Essential for on-the-road repairs, take your pick from our 11 top-rated multi-tools

By Stan Portus

Published: Friday, 21 April 2023 at 12:00 am


There’s little worse than being stopped in your tyre tracks by a minor mechanical problem that you could have sorted out if only you’d brought along the right tool.

Fortunately, the best multi-tools for cycling can help get you out of most difficult situations, so you can continue your ride and not have to resort to public transport, a taxi or calling up your nearest and dearest asking as nicely as you can for a lift home.

Our round-up includes the best multi-tools that have been tried, tested and rated by our expert reviewers. They will be beneficial to riders at any level, as well as offering tools that have more specialist applications, such as fixing tubeless tyre punctures.

We have also included a buyer’s guide to multi-tools that explains some of the essential tools you should look out for when considering which multi-tool to buy.

One thing that should be emphasised is the majority of multi-tools are for emergency repairs only – often they aren’t made to the same standard as tools intended for home use and the best bike tool kits.

Best multi-tools for cycling in 2023, as tested and rated by our expert reviewers

Blackburn Tradesman

4.5 out of 5 star rating
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The Blackburn has 18 tools and weighs 179g.
Alex Evans
  • Price: £30 / $30 as tested
  • Weight: 179g
  • Functions include: 2, 2.5, 4mm Allen keys; T25, T30 Torx keys; flat head screwdriver; chain breaker; quick-link tool; brake pad separator

With its all-metal design and 18 tools, the Blackburn Tradesman Mini Tool is great value and can handle most trailside jobs.

The straight Allen keys are long enough to access most areas and the heads are sized accurately for high-torque use without rounding-out bolts. You can use the chain breaker with the back wheel in place and it removes pins easily.

There’s a brake pad separator with quick-link storage, plus a quick-link tool, which is easy to use with the 4mm Allen key. A thick rubber strap prevents any rattling.

The Torx bits require care to avoid slippage and some of the L-shaped Allen keys are fiddly in tighter spaces.