Multi-tools are very compact and light. You can stash it in your bag and forget about it until you need it most. Multi-tools are designed to give you everything you need to cope with minor breakdowns.

What to look for:

Number of tools - the more pieces on the tool, the more jobs the multi-tool can perform. However, more pieces means more weight, more complexity and more space taken by the tool.

Materials - stainless steel and titanium bits are expensive but are very long lasting. Cheap plastic and mild steel multi-tools are cheap but dont have good longevity.

Here are our pick of the best multi-tools:

Tacx T4810 9 Piece Multi Tool - £4.99

Functional multi-tool for less that five pounds! Small nine piece multi-tool with 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm Allen Keys and both Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers.

Topeak X-Tool Multi Tool - £9.99

Unique looking 19 function tool with casing to hide all the tools and keeps them out of harms way

• 6, 11 and 12 mm ring spanners, 8, 10, 13 and 15 mm open ended spanners, 2 tyre levers, Phillips and flat blade screw drivers, Allen keys from 2.5 to 8mm, 14 and 15 gauge spoke wrench, a T25 Torx tool, and a 9/10 speed compatible chain tool
• All tools fold into the case, which is designed to be as flat and smooth as possible, to avoid snagging and to prevent injuries in the event of a crash
• Measurements: 94 x 40 x 35mm
• Weight: 203grams

SKS CT-Worx Mini Trail Tool - £19.99

Unique looking 20 function tool with casing to hide all the tools and keeps them out of harms way

• An innovative multi-tool concept
• The compact and functional CT-Worx will cater for all your trailside needs with ease
• Intelligent casing hides all the tools and keeps them out of harms way
• Bursting with tools, the CT-Worx travel boasts 6, 11 and 12 mm ring spanners, 8, 10, 13 and 15 mm open ended spanners, 2 tyre levers, Phillips and flat blade screw drivers, a full spread of Allen keys from 2.5 to 8 mm, 14 and 15 gauge nipple spanners, a T25 Torx tool, and a 9/10 speed compatible chain tool
• All tools fold into the casing which is cleverly designed to be as flat and smooth as possible, to avoid snagging and to stop Multi-tool shaped injuries in the event of a crash
• 20 functions
• Measurements: 94 x 40 x 35 mm
• Weight: 223 grams

Topeak Hexus II Multi Tool - £19.99

16 function tool for road or mountain bike use with a high-grade plastic body.

• 2, 2.5, 3, 4 (x2), 5, 6, 8mm Allen wrenches
• Phillips & flat head screwdrivers
• Torx T25 bit for disc brake
• Universal chain tool, Chain hook
• Spoke wrenches for 14g & 15g
• Tyre lever with 4mm Allen wrench for use with the chain tool or for adjusting the tool itself
• 2x tyre levers
• 167g

Topeak Ratchet Rocket Multi Tool - £27.99

The Ratchet Rocket features a fine tooth ratchet mechanism with reverse lever and thumb wheel for quick rotation and control in tight spots. Ratchet tool snaps into an integrated chain tool and bit storage box.

• QR Clamp Water bottle Boss Mount included
• Allen Wrenches 2/2.5/3/4/5/6mm
• Chain Pin Breaker
• No.2 Phillips screw driver
• Storage Box Engineering grade polymer/Thermoplastic
• Tyre Levers 2 Hard Anodized Aluminium Levers
• Torx Bit T25
• Size (L x W x H) 10.8 x 5.6 x 3.2 cm
• Weight 192 g / 0.42 lb (w/ storage box)

Airace 21 in 1 Metallic Folding Tool Set - £43.99

Yes, its expensive, but getting 21 tools in a frankly tiny package is very good value.

• Cr-V Metallic tool
• Black with chrome finish hex 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm
• 2x Tyre levers
• Philip #2/ flat /T25
• Stainless steel plate with 8,9,10,12mm box wrench, 14/15/16G spoke wrench and bottle opener
• Additional hex 3mm for self maintenance
• Chain breaker
• Chain retainer

Knog 20 Function Multi Tool - £34.49

Ergonomic and beautiful tool.

• Screwdriver Philips-head, Flat-head
• Hex Keys 2mm. 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm
• Torx Driver T25
• Hex Bolt Wrench 8mm, 10mm, 13mm, 15mm
• Spoke Wrenches 1 x 3.23 nipples, 1 x 3.30 nipples, 1 x 3.45 nipples, 1 x 3.96 nipples
• Chain Tool
• Size 50 x 50mm, depth varies depending on tool
• Weight: 178 grams
• Material Chrome vanadium with a forged aluminium hard cover

So there you are, pick one and be well prepared for any minor mechanicals which may occur.

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