Best mountain biking multi-tool 2024 – everything you need for trailside repairs

A close-up of a Lezyne multi-tool being used to adjust a disc brake calliper
(Image credit: Lezyne)

Whether you're out on a short lap of your local trails, competing in a multi-stage race, or bikepacking in the wilderness, the best mountain biking multi-tool can be enough to get you back on your bike without too much trouble. The best multi-tools will combine a lot of the most important tools into one pocketable package, and will be made from durable materials that will withstand the challenges you put it through.

We’ve looked at everything from bargain budget options to more premium-priced tools. There are tons of multi-tool options out there, but our selections are some of the best from a quality, functionality, and ease of use perspective. The best mountain biking multi-tools come in all shapes and sizes to suit different riders' needs. If you are unsure what type would suit you, skip to the bottom of this page where we have a handy guide of things you should keep in mind when buying a multi-tool for mountain biking.]

Our MTB experts have used all the tools on this list and have picked the Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX+ as the best MTB multi-tool overall as it has everything you need and is easy to use.

And if you're looking for something to carry your multi-tool in, why not check out our guides to the best MTB hip packs and best mountain biking backpacks. Our article on best mountain bike hydration packs may well be of interest too.

The best multi-tools for mountain biking 

Why trust BikePerfect Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. We'll always share our unbiased opinions on bikes and gear. Find out more about how we test.

Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX+

The Ratchet Rocket Lite DX+ is easy to use and has everything you need (Image credit: Guy Kesteven)
The best MTB multi-tool available

Specifications

Size: 120x65x25mm
Weight: 199g
Features: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm Hex keys, T10, T15 and T25 Torx bits, Phillips screwdriver, 2 plastic tire levers, Chain tool

Reasons to buy

+
Fully comprehensive tool selection
+
Easier access and extended leverage
+
Excellent quality replaceable tool bits
+
‘Penknife’ competitive weight and price
+
Workshop quality ratchet

Reasons to avoid

-
Small parts can get lost easily

Topeak's Rocket Ratchet tool may look like another layer of faff when you need to fix your bike at the side of the trail, especially compared to the standard 'penknife' style folding layout of most tools, but it's actually quite the opposite.

Once you pop the required tool bit into the ratchet driver, tightening and loosening bolts is a breeze. It's especially useful for those hard-to-reach bolts on your seatpost or loose bottle cage as well, which usually require a lot of little quarter turns with a standard tool. It comes with a good range of tools as standard bits, and they are easily replaced or customized to your needs. It's all packaged up in a neat tool roll as well, which keeps everything securely stored away.

Find out more in our Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX+ review.

Lezyne V Pro 11

If you don't want to carry a totally comprehensive tool, the Lezyne V Pro 11 is a great option (Image credit: Guy Kesteven)
The best super compact multi-tool

Specifications

Size: 78x45x40mm
Weight: 93g
Features: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm Hex keys, T10, T25, T30 Torx heads, Phillips screwdriver

Reasons to buy

+
Stealthy looks
+
Top-quality tools
+
Compact sizing
+
Decent reach
+
Rust-resistant

Reasons to avoid

-
A premium price for what's essentially a basic multi-tool
-
You'll need to pack a chain tool too

If you're looking for a stealthy multi-tool that won't take up a lot of space, Lezyne's V Pro-11 is a great option. As expected from Lezyne, the CNC machining is high-quality and will nestle nicely into your bolts and avoid rounding them out. The black design is not just for looks either, it's an anti-corrosive coating that will keep the rust at bay if the tool is stored in a wet bag or pocket.

You get the standard range of hex keys as well as a screwdriver and three Torx tools too. Lezyne offers different versions of the V Pro if you need more or want fewer tools.

We've got a lot more detail about it in our Lezyne V Pro-11 review.

Crankbrothers m17 multi-tool with all the tools unfolded

If you're looking for the trustiest workhorse of mountain bike multi-tools, Crankbrothers m17 is a great option (Image credit: Graham Cottingham)
Superb quality and great tool selection

Specifications

Size: 89mm
Weight: 168g
Features: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 hex keys, 8, 10mm open wrenches, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, spoke wrenches, T25 Torx

Reasons to buy

+
Really nicely designed 
+
Compact but high leverage 
+
Excellent quality versions of all the essential tools

Reasons to avoid

-
Slightly weighty

Even when its pedals and dropper posts were going pop in hours (it’s OK the current models are super reliable now), Crankbrothers’ multi-tool still held onto its iconic status. In fact, losing my original one from Interbike sometime last decade is one of my saddest moments. So what’s so good about it? 

It’s long enough to get a proper torque on through the eight for cranks and pedals, and the tools are long and really good-quality high tensile steel too, still fitting into fixings accurately and securely even after they start to look a bit rusty a few years in. The chain tool is a particularly nice-looking forged piece and includes open eight (great for disc brake hoses) and 10mm wrenches that are tough and accurate enough to be safe to use. Considering it’s such a class act, pricing is acceptable too.

Check out our full Crankbrothers M17 review.

Merida 20 in 1 multi-tool

If you want to pack more than the Lezyne Pro V11, but are still looking for a relatively compact tool, the 20-in-1 could be for you (Image credit: Graham Cottingham)
Robust and neatly sized tool for mid-ride repairs

Specifications

Size: 74x52x14mm
Weight: 130g
Features: 2/2.5/3/4/5/6/8/10 mm hex keys, cross and flat-head screwdrivers, T10/T25 Torx keys, tire lever, a tool to push back disk brake pads, spoke keys (Mavic M7/Shimano 4.6, 14 and 15G), valve adaptor and a small ruler for sag measurements

Reasons to buy

+
Good selection of tools including T10 and T25
+
Well organized tool layout
+
Durable materials
+
Compact and pocketable

Reasons to avoid

-
Metal tire levers could damage rims
-
No chain tool

Merida's multi-tool may look rather standard, but its range of functions and ease of use make it a simple trailside fixer. 

The size of the tool means it provides decent leverage, yet you can easily slip it into your pocket or riding pack. As the name suggests, there are 20 different tools including multiple hex keys, Torx wrenches, screwdrivers, and spoke wrenches. One thing that is missing is a chain tool, but that's included in Merida's even bigger 24-in-1 multi-tool, so you could always opt for that instead.

The 20-in-1 multi-tool also includes a tire lever, but it's made out of metal so we would recommend carrying a separate plastic one to avoid damaging your rims. This multi-tool is simple and can get your repairs sorted out quickly, which is really all you need in a multi-tool. 

For more, take a look at our Merida 20-in-1 review.

Silca T-Ratchet + Ti-Torque Kit (2nd Generation)

If you're looking for the fanciest of multi-tools, this Silca model is the one (Image credit: Silca)

Silca T-Ratchet + Ti-Torque Kit (2nd Generation)

Luxury tool kit at the trailside

Specifications

Size: 120x75x30mm
Weight: 220g
Features: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 and 6mm hex keys. T10, T20, T25, Philips, Ti-Torque beam

Reasons to buy

+
Very high quality
+
Torque bolts up to 8Nm
+
Adaptable configuration can get to any bolt
+
Good range of tools
+
Lifetime warranty

Reasons to avoid

-
Very premium price
-
Lacks a chain tool

Silca is known for producing super high-quality tools and accessories, and its multi-tool offering uses a t-ratchet design so you can get into all those tricky spots. For those that ride bikes with premium carbon parts that are sensitive to tightening tolerances, the Ti-Torque beam is going to be a huge selling point. The Ti-Torque beam measures up to 8Nm and can be integrated into the tool in a number of different ways so whether its stems or saddle rails, you can torque the bolts perfectly.

There are multi-tools that have bolt torquing capabilities that are cheaper, however, Silca's quality and lifetime warranty should mean your money is invested in a tool that will last for years.

Topeak Mini PT30

Packs masses of functions into a compact package (Image credit: Guy Kesteven)

Topeak Mini PT30

Excellent selection of useful tools

Specifications

Size: 7.5x4x2cm
Weight: 170g
Features: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm hex keys, 10mm hex socket, T10, T15, and T25 Torx wrenches, 15g/14g/Mavic M7 and Shimano 4.5mm spoke wrenches, chain tool, and Phillips & flathead screwdrivers

Reasons to buy

+
Super comprehensive tool selection
+
Quality tools
+
Genuinely useful extras
+
Includes tubeless tools
+
Compact dimensions

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited size

Topeak probably produces a bigger range of multi-tools than anyone else we can think of including the legendary split body Alien II tool, but the Mini PT30 really shines bright in its range. 

With seven different hex keys, three different Torx wrenches, both a Phillips head and flathead screwdriver, plus even more functions, the PT30 can fix nearly any trailside issue you run into. 

One of our favorite features of this tool is the chain tool. There's even space to store a master link in case things get ugly on the trail. This is a feature that we rarely see, but one that's genuinely useful.

Birzman Feexman E-Version 15

A lightweight and compact option that comes with a chain tool (Image credit: Birzman)

Birzman Feexman E-Version 15

Very light for a comprehensive set of high quality tools at a good price

Specifications

Size: 70x50x15mm
Weight: 180g
Features: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm hex keys. T25, Flat, Philips, Chain Tool, 3.2, 4.3, 4.4, Mavic spoke

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent quality essential steel tool selection
+
Slick looking, lightweight, well-priced package

Reasons to avoid

-
We’d reverse the hooked hex key

Birzman is big on slick design (some of its workshop tools and pumps are positively sculptural), and this neat tool flat packs all the essential tools into your pocket. The machined steel chain splitter includes spoke flats that are accurate enough for trailside wheel truing even with alloy nipples. The broad, curved handle adds useful leverage when you’re pushing chain pins out too. All the tools are chrome vanadium steel for impressively tough and tight-fitting performance and they also resist corrosion really well. That makes the Birzman a good choice if it’s likely to be strapped externally and getting wet and filthy on a regular basis. 

Generous tool length means the wide body is less of an issue in tight spaces. Birzman has missed a slight trick by not bottoming out the right-angled 2mm hex key onto the chain splitter, so there is a chance it can stick up slightly but if it really bothers you, just disassemble the tool and reverse it. Otherwise, it’s really light for a comprehensive set of high-quality tools, and it’s a good price too. 

Lezyne RAP 15 CO2

A super comprehensive tool in a relatively small package (Image credit: Lezyne)

Lezyne RAP 15 CO2

Everything you could want, plus great build quality too

Specifications

Size: 67x50x25mm
Weight: 150g
Features: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm hex. T25 and T30, Philips, Chain Tool, 14, 15, Mavic spoke, CO2 head

Reasons to buy

+
All the tools you need plus a bonus CO2 inflator head
+
Decent quality at a cracking price considering the CO2 bonus

Reasons to avoid

-
No 2.5mm hex key
-
Broad body can cause fit issues and comes loose occasionally

Winning the everything-you-could-want-plus-a-couple-of-neat-extras award, and in a quality package to boot, is the RAP 15 CO2 from Lezyne. Unless you particularly need a 2.5mm hex key (some brake adjusters and pad pins are needy that way), then this light and the reasonably compact tool has you sorted. You also get a T30 Torx key for the back of some crank bolts and a detachable head for a CO2 canister, making the RAP look a bargain and from experience, the tools last reasonably well over time. 

The tools are a decent length for reaching awkward places too, although the wide-body can get irritating in really tight spaces and you’ll occasionally need to tighten the end bolts that hold it all together. There are tons of other Lezyne options in all sizes and materials including the RAP 21 CO2 which adds a 2.5mm hex key, flat screw, bottle opener and a metal tire lever, but the 15 is definitely our sweet-spot choice. It even comes in four different colors and you can buy spares separately. 

Fix Mfg Wheelie Wrench Pro

Despite credit card-like dimensions, the Wheelie Wrench Pro has an impressive array of functions  (Image credit: Fix MFG)

Fix Mfg Wheelie Wrench Pro

A compact tool that punches well above its diminutive weight in terms of features

Specifications

Size: 50x40x15mm
Weight: 120g
Features: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm hex. T25, Flat, Philips, Chain Tool, 14, 16 spoke, 8 and 10mm open wrench, bottle opener, Presta valve tool, brake pad wedge, chain link storage

Reasons to buy

+
Super neat and compact design packs in a ton of features
+
Split design and belt buckle options are uniquely user friendly

Reasons to avoid

-
8mm lacks leverage
-
Expensive

The Wheelie Wrench Pro looks expensive for something of this nature, but it’s fully loaded with all the essentials, plus useful extras, and works remarkably well for a tiny tool. This Californian-designed Kickstarter product uses a really neat two-piece design with the single-ended hex key section. This clips onto a chain splitter piece that also includes the 8mm hex key head, open wrench, flat screwdrivers, box wrench, and rotor straightening slot built into it. There are even magnetic holders for a chain quick link. Splitting them apart makes them easy to use, with long tools for plenty of reach for leverage on everything but the 8mm. 

Details like the smallest hex keys sneaking inside cut-aways on the bigger keys make it a super-compact package, and Fix Mfg produces a range of belt buckle holsters and strap clips that make it blissfully portable and a nice statement piece if you like to show off your biking life subtly. The range also includes the Wheelie Wrench without the chain splitter and there are Snowboard and Skateboard versions, too. They even offer a Dynaplug upgrade for tubeless repair. 

Best multi-tools for mountain biking: Ryder Nutcracker

If you're running tubeless, then the Nutcracker is a top option (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)

Ryder Nutcracker

The tool you never knew you needed

Specifications

Size: 75x6x20mm
Weight: 8g
Features: Valve-core remover, brake pad spreader, spare valve core

Reasons to buy

+
Diminutive and easy to store
+
Pad spreader
+
Valve-core remover (spare valve core)

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks a dedicated case

While not a dedicated multi-tool by any means, we couldn't leave the Ryder Nutcracker off this list – it's that good.

The Nutcracker is one tool every cyclist - especially those who run tubeless setups - should consider keeping in their saddle bag or pouch. Overlooked by many, the Nutcracker can save you from calling an Uber should you ever experience any trail-side wheel woes such as a broken valve or blocked valve core. 

Diminutive in size, the Nutcracker can be used in many ways - not only is it dual-sided, but it can also loosen and remove tubeless wheel nuts and valve cores as well as double up as a brake pad spreader. Furthermore, it also houses a spare core within the tool body – very nifty indeed.

How to choose the best mountain biking multi-tool

How much does the best mountain biking multi-tool cost?

In theory, the more you pay, the more functions you get. However, there’s a very wide range of prices for seemingly very similar tools. You can often pick up some of the tools on this list for around $30 / £25. We’d beware of going too low on cost though as some cheaper tools use poor quality materials, and it only takes one slip from a soft or undersized hex key to round off a bolt and create a serious problem. On the other side, some tools list a load of ‘functions’ like different-sized spoke wrenches that probably aren’t functional at all, so check you’re not paying extra for stuff you don’t need. 

What tools do I need in a MTB multi-tool?

While the answer is that you need to carry the right tools to cover trailside repairs on your bike (there's no point including a full set of Torx keys if your bike doesn't have any Torx bolts), there are essentials we'd recommend...

4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex wrenches
Torx T25 wrench
Chain tool

Though to be honest, we don’t know a single tool that’s just boiled the useful basics down to that though, so expect to have 2, 2.5, 3mm hex, plus flat and cross-head screwdriver bits along for the ride. Alternatively, you can pick up a basic hex key and T25 tool for almost nothing (they come free with a lot of bikes) and then just carry a separate chain tool.

What sort of design should I look for?

How the tool is put together makes a big difference. The vast majority come in a ‘penknife’ format with two rows of flip-out tools between two side plates. It’s convenient, compact, easy to make, and generally easy to use, making it the format most of our favorites come in. Be careful of short tools on really small sets though as they can often lack the reach to get into the spaces you need. Broad bodies can also be a pain in the butt by reducing clearance when you’re trying to turn the tool in a tight space. Watch out for right-angled tools or anything else projecting from the body if you’re going to be stuffing it in your pocket and potentially landing on it. Our other gripe is having the 8mm hex key on the same end as the chain tool, rather than the opposite end where it can be unfolded and used for extra leverage.

Do I need extra tools?

There are some useful extras included with some tools. Our favorites include bottle openers (which often work as brake pad wedges too) and detachable heads for CO2 cartridges. We used to think a knife blade was a great idea for looking rugged until a tool we had with one turned floppy and kept trying to amputate our fingers every time we went for a hex key.

Meet the testers

A man washing himself in a muddy puddle
Guy Kesteven

Guy's been testing and writing about mountain bikes since the early nineties and we're betting that he's tested more MTB gear than anyone else in the UK.

Graham Cottingham
Graham Cottingham

Based in Edinburgh, Graham has some of the best mountain biking and gravel riding in the UK right on his doorstep. With almost 20 years of riding experience, he has been involved in MTB riding and racing for many years.

Guy Kesteven
Technical-Editor-at-Large

Guy has been working on Bike Perfect since we launched in 2019. Hatched in Yorkshire he's been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid. He spent a few years working in bike shops and warehouses before starting writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. Since then he’s written several million words about several thousand test bikes and a ridiculous amount of riding gear. To make sure he rarely sleeps and to fund his custom tandem habit, he’s also penned a handful of bike-related books and talks to a GoPro for YouTube, too.


Current rides: Cervelo ZFS-5, Forbidden Druid V2, Specialized Chisel, custom Nicolai enduro tandem, Landescape/Swallow custom gravel tandem

Height: 180cm

Weight: 69kg

With contributions from