Bike multi tool5/18/2023 ![]() The Alien 2 Multi-Tool also includes a Philips screwdriver, a flathead and a Torx key suitable for forks. Personally, for longer tours, I have now decided that taking full size Allen keys works best for me. The decision then, is whether it is better to be inconvenienced by inadequate tools, or by the additional weight of a full size set. That is far less likely to happen with a good set of dedicated Allen keys. This proves to be quite annoying and inconvenient after a while.Īnother drawback, is that after constant use (and I am talking upwards of 2 years here), the Allen keys have a tendency to 'round out'. The only solution, is to keep having to take the key out, and re-positioning it to start again. It's difficult to get a full turn of the key because of the plastic body on which the keys are attached. The main complaint is that because of the way they are designed, they can be a bit fiddly to use. On the trail and in an emergency, this can prove to be a godsend, but for regular bicycle maintenance their drawbacks become apparent. The multi-tool has a pretty good range of Allen keys from 2mm up to 10mm, which covers all the basics that most people might need. Bike multi-tools such as the Alien 2 have a good range of Allen keys. So, please don't let me give you the impression that they suck totally! They don't, it's just that in my opinion they are not best suited for extended periods of bicycle touring. I have even used them on my previous long distance bicycle tours. I own a couple myself, and happily take them on day rides and tours of up to a week. Lets begin by choosing one to use as an example – Topeak ALiEN II Bike Multitool It's an extremely well made bit of kit, and one of the most popular on the market. This way, I can explain my reasoning behind it. Perhaps it's a good idea then to compare a multi-tool with their full size counterparts. Why is that though, and what exactly are the limitations of bike multi-tools when bicycle touring? In this case, dedicated bike touring tools would be more suitable, either as a complete kit, or as individual items supplementing the multi-tool.” If you believe that you will use them on a more frequent basis for regular bicycle maintenance when touring, their limitations will soon become apparent. If you expect to use them just occasionally or in emergencies, then they will prove adequate for the task. “Whether or not you should take bike multi-tools when bicycle touring is determined by the frequency you believe that they will be used. With that in mind, please don't assume that the following statement was arrived at lightly – I would like to think that I have now considered most of them. That's just as well, as it turns out that there are a lot of pros and cons to using bike multi-tools when bicycle touring. It's made me approach it unbiased, and with new eyes so to speak. ![]() Writing this article has forced me to think a little deeper about bike touring tools. Perhaps you might have expected better from someone who has cycled from England to South Africa, and Alaska to Argentina? Nah, sorry! Let's think again about bike touring tools And, as they have always worked for me (more or less), I never really thought any more about it until now. I fully accept they have their limitations, but as with anything, after a while you get used to what you have. So, let me start off by saying that on previous tours, I have always gotten by with bike multi-tools.
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