Seasoned cyclists seldom leave the house without one of the best bike multi-tools. It's a little bunch of tools that is more than just a piece of gear – it's a trusty companion that can really get you out of trouble and save you from a walk home or back to the car. Choosing the right multi-tool can be a baffling task, so we've sifted through the vast array of multi-tools to present the cream of the crop. These tools are not just about tightening bolts; they can turn unexpected trailside catastrophes into mere bumps in the ride.
Not all multi-tools are created equal. Some prioritise lightweight design, carrying only a few tools, making them ideal for shorter rides close to home. Conversely, larger tools function as mini-workshops, offering more capabilities but are heavier and less pocket-friendly, requiring a hydration pack for transport—less than ideal for those who prefer a streamlined ride.
Though many multi-tools share a similar, caged design, some brands have brought out mini ratchet multi-tools with numerous functions. While these are enjoyable to use and often offer more leverage, they can be more prone to losing parts in the trailside foliage abyss and are slightly more intricate than conventional tools.
Your ideal multi-tool should encompass all regularly needed tools, with a chain tool being a must-have. It should be user-friendly and something you're comfortable carrying at all times. While most tools on the market are highly capable, they can't replace workshop-quality tools for more serious repairs or when additional torque is necessary for a bolt.
Best bike multi-tools 2023
- OneUp Components EDC V2 Tool and Threadless Carrier
- Granite Design Stash RT Ratchet multi-tool
- Blackburn Wayside 19 multi-tool
- Topeak Ratchet Rocket NTX+ multi-tool
- Lezyne Super SV 23 multi-tool
- Lezyne T-Drive multi-tool
- Topeak Mini PT30 multi-tool
- Torque Slimline 16 multi-tool
- PRO Mini Tool 15 multi-tool
- Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX+ multi-tool
- Granite Design RocknRoll Toolkit
- Crankbrothers F15 LE multi-tool
- Granite Design Stash Chain Repair Tool Kit
OneUp Components EDC V2 Tool and Threadless Carrier - £109
The OneUp Components EDC V2 Tool and Threadless Carrier is a top-tier bike-integrated multi-tool, meaning it sits inside your bike's steerer tube. Offering a comprehensive set of 20 functions, the whole unit is still impressively compact and easy to install. The tools are also easily accessible for on-trail repairs.
Despite being one of the priciest options in this category, the convenience and modular design make the OneUp Components EDC a great, stylish multi-tool that you won't forget at home.
To learn more about how this tool is installed and functions, read our full review on the OneUp Components EDC here.
Granite Design Stash RT Ratchet multi-tool - £65
The Granite Design Stash RT Ratchet multi-tool is another steerer-housed multi-tool that impressed us with its high-quality, ergonomic design and great price-to-performance ratio. We found that its easy installation and convenient access make it a great option for those who don't want to carry tools in pockets or pouches.
The two-way ratcheting handle helps with leverage and although this kit lacks some tools found in pricier competitors, it still offers all the basic functionalities of a multi-tool. The Stash RT's top cap can also be modified into a cycling computer mount, which is a neat little detail.
If you have a tendency to leave your tools at home, then this tool might be the right one for you - check all the details in our full review of the Granite Design Stash RT Ratchet multi-tool here.
Blackburn Wayside 19 multi-tool - £33
The Blackburn Wayside 19 multi-tool stood out in our testing with its durable frame and the way it's managed to incorporate five proper L-shaped, ball-ended individual Allen keys into one tool. This design allows easy access to typically hard-to-reach bolts and works even for freeing those stubborn pedals.
The comprehensive set of features, including an 8mm hollowed-out Allen key, T25 and T30 Torx drivers, and a chain tool with multiple functions, make it a great addition to any rider's kit.
For more information on the Blackburn Wayside 19 , read our full review here.
Topeak Ratchet Rocket NTX+ multi-tool - £75
Topeak's Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+ is a multi-tool to its full capacity, combining the simple multi-tool with the added functionality of a torque wrench. It's slightly more expensive than similar options, but the versatility justifies the cost, as you will also get peace of mind not overtightening your bolts on carbon components. The torque range goes from 2 to 6Nm, and the tool's ratchet handle and array of Allen bits, Torx drivers, and a chain tool make it a very comprehensive and quick-to-assemble solution for various on-the-go repairs.
To find out all the details on how this tool functions, head over here to read our full Topeak's Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+ review.
Lezyne Super SV 23 multi-tool - £63
Lezyne's Super SV 23 multi-tool has an impressive tool range, compact size, and sleek design. Boasting 23 tools, including Allen and Torx bits, a chain tool, and additional features like a tubeless repair kit, disc brake wedge, and bottle opener, it caters to various bike repair needs - and perhaps to those off-the-bike, too.
To get all the details of what this small but mighty multi-tool packs in, read the full Lezyne's Super SV 23 multi-tool review here.
Lezyne T-Drive multi-tool - £35
The Lezyne T-Drive multi-tool comes with a removable handle, offering a modern twist on traditional multi-tools. Featuring a range of Allen and Torx keys, the handle provides extra leverage for those bolts that might be a little tighter. It is a little faffy to assemble on the trailside, but once you've managed that the tool performs well and its sturdy construction means it will serve you for a long time.
To see how the T-shaped tool performs in detail, read our Lezyne T-Drive multi-tool review here.
Topeak Mini PT30 multi-tool - £40
The Topeak Mini PT30 multi-tool is a compact powerhouse, offering an impressive set of 30 tools in a tiny frame. Weighing a mere 169g, it includes Allen and Torx keys, chain tools, screwdrivers, and more, all marked for easy identification. The tool also comes with a neoprene sleeve for cushioning it – and despite the absence of tubeless plugs and limited leverage, this tool is a very comprehensive, compact and functional solution for various trailside repairs.
- Small it might be, but it packs in a bunch. To see all the details, head over to read our full Topeak Mini PT30 review here
Torque Slimline 16 multi-tool - £25
The Torque Slimline 16 is a lightweight and compact multi-tool designed for on-the-go bike repairs and easy pocket storage. The tool includes a chain tool, Allen keys ranging from 2 to 8mm, a T25 Torx bit, a flathead screwdriver, and a Phillips head screwdriver. While the slim design is advantageous, the chain tool can be flappy and may require careful handling – but this is a compromise you have to make with most tiny multi-tools.
You can see all the fine details of this multi-tool in our Torque Slimline 16 full review here.
PRO Mini Tool 15 multi-tool - £30
PRO's Mini Tool 15 is a sturdy and slim multi-tool, providing essential, corrosion-resistant chromed bits for your trailside repairs. It's compact enough to fit in a pocket without being obtrusive. The tool includes seven Hex keys, a T25 Torx key, a T10 key, a Phillips head screwdriver, a chain tool, a spoke key, and a bottle opener – you get it, there's pretty much everything you might want! Because of the sheer number of tools in the small body, this tool can be a little cumbersome to use at times, but really it's hard to beat in terms of the comprehensive tool range it offers.
To find out how exactly all the bits on this tool work, read our full PRO's Mini Tool 15 review here.
Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX+ multi-tool - £37
Topeak's Ratchet Rocket Lite DX+ is also a highly versatile and compact multi-tool that covers almost every tool needed for bike repairs. The kit includes 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm Allen keys, T10, T15, T25 Torx bits, PH2 Phillips screwdriver, two polymer tyre levers, and a chain tool. The ratchet handle enhances ergonomics and allows for better leverage, and the nylon pouch provides effective tool protection.
You can read all the details of this compact but comprehensive tool in our Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX+ review.
Granite Design RocknRoll Toolkit - £30
The Granite Design RocknRoll Toolkit is a ratchet-style multi-tool housed in a small Cordura fabric package. The kit includes a ratchet tool, an extension rod, and nine bits (7 Hex bits, Star bit, and Philips bit), which fit neatly into pockets, and the whole tool rolls up and secures closed with strong Velcro. The kit can be attached to the bike using a strap, and the tool has a reverse lever and a spring-loaded ratchet end, making it suitable for various jobs even in tight spaces.
To read more about how this toolkit works, read our comprehensive Granite Design RocknRoll Toolkit review.
Crankbrothers F15 LE multi-tool - £40
The Crankbrothers F15 LE is a sleek multi-tool, offering 2-8mm Allen bits, screwdriver, spoke wrenches, and a T25 Torx bit. Housed in a metal case with a magnetic closure, it doubles as a chain tool handle and has a built-in bottle opener. Well-constructed and compact, it's stylish but may feel fiddly a little fiddly.
If you fancy a really small and sleek multitool, then you might want to read our comprehensive Crankbrothers F15 LE review.
Granite Design Stash Chain Repair Tool Kit - £20
This one is technically not a multi-tool, but it could well complement your other mini-tool that doesn't have a chain breaker. Granite Design Stash Chain Repair Tool Kit houses inside your handlebar – and is compatible with open or closed-ended grips. It only weighs 45g and is suitable for 9 to 12-speed chains.
Find out how this chain-breaker works by reading our full Granite Design Stash Chain Repair Tool Kit review.
How to choose the best bike multi-tool
As you might have noticed from the varied multi-tool listed above, they come in many shapes and with various amounts of bits and additional functionalities. While it might seem like the best option to go for the tool that has every possible bit in it, you might be compromising functionality by doing that.
In short, when you are choosing a multi-tool, you should be looking at three things: durability, ease of use, and any additional features that suit your specific biking needs. Check what bolts your bike has: do you need Allen or Torx bits, and what other repairs might you need to make on the trailside? Then, compare your list with the multi-tools within your budget.
The smaller the tool, the less leverage it has, which means that for example removing pedals might be impossible and in some cases, you might end up breaking the tool instead of loosening the bolt.
Choose a multi-tool that strikes a balance between being compact and lightweight for portability, yet substantial enough to handle common roadside repairs. Consider the weight and size that fits comfortably in your saddlebag or pocket without compromising functionality.
How do I know what multi-tool is good?
Reading reviews of tools is a great way to gauge if a tool is good or not. If you can't find a review or get your hands on a tool in person, pay attention to the materials. Choose steel over aluminium and opt for corrosion-free tools where possible.
If you know you want to take off your pedals with your multi-tool, go for something with longer leverage. If you seldom ride at remote locations, you can perhaps get away with a tiny multi-tool.
Where do I store my multi-tool?
The most common way to transport your multi-tool is in your back pocket or waist/hydration pack. If you have a saddlebag on your bike, that is another great option.
Some of the more innovative tools are stashed inside your bike's components; for example in the steerer tube or the handlebars. These are great options for a very clean look and ensure that you always have the tools with you.
Are there multi-tools that are specifically designed for certain types of bikes?
Yes, it could be said that multi-tools are tailored for specific bike types – but it has more to do with the type of riding you do and your self-sufficiency. For example, multi-tools designed for mountain bikes may include features like spoke wrenches or tire levers, while road bike-specific tools might prioritise lightweight construction and fewer tools.
Road and gravel riders usually ride closer to services and roads which means they can be a little less self-sufficient, but a mountain biker can really be miles away from any habited area and that is why a multi-tool that can fix small issues on the bike is absolutely crucial.
Do I need to maintain my multi-tool?
While it might seem unnecessary, it's good practice to inspect your multi-tool for signs of wear, such as rust or loose parts. Keep moving components lubricated and ensure that all tools remain securely attached – this way you won't end up realising your tool is unusable at the worst possible moment.
Can I use a bike multi-tool for all types of repairs?
While multi-tools are versatile, they will never repair full-size tools and a proper workshop. Multi-tools are first and foremost a small, portable toolkit that will get you out of trouble and home in case you have a mechanical. While you might use one when travelling to, for example, build your bike back up, this is not ideal.
Why? Ideally, you want to make sure all of your bike bolts are tightened with a torque wrench so that you're not damaging either the bolt or the bike frame or component in the process. With a small multi-tool, it can be difficult to assess the tightness of a bolt, which might lead you to overtighten things.
