A multitude of folding bicycle tool designs fill our local bike shops. The relationship you have with your tool starts in the store, or web page, when you’re picking it out. Most people wouldn’t put much thought into it, and I don’t blame them. I wouldn’t expect anyone to sit and write a blog post about this sort of thing, but here goes mine.

1. What will be the means of transportation for the tool?

If a hydration pack, or some other large carrier is to be used, size may not be an issue. A seat bag can get tight with a tube, cell phone, CO2, and large tool. A jersey pocket might lead one to choose an even smaller multi tool. Remember the weight usually increases with size, and no matter what it’s in, you’ll be carrying it.

2. What will be a typical riding situation?

The company you keep on a ride can influence the decision. A well prepared group of riding friends can help one another fill in the blanks when it comes to tools. Solo missions would certainly require more preparedness and probably a tool that covers all the bases. The venue for a typical ride may also be considered. Stuck miles from anywhere with a broken chain and no chain tool is unacceptable. Even if you don’t know how to use a particular tool on the tool, someone nearby may, or you may just figure it out in a pinch. Pedaling around town might allow for a bus ride home or a quick stop at the bike shop when things go wrong, making your tool choice less important.

3. What are my bicycle’s needs?

Finding a tool that compliments your bicycle is wise. A road cyclist wouldn’t have much use for disc brake pad wedges or disc rotor torx wrenches. A multi tool with a decent set of tire levers may make more sense. Having your bicycle handy during this pain staking decision can help. One specific mechanical need might be the automatic choice maker.

4. How much is it?

Ahhh… the real deciding factor for most cyclists. A valid way to make a choice when other information is lacking. In the world of bicycle accessories, multi tools are cheap. This is hopefully a one time investment that will continue to retain value for years of cycling. Spending the extra $15 to get the tool of your dreams will rarely ever come back to haunt you.

Some things to consider in the world of bicycle multi tools. Being more prepared is usually the way to go about things. Having the right tool for someone else is a good feeling both for you and the person in need. Besides, buying the tool with the chain tool may just motivate you to learn how to use it, and that’s invaluable. Good luck.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 30th, 2007 at 2:25 pm and is filed under Tools, Daily Rant. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.