If you regularly ride bikes, whether that’s on streets or mountain trails, you’re likely to run into situations where you have to take repairs into your own hands. If you’re riding your bike and something goes wrong, there may not be a repair shop conveniently located. That’s why it’s a good idea to carry a few basic tools that can allow you to tackle common on-bike issues. Whether it’s a spare tube to deal with a flat or a chain repair kit, keeping a small bike repair kit won’t take up too much space on your bike and will give you peace of mind if you’re on a long bike ride or you’re riding away from the city.
A bike multi-tool is another piece of equipment worth keeping in your kit. As the name suggests, bike multi-tools can be used to tackle a wide variety of bike-related issues. Bike multi-tools often look a bit like Swiss Army knives, but they have a variety of hex keys and tools to make adjustments and repairs to your bike. They don’t just have to be for emergency use, though. Many of these multi-tools can be kept at home for any repairs you need to do between rides. From simple units to handheld bike shops, these are the best bike repair multi-tools to buy.
1. crankbrothers M-19 Multi-Tool
BEST OVERALL
If you want a tool that can do it all, the Crankbrothers M-19 is a good one to get. The number refers to the number of tools this multi-tool has — there are 19 tools included. There are chain tools to suit different kinds of bikes, plus seven different kinds of hex wrenches. There are also two open wrenches, three screwdrivers, three spoke wrenches and two Torx tools. It’s made from stainless steel components to keep it going for a long time.
Related Stories
2. Park Tool IB-2 I-Beam Series Bike Multi-Tool
CONTENDER
Park Tool is one of the best makers of affordable bike repair gear that’s simple enough for anyone to use. Their lightweight IB-2 tool is designed as a solution for a variety of on-bike problems. There are eight different kinds of hex wrenches, a flat blade screwdriver and a T25 Torx for disc brakes.
3. crankbrothers M-10 Multi-Tool
BEST BASIC
For a simpler version of the M-19, the M-10 includes more basic tools to make adjustments to your bike either at home or on the road. There are seven hex wrenches, which cover a variety of kinds of screws that would be found on a bike. There are also Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, plus a Torx wrench for disc brakes. The knurled grip in the middle makes it easy to hold onto while doing adjustments.
4. Kikkerland Bike Repair Kit
BEST FOR CASUAL RIDERS
While the old-timey design and tin carrying case might make this kit seem like a novelty, it’s actually a pretty handy option for casual cyclists. There’s a six-function multi-tool in the kit with Allen wrenches and screwdrivers and a two-sided “bone” wrench. There’s also equipment for fixing flat tires, which is arguably the most common on-road issue you can encounter. There are patches, rubber cement, and a metal scraper to smooth out the rubber when patching. All you need to add is a hand-pump or C02 cartridges, and you’ll be ready for any roadside issue.
5. Park Tool AWS-11 Fold-Up Hex Wrench Set
MOST SIMPLE
This wrench set from Park Tool is easy to pack away in a seat bag, and you can easily pull out the wrench you need if you have any on-road issues, or if you’re doing repairs at home. It just consists of hex wrenches, so it won’t be able to help you in the event of a flat, for example. But for making adjustments or as an addition to your on-bike tool kit, this basic set is a great option. Six wrenches are included, between 3mm and 10mm.
6. Topeak X-Tool
11 FUNCTIONS IN ONE
Topeak makes tons of great bike accessories, including pumps, pannier racks and bike bags. This basic multi-tool includes a variety of wrenches and pliers that you can use to tackle issues you might encounter. 11 tools are included in the wrench. There are two kinds of Torx wrenches, a Phillips head screwdriver, and several Allen wrenches including options from 2mm to 8mm.
7. Park Tool AWS-3 Y Hex Wrench Bike Tool
BEST AT-HOME TOOL
If you’re looking for something very basic, the Park Tool AWS-3 has three hex wrenches; there’s a 2, 2.5 and 3mm. They’re organized in a Y-shape with a rounded body that makes it easier to grip while making adjustments. It’s probably best suited as an at-home solution since the wrenches don’t fold in and could get in the way in a seat bag.
8. Topeak Hexus X Bike Multi-Tool
MOST ADVANCED
This tool from Topeak is a more advanced version of the other Topeak X-Tool featured on this list, and it comes with tons of handy tools for both mountain and road bikes. There’s a total of 21 tools in this multi-tool, which is among the highest of the options on this list. In addition to the standard Allen wrenches, there’s a ton of other tools. There are Torx bits, a Phillips screwdriver, spoke wrenches, tire levers, and chain tools. All of the pieces fold in for easy storage.
9. Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX Tool Kit
INCLUDES A CARRYING CASE
These tools from Topeak come in a handy tool roll with a Velcro closure, making it easy to store this kit on your bike and take it on the go. The Torx bits are not part of a bike multi-tool but are held individually in their slots, and a rachet tool is included to easily swap them out. This solves the issue that some multi-tools have, which is the body of the tool getting in the way in tight spaces. Other tools include tire levers and a Phillips bit. Many of these tools are designed for working on disc brakes, so if you still have caliper brakes, you might not need this particular kit.