Cycling is one of the most popular hobbies among Germans. Learned from an early age, the bike accompanies many people throughout their lives. As long as the tires are rolling, the brakes are gripping and the rear derailleur is purring, the bike is your best friend on the way to work or in your free time. It becomes uncomfortable when the bike is stubborn. Crawling in the hose, creaking chain, dragging brakes, stuttering rear derailleur? That happens sometimes. Especially in autumn and especially when the bike is in constant use. Two check-ups a year at your trusted bike shop may cost money, but if in doubt you’ll save yourself a lot of nerves. If it catches you on the road, the good advice does not necessarily have to be expensive. Bicycle multi-tools are a small but practical investment that have saved many an unnerved roadside biker from worse. You can find out which tools are available and what they can do in our small comparison.
Multi hits the nail on the head with the Lezyne Rap II 25. The bike multi-tool from the Americans has 25 powerful functions. Including an adapter for a CO2 cartridge. This is by no means standard. However, it is also a function that everyday cyclists are most likely to be able to do without. Every little screw on the bike can be loosened and tightened with the seven different Allen keys and three Torx bits (T10, T25, T30) as well as a Phillips and flat-head screwdriver. Even chain damage can be repaired yourself with the Rap II 25 chain tool and some skill. The bonus tool on this mini tool is not for the bike, but for the pulley. Lezyne has integrated the bottle opener into the safety wedge for disc brakes. Here’s the Lezyne Multi Tool Rap II 25.
The most important facts*
Weight
187 g
Material
Aluminium, Chrom-Vanadium-Stahl
number of functions
25
Dimensions in mm
81 x 52 x 38 (L x B x H)
* Manufacturer information
The Crankbrothers take part in our little bike multitool comparison with their Multi 19. When it comes to weight, the French are on par with the Lezyne tool. Anyone who can do without a CO2 cartridge will still find a high-quality, but somewhat more expensive alternative in this tool made of Hi-Ten steel. Loose spokes can be tightened with it, as can all other safety-relevant nuts and screws on the rear derailleur, brakes, saddle, handlebars and cranks. Beautiful: The Multi 19 from Crankbrothers is available in black/red, midnight, gold and in the classic nickel look. All in all a basic tool for mountain bikers, racers and e-bikers alike. Here’s the Crankbrothers M19 Multitool.
The most important facts*
Weight
175 g
Material
Hi Ten steel
number of functions
19
Dimensions in mm
89 x 55 (L x B)
*Manufacturer information
The P20 multitool from bike accessory specialist Topeak comes in a practical neoprene bag. With a little more than 130 grams, it is in the middle of our comparison. The P20 is available in three designs namely gold, silver and black. In addition to the obligatory Allen and Torx keys and a screwdriver, the tool scores with various spoke keys as well as chain rivets and chain lock tools. A small knife with locking function has also been integrated for special emergencies. Here’s the Topeak P20 Multitool.
The most important facts*
Weight
131 g
Material
chrome steel (tools), aluminum (body)
number of functions
20
Dimensions in mm
74 x 29 x 18 (L x B x H)
*Manufacturer information
Sigma Sport has a multi-tool all-rounder in its range. The Pocket-Tool Medium can do everything that a bike multi-tool should be able to do. Spoke tensioners for five nipple sizes and a chain tool are also included. Even the beer after training does not have to be opened with the teeth. In addition, two cleverly installed tire levers help to lift the cover off the rim in the event of a flat tire. At just eleven millimeters, this multi-tool is remarkably flat and, in keeping with the name, can easily be accommodated in any jersey, trouser or saddle pocket. Here’s the Sigma Pocket Tool Medium.
The most important facts*
Weight
125 g
Material
K.
number of functions
17
Dimensions in mm
96 x 48 x 11 (L x B x H)
* Manufacturer information
>> Rose T-15 mini tool >>
The Bocholt mail order company also has various multi-tools for the bike on offer. A good all-rounder is the T-5 mini tool with an adapter for a CO2 cartridge. At just 80 grams, the tool is not very heavy, it is also small and handy and fits easily in a jersey or in a saddlebag. Otherwise, all important screws on the bike can be loosened and tightened with the Rose T-15. Not more but also not less. Here’s the T-15 mini tool with CO2 adapter.
The most important facts*
Weight
ca. 80 g
Material
K.
number of functions
15
Dimensions in mm
60 x 30 x 20 (L x B x H)
* Manufacturer information
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