Adventure cycling - I Love Bicycling

The cycling multi-tool is an essential part of the kit for avid riders. It contains practically everything that you need to ensure that your bike stays in good condition and many riders will keep a good cycling multi-tool forever.

However, not all multi-tools are made equal, so we have come up with a list of a few different ones based on categories we think are important that are all worth your time.

One of the main things to look for is how many different functions the multi-tool has. For some of those shorter rides that you have your cell phone or perhaps during a race you don’t need the 20+ function multi-tool. However, if you are going on an epic back country ride, arm up for bear and grab the biggest multi tool you can!

Racing Multi Tool Review

Topeak The Mini 9-Function Bicycle Tool

Price: $14 – $17

At just 92 grams this Top Peak mini multi tool is great for quick repairs, designed to fix the essentials. Going in a race or going for a quick rip around the block? This 9 function multi tool is for you. Fit this little one in with your flat repair kit and you won’t even notice it is there.

Everyday Riding Multi Tool Reviews

Park Tool I-Beam 3 Mini Tool IB3

Price: $27

Park Tool are perhaps one of the most common brands in the cycling multi-tools industry, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to anybody that one of their tools makes the list. The I-Beam 3 is their mid-range tool, offering everything that you need for basic bike repair, plus a chain breaker and tire lever right on the multitool. It’s lightweight, compact and extremely versatile.

Topeak Hexus II Multi-tool

Price: $19 – $28

This is one of the most popular multi tools in the world and for good reason. The Hexus 2 has 16 different functions including tire levers, chain breaker and spoke wrenches along with the typical allen wrenches, philips head and flat head screwdriver. At 167 grams, this is a great everyday multi tool that takes care of most of the issues out on the road. This is one of the most well-rounded cycling multi-tools making it an excellent choice for novice road cyclists who want to have a tool handy but won’t be needing to make particularly complex repairs.

Back Country Multi Tool Reviews

Topeak Mini 20 Pro Multi-Tool

Price: $40

Featuring twenty different tool options, this multi-tool is a rather remarkable choice due to the extremely compact construction. This makes it ideal for rides where you aren’t going to be taking much equipment. However, bear in mind that this compact design can cause a few issues when it comes to tool access. The perfect tool for endurance racing and training.

Top Peak Alien 2 Multi-Tool

Price: $40 – $50

The Topeak Alien II multi-tool is pretty incredible. It’s an entire tool box that fits comfortably into your hydration pack or jersey pocket. There are 26 tools in all, and short of a cracked frame or complete fork overhaul, you should be able to fix just about anything with the Alien II. The Topeak Alien II combines pressed stainless steel with engineering-grade plastic for lightweight durability. It also splits apart for ease of use. The Alien II comes with a chain tool and a chain hook to assist with chain repairs. It also comes with a 15mm pedal wrench and two tire levers. As for Allen bits, this Alien has them covered from 2 to 10mm, with a T25 Torx also included. 8, 9, and 10mm box-end wrenches, along with 14, and 15-gauge spoke wrenches, and #2 Phillips/flat-head screwdrivers, round out the Alien II’s features. At 260 grams this multi tool has it all.

Stylish Multi Tool Review

Full Windsor The Nutter Cycling Tool

Price: $60

From solid and practical through to beautiful and interesting, this is the multi-tool for the fashion-conscious cyclist who wants to have something a little bit different. This is definitely the sexiest multi tool on the list and only weighs 110 grams. That’s not to say that this doesn’t have a good range of tools with 13 different tools, including a bottle opener, but the fact that it comes complete with a nifty saddle bag makes it a great choice for those who want something a little more stylish.

Brooks Saddles MT21 Tool Kit

Price: $60

You may end up paying a little more for this than the rest of the options on the list, but with the Brooks Multi-Tool you always know that you are going to get high-end quality. It’s heavy, stylish and features a wide range of tools and 21 different functions, making it great for adventure cycling but a little less useful for those who are trying to stay as light as possible. It comes with a knife and a bottle opener, for all your outdoors needs.

Whatever your needs may be this is a list of the best cycling multi-tools on the market! Do you have one of these or is your favourite something else? Let us know.

Not Taking It For A Test Ride

If you were buying a new car, would you just pay the money without even getting a feel for the vehicle before you did? Of course you wouldn’t, and the same should be true of your bike saddle.

You need to look at a new bike saddle as a long term investment. This is something that is going to be with you for the lifetime of your bike, and often beyond, so you need to make sure that it suits all of your requirements. A good saddle will stay with you for many years.

Soft Does Not Mean Comfortable

If you have ever sat in a particularly soft bike saddle it is easy to believe that they will be the ones that will offer the most comfort on a long ride. After all, it simply feels so good to have all of that cushioning underneath you, so how could there possibly be a better choice?

However, it is important to remember that soft does not equate to comfort in the long term. Whenever you ride your bike, your sit bones will always be looking for somewhere solid to rest. That soft saddle that seemed like such a good idea at first may actually lead to you poorly distributing your weight and leaving yourself in discomfort during your ride.

Failing To Consider Your Riding Style

Though there are obviously proper techniques that most cyclists follow, nobody’s cycling style is ever going to be exactly the same. After all, the way you ride is going to change based on the terrain you’re riding on, as well as your personal preferences.

When you are buying your bike saddle you should always make sure to speak to a professional and let them know exactly how you ride and what you use your bike for. In some cases they may be able to point you in the direction of a bike saddle that better suits your personal style and needs.

Not Sizing Properly

Bike saddles come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so you need to ensure that you pick on that suits your particular body type. Sit bone width, in particular, is important to keep in mind as this measurement doesn’t necessarily equate to your pants size.

Make sure you have an idea of the size that you need and speak to a professional if you’re unsure. After all, your bike saddle might be the greatest in the world but if it doesn’t fit your body type it is still going to feel extremely uncomfortable when it comes time to use it.