This article explores what to look for when buying a bike multi tool and some of our preferred options. If you're time poor, we recommend the Topeak Alien 3 available at Amazon for $69.95. Buy on Amazon

We recommend that everyone commuter purchases a bike tool kit. Sure, you probably won't use it much but it becomes a life saver when you need it in an emergency situation.

Bike multi tools or bike tool kits as they're sometimes known, are something that every commuter should carry in their bag for emergency situations whether it's tightening an allen/hex key on your brakes, making a quick adjustment to the seat or helping with changing a punctured tyre.

What to Consider When Buying a Cycling Multi Tool

Quality

With the relatively low cost of bike multi tools, we believe there's no point going too cheap when it comes to a multi tool. Generally when you go down the path of using cheaper bike tool kits you experience a range of problems including:

Tool might break due to low quality metals

due to low quality metals Ends of the tools will wear down quicker

May wear out bolt head on the part itself quickly

You can avoid quality issues by buying a quality brand to begin with. We recommend Topeak, Park Tool, Lezyne, Crank Brothers and SKS.

Weight

Weight ultimately comes down to how much maintenance and repair you see yourself doing with your multi tool.

Generally the more lightweight multi tools will have allen keys and screwdrivers with limited range. This is to help save on weight. While the more heavier bike multi tool options will have a much broader range of allen keys and screwdrivers available at your disposal.

Should you buy a cycling multi tool that's lightweight but with a limited range or look for a more heavier option with a broader range? This ultimately depends how you are commuting to work. Do you travel with a backpack? Choose the lightweight option. Do you travel with panniers or a saddlebag? Go the heavy option where you can get away with more weight.

Cost

With multi tools being relatively inexpensive compared to other cycling related accessories, we recommend buying something from a reputable brand which will use a quality metal and have a range of tools available.

Ask yourself though, will you be using this tool for everything other than big shops at the local bike shop? Invest in a quality multi tool. Do you see yourself just keeping the tool in your bag for emergency situations? Possibly look at cheaper options from reputable brands.