Pack Light, But Not Too Light
Carrying a compact multi-tool or a limited collection of bike tools is essential on extended bikepacking trips and remote gravel rides, but the minimalist in me is always looking for ways to carry less.
Roadside repairs fit into two categories: bike adjustments/fixes and flat tire repairs. Few tools cover both scenarios, though there are an increasing number of kits that offer multiple components to cover both needs, like the Crankbrothers SOS Series or the Wolf Tooth Encase and 8-Bit kits. These kits are good one-and-done solutions, often with convenient on-bike storage designs. That said, most kits are a compromise of some sort, and I prefer the DIY approach of handpicking exactly what I need. I normally stow my tools in a small seat pack for day rides or in a bikepacking bag on a multi-day trip.
Daily driver repair kit: A tubeless plug, CO2 + inflator, rubber patch, Wolf Tooth Pack Pliers, Blackburn Mini-Switch tool, tube
I address bike adjustments/fixes with the tools below — or a combination of them depending on the trip — and my flat tire repair kit consists of a plug tool and CO2 inflator, with the addition of a small pump on multi-day trips.
To keep things simple, this selection of multi-tools is through a less-is-more lens. How little can you pack and still be prepared for common scenarios?
Crankbrothers M-17 Bike Multi-Tool
When it comes to a classic foldable multi-tool, the Crankbrothers M-Series folding bike tools are proven and popular. They are available in a range of configurations depending on what tools you want. I chose the M-17 because it is the smallest in the series to include a chain tool.
The Crankbrothers M-17 has proven incredibly durable. Mine is at least 10 years old and has performed countless fixes and adjustments. It offers a full selection of common hex wrench sizes, basic screwdrivers and a T25 torx driver. You’ll also find 8 mm and 10 mm open wrenches built into the chain tool, plus multiple spoke wrench sizes.
It’s functional and will get through the most basic roadside adjustments. Like any multi-tool, you compromise on the scale of the tools to get so many options in such a compact unit. But there is no compromise on quality. It’s made of high-tensile steel with a lifetime warranty.
I typically only add the M-17 to my kit on multi-day trips where carrying a chainbreaker and spoke wrench seems worthwhile. Add the Wolf Tooth Pack Pliers, and you’re pretty well covered for a wide range of road and trailside needs.
Crankbrothers has diversified its multi-tool selection in recent years. In addition to the M-Series, they offer an intriguing collection of bike-mounted tool kit options worth checking out.
Crankbrothers M-17 $39
Weight 168g
pros: lots of options in a small package, good chain breaker, durable
cons: limited reach, no quick-link tool
SQ-Tool NINE Key Card Multi-Tool
Less multi-tool and more mini tool collection, the SQ-Tool NINE Key Card is a collection of, you guessed it, nine different tools. It’s actually eight wrenches, with one offering two different ends. While the Key Card is not a classic folding multi-tool, it is a compact collection of the most frequently used hex, torx and screwdrivers needed to work on a modern bike.
The German-made Wera wrenches are top-quality stainless steel. While not full workshop-size wrenches, they are bigger and more functional than any hex wrenches you will find on a foldable multi-tool.
The whole setup fits in a jersey pocket and easily slips into any number of bikepacking bags or hydration vest pockets. The ball end hexes are an excellent feature and make short work of adjusting hard-to-reach hex screws. The plastic case also includes a spot for a credit card, cash and or an ID on the backside. Includes hexes 2 mm-8 mm including 2.5mm, torx 10 and 25, plus a #2 Phillips.
SQ-Tool NINE Key Card Multi-Tool $59
pros: good reach and leverage, ball ends, compact and light, high-quality
cons: no chain tool or spoke wrench
Blackburn Mini-Switch Multi-Tool
While bikes continue to become more complex and capable, bike companies are doing a reasonably good job of simplifying the number of different tools and hex sizes required to make basic adjustments. These days, a wide range of trailside bike work can be completed with a 4, 5 or 6 mm hex wrench. While the Blackburn Mini-Switch bike tool offers more than just 4, 5 and 6mm hexes, it’s a bare-bones tool for minimalists. And it only costs $15.
The complete package weighs a scant 70 grams and fits in a very small pocket or space. The simple design accepts bits at the top of the handle and at the bottom, creating a t-handle driver. It’s perfectly functional, but it’s decidedly light on tool options. The main missing options are Phillips and flathead screwdriver bits, plus the all-important 2.5 mm hex. This is a good option for shorter day rides or as part of a more complete kit.
Blackburn does make a more robust version of the Mini-Switch, the Switch. For an extra $20, the Switch adds a chain breaker tool, a 2.5mm hex, a spoke wrench, a brake pad spreader and a nice folding pouch.
pros: good reach and leverage, compact and light
cons: limited tool options
Wolf Tooth Pack Pliers
I started carrying the Wolf Tooth Pack Pliers after blowing a quick link on a remote day-long ride. While most obviously designed as a quick-link tool, the Wolf Tooth Pack Pliers incorporate a couple of other clutch tools: a valve core wrench and a tire iron. They also serve to stow a couple of quick links so you actually have the needed parts to perform a backcountry chain repair.
The Pack Pliers are not a one-and-done bike multi-tool solution, but they make a great addition to any tool kit. They are a fixture in my saddle bag for day rides and bikepacking trips alike. In fact, I recommend combining them with all of the other tool recommendations. If you don’t run a quick link in your chain, you can probably skip these. But you should be running a quick link.
Wolf Tooth also makes more robust pack plier options that include a bit driver. The Wolf Tooth 8-Bit Pack Pliers and the 8-Bit Kit Bike Multi-Tool are solid options if you are looking for a one-and-done tool.
Wolf Tooth Pack Pliers $22 (black)
pros: light and compact, easy way to add quick link tool and tire lever to any tool kit
cons: limited tool options
Essentials for Every Ride
A tubeless plug kit and a CO2 inflator are fixtures in my seat pack. The plug kit is a super basic kit from Amazon for $7. The Portland Design Works CO2 head includes a leather sleeve for the cartridge $20. Both products have performed numerous trail and roadside repairs.
