Park Tool MT-1
I'm sure most roadside bicycle repair multi-tools do their job, but for me the MT-1 is the coolest. Not only does it do the job better than most, its design is so simple, it’s so small and lightweight, so ingenious that it has to qualify as a cool tool.
Park’s MT-1 is made out of nickel-plated investment-cast steel, weighs next to nothing, has no moving parts, and yet has all the functions one needs for most emergency bicycle repairs, from adjusting derailers to tightening crank bolts. Because the shafts are so short and the lever longer, the MT-1 provides superior torque to tools such as the previously reviewed Crank Brothers Multi-19, or a standard folding hex, such as Park's AWS-9. Unlike folding tools such as the Multi-19 or AWS-9, the MT-1 has no retaining bolt that can come loose over time. And because the thin MT-1 has such a low profile, it can fit in tight places, including small saddlebags.
It also offers 8-, 9- and 10mm socket wrenches, which are commonly used on rack and fender hardware, as well as older brake bolts. Overall, the MT-1 is simpler and more usable than the Crank Brothers tool. Though it does have fewer functions, I find the ones the MT-1 does have are all I need for road riding that doesn't involve a long-distance expedition -- and they work better. Perhaps the only thing wrong with it is that it isn’t blaze orange; I forgot mine in the grass the other day after a quick tune-up, which I might not have done if it had been painted an obnoxiously bright hue.
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by Park Tool
Favorite (15)
grimgold
Definitely a cool tool, and I plan to get one soon. I might note that I take the time to identify all my tools with an engraver and yes, fluorescent paint. I learned the hard way about losing tools in the grass.
Dan
I would never buy a multi-tool that does not include a chain tool. Why carry two tools when you can carry one? The Crank Brothers Multi-Tools are fantastic tools. The chain tool has saved me from quite a few long walks out of the woods. The wrench provides plenty of torque to adequately tighten bolts.
tde
This is a puzzling pick. The most common problem that you will encounter biking is a flat tire. This tool does not have any tire levers to help remove the tire.
Most front and rear derailler limit screws are adjusted by use of a simple, small screwdriver. However, the screwdriver on that Park Tool will probably not fit many front derailleurs because the tools sticking out of the side won't allow you to turn the tool next to the seat tube.
The one failure that will completely disable a bike is a chain failure. Most other problems will probably just be an annoyance until you can get somewhere to fix them. Yet, this tool does not have a chain tool.
There are many compact, light tools that do not have these shortcomings.
Finally, most modern cranks are secured by a special tool, not the type of bolts that this wrench will fit.
elon
tde:
I'd note that using this tool wouldn't be exclusive of a patch kit, spare tube and tire levers. No one would disagree that flat fixing is priority number one, on the road and off.
Stop-limit adjustments on derailers aren't a typical emergency repair, but rather tune-up details, and even that rarely.
As for the chain tool, I carry one myself, but riding on the road--Andrew's use--it's not as much a necessity as it is for mountain biking.
Finally, the usefulness of 8-, 9- and 10mm wrenches is very much tied to the age of one's bike. Indeed, those wrenches would be of little use to someone riding a bike with 11-speed Campy components, but very useful for bikes more than 10 years old, particularly with racks and fenders.
What do you carry?
Rob Wilcox
Awesome add for my bike bag. Loved finding this. It'll be a great backup to my Crank Brothers multi-tool.
Wayne
I carry a Topeak Mini 9. I don't have a MTB with disc brakes (yet) so the T25 tool is not currently useful but everything else works great. I can do a complete tune-up with the thing. I used to carry the Alien XS but that was too bulky and cumbersome. The chain tool with the Alien XS was usable but now I supplement the Mini 9 with a Park Mini Chain Brute.
elon
Wayne:
How do you like the Park Mini Chain Brute?
tde
For person who asked above, I carry a topeak alien:
http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Alien-26-Function-Bicycle-Tool/dp/B000FIE4AE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1249577644&sr=1-2
It has the tools to fix just about any problem you will encounter on a bike. There are slimmer versions available with fewer extraneous tools.
dingo
Meh. Tried one of these Park Tools, they're not really all that useful - the right angle drivers on it aren't long enough a lot of the time. After going through 4 iterations of bike toolkit, I now carry the previously reviewed Crank Brothers 17 and a set of tire levers as the closest to bike tool perfection there is.
Zwack
Ha, all these newfangled bike tools! I used to use a Mafac toolkit (purchased around 1990)
http://velobase.com/ViewSingleTool.aspx?ID=040A16AE-76B1-451D-B94D-6DB17995CB13&AbsPos=49
To give some idea of scale that pouch is approximately 3" by 4". They are a remarkably small, and very useful selection of tools.
Z.
afeman
I agree with Zwack (though those stamped tools look literally tinny): a couple of carefully selected "real" tools work much better and are only marginally more heavy and bulky. The trick is to carry only what fits your bike and nothing more -- the appropriately sized Allen wrenches, one or two 8mm/10mm open-ended wrenches (from McMaster-Carr or Sears), a mini chain tool and tire levers usually work for me, and take up less room than an inner tube.
jonesy
i have this tool - it is amazingly functional, but for being so lightweight, it is actually awkward to carry in a pocket or keychain. i prefer it over my other multitools, but since it pokes into me while i'm biking, i often choose the other ones instead...