Don't be a complete Tool and buy a "Multi - tool"
Yup, just about seen it all on Adelaide Cyclists....discussions about tyres, wheelsets, pedals, cleats, groupsets, helmets, brands of bikes.....now it is time to discuss about which multi tool or rather which are its best functions and some of its most useless.....
The only time you can be a complete tool is to be caught out on a ride in the donga with a visitation by the puncture fairies and be stuck without tools.......
A month ago, I had to replace my best ride buddy who is a complete tool.....and buy a Topeak Mini 18+ (thanks Noel at Bike Station who shows me the best and most useful tools). I really like that this model includes a chain breaker as I find it useful when you break a chain and only have a 10 speed quik link and are riding a 9 speed bike....
Another type of tool more for those hipsters who ride fixies is the Trixie and is a must for those 15mm wheel nuts and doing up those loose lock rings which keep the rear cog snug :) You will notice from the picture below that the Trixie has the essential function of a bottle opener included :)
Please tell us about your favorite tool and its most useful functions.....used only once in an emergency and it instantly becomes your best friend........otherwise you would have to resort to the other emergency "rescue" tool ..............
and most of us know what happens when we use the "last resort" tool......
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sam Young on -
That Emergency rescue tool is a vital one though, when the damage is to you and not the bike.
My Muti tool is an old second hand one with the name scratched off I have that includes a pretty decent chain-breaker and a couple of fold-out tyre levers.
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Permalink Reply by Gillian on
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I reckon that if you used that "last resort" tool at 02:10am (as indicated) then you should consider yourself fortunate to get a kennel and a food bowl!
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Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on -
Actually I was sitting up waiting for my partner to get home last night and thought about posting this discussion at that time.....she appeared about 4 am.....
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Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on
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She has a key....another great tool :)
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Permalink Reply by Shav Bird on -
I use a Lezyne stainless steel multi tool which has allen key and philips head attachments. Really handy to use when you need to make minor adjustments to your bike.
The other day when I was at the Kiosk near the golf course on Linear park, some gentleman asked if I had an allen key to adjust his loose handle bars at the time. He knew it was a long shot and was very surprised that I had my handy multi tool in my saddle pouch for him to use. He was very very grateful for me to lend it to him and he left with a big smile on his face. It's probably one of the best items I have bought for my bikes and never leave home without.
In my saddle pouch I also have tire levers, bike chain keys, spare tube, and a C02 canister kit that I recently bought for my road bike. The phone is the last resort.
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Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on
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you can score "wife points" with the last resort tool simply by ringing the partner and inviting them for a coffee or meal after a ride....mine certainly appreciates the thought :)
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Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on
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The good old mobile certainly has its place in the items we carry....but have known people to ring partners to collect them because they have a flat tyre or the chain has fallen off....(lol). I try to be a self sufficient as possible to the extent of carrying spare spokes occassionally on longer rides....yes have needed to replace a spoke before whilst out riding....least I didnt annoy my better half :)
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Permalink Reply by Mike Brisco on -
I always carry a Victorinox Swiss Army penknife - it even has a tool, for getting stones out of a horse's hoof! As well as thorns out of tyres - thorns out of fingers......
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Permalink Reply by Gus K on -
Cable ties for securing busted spokes and more. A also should carry the space blanket more than I do. Under $5 and might save your or your mate's life.
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Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on
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Nice idea Gus....totally agree as hypothermia is a real issue particularly this time of year.....and especially if you cover a lot of kilometres :)
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