multi function tool. which one?????

[faema]

hi!
Has anyone got any recommendations regarding these multi tools.
 I have a raven tour and plan to go to s.e Asia quite soon i,m trying not to forget anything that i won,t be able to source easily out there.
 I had a look at the Topeak AlienII which has an array of tools quite impressive . it,s the only one i have had a look at.
 should i look at an alternative.
   basically i want to do the usual stuff one might expect,including re-assembling the bike after the flight.
 thanks in advance.
 

[jags]

forget the multi tool build a tool kit yourself quality tools that dont break or weigh a ton.
will post a list if you really need it but just look at what fits your bike and go from there.

good luck with bike  and tour.

[Andybg]

2nd vote for building your own kit up. I find it much easier (and less damage to the bike) with using single tools like allen keys rather than trying to get in with a multitool

Andy

[ZeroBike]

forget the multi tool build a tool kit yourself quality tools that dont break or weigh a ton.
will post a list if you really need it but just look at what fits your bike and go from there.

good luck with bike  and tour.

Please post a list of what you use, always good to see what other people are using.

[jags]

ok but remember you did ask 
oh wait i'm thinking there might be a photo and a list of my kit somewhere on the forum i'll ask Dan to hunt it out, if it cant be found i'll be back

[il padrone]

My tool kit looks like this:

Tools
   6" shifting spanner
   pliers
   2 tyre levers
   Topeak Alien multi-tool
   8mm spanner
   15mm pedal spanner
   chain tool
   6, 8, 10mm allen keys
   spoke key
   Rohloff sprocket remover
   screw driver (dual head)
   cleaning brush
   puncture repair kit
   tyre boot

You'll note the Topeak Alien. It's a very comprehensive multi-tool that always sits in my seat bag with the tyre levers, tube and puncture kit and gets frequent use. On longer tours I take the full kit of other tools, plus a number of spares for any break-downs or routine replacements:

Spares
   gear & brake cables
   spokes (inside handlebar)
   brake pads
   adhesive tape
   zip ties (asstd. sizes)
   baling wire
   hose clamp
   steel rod (5 x 110mm)
   assorted nuts & bolts
   2 tubes
   grease tub
   chain lube

[bikepacker]

For years I carried my own tool kit and never believed in multi tools. However when I saw the Crank Brothers Multi-17 I dispensed with my other tools and got one and have carried it ever since. That combined with my Leatherman and Hypercracker covers me most eventualities.

[Andre Jute]

For a start, you want alley keys and TorX T20 t-handle, not bits that can be lost in the grass, the dust or the mud. Bernd Rohloff publishes a list of tools near the front of the handbook.

Basically, it comes down to
Allen keys 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and whatever your cranks and pedals take, 8 or 8 and 10
Torx T20 T or L handle tool
Rohloff sprocket tool
Crank extractor
Bottom Bracket tool
8x10mm open flat wrench (Draper makes one, or buy a universal brake adjustor at the motor factors and grind it flat. The Park Tools version is limp stamped steel, yech. This is good for changing gears on the Rohloff EXT box if the cable breaks, and tightening lamp and mudguard bolts)
(If you need more flat wrenches, replace the 8x10 with a small adjustable wrench)
Chainbreaker (unless you use magic links)
EBB tool
50ml bottle of Oil of Rohloff (chain oil, can be used elsewhere in an emergency, this stuff sticks like the proverbial to the baby's blanket)
Spoke key

A tube repair kit and tools
A tyre sock

If you actually want a multifunction tool, a good one is the SKS Travel Tool, see http://www.sks-germany.com/?l=en&a=product&r=tools&i=7000&TOOLBOX%20TRAVEL which includes the valuable Torx T20 and 2mm Allen as extra keys you can swap in. I also have the CT-Worx, which has an even wider range of tools, but lacks the T20 and 2mm Allen, which will then have to be carried as extra whole tools. These are superior tools at very reasonable prices (for German-made tools!), carried by SJS:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/sks-toolbox-travel-18-function-multi-tool-prod19468/
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/sks-ct-worx-20-function-multi-tool-prod19467/

Andre Jute

[Danneaux]

Hi All!

There's a number of threads on the Forum about take-along and multi-tools, including photos. Just do an advanced search using the terms "multi-tool", "tool kit" and "tool" and they'll pop right up. Search tips are here: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=4390.0

Here's a few that are relevant and will help right away...

• Tools for a Day Ride: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=4877.0
• Tools for those "Oh...no!" moments: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=4685.msg23181#msg23181
• The best and the lightest multitool -- in praise of Topeak's Toolbar: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=4205.msg19282#msg19282
• What tools?: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=3020.msg13636#msg13636
• Blades for Bikies?: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=3968.0
• Cycling through the centre of Australia (Il Padrone's tools list): http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=4356.msg22209#msg22209
• Calling Istanbul tea (advice on kit): http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=120.0
• Best equipment for _racing_ 'round the world: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=3932.0
   Andre's reccies here: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=3932.msg17431#msg17431
• Rohloff spares for first TRT tour?: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=3997.0

Jags has asked if I can re-post a photo of his take-along tool kit, so I have attached it below. The original post is here:
http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=4877.15 Jag's own take-along kit includes the following:
2 spare tubes,
puncture repair,
tire boot,
tire leavers,
money 10euro.
allan keys
spanner
multi tool/spoke key.

All the best,

Dan. (...who is secretly lusting after the forthcoming multi-tool offered by Brooks, here: http://blog.brooksengland.com/wps/sneak-peek-at-the-brooks-21-multi-tool/ )

[julk]

Dan,
as a Rohloff owner, you will need that T25 on the Brooks multitool changing to a T20…
Julian.

[StuntPilot]

faema - I would go for the Topeak Alien II. I have one and its pretty good as a starting point to your tool kit. Compact with many tools, then just add what you are missing from what others recommend in this thread.

[il padrone]

The ultimate ??

 

[jags]

can you just imagine pulling that out if you were in a group of cyclists , some smart ass remarks would be flying your way    .

[Andre Jute]

The ultimate ??

 

Are the bicycle tools extra on that model, then? -- Andre Jute

[Danneaux]

Andre,

Wenger introduced this model -- the Giant -- as a means of showcasing every tool available in their line of Swiss Army knives and to celebrate a hundred years of innovation. It includes 87 implements and 140 functions. It is not only impractical...it is expensive, with an MSRP of USD$2149.95. See: http://www.wengerna.com/giant-knife-16999

Full details of the 1kg+ ehm, "knife" (it has a blade or two!) are here:
http://www.protoolreviews.com/reviews/hand-tools/cutting/wenger-16999-giant-swiss-army-knife

All the best,

Dan. (who is thinking he might need a larger underseat bag if he gets one of these...)