A Friggin’ Big List of Bike Multitools

Axiom Kitch

When you’re going for a ride, regardless of whether it is near or far, it is always a good idea to carry tools for when you need to fix your bike. Normally, that means some tire levers, an inner tube and some air and you’re set. But what about some of those other, more technical problems? For your quick fix, a multitool comes in real handy.

Your typical multitool comes with a set of allen keys, screwdrivers, spoke wrenches, possibly a chain tool, spanners and a tire lever.

Now, everyone else does the 10 best tools and whatnot. So what I want to do is go a little different and look at the different brands that make tools. If it looks good, is functional and unusual, I’m putting it on the list.

And hell, there are some real good looking tools.

Word to the wise: if you go on a ride on a rainy day or run through some puddles, do not forget to take everything out of your bike bag and dry it out. I’ve left my multitool in my bike bag, completely forgetting about it, and found it completely rusted the next time I wanted to use it.

So here is a list in alphabetical order of companies that make tools (among other things) that I think are worth checking out.

Avenir – When I do the research for one of these posts, it’s amazing to see the sheer variety of products out there on the market. If you can’t find it, it’s because you ain’t looking. The multitools from Avenir come in a no-nonsense sort of variety of “just allen wrench/screwdriver” combos to a more complete 11-tool set. The chain tool on the Woodsie Mini doesn’t say for what size chain it is but looking at all the other companies, it’s probably in the ballpark of 8/9/10 speed chains. What I liked about these tools is the throw back detail of the Woodsie in the wood-finished sides.

Avenir Road Micro Tool-8

Avenir Road Micro Tool-8

Avenir Woodsie Mini Tool-11

Avenir Woodsie Mini Tool-11

Axiom – Sometimes, you only have to look pretty to impress me. Axiom is normally more known for their bike bags and cases but these are tools I had to throw in too. A triangle-shaped keychain with a flathead and allen keys? I am so game! The low profile look of their more complete tools, coupled with the Axiom color palette make for a really interesting addition to your bike bag. The other interesting thing is that the chain tool is built to break 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 speed chains, great news for all you riding 11-speed cassettes.

Axiom Kitch

Axiom Kitch

Axiom Tuck 16

Axiom Tuck 16

Crank Brothers – Crank Brothers offers a series of multitools and even knuckle-protecting spatulas for your tires. Following in the Crank Bros design tradition, you’ve got a matte finish, similar to their Eggbeater pedals. Stainless steel tools with an aluminum frame, the higher end Pica+ tool has a chain breaker for 8, 9 and 10 speed chains, along with hex, spoke and socket wrenches, screwdrivers and different Torx heads. The premium tools have a five-year warranty while the regular multitools are lifetime.    

Crank Brothers Multi 19

Crank Brothers Multi 19

Crank Brothers Pica Plus

Crank Brothers Pica Plus

Gerber Gear – Do not let the name fool you. This is a company that makes survival tools (the British survival expert, Bear Grylls, has his own line with this company) so among the tactical, hunting and camping pocket tools, you can also find some interesting things. The GDC Hex Zip is a zipper toggle that has allen keys in it. The only problem is that the sizes range from 2.5 to 6 mm so if you need an 8, you are assed out. Now, technically speaking, this is company that does not make a TON of bike tools but it does make some pretty cool things for that weekend warrior, survival nut in you. Just in case you have some extra coin to drop.

Gerber Gear GDC Zip Hex

Gerber Gear GDC Zip Hex

Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier

Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier

IceToolz – IceToolz is a company that makes bike-specific tools and may not be as well known as Park Tools but it’s got a steady presence. They’ve got several multitools for the biker, with the most complete having a chain tool for 7, 8, 9 and 10 speed Shimano chains, allen keys, Torx heads, a spoke tool, screwdrivers and tire levers which attach to the side of the tool itself. These are practical tools for practical bikers.

IceToolz Reserve 16

IceToolz Reserve 16

Knog – From a company that calls its bike repair stickers “porno patches,” you know that they’ve got to have a good sense of themselves. Primarily into bike lights, their tools ain’t too shabby either. They are sleek and open like cigarette cases. The 20 Tool (the highest in their range) has screwdrivers, allen keys, a Torx driver, bolt wrenches, spoke wrenches, a chain tool and a bottle opener. Their 12 Tool is magnetized so that you can stack them.

Knog 20 Tool

Knog 20 Tool

Knog Porno Patch Tire Repair Kit

Knog Porno Patch Tire Repair Kit

Leatherman – Now this is the most minimalist option on the list but it’s got a lot of charm. They’ve got really only one bike tool and two useful pocket tools (one of which is bottle opener). Technically, they are TSA approved but since this depends on every individual officer, decide accordingly. With the Mako Ti (the bike tool), you’ve got five box wrenches, two spoke wrenches, one hex bit and a bottle opener. Granted, your wide array of allen keys are missing but maybe you can wash away your sorrows with a bottled drink of your choice, opened by your bottle opener (aptly called the Brewzer).

Leatherman Mako Ti

Leatherman Mako Ti

Leatherman Mako Ti Box Wrench

Leatherman Mako Ti Box Wrench

Lezyne – This is a company that seriously has a large array of multitools alone. They’ve got a carbon one, as well as several others that hold any number of different tools. The variety is a little staggering. They are made with a combination of carbon, aluminum, stainless steel and titanium. The chain tool on their Carbon Tool can accommodate 9, 10 and 11 speed chains. There is also the RAP LED Tool which comes with a twist light for your hard-to-see spots.

Lezyne Carbon Multitool

Lezyne Carbon Multitool

Lezyne Rap Led Tool

Lezyne Rap Led Tool

Nashbar – Nashbar is a company that sells all sorts of bike-related products as well as their own line of tools. They are very competitively priced, which is absolutely fantastic, as well as great quality pieces. They’ve also done a small range of multitools, as well as a finished wood option. The Multi 11 Tool has seven allen wrenches, three screwdrivers and a chain tool. If you don’t really mind the bit of extra weight, this is a fantastic option.

Nashbar Multi 11 Bike Tool

Nashbar Multi 11 Bike Tool

Park Tools – Everyone who is a biker and regularly gets their ride serviced knows about Park Tools. This is the go-to company for all your tool needs (albeit a little on the costly side). And true to its dedication to the bike tool, the multitools are much more complete and geared towards serious bikers who know the mechanical ins and outs of their bikes. The Premium Rescue Tool is “coming soon,” according to the website, and it is pretty badass. There isn’t one part of the tool that can’t be used as a tool, from the body of the tool (which doubles as protection and as tire levers) to the rotor truing tool and a Presta valve extension. So while we wait for that to come out, the distinctive trademark blue of the logo shows up in the other tools as well, making for a variety that is associated with the company. The chain tools accommodate 7, 8, 9 and 10 speed chains.

Park Tool I Beam Mini Fold Up

Park Tool I Beam Mini Fold Up

Park Tool Premium Rescue Tool

Park Tool Premium Rescue Tool

Pedro’s – This is another tool company that has made a great name for itself. Their higher tier multitool, the ICM, has 17 individual tools, as well as tire levers for your convenience. The tool that had me blown away though was the Tülio (with an umlaut over the “u”), a quick-release skewer tool. There are eight tools in this contraption, including four allen keys, a flathead screwdriver, a 1-11 chain tool and two spoke wrenches, all weighing at 100 grams. Can we say "impressive?"

Pedros ICM Multitool

Pedros ICM Multitool

Pedros Tulio Skewer Multitool

Pedros Tulio Skewer Multitool 

Sci’Con – Known primarily as a bike bag company, Sci’Con also has bike multitools that are simple, unassuming and get the job done. Comes in two colors (black and silver) and is your basic allen keys, screwdrivers and Torx wrench combo. Coming in at 60g (.15 oz), you’ve got a neat little packet.

Sci Con Micro Tools

Sci'Con Micro Tools

SKS – I look at these tools and get a little blown away by the design, forgetting that German engineering also gave us Audi, Mercedes Benz, BMW and DTM racing cars. That said, if you could drive your SKS, you’d be in a pretty hot ride. Apart from all the normal things all the above multitools carry, the TOM 18 is unique in that it’s got a storage space for a Shimano chain pin (for those running a 9- or 10-speed chain) and a tool to keep the brake pads apart in disc brakes, just in case you inadvertently squeeze the brakes while the tire isn’t mounted. Their Toolbox line (Travel and Race; the only difference is that the Race has no chain tool) is sleek, looking like electric razors and they come with their own travel cases so that you can carry them in your jersey pocket.

SKS Tom 18

SKS Tom 18

SKS Toolbox Travel

SKS Toolbox Travel

Topeak – A trusted name in most everything bike-related, Topeak has a set of multitools that help get the job done. The Hexus II has all the allen keys, screwdrivers, spoke wrenches and tire levers of most of the previous brands, as well as a chain tool for everything up to a 10-speed chain and a chain hook so that you can perform your repairs with more ease. They also have the X-Tool, which comes in either silver or black, a more subdued affair for those who only want allen keys and screwdrivers along for the ride. 

Topeak Hexus II

Topeak Hexus II