Most of the tools featured in our best mountain bike multi-tool guide need to be carried in a pack or pocket; being able to store a multi-tool on your bike makes a lot more sense. It takes the weight off your body and the tool is always with the bike when you need it.
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There are a ton of hidden tools on the market but most fit inside either the fork steerer tube or the end of the handlebar. The Torque Covert 7 is different, it slots into the bottom bracket spindle.
Design and Specifications
A unique feature of the Covert 7, and what stops it falling out of the spindle when you’re rattling along, is a rare earth magnet located under the knurled end cap. Obviously this will only attach to cranks using a steel spindle, like for example a Shimano Hollowtech 2 or SRAM GXP, but it does locate with a solid snap. The size of the aperture is also a limiting factor, which pretty much rules it out for most e-bikes on the market and those running a BB30 or SRAM’s DUB crankset.
On the trail, the Covert 7 breaks into two parts – a chain tool and interchangeable bit-style multi. The latter uses 1/4in drive bits and these are also held in place by small magnets. The tool comes with a 3, 4, 5 and 6mm hex wrench (Allen key), a T-25 and a size 1 Phillips bit, but there’s nothing stopping you interchanging other sizes or styles depending on your requirements.
Also located on the orange body are two mounting holes for a SRAM Powerlink or similar. Again, these are held in place via small magnets.
The chain breaker is part of the end cap, which means the knurled edge offers a good amount of grip, although Torque recommends placing two of the spare bits into the holders on the sides for more leverage and to act as guides. You then use the 3mm bit to thread the pin onto the chain to push out the rivet.
Performance
With its large, knurled flange the chain breaker is comfortable to use and there’s plenty of leverage for pushing out stubborn rivets or manhandling short sections of chain. There’s only a single straddle on the body of the tool to grip the chain link though, so if you want to release a particularly stiff link, you’re going to have to use a bit more brute force.
Like most multi-tools that use plug-in bits, you can easily get into some tight spots, like under the saddle clamps, with this tool. It’s also quick and convenient – like the OneUp EDC or Specialized Swat Conceal Carry, you can just pull it out and get to work straight away, saving time and faff.
Personally, I would add a 2.5mm hex bit for fine-tuning and I’d also give the tool a quick coat of grease before fitting it into the crank because that environment can get pretty damp and the Covert 7 does use a lot of steel parts. For this reason, I’d quite like to see a rubber bung to go into the other end of the crank arm to keep out dirt – especially for guys that like jet washing their bikes.
Verdict
With multi-tools there’s a trend for being like the off-road equivalent of a Swiss Army Knife, and while it pays to be prepared, there are features on some multi-tools I’ve never used in 30 years of riding. The Torque Covert 7 won’t get a hook out of a fish’s mouth, but it has just enough to stop you floundering if you have a loose bolt, or you want to make a basic trail-side adjustment. It’s also lightweight, convenient, great value and you don’t have to do any modifications to your fork steerer to fit it. Simply plug and play.
Tech specs: Torque Covert 7 Multi Tool
- Price: £39.99
- Weight: 126g
- Tools: 3/4/5/6 Allen keys, Phillips PH-1 screwdriver, T25 Torx, chain breaker
- Size: 13.5 x 3.2 x 3.2cm
- Materials: Steel and aluminum
- Rival products: OneUp EDC, Stique ML125 14 Function, Fix Mfg Wheelie Wrench Pro
