The 7 Best Mountain Bike Multitool in 2020

If you’re a mountain biking enthusiast, a multitool can truly be a life savior for you. Like every mechanical device, your bike may require emergency repair or adjustments while out in the field. Even the tightest bolts can loosen up over time and in such a situation, a quality bike multitool comes in handy. Today, we will take a look at the best mountain bike multitools in ​2020 to narrow down your choices. A detailed buyer’s guide is also included in this article to help you pick the multitools that fit your needs.

#1 Topeak Alien II

The Alien II multitool by Topeak was launched in the market in the 90s but to this day, it is ranked amongst the best multitool sets for amateur and professional riders alike. Being compact, this masterpiece by Topeak can fit in your pockets and come in handy whenever you need it. Made out of high-quality steel and plastic, Alien II weighs only 290 grams and offers 31 tools at a stellar price. This multitool kit features 8 Allen wrenches, 3 box wrenches, 2 screwdrivers, 2 spoke wrenches, a knife, a chain tool, tire lever and chain hook amongst other useful tools. With the help of this handy multitool set, you can repair a broken chain, replace broken spokes, remove the handlebars and pedals or even cut veggies in case of emergencies. Another great thing about Topeak’s Alien II multitool is that it can divide in half so that you can use multiple tools at the same time. Moreover, the safe-blade locking mechanism ensures that the knife does not hurt you. A bottle opener is also included, allowing you to celebrate your repairing success even when you’re on the road. All in all, the Alien II by Topeak is an excellent multitool that will never fail you in times of need so you should defiantly consider buying it.

Pros

• Compact design
• 31 user-friendly tools
• Has a safe blade-locking mechanism

Cons

• A bit on the heavier side
• Requires resistance to keep Allen wrench in place

Crankbrothers has long been in the cycling industry and it sure knows its way around all things cycling. The Multi-5 Bicycle toolset by Crankbrothers is a modern classic that has been a top-favorite of bikers for years. Thanks to the wide range of tools along with excellent ergonomics and the ease of use, this multitool set has righteously earned a position in our list of top multitools for bikes. This lightweight multitool set weighs only 175 grams and measures 3.5 inches in length so you can easily carry it with you. A durable and slick aluminum casing shields the range of tools that are all made of high tensile steel. With a total of 19 tools including hex keys, screwdriver, spoke wrenches and box wrenches, Crankbrother’s Multi-5 bike tool set has everything you will need for roadside repairs. Moreover, the side plates are curved and textured so that you can grip the toolset securely when working with it even if you have gloves on your hands. The best thing about this Multi-5 bike toolset by Crankbrothers is that it comes with a lifetime warranty which is an indication of its quality and performance in itself.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Good grip
• Easy to use
• Features 19 tools
• Comes in a variety of colors

Cons

• None that we could find

#3 Park Tool MTB-7

Anyone who goes on regular biking adventures knows that quality is the key to everything and Park Tool is fully aware of this fact. Park Tool's Rescue Tool kit is a high quality multitool set that comes to your rescue whenever you need it while on the road or trails. The Rescue tool kit features 21 different handy tools that include hex wrenches, T25 Torx or T30 Torx compatible driver, flat blade and Philips head screwdrivers, tire levers, spoke wrenches, box wrench, bottle opener, and the list goes on. The truth is that this Rescue Tool Kit by Park Tool doesn't have a lot missing from it except a chain tool. Other than that, this bike tool kit is perfect in every other aspect. All of the included tools are made out of high quality and durable materials so that they can survive the extensive use that comes its way for the years to come. Moreover, the tool kit is known to not show any signs of premature damage or wear –something you should always look for in cycling accessories. Overall, Park Tool's Rescue Tool Kit is a must-have no matter if you're a newbie or a professional rider.

Pros

• 21 different tools
• Quality material used
• Lightweight and durable
• Easy on the pockets

Cons

• Doesn’t have a chain tool

#4 Lezyne Multi-Tool

Another great multitool for bicycle riders is by Lezyne which offers almost every feature you’ll need on the road along with a few others just in case you need them. Lezyne’s Stainless 20 Multitool is a high-end choice you can purchase to help you in times of need.  From Allen keys and screwdrivers to spanners and tire levers and everything in between, this handy multitool set features 20 easy-to-use and durable tools. The side plates are made of forged aluminum and the tools are made of stainless steel, making them rust and corrosion-free. However, it's always a good idea to keep your multitools dry to extend their life. Moreover, the center pivot bits are also forged for increased tool rigidity and better ergonomics. Lezyne’s Stainless 20 features a neoprene cover that holds the tools securely in place when not in use. On the whole, Stainless 20 Multitool set by Lezyne is a great choice if you’re looking for quality multitools under a budget.

Pros

• Has a variety of 20 tools
• Corrosion-resistant tools
• Center pivot and forged hardware for better handling
• Lightweight aluminum side plates 
• Available in multiple colors

Cons

• None identified

#5 Pro Bike Tool Multi-Tool

Made of cold forged stainless steel, this 8 in 1 multi tool set instills a sense of durability as soon as you hold it. While this multi-tool set may not have everything you would need for bike repairs and adjustments, it does come handy when you have to work with nuts and bolts. The auto-indexing feature of this tool kit ensures that the tools lock into place while tightening so that it doesn't become a safety hazard. The entire kit weighs merely 3.5 ounces and measures only 3.7 x 1.5 x 0.3 inches so you can easily carry it around in your pockets or backpack. A slim and stylish pouch is also included in the package to protect the tool kit and let you carry it in style. So if working with nuts and bolts is your things, you won't find anything better than Pro Bike Tool's 8 in 1 Reliable and Compact Repair Kit.

Pros

• Made of durable forged stainless steel
• Great for tightening and loosening bolts
• Includes a stylish storage bag

Cons

• Features a limited number of tools
• Only suitable for bolt tightening or loosening

#6 Blackburn Wayside Multi-Tool

Another great option when it comes to comprehensive multitools for bikes for daily use is Blackburn’s Wayside multitool set. The 200 grams unit measures only 86 x53 x23 mm and still carries a vast variety of tools that you can use. Wayside includes a chain tool, a chain ​hook, disc brake pad separators,  Presta valve core tool, ​allen keys, and screwdrivers amongst other tools – yes you heard that right. Blackburn's Wayside is definitely your one-stop-shop for all your roadside repair needs. The quality of the multitool is also great and the tools are arranged meticulously for easy use. In short, this multitool set by Blackburn is well-though and elegantly crafted set for roadies and mountain bikers alike.

Pros

• Made of dense, quality material
• Wide range of unique tools
• Stylish design
• Tools are easily accessible

Cons

• None identified

#7 LEZYNE RAP-21 Co2 Multi-Tool

Another multitool set by Lezyne that has made it on our list of top multitools for bikes is the Rap-21 Co2. Featuring 21 functional tools, Rap-21 is one of the most versatile multitool kits on our list. Strong, corrosion-resistant aluminum side plates house almost every tool that can come to your rescue while you're out in the open. Moreover, this model is the only one in our list that includes a Co2 inflator – something that is hard to find in most affordable multitools out there. We understand that Lezyne's Rap-21 Co2 is not the lightest and most compact multitool but other features of this masterpiece make up for it. Overall, Rap-21 Co2 offers easy, simple and quick experiences wen it comes to making quick repairs and adjustments to your bike which is why we have it on our list of best multitools for bikes.

Pros

• Extremely durable
• 21 handy tools for quick repairs
• Has a Co2 inflator
• Corrosion-resistant material
• Offers good value for money

Cons

• Weight heavy

Buyer’s Guide

The ability to make minor adjustments and unexpected repairs on the field can save you from a long walk home and for that, a well-rounded multitool is an essential item to keep with you at all times. But what exactly qualifies for a good multitool? The response varies from person to person but a key set of features and considerations are common to all. This buyer’s guide will give you a basic overview of the features you can get in a quality multitool along with some important considerations to keep in mind when in the market to buy a multitool for your MTB.

Key Features

A multitool for mountain bike may differ from the one used for general purposes, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the key features and functions to look for in your purchase. You can either go minimalist and only look for the absolute minimum features to fix the most occurring issues or go versatile to deal with complex repairs as well. Here are some of the features you should be looking for in a biking multitool.

Hex Keys

Hex keys, also known as Allen wrenches, are a must-have in your multitool kit as they are commonly used for repairs and adjustments of all sorts. There are multiple sizes of ​allen keys available, but it is advisable to pick a multitool that has at least 4 to 5 different sizes of hex wrenches to allow for adjusting the various parts of your mountain bike. 

Screwdrivers

A screwdriver is an absolute must no matter what task you have at your hands. Most MTB make use of both crosshead and flathead screws and hence, both types of screwdrivers are necessary to cater to any emergencies. You should also look for a multitool with multiple sizes of screwdrivers to make any adjustment and repairs when out in the woods.

Torx Drivers

Gone are the days when T25 and T30 Torx screws were only used for holding disc brakes in places in mountain bikes. Since they not easily loosened from day-to-day vibrations or even in high-impact accidents, Torx screws are becoming increasingly common in MTBs. Thus, Torx drivers are an important feature of a good multitool and are specially designed to allow for a greater torque application on the screw. T25 is the standard size, but T10 and T30 can also come in handy in case of emergencies.

Chain Splitters

The occurrence of a broken chain can undoubtedly stop you dead in the track and in such cases, chain splitters or chain breaker are a necessary tool to have. ​A chain breaker is used to dismantle broken chain links so that the chain can be repaired or fixed if you ever land into an emergency during long riding sessions. However, make sure to check if the multitool chain ​breaker is compatible with the bike chain.

Tire Levers

Tire levers in multitools are either molded in the tool body or attached separately to allow for fast and efficient tire removal, repair and replacement. It’s recommended to look for slightly longer plastic and composite levers to achieve a greater torque and make the job easier.

Spoke Keys/Wrenches

These are required to fine-tune the spokes of the bike wheels and bring the wheels back to a perfect circle. Narrower spoke wrenches can easily fit in tight spaces and can be turned quite effortlessly to tighten or loosen up the spokes and straighten buckled wheels.

Blades

Quality knife blades are required in situations in which you need a cutting tool for scrapping or wire peeling. And if you plan on going for long biking sessions in the woods, having a multitool with short yet sharp blades becomes even more important.

Other Considerations

Quality

You can have all the features in your bike multitool but if it’s not of the right quality, the multitool is of no use. In fact, it might damage the bike and injure you or even break the first time you use it. Hence, it’s crucial to invest your money in a multitool of high quality.

Size And Weight

Many people tend to overlook the aspects of size and weight which ultimately results in a poor experience. While a lighter weight is desirable for ease of handling, make sure not to compromise on the durability since the tools need to be sturdy and reliable when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere. Moreover, ensure that the size of the multitool allows for enough leverage or otherwise, you will have a hard time to even screw a nut tightly. 

Storage

Most manufacturers are now focusing on designing compact and portable multitools so that riders can carry them around easily. Special multitool casings provide extra protection but may add on unnecessary weight which might be undesirable for some people. Compact multi tool kits can also be carried in your backpack or the bike's saddlebag.

Conclusion

Every mountain biking enthusiast needs a quality multitool kit at one point or another as it allows you to perform all the common fixes and repairs, even when you’re out in the woods. From adjusting handlebars and brakes to tightening loose bolts, a multitool kit might be all you need to save yourself from a lot of hassle. We hope that this buyers guide will help you find the best mountain bike multi tool available in the market according to your biking style and needs. ​Ensure to go through our list of top-picks to further narrow down your options and have an amazing, hassle-free experience.