A cycling multi-tool will help keep you rolling if you need to make adjustments when out riding. For at-home bike adjustments, an Allen key set will serve you better though, so it's useful to have both.
At home, it's best to use a full sized Allen key, as the likelihood of rounding a bolt is reduced and you can get a lot more leverage when you need it, without so much hand discomfort from sharp edges. But whilst on the go, most cyclists carry a multi-tool in their jersey pocket or saddle bag for its compact size and versatility.
Allen, or hex, key sets vary in quality. Spend more and you'll enjoy a snug fit, reducing the chance of damage to the bolt. Those with a 'T' or 'P' handle as opposed to the standard 'L' shape allow greater grip on the handle, and you can also get 'three way' versions with three sizes on one handle. Some will have "ball ends", letting you tackle hard-to-reach bolts at an angle rather than head-on.
An Allen key set is not the same as a Torque wrench - which you use to ensure the bolt is tight enough without putting too much stress on the component in question.
Some bolts use a star shaped Torx head, which requires Torx keys, though these are slightly less common.
Turning to multi-tools, these vary dramatically in size, weight and price. Some riders prefer to carry just a couple of tools in a small, lightweight package, whilst others would rather take a more hefty tool with almost every potential get-out-of-jail free card to hand.
The latter is particularly useful if you're planning to head out for multi-day bikepacking excursions or hit the off-road on your gravel bike. Specialised tools like a chain breaker incorporated in your multi-tool are a godsend if something goes wrong.
We've rounded up some of the best cycling multi-tools and Allen key sets below - and there's more information on what to look for in our Buyer's Guide at the bottom of the page.
Our pick of the best cycling multi-tools
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The Park Tool IB-3 brings the workshop to the road in a small but robust package. Unlike many other multi-tools the IB-3 places the tools on the outside, attached to a central body resplendent.
On review we appreciated this clever design and found it improved functionality, especially when working in tight areas of the bike. The tool bits were also noteworthy - they're made using a similar grade of metal to that of Park's workshop-ready gear. The downside to this is the added weight - at 170 grams it's one of the heavier multi-tools we've reviewed. However, if you place a premium on durability then this extra weight may be of less concern.
Read more: Park Tool IB-3 full review
Lezyne SV11 multi-tool
With a beautiful polished chrome finish, you'd be forgiven for thinking the Lezyne SV11 multi-tool is all about the looks but it boasts bags of practicality too.
This slick looking tool weighs in at just over 100 grams, which combined with its streamlined profile makes it easy to carry in your jersey pocket, tool roll or saddle bag.
Lezyne states that the SV11's tool bits are machined from high-grade stainless steel, which should mean they're plenty durable while also providing a precise fit. The aluminium side plates help reduce overall weight while also improving ergonomics.
The SV11 is a good example of a multi-tool that focuses on the necessities - you get allen (hex) keys from 2 through 8mm as well as Torx 25 and 30. There's also a flat head and a chain breaker. However, if this selection has some gaps for your needs then Lezyne offer the SV multi-tool in a number of configurations.
Topeak Mini Pro 20
This fully equipped multi-tool is neatly designed and filled with tools you never thought you'd need.
The '20' in its title represents the tool's 20 functions. These include the usual suspects - allen keys from 2 -8mm, T10 and T25 Torx keys and a chain tool - but also a few additional surprises too.
The allen or hex key range is bolstered by the inclusion of a 10mm adapter that slide onto the 8mm bits - handy if you need to tighten a crank arm mid-ride for example. Screwdrivers come in the form of both flathead and Phillips and there's also a chain hook tool for de-tensioning a chain, a tyre lever and spoke keys. There's even a bottle opener for that post-ride beer!
That Topeak manages to fit all these elements into a such a small and lightweight package is impressive. However, it does come at somewhat of a cost as we found that the short length of the bits prevented full and effective use.
Read more: Topeak Mini Pro 20 multi-tool full review
Birzman E-Version multi-tool
As the name suggest this little tool box houses a 15 function multitool at a very attractive price tag. But it's not just affordability and functionality at work here - the Birzman multi tool is pretty light too, weighing 128 grams.
Despite the relatively low price tag the tool bits are made using Chrome Vanadium steel, which make them plenty durable. As for the range, you get hex keys from 2 to 8mm, a torx bit in the shape of a T25, four spoke wrenches, a Phillips screwdriver and a chain tool that works with 9-12 speed chains.
The Blackburn Big Switch comprises a handle plus a set of plug-in tools, with each having a head at each end. It's a clever design with lots of tools and plenty of leverage and even includes a chain breaker.
By replacing the traditional 'one-piece' multi-tool with a selection of bits, the Big Switch gains a significant degree of functionality. On review we found that not only does the design provide greater leverage than a regular multi-tool but also allows you to work in hard to reach spots.
Additional tools include an effective chain breaker that also serves as a disc pad spreader, a spoke key and a valve removal tool.
The tool is surprisingly light too at just over 80 grams and combined with the handy storage wallet makes for a neat package that's easy to carry. The only real downside is the lack of screwdriver.
Read more: Blackburn Big Switch multitool full review
The Fabric 16-in-1 multi-tool contains plenty of tools in a slender package, although Fabric counts five different sized spoke keys and a bottle opener in that tally. It does give you a chain breaker and an 8mm Allen key, needed to tackle many pedals.
Overall on review we found the tool to be pretty handy. It's well made and has a nice, solid feel. It's design also makes it easy to carry and store. As for its functionality the allen and torx keys work well, as does the chain tool. However we found that it did have a tendency to rattle around when not in use.
Read more: Fabric 16-in-1 multi-tool full review
Pedros RxM Multi-tool
If you're looking for a meaty tool, Pedro's your guy. Going for quality over quantity, the Pedros RxM multi-tool has a clever design that offers 12 properly useable functions all neatly packaged together in a composite body.
On review we found that the tool was well equipped for wheel maintenance. It boasts three spoke keys as well as dedicated M7 key as well. There's also a couple of 'extras' too, in the shape of a flathead screwdriver and a chain tool.
However, the tool does scrimp a tad on the basics - there are six allen or hex bits here and no torx keys. At 160 grams it's also pretty weighty.
Read more: Pedro RXM Multitool full review
Crank Brothers M10 Special Edition multi-tool
Crank Brothers produce this dependable tool with all the feature you could ever possibly need wrapped up in a classic Crank Bros design.
The first thing we noticed on test was just how well-made and solid feeling the tool was despite it's slender size. This does mean that it weighs 150 grams but Crank Bros back up the tool's durability with a lifetime guarantee.
As for it's functionality, it features allen (hex) bits from 2mm to 8mm, including a 2.5mm. There's a Torx T25 too as well as flathead and Phillips screwdrivers. We found that the length of each of these bits allowed for 'proper' and effective use. The slim design also aided us when working in those hard-to-access spots on a bike.
Such a streamlined shape must come at a cost - and it does. There's no chain tool feature, which means you'll need to either carry a separate tool for the job or opt for the M10's big brother, the M17.
Read more: Crank Brothers M10 Special Edition Multi-tool full review
Our pick of the best Allen/hex key sets for cycling
Wera make excellent, more than workshop quality, tools - and this set of L shaped hex keys is no exception. This set features all the keys you're likely to need when it comes to bike maintenance - 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10mm are all included.
We found them to be very durable with our reviewer attesting to their high quality and longevity. The only negative was the colour coded sleeves did slip after some usage.
Read more: Wera Hex Plus Key Set full review
These Park Tool hex keys come with a P-handle, making them easier to get a good grip on. The set features Allen keys in all the sizes you're likely to ever need - 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10mm - and are supplied in a handy stand which also has space for some three-way handle tools, too.
This set is designed for workshop use so while great for your home set-up that extra durability does mean a high price tag.
Another Park Tool option, but this time with just 3 common sizes: 4 and 5mm hex, plus a T25 Torx. This should have you covered for the vast majority of tasks, and the handle makes for an easy grip.
If this choice of keys isn't right for you Park Tool offer the same 'easy grip' design in a number of other combination including 4,5,6mm and 2, 2.5, 3mm.
The Best Cycling Multi-Tools Buyers Guide
Like a Swiss Army knife, a good cycling multi-tool should allow you to effectively deal with any maintenance issues you might have whilst out on a ride or even as a do-it-all workshop tool.
A well made and thought out multi-tool should be practical enough to enable the use of all the features and not have ‘token’ features. It should be comfortable in use and the tools of sufficient quality so as to not damage precious parts.
Do I need a cycling multi-tool?
Yes! A good multi-tool will accompany you on all of your rides so needs to be reliable. You should be able to practically strip a bike down completely using one, so it should include all of the correct sized Allen keys and Torx keys required for modern bikes along with others such as screwdriver heads or a chain tool and not have anything obsolete or impractically sized.
What should I look for in a cycling multi-tool?
- Practicality – there is no point having 20 different functions on the multitool if they cannot be used properly. Look for bits that are long enough to allow you to reach specific areas of the bike while also providing enough leverage.
- Versatility – a good cycling multi-tool should be allow you to fix most mechanical issues whilst out on a ride. It’s worth investing in a multi-tool that has a chain breaker as well as other valuable ‘extras’ such as spoke keys and a disc brake pad spreader.
- Durability – The tools should be strong enough to withstand repeated use and not fail you when needed most. Look for bits that are made from hardened steel, which help to ensure a good fit even after a good deal of use.