On more than one occasion, I have heard people respond to product reviews with, “You got it for free, of course you like it.”
As a reviewer, I can say that it doesn’t really matter, good stuff is good and bad stuff is bad, regardless of the source. If anything, the fallacy of sunk costs might actually imply the opposite effect… but I digress.
At any rate, here is the first of several reviews of stuff I’ve bought with my own dough.
As the name implies, this is a portable multi-tool for trailside repairs and adjustments. Before buying this model, I had tried or borrowed a number of different tools,andI found them all to be either too bulky, lacking specific features, or just plain too expensive. For $20 and weighing in at 168 grams, the Multi-17 nails the first two categories. As for included features, have a look and judge for yourself:
- Torx bit: t-25 for brake rotor bolts
- Open wrenches: 8mm and 10mm
- Screwdrivers: Phillips and flat
- Hex wrenches: #2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
- Spoke Wrenches: #1, 2, 3, 4
- Chain tool!!
Over the past 5 years I have used every tool on this device, but by far the most crucial one is the chain tool. I have fixed numerous broken chains for other riders along the trail, preventing many a ride from ending on foot.
This tool is flat, but with a slight curve so it fits perfectly into a hydration pack or seat bag. The weight is reasonable, the price is spot on, and you will be amazed at how frequently you’ll dig it out on the trail, especially on group rides.
If you are shopping for a packable multi-tool for anything more than casualmountainbiking, this is the one you want. To me the Crankbrothers Multi-10 is too sparse, whereas the Multi-19 only adds an additional size of each screwdriver. Either way, Crank Bros backs their tools with a lifetime warranty.
Get this tool, put it in your pack, and thank yourself later when you REALLY need it 20 miles into an epic ride. 😀
