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SKS CT-Worx Mini Tool Kit

8
£19.99

VERDICT:

8
10
High quality and pleasing to use multitool
Weight: 
236g
Contact: 
www.chickencycles.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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I've been using the SKS CT-Workx for a while now and I really quite like it. It's a bit different to your usual multi-tool. Rather than making the tool fit the package, the package is designed around the tools.

A good example of this is the tyre levers: they are not narrow so they fit the ends, it feels more like the width of the tool is designed around the required width of the tyre levers.

You get the usual complement of 2,3,4,5 and 6mm Allen keys and a Phillips and a flathead screwdriver. Less usual is the set of box and open wrenches. These are all made form quality chrome vanadium tool steel. On top of that you get a die cast chain tool and two separate plastic tyre levels.

The chain tool made short work of 9 speed chain, and didn't blink at the 1/8" chain I threw at it either, making this a good option for those who ride fixed, singlespeed or BMX. Almost as good as my work shop tool.The handle of the chain tool is an 8mm Allen key, although it actually measures 7.8mm. This is close enough to meet international standards although I felt it resulted in an uncomfortable amount of play, especially as you're likely to be applying some force with an 8mm key. Dead on 8mm would make the tool better in my opinion.

The tyre levers were as good as you'd expect of a set of plastic levers. They were fine on mountain bike tyres and the narrow road tyres I tried. Although I didn't bend them to breaking point, they didn't really work on the fabled Schwalbe Marathon Plus. To be honest, I didn't expect them to; this is strictly steel tyre lever territory. They stash nicely away on the tool by way of a push fit. Some might think them a bit tight, I like that they are not likely to fall off in your pack.

The wrenches are made from pressed steel and work OK for adjusting mudguards etc, but even though there's a 15mm spanner, I wouldn't want to rely on it for pedals; even less so for track nuts. Their shape means they're not great in confined spaces such as the brake nut behind the steerer under the down tube.

The Allen keys have a decent quality feel to them, although I didn't have to tighten the little side bolts up a little to stop them moving around too much. No issues in tightening / loosening the variety of bolts I tried.

In all, a high quality and pleasing to use tool, although we'd have been happier if the 8mm Allen key was more exactly sized.

Verdict

High quality and pleasing to use multitool.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: SKS CT-Worx Mini Tool Kit

Size tested: Black/grey

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

SKS say: the innovative tool concept :

- extremely functional and compact

- 20 functions for touring and race bikers

- including diecast chain tool, 2 separate tire levers and set of box/open wrenches

- chrome-vanadium quality tool steel

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

It's made of chrome-vanadium quality tool steel.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

I had to tighten up the little side bolts, the Allen keys were a bit loose for my liking.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

It works remarkably well, although we'd rather the 8mm Allen key was more accurately sized.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

It's not the lightest

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

I think it's pretty good value at £19.99 - cheaper if you shop around online.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

It does what it says on the tin.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The chain tool is particularly good, and I really like how the package is designed.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, if they were after a comprehensive tool and weight is not too much of an issue.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 32  Height: 1.78m  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: All of them!  My best bike is: Cervelo Dual

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, touring, club rides, fixed/singlespeed, Audax

 

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