I need a decent trail multi tool, that has quality materials, isn't huge but has most things and costs less than £25.
I'm guessing something by Park, Crank Bros, Pedros or Topeak will be fairly good, but anyone got any specific recommendations please?
Ta
I've a Topeak Alien and a Crank Bros. Both very good, but the Crank Bros is more ergonomic and had a better chain tool.
I use a Topeak Alien and have found it a very good bit of kit for all trail side issues. The only thing I carry apart from the Alien is a small set of plyers!
Topeak Hexus 16, compact, just about every tool you'll need, and just large enough to generate a proper ammount of torque when you need it.Oh, and it's reasonably priced too.
the best to go with is get a crank brothers 10 multi tool and get a separate chain tool, they are so much easier to use. that'd be under £25. But the larger crank brothers versions are decent enough
I like the topeak stuff, but the alien is just overkill. Have a look at your bike, if its made this century then odds are there's no nuts on the thing, just cap head bolts that require an allen key set. So why lug around an allien with an asortment of usless ring spanners intergrated. I've got a mini 18 thats never let me down, and the hexus look alright.
I would recomend a small set of pliers as timpol surgested. I carry a leatherman crunch which has a little pair of mole grips come pliers. come in most usefull on several ocasions, including the time i bent the wheel rim lip over on a rock.
I do as Spock says, I carry the small Park chain tool for the trails and I use an old Cool Tool for all the other bits and pieces.
I've got a Topeak Hexus and it's excellent. Includes pretty much everything, even tyre levers. The chain tool is better than any of the full size ones I have in my toolbox!
one of the park allen key tools and a chain brute.
the multi-everything-with-extra-bits-you-don't-need tools are fun but unneccessary
Id just be happy with one that didnt rust.
My Topeak hummer and Crank brothers thingy are both fine tools, but have gone rusty. I admit I abuse them, but surely someone could invent one that doesnt oxidise in the bottom of a damp rucksack?