Group test: Multitools for cycling

Multitools offer a compact and convenient way to take essential tools with you when you ride. They’ll help you out of many tricky situations. Plus, they’re handy for making quick adjustments to your riding position or contact points when you’re out and about.

There’s a wide range of multitools available. Some cyclists prefer a minimalist approach, carrying just the essentials, while others want to be able to deal with any eventuality. What you need from a multitool depends on the bike you ride, where you ride and what repairs you’re comfortable handling.

Of course, keeping up with service intervals and checking your bolts before every ride can help minimise the chances of needing a multitool for more than just minor tweaks and fixes.

I’ve put four multitools with varying functions through thorough testing in the harsh conditions of the British winter.

1. PNW Pebble

Price: £37. Available from: PNW Components.

This compact tool may have limited functions, but PNW has carefully considered what’s essential and what’s not. At just 50g, it’s the lightest tool I tested, making it the most comfortable and easiest to carry.

Despite its small size (65×21×15mm), the rounded edges make it easy to grip and apply significant pressure to stubborn bolts. The built-in Dynaplug sits neatly in a slot in the 6mm Allen key and is quick to deploy for fast puncture repairs.

The downsides? It lacks an 8mm option for pedal adjustments, and replacement Dynaplug inserts can be pricy and hard to find.

Verdict: Perfect for minimalists, MTBers returning to a car park or lift-assisted riders.

2. Crankbrothers F15

Price: £49.99. Available from: Crankbrothers.

This is the heaviest tool in the test (161g), but it’s now my go-to when riding with a pack or frame bag.

It offers a wide range of functions, all of which work reliably. It even includes an integrated bottle opener for those post-ride beers. The metal sleeve is a great feature, providing extra leverage and making the chain tool especially comfortable to use.

The ease of use and effectiveness of the chain tool stood out for me. While it’s a solid choice overall, it doesn’t include any tubeless repair solutions, so you’ll need to carry a separate kit.

Verdict: The most efficient and effective tool here – when weight isn’t a major concern.

3. Topeak Mini Pro 9

Price: £24.99. Available from: Extra.

This tool is the only one that includes tyre levers, making it a good choice for minimising extra gear. It comes in a compact neoprene pouch with a decent selection of tools, though it lacks 6mm and 8mm Allen keys, which could be limiting for modern axles and pedals.

Weighing just 74g, it’s lightweight. The plastic tyre lever feels flimsy but managed to remove a mountain bike tyre; long-term durability and performance on road tyres are uncertain.

The metal lever is stronger but I’d never use a metal tyre lever on my rims. It is handy for pushing back brake pads.

Verdict: Great value but so-so tyre levers aren’t a good swap for extra Allen keys.

4. Lezyne SV Pro 17

Price: £52. Available from: Upgrade Bikes.

This compact, multi-functional tool offers a comprehensive range of features, including a tubeless tyre plug kit, and all packed into a slim design that easily fits in jersey pockets, saddlebags or small frame bags.

Built from durable stainless steel, it’s proven tough enough to handle harsh British winters. While it covers most bases, it lacks an 8mm Allen key, which can be a drawback if you need to tighten pedals.

The chain breaker is a weak spot – hard to grip, tough to use and requiring a lot of force; gloves are essential.

Verdict: Good range of tools and a nice, slim design but the chain breaker is awkward.

Overall verdict

My top picks are the PNW Pebble and the Crankbrothers F15. The PNW Pebble is my go-to for trail sessions, uplift days and shorter town rides. It’s light, easy to carry and has all the essentials.

The Crankbrothers F15 is my pick for longer rides. It covers all my needs, with the chain breaker being a standout feature. I carry separate tyre levers and a tubeless repair kit, so don’t prioritise those on a multitool.

The Topeak Mini Pro 9 offers solid value but I’d still bring separate tyre levers; the plastic one feels flimsy and I wouldn’t use a metal one.

If you’re after a lot of functions, the Lezyne SV Pro 17 is a great option with 17 of them in a compact design. I found the chain breaker hard to use, however.

First published in Cycle magazine, April/May 2025 issue. All information correct at time of publishing.

Multitool functions

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