Engineers who get to design precise little gadgets, like pocket knives and multi-tools, have some fun variables to play with. The tools can take a variety of shapes, function in a multitude of ways, and can include everything but the kitchen sink or just the bare necessities. What is important is that they function properly, have all the bits you will need, and are built to hold up for many years in sticky packs and sweaty pockets.
Every mountain biker likely carries a multi-tool on the trail, and these handy little items pack a surprising amount of functionality into a compact and portable package. Here we’ll look at several unique bike multi tools, each with their own intended uses and strengths. Since there is no “best tool for everyone,” these folders were selected for their standout features, and are listed below according to the number of tools they contain.
| Multi-tool | Price | Weight | Number of Functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNW Components Pebble Multi-tool | $37 | 51g | 6 |
| Pro Bike Tool 8-In-1 | $22.99 | 92g | 8 |
| Topeak Mini 9 | $19.95 | 92g | 9 |
| Park Tool I-Beam | $33.95 | 179g | 14 |
| Crankbrothers M19 | $36.99 | 174g | 19 |
| Pedro’s Rx Micro-20 | $46.96 | 160g | 20 |
| Silca Venti Italian Army Knife | $55 | 176g | 20 |
| Topeak Mini 20 | $49.95 | 130g | 20 |
| PRO Mini Tool 22 | $44.99 | 171g | 22 |
PNW Components Pebble Multi-Tool
- Price: $37
- Buy from Amazon and PNW Components.
The PNW Pebble Tool is the smallest, lightest, and simplest in this roundup, with only six tools, and weighing only 51g on my digital scale. With the least amount of bits, it includes 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm hex keys, a T25 Torx, and a Dynaplug accessory. Although that doesn’t sound like much in one multi-tool, it is really almost every hex and Torx you need to make quick adjustment on your bike while out riding.
With this one tiny tool, I was able to adjust my stem, top cap, grip, remote lever, shifter, brake lever, saddle, seat post, rear shock, brake caliper, fork axle, rotor, rear axle, frame, and water bottle bolts. The smooth pebble-like shape feels great in the palm when wrenching and the integrated Dynaplug tire plug is a plus. The Dynaplug only has one insert, so it’d be a good idea to carry a few more in your pack as some punctures can be stubborn at times. I like to use this tool on short rides and it’s also perfect to use on my camera gear.
One gripe I have is it does not include an 8mm hex like other multi-tools, and this was sorely missed when I needed to tighten pedals. In future iterations, it would be great if PNW added a 8mm hex socket bit somewhere. Another smaller gripe is taking out a hex with gloves on is not the smoothest operation. You will need to really dig the tip of your finger to get them out, or remove your gloves altogether, which although not a huge deal, is still an extra step.
With a retail price of $37 and four colors to choose from, the PNW Pebble Tool is for minimalist riders out there who can easily walk back to their car if they run into bigger mechanical issues. Considering that the price of a Dynaplug Racer Pro tool on its own is around $60, having a Dynaplug built into the Pebble surely justifies the price of such a tiny package.
Tested by Daniel Palma
Pro Bike Tool 8-In-1 Multi-tool
- MSRP $22.99
- Available at Amazon
The svelte 8-In-1 pocket saver from Pro Bike Tool is about as small as a useful bike multitool can come. It includes most of the bolt and screw tips you might need, with ample frame rigidity to provide proper leverage. The tool was clearly designed with tight tolerances in mind, and all of the bits slide into place with a similar feel of a top-shelf folding knife. The clean polished aesthetic of the 8-In-1 is reminiscent of the tools that jewelers and clockmakers use, and is the perfect utensil for folks who like every last piece of their gear to look good.
- 8 functions
- Actual weight: 92g
- Cold forged stainless steel construction
- Hex: 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Torx: 25, 30
- Philips driver
Each bit and connecting bob that makes up this tool is fashioned from cold forged steel, so you can hamfist your way through all the bolts on all of your friends’ bikes over several seasons before you will turn an edge on one of these drivers.
Tested by Gerow
Topeak Mini 9 Multi-Tool
The Topeak Mini 9 is another mini tool for those minimalist riders. It comes with nine emergency tools made of chrome vanadium steel in a small and sturdy aluminum body package. Included are 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm hex keys, a #2 Philips, and a T25 Torx. You also get a nifty tiny neoprene bag to stash it in.
The Mini 9 is a great option for those who may already have a tire plug tool. All tools articulated smoothly and they can always be loosened or tightened at the 4mm clamp bolts at the four sides. My favorite thing about this tool is the 8mm hex socket on top of the 6mm, which I can use to easily and quickly tighten pedals.
Weighing 92g on my digital scale, this simple to use mini tool can help you make quick adjustments on the fly.
The Topeak Mini 9 is small and mighty at a reasonable $19.95.
Tested by Daniel Palma
ParkTool I-Beam Multi-Tool
- Price: $33.95
- Buy from Backcountry and Moosejaw.
Park Tool is known for their plethora of bike tools available to the masses. We decided to check out their I-Beam Multi-Tool (IB-3), which has a unique I-beam design that integrates a tire lever tool. Buyers get fourteen tools in a rather bulky package which includes 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm hex wrenches. The 8mm is a removal hex socket on top of the 6mm that sits firmly in place. There’s also a a T25 Torx, flat blade screwdriver, and chain breaker tool with an 8mm bolt end.
The composite-wrapped tire lever has an 8mm box wrench to help tighten the chain breaker bolt. Additionally there are two spoke wrenches that are 3.23mm(SW-0) and 3.45mm (SW-2) built into the tire lever.
The I-Beam weighs 179g on my digital scale.
I’m a huge fan of Park Tool home mechanic tools, but the IB-3 just didn’t wow me. It’s an interesting design and the tire lever integration is pretty nifty, but for the weight, awkward in-hand feel, and $33.95 price tag, I’d consider checking other multi-tools out before committing to this one.
Tested by Daniel Palma
Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool
The Crankbrothers M19 multi-tool comes with nineteen tools built in. Included are 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm Hex wrenches. Unlike the other tools in this article, the M19 has its own dedicated 8mm wrench, rather than a socket. A Philips #1, #2 and flat #2 screwdrivers are included along with T-10 and T-25 Torx tools, an unscrewable chain breaker tool with an 8mm/10mm open wrench, and sizes #0, 1, 2, 3, spoke wrenches.
All the tools articulate smoothly and tuck away nicely. There is some non-slip texture on the body for added grip making it easy to work with and without gloves.
The Crankbrothers M19 multi-tool was actually my first ever multi-tool. At the time, it was actually my only tool. This tool was very handy as I used it around the house and when wrenching on the bike.
The only gripe is that over time the tools would become loose and I had to tighten them often. This tool is not perfect but I have grown to love it over the years.
Coming in at 174g on my digital scale, The M19 can be a great buy for $36.99. This might be the best bang for your buck out of the six multi-tools featured here.
Tested by Daniel Palma
Pedro’s Rx Micro-20
- MSRP $46.95
- Available at Amazon
With the brilliance of tubeless tire tech comes a slew of hard to mount rubber. After breaking a few hundred tire levers, I eventually came across the yellow pry-bars from Pedro’s, and today I don’t bother with anything else. They are strong enough that I have only managed to break one pair, on a tire/rim combo that also bent a metal lever and was eventually abandoned. In short, Pedro’s makes tough stuff.
- 20 functions
- Actual weight: 160g
- Backed by Pedro’s Lifetime Warranty and Rust-Free Guarantee
- Hex: 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm
- T25 and T30 Torx and flat blade screwdriver
- 1-12 speed chain tool with integrated: 7 & 8mm box wrenches, 3.23, 3.3, & 3.45 spoke wrenches, Shimano crank cap tool, and Presta valve core tool
- Micro levers with integrated quick link storage
Enter Pedro’s Rx Micro-20 multi-tool. This folding gizmo’s robustness-factor is backed by Pedro’s lifetime rust-free guarantee, so you can sweat on it all you like. The frame is encapsulated by two smaller tire levers, each with a space to keep half of a spare quick-link at the ready. With the included Shimano crank cap tool, an 8mm hex bit, and three different spoke wrenches, the Rx Micro could cover the majority of your home bike repairs without cracking open the toolbox. The integrated chain tool has just enough handle to break the chain without breaking your skin. If you have ever used an itty bitty chain breaker you know how valuable a little leverage can be, and this one works rather well.
Tested by Gerow
Silca Venti Italian Army Knife
- MSRP: $55
- Available from Silca
The heaviest bike multi tool in the lot by only 5 grams, Silca’s Venti is by no means an anchor. Venti is the Italian word for twenty, not just a frappuccino measurement, and the 20 bits on this tool are ready for far more action than any 20oz cup of cold, sugary milk.
Silca went ahead and called their tool an Italian Army knife, though with twenty emergency tools built in, it does not have an actual knife blade (unlike the Topeak Mini P20 below). With that being said, let’s break down the built-in tools.
The Silca Italian Army Knife – Venti is equipped with 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex wrenches. (The 8mm is a removable hex socket on top of the 6mm.) I really like multi-tools with this 8mm socket, as it comes in handy to tighten pedals.
There is a #2 Philips and SL4 flat driver, although I personally cannot remember the last time I needed a Philips screw driver when out on a ride. In addition there are Torx 8, 10, 20, and 25 bits, a 7mm box wrench, 8mm flare nut wrench, 10mm open-end wrench, a disc pad spreader, a valve core remover, and a pair of 13g and 15g spoke wrenches.
The Italian Army Knife – Venti is made from forged and plated steel and it feels high quality in the hand. Silca even implemented finger moldings and a non-slip texture on each body plate for better ergonomic grip when wrenching, which made the tool easy to use with and without gloves on. Every tool articulated in and out smoothly and firmly. Like the Topeak Mini P20, you only need to tighten one bolt on each body plate, though oddly enough Silca decided to make these two bolts a T15 but a 3mm hex fit and did the job.
Some nifty features I found to be my favorite include the disk spreader, the 8mm socket hex, the two hidden magnetic slots for a masterlink, the valve core remover, and spoke wrenches.
The Silca Italian Army Knife – Venti is a well thought out multi-tool with some built-in tools that I personally haven’t had a need for yet. All the included hex tools are of course welcomed and the T25 is much needed, although I rarely see myself using an 8, 10, or 20 Torx tool. The same goes for the Philips/SL4 and the nut wrenches.
I would have preferred to have a tire plug tool, a tire lever (I think one could fit!) and definitely a knife blade or two. It would be nice if other companies integrated finger grooves and non-slip texture on the body like the Italian Army Knife – Venti, especially since these tools are small. The disk spreader multifunction metal piece slides into the body and magnetizes itself into place. Unfortunately, the magnet wasn’t strong enough to hold the piece in place, and the disk spreader easily fell off multiple times, so be careful not to lose it!
Silca’s website claims a 160g weight, but my digital scale said 176g and 120g without the magnetic detachable disk pad spreader tool accessory.
If you see yourself needing these exact twenty emergency tools and are willing to pay $55, then the Silca Italian Army Knife-Venti might be the tool for you.
Tested by Daniel Palma and Gerow
Topeak Mini P20
- Price: $49.95
- Buy from Amazon and Backcountry.
The Topeak Mini P20 is the real Swiss Army knife of this roundup, due to the fact it actually has a knife blade included for when you need to get cutting. This 20-function tool has a sleek forged alloy body that is still compact enough to call mini. You’ll get a decently sharp blade with a serrated half end, a master link tool, a chain breaker, a #2 Phillips screwdriver, 14g/15g, Mavic M7, and Shimano 4.5mm spoke wrenches, T15 andT25 Torx wrenches, and of course your 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6mm Allen wrenches with an 8mm hex socket. This is an excellent variety of tools in such a compact package that weighs 130g on my digital scale.
It’s worth mentioning the Topeak Mini P20 is the only multitool in this roundup with a master link tool. And a nice feature is that the knife blade locks so it won’t open while riding.
I found the tool articulation stiffness to be ideal right out of the box. If you need to tighten or loosen the articulation of the tools, there are only two 3mm hex bolts to mess with.
Topeak missed adding a magnetic master link cutout inside the body (like the Silca Italian Army Knife – Venti); adding this feature would make sense since this multi-tool has a master link remover tool. I would have also preferred the body to be a bit longer with a non-slip texture for a better hand grip.
The Topeak Mini P20 offers an excellent variety of emergency tools for $49.95, all with a tiny neoprene bag to neatly stash it. The Mini P20 is my favorite bike multi tool out of the six and will be taking this one with me out on rides for its versatility.
Tested by Daniel Palma
PRO Mini Tool 22
- Price: $44.99
- Buy from Amazon
If a solid chain breaker is what you’re after, the PRO Mini Tool 22 has you covered. The multi tool’s large handle gives it a similar feel to shop chain tools, without the unnecessary heft. Two main body bits slide apart to reveal a standard 10-piece multitool in one hand, and a chain tool with an additional 9 functions in the other. The final two functions are the chain tool itself, and a clever hooked wire to hold your chain together while you mount the quick link. The PRO Mini 22 falls into the odd realm of “feels even lighter than it is” with a smooth and comfortable frame. Each of the bits is chrome plated, adding to their lifespan and overall good looks.
- 22 functions
- Actual weight: 171g
- Alloy body with chrome plated tools
- Hex: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
- PH2 screwdriver
- Torx: 10 and 25
- Chaintool
- Spoke wrenches: 3.6, 3.75, 4.0, 4.4
- Chain holder
- Tire lever
- Brake pad spreader
I managed to cram a small tire plugging tool into the sheath, which seems sturdy enough to last a few seasons. Alternatively, you could fit some tire patches or a few bolts in there if you needed to keep them in one tidy place.
Tested by Gerow
Conclusion
If this is your first multi tool, the Crankbrothers M19 is a good choice since it’s well priced.
If you’re looking to upgrade your current bike multi-tool, I recommend the Topeak Mini P20 which has an excellent selection of useful tools in a small package.
Regardless of which one you buy, having any bike multitool is better than not having one, so pick the one that suits your budget and needs. Keep in mind that you will probably still need to carry other tools with you like an air pump, CO2, tire levels, tire plug tool, Zip ties, etc., so remember that one multi tool won’t ever solve all your mechanical problems…yet.
I am by no means an engineer and I know creating these tools can take a lot of R&D. But maybe the actual engineers will hear and understand our feedback and improve later iterations of these tools. A small sharp blade can be essential, and each of these tools can easily fit one. I would like to see non-slip grooves on all bodies and tools for easy grip with or without gloves. All tools should only need one tightening bolt on each side and I don’t think any multi-tools like these should pass the $50 mark.
