Whether you're out on a short lap of your local trails, competing in a multi-stage race, or bikepacking in the wilderness, it's crucial to carry all the tools you need to get out of whatever mechanical troubles may befall you. The best mountain biking multi-tool 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.
It seems like every brand makes some sort of multi-tool these days, and decades of riding and trailside-wrenching have taught us that nothing is more frustrating than a tool that doesn’t work, doesn’t do the job you need it to, or even causes further damage. Unfortunately, there are loads of these about, so we’ve been extremely careful in curating this list of the best multi-tools for mountain biking.
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.
And if you're looking for something to carry your multi-tool in, why not check out our guide to the best MTB hip packs, best mountain biking backpacks, or the best mountain bike hydration packs.
The best multi-tools for mountain biking
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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 seat post 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.
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.
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'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 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 probably produces a bigger range of multi-tools than anyone else we can think of including the legendary split body Alien II, 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 we've never seen before, but one that's genuinely useful.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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?
We reckon there’s a bare minimum function list if you want to cover most mechanical problems, and that’s 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex wrenches, a Torx T25 wrench, and a chain splitter. 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 ‘knife’ for almost nothing (they come free with a lot of bikes) and then just carry a separate chain splitter.
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.
‘Caddy designs’ where separate bits slot into a handle look cute in the shop and we love pocket ratchet tools for home wrenching. However, we’ve spent too long searching for dropped bits in long grass or muddy puddles to recommend them for emergency trailside use though.
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.
