On more than one occasion, I have heard people respond to product reviews with, “You got it for free, of course you like it.”
As a reviewer, I can say that it doesn’t really matter, good stuff is good and bad stuff is bad, regardless of the source. If anything, the fallacy of sunk costs might actually imply the opposite effect… but I digress.
At any rate, here is the first of several reviews of stuff I’ve bought with my own dough.
As the name implies, this is a portable multi-tool for trailside repairs and adjustments. Before buying this model, I had tried or borrowed a number of different tools,andI found them all to be either too bulky, lacking specific features, or just plain too expensive. For $20 and weighing in at 168 grams, the Multi-17 nails the first two categories. As for included features, have a look and judge for yourself:
- Torx bit: t-25 for brake rotor bolts
- Open wrenches: 8mm and 10mm
- Screwdrivers: Phillips and flat
- Hex wrenches: #2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
- Spoke Wrenches: #1, 2, 3, 4
- Chain tool!!
Over the past 5 years I have used every tool on this device, but by far the most crucial one is the chain tool. I have fixed numerous broken chains for other riders along the trail, preventing many a ride from ending on foot.
This tool is flat, but with a slight curve so it fits perfectly into a hydration pack or seat bag. The weight is reasonable, the price is spot on, and you will be amazed at how frequently you’ll dig it out on the trail, especially on group rides.
If you are shopping for a packable multi-tool for anything more than casualmountainbiking, this is the one you want. To me the Crankbrothers Multi-10 is too sparse, whereas the Multi-19 only adds an additional size of each screwdriver. Either way, Crank Bros backs their tools with a lifetime warranty.
Get this tool, put it in your pack, and thank yourself later when you REALLY need it 20 miles into an epic ride. 😀
16 Comments
Dec 27, 2011
Dec 27, 2011
I've also run into rust issues with multitools - except the Topeak.
Dec 29, 2011
Dec 27, 2011
Dec 27, 2011
The Crank Brothers chain tool typically is 'Good Enough' for on the trail repairs, but on 2 of these chains (that were perhaps a bit more worn than ideal) It kept bending the plates when trying to re-pin the chain. Just using it as a chain breaker is fine, when you have enough 'missing link' type snap in links to fix things, but when those run out (and who carries a handful of them?) a Topeak chain tool is the way to go.
Thankfully, someone on the ride had a Topeak Alien multi tool which has a _much_ better chain tool. I got a Topeak Survival Gear Box for my mountain bike bag which includes their fantastic chain tool, and I'm looking forward to the next broken chain :)
Dec 27, 2011
Dec 29, 2011
Not that anything rusts here anyway...
Dec 28, 2011
Dec 27, 2011
Dec 27, 2011
Jan 7, 2012
Dec 28, 2011
Recently save a damsel in distress miles out into the backwoods of Bend with one of these and one of them spare links - ya just never know...
Dec 28, 2011
When I first stocked my saddle bag for my road bike, I decided on a different multi-tool due to weight, even though they stocked this model. I think I'm going to have another look, now that I am starting to gather items for my MTB pack.
Thanks for the review maddslacker.
Dec 28, 2011
Dec 27, 2011
I guess people also have to realize that all the media that they read, manufactures send product out for reviews. PB,MTBR,MBA,DZ,SL,Decline...etc..etc...If they like it, they like it, if they don't then they also say so....Now if it is really, bad people probably won't hear about it....
We have had a few products that fell in the last category. Those products usually end up getting sent back or what I at least do is give constructive criticism as to why it performed poorly and ways to significantly improve it.
Dec 28, 2011
What a light weight "I wish I had one of those" items
Thanks maddslacker