Hi all. Gearing up for summer gravel racing. My mini-tool is 19 years old, heavy, and I'm not even sure that the chain tool will work on Shimano 11 speed. I'd like a new one for this year, but the options are almost overwhelming!
Here are my criteria: -Smaller and lighter than my present tool, which is about 180 grams -All the most-used hex drivers -Torx T25 driver -Chain tool for 11 (+12 is good) speed -Spoke wrenches -Nice to have, but not essential: tire levers, plug kit, quick link holder
I use the Lezyne V Pro 13. I wanted a mini tool with a chain breaker and quick link storage. The V Pro 13 does not have the spoke wrenches, but the V Pro 17 does. The 13 is listed at 114 grams and the 17 is at 122 grams. I have not had to use the chain breaker on the road, but the hex drivers seem to work well-enough leverage and they fit into the bolts well. Good luck!
It's not the absolute lightest option, but the Topeak Hexus X + Dynaplug Racer setup has worked really well for me. Everything on the Hexus tool has worked when I needed it to, and the Dynaplug system is kinda a no brainer when it works so much better than bacon strips, and is a life of tire fix.
It's really hard to go wrong with the Crank Bros M19 tool. https://www.amazon.com/Crankbrothers-145345-Multi-Tool-Gold/dp/B002VYB4QC That's what I have in 3 saddle bags. Unlike their pedals, this tool actually lasts forever and does everything you need it to. My saddle bags have this tool, a Pedros lever, the smallest tube I can get away with, dynaplug race (or have dynaplug covert installed, depending on the bike), and duct tape. (And I carry a Silca Tattico pump in my jersey pocket.)
This doesn't address the original question but I've been more than happy using a small frame bag instead of a seat bag. I don't have to put up with the limitations of the tiniest tools and can carry a proper pump, tire levers, a couple of tubes, reading glasses, a rag, etc.
That said, for just wrenches I like the Wolf Tooth EnCase Hex Bit Wrench tool. I haven't tried their companion Chain and Tire Plug tool. Each measures about 15 mm dia, 100 mm long and is supposed to fit inside a handlebar.
zen_ wrote:It's not the absolute lightest option, but the Topeak Hexus X + Dynaplug Racer setup has worked really well for me. Everything on the Hexus tool has worked when I needed it to, and the Dynaplug system is kinda a no brainer when it works so much better than bacon strips, and is a life of tire fix.
I think that's where I'm going to land. Been carrying an earlier version of the Hexus for almost 20 years; I've never needed the chain tool, nor most of the others, but it includes everything I want in a multitool -- including spare tire levers, in case I break one or two while attempting to fit tight tires to my tubeless rims. When I look into other combos of a small chain tool and small set of hex drivers, they invariably mean giving up a couple things (like those spare tire levers) in order to save only 40-50 grams.
I just ordered a Dynaplug Racer Pro. Light, quick, and apparently very effective.
I received the PrestaRatchet last night. Pretty cool, but the presta valve remover is a joke for tubeless. The tool wont turn enough between the spokes to even loosen the valve. Other than that, seems pretty cool if it holds up.
pushstart wrote:It's really hard to go wrong with the Crank Bros M19 tool. https://www.amazon.com/Crankbrothers-145345-Multi-Tool-Gold/dp/B002VYB4QC That's what I have in 3 saddle bags. Unlike their pedals, this tool actually lasts forever and does everything you need it to. My saddle bags have this tool, a Pedros lever, the smallest tube I can get away with, dynaplug race (or have dynaplug covert installed, depending on the bike), and duct tape. (And I carry a Silca Tattico pump in my jersey pocket.)
This is what I have and I’m exceptionally pleased with it.
