I have my share of multitools. F19 used to be my go to. Since buying a Pro Bike Tools Mini Ratchet I really don't use anything else. So much so I use it to wrench on my bike at home too. I bought some longer bits and there's still room in the pouch to store other things like a small plug/patch kit.
My tools I bring on a ride: Lezyne Rap14, it has all hex keys I need, and proper chain breaker. Wolftooth pack pliers, for storing spare chain links, and to undo quick links, tighten valve core, tighten barrel adjusters on mechanical brakes. Park Tool 16mm hex tool for Race Face cranks. Shock pump, most are made by Beto and Giyo, all of the major suspension brands use these.
I have the Lenzyne cage with the tool implanted in the cage. It's solid, but you need to make sure the compartment is fully closed. Some have mentioned that they lose the tool. That said, I prefer a mobile tool pack that I carry with me in my pocket or other area - I have multiple bikes and don't want to have to purchase multiple tool kits....
On my Lezyn I ended up having to take that rubber o-ring off to help get the cover to snap in easier. And yes I agree, I make sure it is snapped in tight so that the tool does not fall out.
Some of the multitools have much shorter tools than others and I'd consider that aspect of the tool. Its not about the cost or quality it's a design choice I don't like, short tools may not reach where you need them to or just may be really awkward to use for some repairs. The smallest form factor possible isn't always the best design choice. I also feel this way about built in chain tools, they can be awkward or difficult to use so I'd look into it some or buy a stand alone one that's small enough to carry. Also the 8&10mm wrench some build into a chain tool on a multitool...I'd rather just carry a thin 8&10mm combination wrench. I sort of like the fold out tools with only Allen, Torx and screwdrivers on them.
good job Gene..lots of gadgets for sure. Sometimes for everyone. I never really got a multitool but always looked at them. Maybe one day if i start riding again,ill look back at this video and get some ideas..Keep the party on the pedal !!
The biggest problem with the Crank Brothers M19 and other multitools with a similar design, is that the chain breaker simply doesn't give you enough leverage to consistently crack the pin. I'm not exactly a weakling, but my success rate with the M19's little brother, the M17, was about 40%, and it wasn't the most comfortable tool to use -- a little painful, actually -- so it's certainly not something I would want to rely on for a field repair. The chain breaker setup on the Crank Brothers F15, on the other hand, is much better designed and easily broke every chain pin I tested it on. In fact, I would say it worked just as well as the Park CT-5 which is a dedicated chain breaker tool.
I'm going to be 100% honest with you, I hardly ever use the chain breaker tools on these multi tools. I always keep a master link with me in the woods and I have a full size Park Tool chain breaker in the shop.
@@rgmtb True, the chain breaker on a multitool is not something I would use on a regular basis, but if I'm ever miles from home and need to repair a chain, I want an emergency tool that I know will work 100% of the time.
@@rgmtb have had more than once that a chain just broke miles from home. Luckily, I was able to break the chain and put in the spare master link. No chain breaker tool and it would have been pushing the bike for 12 miles.
A stand alone chain tool, a small one if you are going to carry it, like Pedro's multifunction one seem like a better idea than the ones attached to multitools to me... I also feel the multitools with chain breakers are awkward to use and I'd rather just have fold out Allens and Torx like Crank Bros M10 as one example. The tools are longer and easier to use. I feel combining everything into one tool is a mistake. Just find the right case for stuff, a little zippered one the size of your pocket or palm... Think different too, do you want a ratchet or stand alone Torx and Allen keys? With the right case that can work. Do you have or want a Leatherman? With a bit driver? That can work. If your country has restrictive knife laws look at the Bond or knifeless Rebar.
@@michaelkulman7095 I've since started carrying the Wolf Tooth 8-Bit Kit multitool which has an excellent chain breaker that is comfortable to use, has plenty of leverage, and works as well as any shop tool.
I carry mainly micro multitool that is with specialized swat. Them I took chain tool off park tool multitool. I got a Bontraeger bag that is pretty small that carries everything I need like tube , toilet paper , tire levers, first aid , tire repair tool , and the multitool and chain breaker.I added another one that you can stuff 3 clif bars into. I have a carbon tire pump I strap to my water bottle. The bags just velcro around frame so I change everything from bike to bike real easy.
what to avoid in multi tools: multi tool with super light weight aluminium chain breaker with support walls for the chain link to rest on, if it is the chain breaker might bend on a stubborn pin. it has happen to my Lezyne Sv10. But now I have Rap14, I went for it cus a local retailer had it so I grabbed it. A decent multi tool is not expensive, so it's worth it, and if you are on a tight budget try to get tthe best one you can it avoids buying another one later on. what to look for: make sure you have all of the tools you can possibly get for what you need.
One one bike I also use a Roll-Top Wolftooth bag under my saddle with a Tubolito tube, 2 Co2s and a Lezyne inflator head. On the other I have a DaKine Gripper with two Clever Levers (that also work as Chainlink Pliers), 2 Co2s, Lezyne inflator head and a normal tube (that setup is also duped on my wife's MTB)