The bike multitool can be your most important helper on the trail! What do you do if the chain tears during a strong start or you have a flat tire in the middle of the forest? With a multi-function tool, you’ll get your bike back on the road quickly and won’t have to push it home. With this bike multitool test you can get an overview of the most popular on the market:
✅ Which multitools have proven themselves to mein practical use over the years and are the most popular on the market?
Which functions and tools do you absolutely need in a bike multitool and what can you do without?
✅ what alternative tools and useful additions to the bike multifunction tool are there?
Meanwhile there is an almost unmanageable amount of multitools. Many manufacturers also offer several multitools – the choice is huge. With a bike multitool you can carry out the most important repairs on the road and do not have to run home in case of a breakdown. A bicycle can even be almost completely disassembled and reassembled with the multifunction tool.
You’re in a hurry? Probably the best bike multitool – Crankbrothers M19
Dimensions: 9 x 4.7 x 2 cm
Number of functions: 19
Special features: Metal case for storage
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-25, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
What tools must a multitool have?
There are some important tools that should not be missing in a good bike multifunction tool.
- Inbus wrench (Allen key): The most important tool on a bike tool. Allen wrenches are needed in several places for repairs on a modern bicycle. Each multifunction tool has several Allen keys for the various Allen screws on the bike. The sizes 2 mm to 8 mm are the most important and every bicycle multifunction tool has them.
- Torx wrench: Torx screws are becoming more and more common on modern bikes: Torx screws are used especially on SRAM components and on Magura write brakes. Without a Torx 25 wrench on the bike minitool you can’t service these parts properly. Therefore, a T25 wrench for a bicycle multitool is also mandatory. The good news is that each of the test candidates has this important tool installed. Less frequently, the smaller sizes T20 and T10 may also be used for attachments.
- Screwdrivers: Classic slotted and Phillips screws are also still used on the bike: Especially for adjustments to the chassis screwdrivers are needed. If the chain keeps jumping off, you can quickly remedy the situation with a well-equipped multitool. SRAM also uses Allen keys here, but slotted and cross-slotted are still found here on most wheels. Therefore, these two tools are mandatory.
- Chain riveter: The chain breaks and you’re standing in the middle of the forest! What now? With a good chain riveter, the damaged chain link can be quickly removed and replaced with a new chain link or chain lock. The chain is repaired in no time and the tour can continue. This must be observed: The chain rivet must fit the bicycle chain (number of gears). You will also need a chain rivet pin and a chain link or simply a chain lock (Masterlink) as spare parts.
The screws described above are installed on almost every bicycle. Therefore, when buying a bicycle multitool, pay special attention to the tools described. Because the tools are so important, I have placed particular emphasis on these tools in the bike multitool test.
In the guide at the end of the test you will learn more about other tools in a minitool. With the practical comparison table you can easily check which bicycle multifunction tool has the important tools and which does not.
The TOP 5 bike multitools for bike travel and bikepacking
Crankbrothers M19 – Bike multitool test winner.
Dimensions: 9 x 4.7 x 2 cm
Number of functions: 19
Chain rivet: compatible with 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 gears
Allen key (hexagon socket wrench): 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
Open-end wrench (spanner): 8mm, 10mm
Phillips screwdriver: #1, #2
Slotted screwdriver (Philips): flat #2
Spoke tensioner: #0, 1, 2, 3
Torx: T-10, T-25
Special features: Metal case for storage
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-25, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
The Crankbrothers M 19 offers thanks to its corrugated aluminum material particularly much grip when working. With a total length of 8.5 cm, you can also grip it perfectly. The equipment is sensibly chosen and you can thereby perform almost all necessary repairs on the bike. The tools have exactly the right length, whereby screws e.g. on the stem, can reach well. Work can be carried out comfortably, thanks to convenient leverage. Even tasks that require a lot of force, such as removing and screwing on pedals, the Crankbrothers M 19 masters. Other multitools fail here and break off miserably – I was unfortunately allowed to experience this with another multitool. Fortunately, I can attest the Crankbrothers M 19 excellent robustness and durability. I’ve been using it for about 2 1/2 years and have used it to disassemble and reassemble my bike several times. A chain riveter and many spoke wrenches for tightening the spokes are also included.
If there is one shortcoming of the Crankbrothers M 19, it is the chain rivet. It has a rather short handle and you can only unscrew a chain pin with a lot of force. Officially it is not designed for 11-speed chains. From multiple practical experience I can say: The M 19 can change both 10-speed and 11-speed chains quite excellent. As I said: You need power but the multitool does the job with high precision. Chain pins can be easily screwed out and also back in. That’s complaining on a high level, because otherwise the Crankbrothers M 19 convinces all along the line: It is a robust multitool with great leverage and as a bonus it comes in a chic aluminum box.
The Crankbrothers Multi-19 convinces with a sensible selection of tools. For repairs on the road, it’s been my multitool of choice for about 2 1/2 years and I’ve used it to disassemble and reassemble my bike several times.
Crankbrothers M19 bei Amazon kaufen*
To the detailed Crankbrothers M19 field test (test & experiences)
Manufacturer page: www.crankbrothers.com
Good
✅ sensible tool selection: The important tools for almost all bicycle wrenching are in the arsenal. TOP!
✅ Stable workmanship: Also suitable for heavy assembly work with high effort, e.g. loosening and screwing on pedals.
✅ Good grip: Rounded multitool body. Therefore good, comfortable hold during assembly
✅ Metal case included for storage. In it the possibly dirty multitool can be transported practically
Bad
❌ chain riveter: Requires quite a bit of force to open and close chain (but works fine).
Conclusion
The Crankbrothers M19 is one of the best bike multitools: The multitool is well thought out from front to back. The useful tool selection of the Crankbrothers M19 mini tool convinces. The reliability of the Crankbrothers Multitool has proven several times with me: Whether fine screwdriving or feat of strength when loosening pedals. The Crankrothers M19 is resilient and you can expect a lot from it. The weak point is the chain riveter: Due to the rather short lever you need a lot of force here but the chain riveter performs its work cleanly.
For me, even after years of use, the M19 is the multitool of my choice.
Lezyne Blox 23
- Lezyne Multifunktionswerkzeug Blox-23 - Material: Chrom-Vanadium-Stahl (CRV) - Seitenplatten aus Aluminium - Kettennieter: (9/-10/-11-fach) - Inbus: 2/-2,5/-3/-4/-5/-6/-8 - Torx: T25/T30 - Schraubendreher: Kreuz / Schlitz - Speichenschlüssel:
- Mavic 3,22/-3,45 - Reifenheber mit 10mm - Flaschenöffner mit 8mm - Länge: 9,0cm - Gewicht: 230g - Farbe: polish-glänzend
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-25, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
Weight: 230 grams
Dimensions: 55 × 90 × 22 mm
Number of functions: 23
Special features: Tire levers, wrench 8 & 10 mm, brake pad opener, bottle opener, neoprene puller
manufacturer page: ride.lezyne.com
The Lezyne Blox 23 multitool is the direct runner-up in the bike multitool test: With its considerable size and pleasantly rounded edges, it is easy to use. When working, one has the feeling of working with a full-grown tool rather than with a small bicycle minitool.
The tools are particularly long and the leverage effect can therefore develop optimally. With the long tools, you can also work comfortably in places that are actually difficult to access, such as the front and rear disc brakes.
With 23 tools, the Lezyne Blox 23 mini tool is richly equipped: high-quality Allen keys in the important sizes 2 to 8 mm, Torx T25 and T35, Phillips and slotted screwdrivers, chain riveters and nipple tensioners in various sizes. With this arsenal, the most important bicycle screw jobs can be carried out. In addition, there are several open-end wrenches, a brake pad opener, a sturdy but short tire lever and a bottle opener for the after-work beer after the tour.
The biggest advantage of the Lezyne Blox 23 bike multitool is also a disadvantage: The bike multitool is the biggest and heaviest in the bike multitool test. This makes it feel secure in the hand. Thanks to the long lever and rounded edges, it offers the best handling in the test. As a result, it is unfortunately also a real hummer with 230 grams. The Lezyne Blox 23 should therefore be stowed in a frame bag rather than in the jersey pocket.
To the detailed Lezyne Blox 23 bike multitool test (practical test & experiences)
Good
✅ Best handling: By the size one meant, one has to do it with a full-fledged professional tool, instead of a bicycle multitool. Very pleasant.
✅ outstanding quality: the Blox 23 is excellently processed and in this category the best tool in the bike multitool test
✅ Tools fully equipped: The 23 functions are easily enough to perform the most important bicycle screw jobs on the trail. There are also useful extras on board
✅ extra long tools: this makes even tricky places easier to access
Bad
❌ High weight and size: Thus no multitool for the jersey pocket.
Conclusion
The Lezyne Blox 23 is comfortable to work with. It’s a top multitool and the handling is very reminiscent of a full-fledged professional tool rather than a small minitool. Equipment includes all important bicycle tools and also some extras. The tools are extra long: This makes it easy to work in places that are actually difficult to access. In addition, the Blox 23 shines with an enormous lever and the best workmanship in the bike multitool test. Only the weight of 230 grams can be a point of criticism. This makes the Blox 23 more of a bicycle multi-function tool for the frame or saddle bag and is more conspicuous in the jersey pocket.
SKS TOM 18 bike mini tool
- 18-in-1 Werkzeug: Das durchdachte, kompakte Minitool TOM 18 vereint die wichtigsten Werkzeug-Funktionen, so dass unterwegs kurzerhand kleinere Reparaturen am Fahrrad durchgeführt werden können
- Mit den 18 integrierten Funktionen wie Inbusschlüssel, Schraubendreher, Torx-Schlüssel, Reifenheber, Speichenschlüssel und Kapselheber/Bremsbelagöffner sowie ein Fach für den Kettenniet lassen sich viele Pannen am Fahrrad schnell beheben
- Hochwertige Materialien: Das Multifunktionswerkzeug aus hochwertigem, rostfreiem Chrom-Vanadium-Werkzeugstahl kann in der mitgelieferten Neopren-Tasche praktisch verstaut werden
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
Weight: 184 grams
Dimensions: 15 x 8 x 8 cm
No. of functions: 18
Special features: 2 x tire levers, brake pad opener, bottle opener, chain rivet compartment for chain pin, neoprene sleeve
Manufacturer page: www.sks-germany.com
The SKS TOM 18 is the price tip! The overall package of equipment, workmanship and price is right here. The dimensions are compact and the multitool weighs a light 184 grams. The SKS TOM 18 multitool fits well in the hand and the 18 functions are well thought out:
All important Allen keys are part of the equipment, with Torx T25 as well as Phillips and Phillips screwdrivers the important tools are offered. Tyre lever, chain rivet, 2 spoke wrenches Brake pad opener and bottle opener
The edges are rounded and the workmanship is of high quality all around. The SKS TOM 18 mini tool can also be used for high-force screwdriving. As with all bicycle multitools, the tire lever is more suitable for emergencies and the plastic compartment with the orange signal color could have saved SKS: It takes up a lot of space and only serves as a compartment for a Shimano chain replacement pin.
For the price, the performance offered is right and the SKS TOM 18 is recommended.
To the detailed SKS TOM 18 field test (test & experiences)
Good
✅ Functional range large, price small: The SKS Tom 18 bike multi-function tool is the price-performance winner in the bike multitool test. All important tools are offered and the price remains pleasantly small.
✅ solid Processing: The minitool is robust and even heavy work, for example, on the bike pedals can be performed.
✅ Good handling: Thanks to the rounded edges, you can apply a lot of force and the multitool still always lies comfortably in your hand.
✅ Super chain riveter: A weak point with other tools is very well done with the SKS TOM 18 mini tool. The chain riveter is longer than most other tools and that makes a big difference in handling. Chain pins are comfortable to twist out and back in.
Bad
❌ weak tire lever: serves at best as a makeshift but will quickly break off. Better to take a set of Pedros tire levers (pair)* and play it safe.
❌ orange plastic compartment serves only to store a chain pin and consumes a lot of space: The compartment could have been saved to make the multitool even more compact
Conclusion
Price-performance winner! The SKS TOM 18 multitool rightly secures this title: The price is small and the functions are big. Thus, all important bicycle screwdriving can be carried out with this multitool. The workmanship is solid and thanks to rounded edges, the multitool fits comfortably in the hand. The SKS TOM 18 is also perfectly suitable for high-force screwdriving: The multitool does not warp and withstands even large forces: An all-round successful tool!
Topeak Lobster 2 Bike Tool
- Innensechskant-Schlüssel: 2 / 2,5 / 3 / 4 (2x) / 5 / 6 / 8mm/, Speichenschlüssel: 14G (3,4 mm), 15G (3,2 mm)/ Schraubendreher: #2 Phillips, Flachkopf
- Material: Chrom-Vanadium-Stahl (Werkzeuge), Fiberglas-Composite (Reifenheber & Körper), CrMo-Stahl (Kettennieter), Edelstahldraht (Kettenfixierhaken)
- Größe: 9,5 x 4,4 x 2,6 cm, Gewicht: 167 g
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-25, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
Weight: 167 grams
Dimensions: 9.5 x 4.4 x 2.6 cm
No. of functions: 18
Special features: Tire levers, chain holder.
Manufacturer page: www.topeak.com
The Topeak Hummer 2 is the lightest bike tool in the bike multitool test. The functions are reduced and seem well thought out: All important tools for MTB and road bike are available.
The integrated tools do their job very well: The tools are of high quality and therefore even delicate screws can be tightened without cutting.
The chain riveter is often a weak point with other bike multitools. This is where the Topeak Hummer 2 bike multi-function tool shines: One of the tire levers is used as a lever. This makes it particularly easy to push out the chain pin. Otherwise, the tire levers are rather fragile and break easily when changing tires. I recommend taking the Pedros tire lever set* separately instead.
Overall, these are sturdy and offer great leverage. This means that even work requiring a great deal of force can be carried out with good handling. The selection of tools is reasonable and thus there is a clear recommendation for the Topeak Multitool. The Topeak Hummer 2 mini tool is especially suitable for weight-conscious cyclists.
To the detailed Topeak Hummer 2 field test (test & experiences)
Good
✅ Excellent chain riveter: The highlight on the Topeak Hummer 2 Bike Tool! One of the best chain riveter I have tested so far in a bicycle multitool. Bicycle chains are particularly easy to open and close again. In addition, the chain riveter is compatible with 1 to 12 gears.
✅ Good workmanship and robust: Thanks to robust quality, even screwdriving with high force can be carried out e.g.
✅ Lightweight: With only 168 grams one of the lightest bike multitools. Thus particularly well suited for weight-conscious road cyclists and mountain bikers
Bad
❌ Fragile tire levers that will break off quickly under load. Rather take a Pair of Pedros tire levers* with
Conclusion
One of the best compact multitools for road and mountain bike riders is the Topeak Hummer 2. The multitool offers all the important tools that a good multitool should offer and is pleasantly inexpensive. The design is not particularly spectacular, but the robustness is particularly convincing: Even feats of strength such as loosening and screwing on bicycle pedals can be carried out with the Topeak Hummer 2. The chain riveter, a weak point of many other mini tools, convinces all along the line: Thanks to the extra large lever, bicycle chains can be loosened and closed again very easily. Bravo 🙂
Park Tool IB-3 I-Beam Bike Mini Tool
- 1.5,2,3,4,5,6 und 8 mm Innensechskantschlüssel
- T25 Innensechsrundschlüssel
- Schlitzschraubendreher
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-25, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
Weight: 168 grams
Dimensions: 8.9 x 4.1 x 2.5 cm
Number of functions: 13
Special features: Tire levers
Manufacturer page: www.parktool.com
The IB-3 Bicycle Minitool has an interesting look and the blue aluminum body immediately catches the eye. With 13 functions, the Bike Tool is rather meagerly equipped. In comparison, the weight of 168 grams seems high. Positive is the excellent workmanship and especially the handling. Therefore, it is worth taking a look at the bike multitool from Park Tool:
The tools are attached to the blue aluminium body on the side. A large tire lever is also attached underneath the multitool. With this one you can do medium heavy work. As with all other multitools, I always recommend using the nearly indestructible Pedro's tire levers* as tire levers. Conveniently, two spoke wrenches are integrated into the tire lever and it is used as a lever for the chain riveter. The principle works particularly well: The tire lever is firmly attached to the chain rivet and the large lever allows the chain rivet to be easily pushed out of the chain link. Otherwise, basic equipment is offered: The most important tools are on board (Allen 2mm to 8mm, Torx T25 and slotted screwdriver) – but nothing more.
Overall, you can work precisely with the Park Tool IB-3 I-Beam and thanks to the long lever, the screwing is also comfortable. Before buying, you should check here whether the tools offered are sufficient for your own bike.
To the detailed Park Tool IB-3 field test (test & experiences)
Good
✅ Super chain riveter: The chain riveter is the highlight of the Park Tool IB-3 multitool. The attached tire lever is used as a lever. The large lever makes it particularly easy to unscrew and reconnect chain links.
✅ Excellent workmanship and robustness: Above reproach
Bad
❌ With 13 functions meager equipment: Check before buying whether the important functions for you are available
❌ Tools lie outside the multitool body and can pinch your hand as you work.
Conclusion
The Park Tool IB-3 is a high-quality processed bicycle minitool with an outstandingly good chain riveter. The build quality is beyond reproach and the case shape is interesting, but it also comes with some drawbacks: The external screws can easily pinch the hand and the weight of 168 grams is quite high compared to the 13 features offered. On the plus side is the excellent workmanship, as well as robustness and a very good chain riveter. Before buying, it should be checked whether the tool selection is sufficient for your own needs.
Guide: What should I look for when buying a bicycle multitool?
Other tools in the multitool
- Mouth and ring spanners: Mouth and ring spanners can also be found on the bike. Even if quite rarely and usually you have to loosen these screws also only in individual cases. It’s best to check before buying a bike tool whether you need to rely on open-ended and box spanners.
- Spoke wrench: The wheel is yawing? A spoke wrench can be used to tighten loose spokes and thus re-center the wheel. If you have spare spokes and the appropriate nipples with you, then cracked spokes can also be replaced. You should think about appropriate spare parts especially on a long bike trip. Readjusting the spokes is precision work and should be practiced in advance. There are also numerous different memory sizes. Good multitools are compatible with a wide range of sizes.
- Valve key: Tyre valves can become loose after inflation. Then the air in the tire escapes immediately! A valve wrench on the Bike Tool can be used to tighten a loose valve.
- Tyre lifter: The bicycle tyre is flat – now what? A tire lever can be used to remove the bicycle tire and patch the tube or replace it with a spare tube. Cheap tire levers break quickly and then you’re screwed. Metal tire levers, on the other hand, are heavy and can scratch the rim. Unfortunately, I have not yet come across a bicycle minitool with reliable tire lever. My recommendation in terms of quality and stability are to carry the Tyre levers from Pedros (pair)* as an extra tool.
Comparison table – Bicycle multitool
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-25, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
This is how it was tested
If you are looking for a suitable bicycle multifunctional tool, then the overview is quickly lost in a sea of products. Almost every well-known manufacturer has its own multitool on offer. Many manufacturers offer several minitools under their brand and there are now a wide variety of bicycle standards. So how do you keep track?
For this reason I have written this bike multitool test 🙂 so that you can keep track and find the right multitool for you. This is how I proceeded with the test:
Over the years I have tested several multitools. I have had good experiences with some minitools and bad with others. Certain tools have also proven themselves over the years quite particularly: I have partly taken my bike almost completely apart and screwed it back together again.
I also checked out what selection of bicycle multitools are currently on the market. I first got an overview here: Which tools are currently particularly popular and what do other bikers say about these tools? I then had an extensive product list. I gathered information from trusted online platforms, for example, and also scoured Amazon for top-rated multitools. With these steps, I was able to narrow down the test field to the top 5.
So the test lineup was set! In the bike multitool test, I compared the minitools in detail, I carefully considered advantages and disadvantages and conducted numerous practical tests.
In this bike multitool test I have documented the results for you
Conclusion – Best bike multitool
You have read through the bicycle multitool test to the end? Very good 🙂 then hopefully you are now an expert when it comes to handy multi-function tools. You’ve now made sense of the flood of minitools.
With a few exceptions, all the minitools tested here come with the basic tools. With this you will get your bike fit again in almost all cases. So much for the good news. Some of the multitools differ significantly in terms of robustness (reliability) and handling. Some have slightly sharper edges and most are quite excellent in the hand. This allows you to apply a lot of force and still not have a sore hand after the work is done. Also, there are often differences in the chain riveter: This is often the weak point of a tool. However, even with a comparatively impractical chain riveter, most chains can be changed. In this case, you need a little more power.
The best all-rounder in the bike multitool test is the Crankbrothers M19: The Multi 19 does almost everything right, it has many strengths and very few weaknesses. As I mentioned before, I’ve been using it for years and it’s my multitool of choice.
Road cyclists can take a close look at the Topeak Hummer 2: The practical multitool is particularly lightweight and is also equipped with all important tools. The road bike multitool is well equipped all around and only the tire levers seem a bit fragile. Take a pair of Pedros tyre levers* with you as a backup just to be safe – they’re almost indestructible.
