Reddit mentions of Multi Bicycle Tool (17-Function, Gold)

Any multi tool from CRANKBROTHERS or Topeak will be good. For the love of GOD don't buy a cheap multi tool for your friend. Cheap tools are made poorly with low quality metals that will end up stripping your friends components. I don't care how well that POS WOTOW tool is reviewed, the positive reviews never used it. The WOTOW tool stripped more than one of my bolts before I bought an Alien II. Your friend will want to buy some high quality tools for his home use later though. $15 would only buy a few quality home tools.

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If your friend uses tubes you could get a REMA patch kit for him. If your friend is tubeless you could get him a plug kit. I've never had a tubeless tire so I've no idea what plug kits are good/bad.

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I've used a few different multitools, but I recently picked up THIS and it has been my favorite by a long shot.

http://www.amazon.com/Crank-Brothers-Multi-Bicycle-17-Function/dp/B002VG40AM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312206186&sr=8-1


I have literally stood on mine to break a rusty bolt free, and its still perfect. Great little lightweight tools.

You should have a seat bag with CO2, a patch kit, and a multi tool.
Never ever leave home without it.
When I go on really long rides, I have a trunk bag with all my tools, tube, and a couple extra spokes. It beats being stuck somewhere.

For a solo multi tool, I have this.

The best CO2 deal you will find is this and this.

And any patch kit will due. But you can try for glueless if you just want to make it to the bike shop for a new tube.

That sucks. I'd recommend getting a multitool like this with several sizes of hex wrench, a T25 Torx bit, a couple screwdrivers, and a chain tool. You can take apart 90% of your bike with it and it's especially useful for minor trailside repairs.

You don't need a 21 speed chain, you need a 6/7 speed chain. Here's an example of this. Most stores which sell bikes, including department stores, stock these chains. You can pretty much use any chain tool . Some choose to use a dedicated chain tool, while others choose to use the chain tool in their multi tool. If you don't already have a bike multitool, I would highly recommend picking one up. This one is very highly regarded and the additional $11 over a generic chain tool might well be worth it, if only because of the huge amount of added functionality.

For tips on changing a chain, you can watch this video.

I carry this multi tool, a set of tires levers, and an adjustable wrench. I commute to work every day in downtown Columbus Ohio, we have very poor bike infrastructure so I would say just be smart about road riding and choose your routes wisely.

I am carrying with me Crank Brothers 10755 (17-function multitool). It has even a chain breaker so it is enough for me just in case.

Edit: grammar

>You might [have] missed it during an edit but I explained in the next sentence

no, I was asking about your height ;)

>looking for something that isn't too specialized

everything in the range of $700-$15000 works pretty much exactly the same mechanically (if you disregard electronic shifting and the odd component here and there).

mechanical disc are easier to maintain than hydraulic discs and changing the components on the drivetrain and adjusting the gears works pretty much exactly the same no matter if you run dura ace or claris.

>Would a Merit 2 be better for longevity for me and then give me the extra room for tools which I didn't include in my essentials?

yes, if cared for similarly then the merit 2 will technically last you longer but I guarantee you that in one year when you are a bit more experienced you will regret not spending the 200$ more on the 3. the value of the merit 3 is just so much better.

you also don't need to have all the tools right when you buy the bike. when you buy it, get a multi tool with a chain breaker like this, tire levers+patch kit, a decent chain lubricant, maybe some degreaser (dish soap with water would also work) and a chain checker (a ruler works also). this will take only 25-35$ out of your budget but will set you up until you need to replace your cassette and/or your brake/shift cables. if you always replace your chain on time and keep your bike clean then this will take you at least a year, at which point you are probably willing to spend a little more on tools.

So if I get this tool, I'll also need something like this chain whip and this cassette remover?

Thanks for the info!

Whatever you get, make sure you can get a good grip on both parts (the screw-in part, and the chain holder part).

I have one of these and it's really hard to hold onto the chain-holder part. I can do it in an emergency, but just a little leverage goes a long way when it comes to speed and comfort.