Multi Tools - Grouptest Part 1

A good multi tool is an essential in every mountain bikers toolkit. That one magical solution that can fix nearly any situation that arises at the trailside saving your ride ending short from mechanical disaster.

There are loads of multi tools out there on the market today. Everything from super lightweight carbon models to the most basic models with 4 allen keys in 1 block… They certainly all have their place but the most common type of tool you are likely to bump into on the trail is the no frills "do it all" tool.  20 functions or less with all common allen key sizes, screwdrivers, spoke keys and a chain tool included as a minimum.

MoreDirt are pitting seven of the best all rounder multi tools out there from the likes of Topeak, X Tools, Lezyne, Crank Brothers and Pedros. So you know which one should be that late addition to your Christmas list.

Crank Brothers M19 Multi Tool

First up we have the Crank Brothers Multi 19.  Unsurprisingly as the name suggests it has 19 functions! It features 7 allen keys ranging from 2mm up through to 8mm in all the usual bike specific sizes that handily has the size stamped on each key. It also has 2 Phillips head screwdrivers, 1 small and 1 large, a flat head screwdriver, Torx25 and Torx10 keys as well as both 8 and 10mm open wrenches. This M19 also includes a chain tool which was more than comfortable breaking a 10 speed chain that incorporates 4 different spoke wrenches into the back of it in different sizes but the lack of a Mavic spoke wrench is frustrating.

The M19 comes with a cool stainless steel pod that the tool fits snugly inside to keep it clear of the elements and in working order even through the winter. The tools all feel great quality and the lifetime warranty offered by Crank Brother’s only furthers that argument!

The Crank Brothers M19 has an RRP of £27.99

Crank Brothers are distributed in the UK by 2Pure

A stylish and effective tool with a good selection of functions all packed away in a neat aluminium carry case.

Pedros ICM Muti Tool

Next up we have the Pedros ICM Multi tool that features 17 different functions that are all packed sensibly and tightly into the body including all the standard Allen Key sizes, a T25 Torx key, both phillips and flat head screw drivers, a bottle opener, A chain tool, 2 spoke keys and the extra added bonus of 2 plastic tyre levers that snap neatly on the sides.

The chain tool is a sturdy affair and it was easily capable of breaking a 10 speed chain and the inclusion of the Mavic spoke wrench gave us piece of mind when out on the trails with both our current long termers that utilise Mavic wheel sets. The inclusion of 2 tyre levers is a fantastic one, They are by no means the sturdiest levers out there and you won’t want to be using them on a regular basis but as an emergency fix they are a great addition to the ICM and something I personally would like to see on more Multi Tools on the market.

The Pedro's ICM tool enjoys a lifetime warranty and has an RRP of £24.99

Pedros are distributed in the UK by 2Pure.

Sturdy feeling tool that ticks all of our boxes function wise with the added bonus of 2 detachable tyre levers.

X-Tools 16 in 1 Multi Tool

The X tools 16 in 1 tool as you may of guessed features 16 different functions including 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm allen keys a T25 and T30 Torx key, A tiny PH1 phillips head screwdriver, a chain tool with 4 spoke key's on the rear and a chain pin holder. The tool features a stretchy neoprene cover that is sure to keep the tool protected for the next time you need to use it.

The 16 in 1 doesn't pack down particularly neatly and you have to make the choice between the bulky chain tool or the allen keys and other tools protruding out from the sides. The tiny phillips head screw driver as well as having fairly limited use on a mountain bike, fits in the end of the 8mm allen key as a socket fitting. It works well but from our experience you are likely to lose any loose attachments on tools over time in the bottom of your bag! The chain tool features 4 spoke key's on the rear that is a fairly common set up amongst all the other tools and there's no doubt it works perfectly but once again it is lacking a Mavic spoke wrench.

The X-Tools 16 in 1 Multi tool has an RRP of £17.99

X-Tools are distributed in the UK by Hotlines-UK

A multi tool at a bargain price but it's on the clunky side when packed away and a poor screw driver arrangement lets it down.

Lezyne Blox 23

The Lezyne Blox 23 tool is as Lezyne claim… A shop quality tool in a trail sized package with an amazing 23 functions yet it will still fit in the palm of your hand. It has allen keys in 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm sizes as well as handy L shaped allen keys in 2, 2.5 and 3mm for reaching in tight spaces. It has both T25 and T30 Torx keys and phillips and flat headed screwdrivers. Other functions included are a sturdy tyre lever, 8 and 10mm wrenches, a chain tool and various spoke keys including Mavic and to top it all off... a bottle opener!

The 23 functions on this tool are on the whole well thought out and very well executed. They all fold away neatly inside the aluminium body and can be covered by the stretchy fabric cover which is a good solution but the neoprene is a touch on the small side! My only complaint with the Blox 23 is the 10mm wrench on the front of the tyre lever that leaves its actual function as tyre lever in doubt. The opening of the wrench acts as a tin opener on the soft rubber of the inner tube when sliding the tyre lever around the bead of the tyre which I discovered to my peril...  Apart from that it offers amazing functionality and feels absolutely bomb proof in the palm of your hand like it will be around for a very long time!

The Lezyne Blox 23 has an RRP of £25.99

Lezyne are distributed in the UK by Upgrade bikes

A sturdy feeling 23 function tool with everything you will need plus more but take care when using the tyre lever!

Stay tuned for the second and final part of our multi tool grouptest coming up tommorow and find out who scoops the top honours!

Do you own any of the aforementioned tools? share your experiences in the comments below...