Best mini multi-tool?

[mtnbike28]

I can't believe this has not come up.... what is the best multi-tool out there?

I currently carry a mini pump, CO2, a chain tool, several loose hex wrenches, tire levers, self stick patches, chain links and a spare tube.

I am racing 100 mile, 12 and 24 hour races, and some courses you are a long walk away from help....

I also took my daughter on a rails to trail ride and she flatted, I had patches and a pump, but her rear wheel was held on with nuts, not quick releases, so I need an adjustable wrench? Or just try to find a nice (aluminum?) one to carry when riding with her?

I saw a Gerber Cool Tool (no longer made?), Park MTB-3 and Topeak Hexus on-line, but the LBS don't have a great selection, and I hate buying stuff without touching it....

 

[Cackalak Han]

I never liked the multi-tools, so I just carry several allen wrenches, mini-brute (chain tool), tire levers, patch kit, pump and tube. On my fixed gear bike, I've got 15mm nuts on there, so I carry a little 15mm box wrench.

 

[mtnbike28]

Thanks

I am starting to agree... after reading a ton, I think I will gather loose bits to fix the bike and gather them!

 

[sinuhexavier]

 

[squatch]

The key is getting a good tool roll up, Ive had a dirt bagz for 20 years now. keeps tools from poking holes in your seat bag, tube or your body. Dakine makes a cool tool bag Iam switching to for my off road tour.leave on friday for sun valley id.yahoo!

 

[tacollie]

I only carry tools on longer rides, speciffically rides longer than a single water bottle in length. I carry 2 tubes, the crank brothers tool above, 2 CO2 canisters, a pump, and about 10 zip ties.

 

[trailsurfer]

I ride thousands of Mountain Bike miles per year, and that Crank Brothers tool pictured above is all I carry for a "tool(s)". With it, I have been able to fix all the problems I have encountered to get me home. I also carry 2 CO 2 cartridges, a tire boot, a power link, a couple of zip ties, and a some duct tape.

 

[Ford Prefect]

I carry a leathermans.

I have played with a few of the others, and the gerbers seem to be well received in general, but hey gerber makes baby food too, and I think their tools are pretty well for the babies.

First thing is that I hate the way the pliers come out of the gerber. I like to have more than one tool out at a time, and that is difficult to do wit the G. The Leathermans has treated me really well, it is easy to use, and I could not tell you about their customer service because in five years of using the thing every day I have had no need to complain about it, and that says a lot to me.

I should also tell you that I always thought those guys who wore a leathermans everywhere they went looked stupid, to say the least. I had never owned one, and never really wanted one. Then when I left my last career to go for a MA. my old boss bought me one as a parting gift. I wore it for a few days just to see if there was a reason to have them on. Now when I fly places it ticks me off that I o not have the thing on my hip. I use it literally every day. I think I whipped it out six times today. Not to mention you can also use it for personal protection. Put that thing in your hand before you hit a guy and they will not be getting up soon.

 

[mountainsoul]

The Park MTB Rescue Tool is a first class product that won't let you down. I never go on a ride without it.

 

[ryguy]

TOPEAK Alien is what I've used for about 12 years now with no issues.

 

[mountainsoul]

TOPEAK Alien is what I've used for about 12 years now with no issues.

I'll second that. Also a good tool.

 

[jesusgatos]

I carry an alien too, but I'm not sure why anymore (probably because I spend more time on bikes with engines these days). It's big and heavy and I don't need half that crap. I like Crank Bros tools, and Lezyne is making some nice looking tools too. Just bought one of their pumps the other day, to replace an old Blackburn.