bike multi tools
Carrying a multi tool with you when you ride ensures you're ready for nearly anything that could go wrong with your bike. After years of performing countless roadside and trailside repairs, and testing over a hundred different tools, we've narrowed down the top bike multi tools you can buy. You'll find our very top picks in the quick links below, some guidance on what to look for when choosing the right bike multi tool, plus plenty more recommendations further down the page.
The best cycling multi tools vary from simple folding hex key sets, to all-singing, all-dancing widgets that'll do everything but the washing up. But the best cycling multi tool for you needs to have all bits you need to adjust every bolt on your bike, including obscure ones like the 8mm hex on some cranks; sooner or later you'll need them all.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to bike multi tools. You either go for one that has the absolute minimum of bits to fix things that are likely to go wrong with your own bike, or you carry as versatile a tool as possible so you can help out others too. But what bits are available?
Also known as Allen keys, these hexagonal tools are the core of most cycling multi tools. You usually need a minimum of 6, 5 and 4mm sizes, but it's worth carefully inspecting your bike for smaller ones in hard-to-find spots like brake lever and spring tension adjusters.
You may have an 8mm hex head lurking somewhere too, like the back of your pedals or the bolts holding your cranks on. Because an 8mm hex tool is large and heavy, bike multi tools usually have a sleeve round a smaller bit to fit the larger size.
Check your derailleur adjustment screws and make sure your multi tool has the right screwdriver bit, usually a small flat-head or cross-head driver.
Once only found holding disc brake rotors in place on mountain bikes, Torx screws are becoming more common on road bikes because they are harder to round out than Hex heads. The most common application is chainring bolts, which usually need a T30 tool, while brake rotor bolts are T25.
Few things can stop you dead in your tracks like a broken chain, rare though it is. We wouldn't try and repair a 10- or 11-speed chain in the field; it's a fiddly job that needs care and a good quality chain tool. Better to carry a joining link for field repairs, but you'll still need a chain tool to dismantle the old link.
Some bike multi tools include tyre levers, either moulded into the body of the tool or as separate parts that clip together in your bag. These tend to be a bit shorter than standard levers, so make sure you can remove your tyres with them. It'd be a bit embarrassing to find they're not up to the job in the middle of nowhere, so it's best to make room for a separate set of proper levers as well. It's not like they take up much room.
If you ding a wheel or break a spoke you'll need a spoke key to set things right, especially with low-spoke-count wheels where a broken spoke can distort the wheel so much it won't pass through the frame. If you've got wheels with non-standard spokes like Mavic's or Shimano's, look for a tool with a matching spoke key.
If you're taking off into the wilds for multiple days, then a knife is a handy thing to have, so some multi tools come with short blades.
Below, you'll find a selection of the best bike multi tools currently available. We've also included a Q&A section beneath our product recommendations to provide more insights about multi tools. As always, if you're curious about how we review products and select items for our buyer's guides, feel free to check out this article. After testing over a hundred tools and performing more roadside repairs than we can count, we've honed in on the top choices. Now, let's get into our picks.
The Topeak Mini PT30 is a cracking little tool including an excellent chain breaker and quick-link tool, disc pad spacer, tubeless tyre plug reamer and insertion fork. There are very few roadside tasks it won't master, all in a tiny package.
For ridesr with disc-braked bikes, a quick-link'd chain, tubeless tyres, and want to as best possible minimise the risk of a long walk home, the Topeak Mini PT30 is well worth a look.
The Prestacycle Prestaratchet Go is an exceptional ratcheting tool that covers a number of other uses too. It's an easily-pocketable lightweight multi-tool covering pretty much every fastening need on a modern bike. It's also a quick-link breaker, valve core tool, tyre lever and tubeless plugger. With a five-year warranty and a decent price, it's a strong alternative to traditional folding multi-tools.
As a tool to have at work for any post-commute fettling, or to keep in the car or van, this is a great option. Or if you add other small items to the wallet, it's a good in-the-jersey-pocket option for some.
The Mikit Hassle'off is an all-in-one solution that combines a multi-tool – including chain breaker – puncture repair kit, and tube and pump holder in an impressively neat package. It's sleek, light and has an excellent construction quality – though this is accompanied by a heavyweight price.
The Hassle'off is crafted from high-quality stainless steel that promises durability and resistance to corrosion. Its 108 x 48 x 17mm dimensions are compact, making it a perfect fit for your jersey pocket when the frame and pump mountings are removed.
The Topeak Hexus X multitool packs a lot of functionality into a pretty tight package. The chain tool is highly commended. Fitting 21 tools into a package that sits neatly on the palm of the hand is a commendable achievement from Topeak.
While the overall finish may not be absolutely the best out there, everything worked well, nothing broke and it's hard to see why you would want anything more to get you out of any sticky situation on the road. It's only major downside is that the loose bits could go AWOL, so you'll just have to keep en eye on them.
The Crankbrothers F16 is a highly precise, well-made and smartly thought out multi-tool, including a water-resistant sleeve for tubeless plugs and spare chain links. Crankbrothers is well known in the mountain biking world for its high-quality components, and this F16 multi-tool is no different; the quality in your hand is undeniable. This premium tool is made from machined metal and uses magnetics throughout.
The F16 includes a nicely integrated valve core remover inside the 8mm hex, a chain tool with spoke keys on the back, and the ability to carry spare chain links inside the extra compartment, along with tubeless plugs and an applicator. The tool also has 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm hex keys, a T25 Torx, and Phillips and flat head screwdrivers.
The Birzman E-Version Mini Tool 5 Function is a simple fold-out mini tool with five essential tools - three allen keys (4, 5, 6mm), a torx tool (t25) and a cross-head screwdriver.
It's nicely made, very easy to use and cheap enough that you won't get too upset if you lose it or it doesn't come back from being loaned to a friend.
The Crank Brothers M17 is a really nice tool to use coming with the standard range of tools that you would expect such as allen keys from 2mm through to 8mm and two screwdrivers, Phillips and flat.
All of the tool bits are hi-ten steel, so they should last. They're fairly short too, which should reduce the chance of a tool bit twisting and snapping off. The downside is that they might be a little short for some fiddly operations but we've had no trouble.
The Uniche Stepless Rachet multitool Wrench is a multitool that looks a bit like a CO2 inflator – compact enough to carry for beside-the-road adjustments, with an unusual ratchet giving instant engagement. It houses a good selection of durable bits, providing most of the tools you're likely to need while out on a ride. It's a pleasure to use, although its design means there's no chain tool.
A conventional ratchet has a certain number of engagement points (just like a freehub), and this means you can have a few degrees of rotation before you start to loosen or tighten the fastener you're working on. Here, a miniature clutch mechanism means there are effectively infinite starting positions. Compared with using a fold-out multitool, this makes it much less fiddly to access bottle cage bolts, for example. For any bolt where you've got a very limited space and hence less than 60 degrees of rotation, it's a real benefit.
The Silca T-Ratchet and Ti-Torque kit is a beautifully made, superlight, and multi-functional set of tools, made to the highest quality. The US brand is renowned for making tools of the highest quality, with expertly finished components that are aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing. They're the type of things you might give as a gift, or treat yourself to, and keep in the cleanest part of your workspace, far away from the greasy rags and lubes that perform the grunt work on your drivetrain.
Reviewer Jim says, "In any of the configurations, the kit is an absolute pleasure to use, with rubber rings around the handles to provide grippy elements, and bevelled parts to provide an extra element of texture. The sizes of all the handles feel just right, and the option to set it up in a T or L shape means you're never struggling for grip or accessibility".
The Lezyne RAP II 19 CO2 is, as you can guess from the 'II,' a revamped design, and it covers pretty much all the basics when out for a ride – plus a few others to boot. The RAP II is small enough to be carried on the bike as it packs down relatively short but has a bit of bulk to it for sturdiness. Meanwhile its width gives you enough purchase on the tool to undo tight bolts.
You get 2 to 8mm hex keys plus Torx T10 and T25 for rotor bolts, stem bolts and so on. You also get a Phillips screwdriver bit (although no flat head), a steel chain breaker, 8mm and 10mm spanners, four different spoke wrenches, a valve core tool and quick link holder. Stu particularly liked the inclusion of the CO2 dispenser.
Giant's ToolShed 13 is a comprehensive yet sleek multi-tool that will have you covered for most road and trail-side emergencies. This has a great range of Allen keys: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm. It also has a large (PH2) Phillips head screwdriver, an SL5 slotted screwdriver and a T25 Torx bit. On top of these you get specialist tools including a chain breaker, a valve core remover and a tyre plug tool.
The whole thing tips the scales at only 115g, and its 78 x 48 x 8mm dimensions will hardly take up space in your pocket or saddle bag either.
Pedro's Rx Micro-20 is a cleverly designed, durable multi tool equipped with nearly every essential for roadside repairs and maintenance. With high-quality steel construction for all components except the tyre levers, it combines rugged reliability with excellent functionality.
Tester George says, "Normally I find metal-bodied multi-tools uncomfortable to use, especially on things like pedals, but Pedro's has cleverly got around this. The plastic tyre levers sit either side of the tool, which both makes good use of space and adds comfort".
The Topeak X-Tool+ is a useful and sturdy tool that will cover most jobs with ease, and it's pretty good value too. It's aimed at those who only need to tweak the basics and don't want something too chunky or heavy to carry round.
The design is fairly standard and brings nothing new to the multi-tool table in that regard, but it does have a feel of quality about it thanks to the high grade materials used in the construction: a plastic body and chrome vanadium steel bits. These include the usual Allen key sizes – 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm – a Phillips head screwdriver and a Torx head.
Blackburn's Wayside 19 is a comprehensive multitool with a difference, namely that it packs five proper L-shaped, ball-ended individual Allen keys into a durable body, making usually hard to reach bolts easy to get to. It's durable and packed with features and it quickly became a go-to-multitool.
Given the vast array of tools and functions available on the Wayside, it's hard to envisage a scenario on the road (or trail) – spares permitting – that it couldn't deal with. It includes a chain tool, chain assembly hook, disc brake pad separator, 6mm and 8mm hex keys (the 8mm is hollow), T25 and T30 Torx keys, spoke keys, a Presta valve core tool, flat head screwdriver, serrated knife and further individual hex keys – 2, 2.5, 3, 4 and 5mm – all contained within a 200g unit measuring 86x53x23mm.
A bike multi tool is a portable set of tools that are designed to help cyclists make on-the-go repairs and adjustments during rides. They combine several tools in one, making it easier to carry, and include a range of essential tools needed to fix many bike issues, allowing you to continue your ride without the need to walk home or call for a lift.
Some multi tools offer a few basic tools for essential fixes, while others are more comprehensive, equipped to handle nearly every eventuality you might encounter.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to bike multitools. You either go for one that has the absolute minimum of bits to fix things that are likely to go wrong with your own bike, or you carry as versatile a tool as possible so you can help out others too.
The most commonly used tool for adjusting bolts on your bike such as seat posts and handlebars are hex keys, also known as Allen keys. Look for a full array to ensure you're covered for most eventualities with most multi tools coming with 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm sizes. Additionally, some bikes use Torx screws, so a Torx bit might be useful as well.
Other important features to consider are screwdrivers, a chain tool, a valve core tool, and a tubeless tyre repair kit.
When choosing a multi tool, think about its size and weight. It should fit comfortably in a jersey pocket or saddle bag without adding too much bulk. Opt for tools made from high-quality steel or alloy to ensure durability and resistance to corrosion. Finally, make sure the tools are easy to access and use for quick, hassle-free repairs.
When out on a bike ride, there are a few essential tools everyone should carry to handle common issues and ensure we can complete the ride safely. These tools don’t need to be bulky and can easily fit in your saddlebag or jersey pocket.
A compact multi tool is the first must-have, ideally including a range of hex keys (2-8mm), a chain tool, screwdrivers, and a Torx bit for quick adjustments and minor repairs.
In addition to the multi tool, it's a good idea to carry tyre levers, a spare tube or tubeless repair kit, and a mini pump or CO2 inflator. Many multi tools even include some of these items, making it easier to be prepared without extra bulk.
Emily is our track and road racing specialist, having represented Great Britain at the World and European Track Championships. With a National Title up her sleeve, Emily has just completed her Master’s in Sports Psychology at Loughborough University where she raced for Elite Development Team, Loughborough Lightning.
Emily is our go-to for all things training and when not riding or racing bikes, you can find her online shopping or booking flights…the rest of the office is now considering painting their nails to see if that’s the secret to going fast…
