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review
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.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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The Cube RFR Multitool 19 is an updated version of the popular multi tool from a couple of years ago. It brings the tools necessary for any ride into a compact, but strong package that frees up room in any jersey pocket or saddle bag.
Compared to the previous version, the most obvious change is the separate chain breaker and tyre lever. Rather than being part of the main body of the tool, they neatly slide in to the top, so there is more room for the rest of the components. Combined with this innovative use of space, both the chain breaker and the tyre lever work very effectively.
With the body of the chain breaker and tyre lever combination being hollow, Cube have used the space cleverly by placing a sheet of steel with box wrenches and spoke adjusters cut within it. This is held in place by a magnet, meaning that it is firmly secured. Below this is the ever useful wire, that can be used for practically anything from picking out dirt to making makeshift repairs.
The rest of the tools are:
- Hex 2/3/4/5/6mm
- Torx T25
- Phillips No 1
- Slotted screwdriver
- Box wrenches 8/9/10
I particularly like the way the Hex 6 is placed in the multi tool, as it is inserted on top of the 5 when in use and the head is kept on a magnetic nib in the internal body of the tool. This means that space is left to fit in all of the other heads.
Each of these works well and are clearly well made. At no point did I experience any threading or damage to any of the heads despite use on a wide variety of parts, some is deliberately poor condition.
The tool comes in at £22, which is great value when you compare to other multi tools from companies like Park Tool. My existing multi tool is considerably more expensive, but I would rather have the Cube in my saddle bag.
It saves so much space and I cannot find fault with any of the tools in the unit at all. This is despite me trying to break things, attempting to take out difficult screws and bolts in deliberately difficult situations.
In fact the only thing I could fault about the tool is that because it packs so much in, it can sometimes be difficult to use in tight situations. However, given the benefits of having everything in one unit, this can easily be forgiven.
Overall, this is a high functioning and space saving multi tool. Not only does it save space, but the tools within the unit are of top quality and it will certainly not break the bank at £22. A solid choice for any kind of ride from the daily commute to a tour.
Verdict
Solidly built and brilliantly designed multi tool
road.cc test report
Make and model: Cube RFR Multitool 19
Size tested: Red
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?
According to Cube - "Very compact multi tool with 19 functions. It includes seven allen keys (hex 2/2,5/3/4/5/6/8), a Torx T25, a Phillips screwdriver size 1, a 5mm slotted screwdriver, 3 box wrenches 8/9/10 mm, one tire lever, one chain rivet and 3 spoke nipples 3.2/3.3/3.5mm. With this tool you are ready for every tour."
I would agree with this, each function works well, the multi tool is also very compact and well thought out.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
- Tool with 19 functions
- hex 2/3/4/5/6
- Torx T25
- Phillips 1
- slotted screwdriver
- box wrenches 8/9/10
- tire lever
- 3 spoke nipple keys 3.2/3.3/3.5
- chain rivet
Rate the product for quality of construction:
10/10
Brilliant construction, everything stayed tight, used in every condition and on many bolts and screws.
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Excellent, every aspect worked well. Only slight issue is use in tight places.
Rate the product for durability:
9/10
No problems at all with durability, would survive a nuclear bomb.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
167g makes it not the lightest, but then when you consider that you have everything you need in one package, comes in much lighter than the sum of their parts.
Rate the product for value:
8/10
£22 is good value compared to others of similar quality.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well, no issues with it whatsoever. It is very compact but also sturdy and works very well.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The innovative design, everything has its place and sits there perfectly.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Only slight issue was the width sometimes when turning bolts in tight spaces.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
Awesome multi tool, impressively designed and incredibly compact.
About the tester
Age: 27 Height: 6 ft Weight:
I usually ride: Cannondale Supersix Evo 6 My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed,
George is the host of the road.cc podcast and has been writing for road.cc since 2014. He has reviewed everything from a saddle with a shark fin through to a set of glasses with a HUD and everything in between.
Although, ironically, spending more time writing and talking about cycling than on the bike nowadays, he still manages to do a couple of decent rides every week on his ever changing number of bikes.
Latest Comments
- grOg 3 sec ago
Where does it state in the article that Ashley purchased the stock? it does state that Ashley bought the brand and intellectual property, not the...
- rogerwb 2 hours 40 min ago
Jump off the bike and run across. I cycle in trainers though.
- momove 3 hours 43 min ago
Cheers for the lesson! Wasn't expecting one so was pleasantly surprised, especially getting to find the origin of "laconic"!
- ktache 4 hours 30 min ago
Isn't it a rights issue?
- AidanR 5 hours 20 min ago
Same here - it took me by surprise. 10:30am doesn't feel like a dangerous time to cycle; apparently I'm wrong on that.
- Daddy Feebs 5 hours 33 min ago
If anything, it looks a bit like an SL6
- wtjs 6 hours 9 min ago
Other commenters have different views True!
- Daclu Trelub 6 hours 24 min ago
Incredibly bone-headed.
- Sriracha 8 hours 26 min ago
Lidl have a window poster emblazoned, "Black Friday. Starts Sunday".
Add new comment
13 comments
Mightily impressed with this tool set.
Prior to setting out for our ride last weekend my mate showed me his new Cube RFR Multitool 19. 30 miles from home he had the misfortune of snapping his chain! Obviously I laughed and said he had the opportunity to test his new tool. Not having a clue how to repair his chain he handed me his shiny new gadget, this would be my first attempt at a repair, let alone on the roadside, what I doddle. I will be investing in one for ease of use and the reduced size compared to the one I have hanging below my saddle.
Looks mighty. Like the design and the extra leverage for the chain breaker.
Easy to be 10 miles from assistance anywhere. Rather shorten the chain and stay off the big ring than walk 10 miles.
I'd use the bike as a scooter and ride down the hills personally but thems pro skills
I've actually only ever broken one chain in 50 years cycling, and that was because I'd buggered up riveting it in the first place.
I finally broke a link in one this week on my fixie, luckily was only round the corner from home. Can only imagine it's essential if you're cycling through the Highlands or well off the beaten path.
Good spot, the BBB tool.
I love a gadget but my cycling holiday chain tool + 4 allen keys + phillips screwdriver come in under 100g, so I could never quite justify a multitool.
Although I'm a Cube fan, this is just a copy/licenced version of the BBB Microfold XXL multitool here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/BBB-Micro-FoldXXL-Multi-Tool/dp/B002YNRXBA/ref=s...
which is less than half the price.
Rule #29
Why would you want a rivet extractor on a multi tool? If you have got to that point on a ride, what you need is a mobile phone and the wife in the car!
Why would you want a rivet extractor on a multi tool? If you have got to that point on a ride, what you need is a mobile phone and the wife in the car!
I had a chain snap on me at the weekend whilst pedalling quite hard, resulting in the derailleur promptly removing itself from the the bike... Having a chain tool on me was a lifeline as I was over 30km from home... I simply removed the derailleur and its cable, cut the chain to length converted my bike to single speed to get me home.
This not being the first time that I have managed to break a derailleur hanger whilst away from any support, a chain tool is a life line I think everyone should carry! Although there are far neater, lighter and more attractive solutions available than this one...
> Why would you want a rivet extractor on a multi tool?
Smiley noted, but I had a chain break on my way to work once. I didn't try phoning my wife and asking her to leave her work and drive 15 miles each way to come and rescue me, but I'm pretty sure she wouldn't have been happy.
For a weekend just for fun ride, sure, take less stuff if you want. I'd rather go for a ride with my wife than rely on her being at home to come and rescue me.