![]() ![]() That will help you decide which tool is best for you. Think about what you need, how in-depth you’re willing to go with repairs, how bulky of a tool you want to carry, and your budget. The humble bike multi tool is one of the best things any cyclist can own, arming you with everything you need to conduct quick repairs when out on the trail or when touring, as well as being a handy tool for regular bike maintenance. Screwdrivers are another standard feature, as are Torx bits (you’ll often find these bolts holding rotors to hubs). Every tool on our list features a selection of hex wrenches, though not all of them carry the larger 8mm hex necessary to tighten a pedal in a crank arm. That’s why we included multi-tools that offer only the bare minimum as well as those that can make just about any midride repair. We haven’t tested all the tools on our list, but we’ve used enough to know what you need (and don’t need). How We Chose These Multi-Toolsīicycling’s test team has certainly experienced no shortage of roadside and trailside repairs and adjustments-from loose cleat bolts to saddle-height tweaks to flats and more. Another has an integrated CO2 dispenser that works with both presta and Schrader valves. One of our favorites includes a small torque wrench to help prevent overtightening bolts and potentially damaging sensitive parts, like carbon handlebars. Some disassemble and reassemble in ways that offer more leverage or to keep the tool from flexing in use for more precision tightening. Some tools are magnetized to help hold bits in place on the tool itself, or to hold the tool in place on the bike. ![]() Join Bicycling All Access for more gear picks Cool Tech to Look For They are also high quality and comfortable enough to use on a regular basis-as at home on a workbench as they are in a backpack or jersey pocket. These are great set-it-and-forget-it options.īench-worthy tools tend to come in roll-up pouches and include removable handles that allow extra leverage. ![]() Hidden multi-tools attach to or slot into existing openings on your bike, so you don’t need to carry them in a pack, seatbag, or jersey pocket. (You likely could completely assemble or disassemble a bicycle with one if you wanted.) They can be bulky-likely best carried in a backpack or seatbag-but will let you ride worry-free. They are small, lightweight, and simple.Īll-in- one tools contain pretty much everything you need, including tire levers and a chain tool, to fix most any malfunction. You’ll likely need to augment them with a set of tire levers and/or a chain tool to have an all-situations fixer. Super-minima list tools contain the bare essentials-mostly hex wrenches. When putting your kit together, it's all about what you'll find useful out on a ride: some tools will be universal in all kits, but each rider's supplies will be unique and suited to them.Play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play If you're running tubeless tires, make sure your kit caters to that: you can leave the spare tube at home. That means any multitools, wrenches or screwdrivers should fit with the screws and other hardware on your bike. You won't need a separate kit for your road and mountain bikes, respectively, but any on-bike repair kit should be suited to the specific bike you're riding. Should I have separate kits for my road bike and mountain bike? You can keep all of these stashed together in a waterproof container, like a plastic bag, to keep them safe and easily accessible. What should I always have with me when I ride?īefore we get into tools and accessories, it's important to note that you should always have a communication device (for most of us, that's a cell phone), your driver's license or alternate form of identification and your house or car key. A quick Google search will reveal quite a few recommendations on what to carry in your bag and when if you don't know where to start, we're here to help. ![]() If you're an avid rider and you haven't already put together a simple toolkit to carry in your bike bag, we suggest you get one together before your next ride. After all, there's nothing like a flat tire to make you appreciate when your bike is working. If a repair is necessary and you're not prepared, familiarity quickly goes out the window, to be replaced almost instantly by panic, frustration and finally, resignation. This realization may come in the form of a flat tire on the side of a busy highway or loose handlebars after you take a spill on the trail. At some point, you may even forget that the bike you know and love is actually a machine, and machines break down. The wheels turn, the brakes engage, your morning commute continues day in and day out. The Best Mountain Biking Shoes for Every Rider ![]()
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