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All topics in this test:
You can find these mini-tools and ratchet sets in the test:
Mini tools
Ratchet sets
(Click to go to the individual rating)
Pop-up workshop: 5 mini-tools in a practical test
The classic among mobile bike tools is hard to beat in terms of functionality. A comparison of five recommended mini-tools.
Blackburn Wayside Multi-Tool
- Price: 45 Euro >> at Bicycle XXL or Tradeinn available
- Weight¹: 194 g
- Functions: 20 setting options
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 85 x 51 x 24 mm
- Extras: Knife with saw blade, chain holder, L Allen key in sizes 2-5 mm
Equipment (30 %)8 out of 10 points
Handling (30 %)9 out of 10 points
Quality (30 %)8 out of 10 points
The neatly finished Wayside is almost fully equipped and unique with its removable L Allen keys. They also make hidden screws accessible. Without the tool as a handle, however, the hand force that can be applied suffers. The other bits are sufficiently long, the chain riveter is easy to use and can also be utilised as a nipple tensioner. Great extras are the useful blade with locking function and the chain holder. The logo and the Allen key holder press hard into the palm of the hand when tightening screws, for example on the pedals.
BIKE judgement²: 48 points - good
>> In addition, we have Part 1 also SWAT tools and air pumps tested <<
>> In a Interview with a flight rescuer we learn the most important points in the First aid after a bicycle accident <<
Crankbrothers M20
- Price: 40 Euro >> available here
- Weight¹: 205 g
- Functions: 22 possible applications
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 90 x 54 x 28 mm
- Extras: Tubeless awl, tubeless patches, chain lock holder
Equipment (30 %)9 out of 10 points
Handling (30 %)8 out of 10 points
Quality (30 %)8 out of 10 points
The classic has been pimped up and equipped with a rucksack for tubeless sausages and a chain lock. The matching awl can also be found on the tool. The M20 is also equipped with all the other important bits, which are also sufficiently long. The slim body sits comfortably in the hand and sufficient force can be applied. One small point of criticism is the chain riveter, which is not easy to use - even in its function as a nipple tensioner. It folds off by itself when tightening screws. The clamping force of the body wears off quickly and needs to be readjusted more often.
BIKE judgement²: 49 points - good
Lezyne Super SV 23
- Price: 60 Euro >> available here
- Weight¹: 154 g
- Functions: 24 setting options
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 90 x 54 x 14 mm
- Extras: Tubeless awl, tubeless patches, chain lock holder
Equipment (30 %)9 out of 10 points
Handling (30 %): 8 out of 10 points
Quality (30 %)8 out of 10 points
Another tool with tubeless awl and box for two patches. Unfortunately, there is no marking on the bits, which makes selection more difficult. The long, centre-based tools make it easy to reach the bolts, only the wide body gets in the way a little. Because the bits sit quite loosely in the housing and do not overlap, they are easy to fold out, but also twist quickly when screwing. The flat body puts more pressure on the hand than the other mini tools. Clever: the side mount for the chain lock. The spanner on the chain riveter pinches your fingers when riveting.
BIKE judgement²: 51 points - very good
Pedro's ICM 21
- Price: 41,90 Euro >> available here
- Weight¹: 220 g
- Functions: 20 setting options
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 85 x 51 x 24 mm
- Extras: 2 tyre levers, Shimano crank cap tool
Equipment (30 %)8 out of 10 points
Handling (30 %)9 out of 10 points
Quality (30 %)10 out of 10 points
Pedro's is known for tools of the highest quality - and the ICM is no exception. The high-quality tool is sensibly equipped and sits comfortably in the hand. The long bits are comfortable to work with and the tyre levers on the outside improve the grip. All corners are rounded, so there is no risk of injury. The chain riveter and nipple tensioner are also great to use. However, the ICM offers hardly any extras beyond the basic equipment. The crank cap tool is unlikely to be used during a tour. Otherwise, however, the Pedro's is an all-round successful mini-tool.
BIKE judgement²: 53 points - very good
Topeak Mini P20
- Price: 40 Euro >> available here
- Weight¹: 129 g
- Functions: 18 setting options
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 76 x 33 x 18 mm
- Extras: chain lock opener, knife with saw blade, bag
Equipment (30 %): 7 out of 10 points
Handling (30 %): 6 out of 10 points
Quality (30 %)10 out of 10 points
Topeak stows almost all standard tools in the smallest of spaces, with the exception of a slotted screwdriver. The chain lock opener has been particularly cleverly integrated into the chain riveter - no one else offers this. Handling suffers somewhat from the minimalist design. The bits are difficult to fold out and are also quite short, but at least they are labelled. The body is pleasantly rounded, but only has a small lever, which makes it difficult to open tight screws. The short serrated blade is not very practical.
BIKE judgement²: 49 points - good
¹BIKE measurements: the weight is included in the overall judgement with 10 %.
²BIKE judgement: > 55 super, > 50 very good, > 45 good, > 35 satisfactory
Small calibre: 5 ratchet sets for bikes compared
Wrenching with a mini ratchet is much more relaxed than with the often unwieldy mini tools. More and more manufacturers are therefore offering bike-specific ratchet sets. We have tested five such kits to see how the most important bike repairs can be carried out on a tour.
Blackburn Big Switch
- Price: 60 Euro
- Weight: 160 grams (BIKE measurements)
- Functions: 17 setting options
Equipment: 5 out of 6 points
Handling: 3.5 out of 6 points
Packed in a practical roll-up bag, the Big Switch has the most important bits, except for a Phillips screwdriver. The practical chain riveter comes from the Wayside Tool and also tensions the nipples on the wheel or spreads the brake pad. The bits are somewhat difficult to remove from the holder. There is no extension, making it difficult to work on hidden bolts. A small Velcro compartment holds some accessories such as a chain lock or a few patches.
Lezyne Ratchet Kit
- Price: 40 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 137 grams (BIKE measurements)
- Functions: 13 setting options
Equipment: 3 out of 6 points
Handling: 4.5 out of 6 points
Lezyne organises the ratchet and bits neatly and within easy reach in a foam case. An extension is also included in the set, but there are no chain riveters or other extras. Only a small storage compartment offers space for accessories. The slightly angled ratchet head creates some freedom of movement when wrenching, but the thin handle means that the ratchet does not sit comfortably in the hand and little force can be applied.
Syncros Guide Kit
- Price: 70 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 207 grams (BIKE measurements)
- Functions: 17 setting options
Equipment: 5 out of 6 points
Handling: 4.5 out of 6 points
All tools can be easily removed from the tidy little bag. The torque attachment is a nice gimmick, but is limited to 5 Nm. Caution: It should not be used to open screws, otherwise the mechanics will be damaged. There is no real extension, but a chain riveter, nipple tensioner and chain lock holder are integrated. It's easy to scratch the rim when tightening the spokes. Otherwise, all the important bits are included.
Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+
- Price: 80 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 248 grams (BIKE measurements)
- Functions: 14 setting options
Equipment: 5 out of 6 points
Handling: 5.5 out of 6 points
Topeak supplies one of the best ratchet sets for travelling because, in addition to the handy chain riveter, it has an extension and a torque attachment with a drag indicator. This works accurately in the range between 0 and 6 Nm and can also be used as a handle extension on the ratchet, which increases the lever. Only a slotted screwdriver is missing from the extensive bit collection. A small compartment holds a chain lock or rivet pin. Also available without the Drehmo attachment for 47 euros.
Wera Bicycle Set 1
Equipment: 3 out of 6 points
Handling: 5.5 out of 6 points
If you're looking for bike tools of really fine quality, Wera has recently added them to its range. The solid soft case contains ten first-class bits, an ergonomically shaped ratchet that sits comfortably in the hand and applies a lot of force to the screws, an extension and two tyre levers. As there are no other bike-specific tools included, we recommend the Rebel Bicycle Set tool for 60 euros. It also comes with a chain riveter, chain clip and a high-quality handle for the bits and is the more complete bicycle tool.
You should have this with you on every MTB tour in case of a technical emergency
Mini-Tool - the most important functions
In addition to Allen screws in sizes 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8, you will usually also find 25 mm Torx screws on current bikes, and sometimes also 15 or 20 mm. A chain riveter should always be on board, as well as spoke spanners in various sizes to be able to centre a wheel. Phillips and slotted screwdrivers have become rarer, but they also belong on a mini-tool. The bits should be as long as possible to make it easier to reach hidden screws. The arrangement is also important: if the tool is too wide or the bits too short, you won't be able to reach some places. If the tool is too small or angular, it will be difficult to loosen tight screws.
Practical additional functions
The attachments of many chain riveters also serve as pad spreaders, which is both clever and useful. A straightening tool for the brake disc can also prove helpful, as can a small knife. Some mini-tools now have tubeless awls and the little sausages for plugging holes - very practical. Topeak even includes a micro-sized chain lock opener in its Mini P20. A mount for a chain lock or a chain fixing hook puts a smile on your face in the event of a broken chain. You can usually do without an integrated spanner. The same goes for a fold-out bottle opener - every mini tool is a bottle opener in itself.
Statement from Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor:
It's quite something when you pull the tool out of your pump or cockpit in the event of a breakdown. However, you should make sure that the parts fit your handlebars before you buy them. The inner diameter is often too small, especially with carbon fibre. You also need a grip with an open outer side - now a rarity.
Interview with Peter Brodschelm, bike guide and owner of Fahrtwind
BIKE: What are the most common defects you have to contend with on your tours?
Peter Brodschelm: These are still flat tyres. If I had to make a ranking, it would be: punctures, brake problems of all kinds, gear and chain faults.
And what was your strangest mishap?
Last year, I was guiding our Trans-Italia Tour on a brand new bike. I was riding through a puddle on a harmless dirt track when a fist-sized stone narrowed the track. The combination of the deep hole, the stone and my weight on the saddle meant that I suddenly hit the gears hard. Everything was broken: derailleur in three pieces, derailleur hanger broken, chain and four spokes torn.
That was probably the end of the tour!
We still had 30 kilometres to go. I had to continue the ride with a singlespeed and a heavy figure of eight. The remains of the derailleur and the derailleur hanger were removed, the chain was set to a middle gear with as straight a chain line as possible and shortened, and the figure of eight was at least fixed with two spare spokes so that the wheel could turn. Uphill was then quite demanding - downhill I could roll.
Apart from a mini-tool, what special bike tools do you have with you on tour?
It depends a little on where you're travelling. For shorter day tours, you don't need much more than a mini-tool, pump and spare inner tube. For high alpine tours, I also carry a complete Allen key set, a decent pair of pliers, a hypercracker as an alternative to a cassette puller with chain whip, chain lock pliers and separate spoke spanners.
What can you definitely do without?
You should think carefully about anything heavy. I wouldn't take a spare coat with me either. There is always a residual risk. But going on tour completely overloaded is no fun either.
Stefan Frey
Editor
