The 12 Best Bike Multi-Tools

The daily commute. Gnarly mountain bike trails. Leisurely road riding during a laidback weekend. Whether you ride for work, pleasure or both, a trusty bike multi-tool is a welcome cycling companion, ready to get you out of a tight jam or help you make minor adjustments to get the most out of your ride. As such, choosing a bike tool is not something that should be rushed – after all, it could be the only thing standing between you and your bike swapping places, with a long and tiring trek home hauling your busted two-wheeler. The following factors should definitely be on your radar when considering which tool to pick:

Portability and Weight

Ideally a bike multi-tool should be easily portable and lightweight. You may want one that’s small and unobtrusive enough to fit in a pocket. Alternatively you may decide on a slightly larger and heavier tool if you have a bag to store it in.

Quality, Durability and Strength

Obviously you want a multi-tool that is strong and hard-wearing. Sometimes you’ll be doing easy repairs or adjustments, but other times you may need to get fairly physical with it, and it needs to be able to withstand frequent and at times demanding use.

Functional Design

A multi-tool should be functional, comfortable and straightforward to use. Your priorities and personal preferences will play a role here though. You may find yourself sacrificing a bit of functionality for other benefits, such as smaller tools that aren’t as easy to use as larger ones but offer a weight-saving benefit.

Versatility

This is partly a matter of personal preference, and partly a matter of necessity. Oftentimes you might just need one or two tools, but occasionally you may require more functions out of your multi-tool. You might decide on a tool that provides the bare minimum to fix likely problem areas, or alternatively an all-rounder that can fix most problems that could occur while you’re out and about on your bike. You could opt for one or the other, or carry two multi-tools (a basic one that fits in your pocket for easy access and a more complex one that can be stashed in a bag or brought out for specific trips). Regardless of which option you go for, your multi-tool should meet your specific requirements, with all the tools you find yourself needing fairly frequently. If a lot of the functions on your current multi-tool aren’t being used, it might be time to swap it out for another one that’s better suited to your needs.

Cost

Perhaps you want an inexpensive tool that covers the basics and won’t be too much of an issue if you accidentally lose it. On the other hand, you may have a generous budget and are happy to splash out for a full-featured, top-of-the-range multi-tool.

So now the gears are turning in the decision-making process, but how about a helping hand with some inspiration? We’ve wheeled in a selection of some of the best bike multi-tools that cater to a range of budgets, functions and portability needs. Check them out below…

Park Tool MT-1 Multi-Tool (US$ 6.93)

Simplicity is the name of the game with the MT-1, which offers nine functions in a convenient and hassle-free design. Plus, the price is sure to appeal to users who are looking for a good-quality basic multi-tool that won’t break the bank.

Great for: a multi-tool that’s easy to use and comes in at a budget-friendly price…

Park Tool AWS-10 Fold-Up Hex Wrench Set (US$ 8.67)

This fold-up hex wrench set is easy to store when not in use, features seven hex wrenches with chamfered tips, and has a multi-position and slip-resistant handle. The hex wrenches come in 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm sizes.

Great for: a simple, straightforward and durable multi-tool that’s easy to stash in a pocket or bag for ready access…

Axiom Tweak 8 Multi-Tool (£9.99; ~ US$ 14.50)

With dimensions of 28 x 13.5 x 30mm and a weight of just 44 grams, the Axiom Tweak 8 is a great choice if you’re after a tool that’s easily portable and unobtrusive. The chrome vanadium tool steel bits fold over each other for compact storage and include Allen keys, screwdrivers and a Torx wrench.

Great for: a multi-tool that you can attach to your keyring or slip in a pocket, ready when you need it and out of the way when you don’t.

Revolution Tune-Up Multi 15 Multi-Tool (£13.99, ~US$ 20)

Fancy fifteen tools in a pocket-friendly form? The Revolution Tune Up Multi 15 delivers, with tools including Allen keys, spoke wrenches, a chain tool, flat and Phillips-head screwdrivers, and a T25 Torx wrench. The tools are made from hardened steel and the side plates are anodized aluminum.

Great for: an inexpensive multi-tool with plenty of functions and a compact form that won’t weigh you down…

Pedro’s ICM (US$ 22.63)

Though this multi-tool comes in a little weightier than others (235 grams), it makes up for this with a choice of 17 tools including Allen keys, spoke wrenches, a chain tool, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, a bottle opener, a T25 Torx wrench and two tire levers. Add in Pedro’s lifetime warranty and you’re good to go, whether it’s the road or the trail.

Great for: a variety of tools including a chain tool and two tire levers, backed by a lifetime warranty…

Cube RFR Multi Tool 16 (£17.99, ~US$ 26)

With 16 functions and a weight of only 105 grams, this is a handy tool to have in emergencies and day-to-day use alike. It’s compact enough to slip into a pocket if needed, and includes Allen keys, a chain tool, screwdrivers and spoke keys amongst its tool offerings.

Great for: a compact form that provides a range of tools and isn’t heavy on your wallet or pocket.

Topeak Mini 20 Pro Multi-Tool (from US$ 26.69)

Small, attractive in looks and packing plenty of functionality, the Topeak Mini 20 Pro provides a host of hardened steel tools within a forged aluminum frame. Take care of emergencies and the odd tweak here and there with Allen keys, a tire lever, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, a T25 Torx wrench, spoke wrenches, a chain tool and a bottle opener (for thirst emergencies, of course).

Great for: lots of tools in a small and durable package that weighs just 150 grams…

Bontrager Rollbar 12 Multi-Tool (£19.99, ~ US$ 28.80)

A versatile range of tools and a durable construction make this a handy tool to have nearby for those quick fixes and small tweaks. The Rollbar 12 features an aluminum frame and stainless steel tools including Allen keys, a T25 Torx bit, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, a tire lever and even a bottle opener for popping open that hard-earned brew after a tiring ride.

Great for: a tool with long-lasting construction and versatile functions that cover most day-to-day bike needs…

Lezyne CRV 12 Multi-Tool (US$ 29.99)

This durable and functional multi-tool features forged aluminum side plates with CNC-machined chrome vanadium bits and provides a choice of useful tools such as Allen keys, Phillips-head and T25 Torx bits, a stainless steel chain breaker and spoke keys.

Great for: a strong and versatile tool that still remains lightweight at 115 grams…

Topeak Ratchet Rocket Tool (£23.99; ~US$ 35)

The ratchet mechanism with its reverse lever and thumb wheel enables fast rotation and good control when using this tool in tight spots. In addition, a total of 11 tools has you covered for a lot of on-the-spot fixes.

Great for: plenty of handy tools including a chain tool, chain hook, Allen keys, a T25 Torx bit and tire levers, with a convenient ratchet mechanism for awkward spaces.

Topeak ALiEN™ II (US$ 35.27)

The ALiEN™ II features a nifty design that allows it to be separated into two pieces for enhanced versatility. In total there are 26 tools on offer, ranging from Allen keys, spoke wrenches and tire levers, to a chain tool, chain hook, knife and screwdrivers to name a few.

Great for: a highly functional and thoughtfully-designed tool that covers most repair and adjustment situations…

Specialized EMT Pro MTB Tool (US$ 45)

The Specialized EMT Pro has a range of tools including Allen keys, a disc pad separator, chain breaker and more, with hollowed-out Allen key cores to reduce weight. The multi-tool features a combination of forged aluminum side plates and chrome-plated steel bits for durability and rust resistance.

Great for: having a range of durable tools on hand while keeping weight to a minimum…