T-25, Philips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, and two tire levers.
Lezyne SV10 multitool
Lezyne are a company that have the ability to make a seemingly mundane product such as a pump or multi tool into an object of desire. They mix quality materials with well thought out design and an attention to detail, which result in objects that demand attention. This is certainly true of their SV10 multi tool, which packs, as you may have guessed, ten tools into a light (only 101 g), compact and attractive package.
Wheels MFG Gimp multi-tool
With multi tools rapidly becoming pocket workshops, it’s nice to find Wheels MFG’s amusingly monikered gimp has all the essentials without feeling over-burdened. However, close to micro-tool dimensions means there’s insufficient leverage for tackling really stubborn fasteners.