Self-sufficiency is one important trait every cyclist strives for while on their bikes or carrying out essential repairs. Since you definitely won’t have the comfort of your friendly neighbour mechanic to carry out basic repairs while you are on your rides having a knowledgeable toolkit is a must.

When I  started learning how to use a toolkit I had to depend on the internet and I was surprised to learn that there was hardly any article or video that would enlighten me on the various functionalities of a toolkit. Considering this a problem, I decided to create a blog to solve this common issue for all cyclists.

It’s easy and convenient to carry in your saddle bag or jersey pocket and comes handy quite often. There are a lot of multi toolkits in the market and the average cyclist is often confused on which one to buy and how to use a toolkit. Lets have a look.

How to choose a Multitool kit?

Toolkits come in various shapes and designs. Some are very compact and have basic functions while other toolkits can help with advanced issues like fixing a chain by using the chain breaker. Here are 4 things that you need to consider while choosing a toolkit:

• Pricing- Buy what fits your pocket.
• Function- Based on which section you want to  work on your bike, more functions can be your get out jail card while you are on your long endurance rides.
• Versatility, Quality and Design- A good  toolkit should be compact with good and compact design.  Please avoid  low quality toolkits as they might poke your spare tyres when kept in the  saddle bag. Look for a toolkit which would have a clear sizing label imprinted on each Allen key for quick work on your bike.
• Ease Transport- The toolkit should not be too heavy.

Note: Allen key is also known as Hex key.

How to use a Toolkit?

Well you no longer have to ask your friends or spend countless hours researching on the internet anymore. I have created an easy Multi tool kit functionality points for easy and better understanding!

TOOLKIT  TYPE and its FUNCTION

• ‍Allen Key 10mm: Remove or fit Shimano freehub body  and Maintenance of Campagnolo  cranksets‍
• Allen Key 9mm: Vintage Rear derailleur shift key  adjustment‍
• Allen Key 8mm: Removing Crank bolt‍
• Allen Key 6mm: Wedge Nut, Brake pads adjustment,  Pedal adjustment and Seat clamps‍
• ‍Allen Key 5 mm: Handlebar, Aligning brake, Saddle  height and Gear cable adjustment‍
• Allen Key 4mm: Specific handlebars ,Bottle holders,  Mudguards, fixing pannier racks and Cleat adjustment‍
• Allen Key 3mm: Side mirror, Brake lever adjustment  and Spring tension adjustment in Shimano pedals‍
• Allen Key 2.5mm: Gear shifter adjustment and pannier  rack height adjustment‍
• Allen Key 2mm: Reach adjustment of Shimano shift and  brake levers‍
• T25 Torx Key: Disc brake adjustment‍
• T30 Torx Key: Disc brake adjustment‍
• PH2 Phillips screwdriver: Front and back Derailleur adjustment,  brake spring tension adjustment‍
• Flat screwdriver: Front and back Derailleur adjustment,  brake spring tension adjustment‍
• Mavic® 5.65 mm (M7) spoke wrench: Spoke tension adjustment‍
• Tyre Levers: To pry tire bead up and over rim  sidewall‍
• 3.3 mm spoke wrench: Specifically for 3.3mm spoke nipples‍
• 3.5 mm spoke wrench: Specifically for 3.5mm spoke nipples‍
• Chain tool: To fix quick link and chain  maintenance‍
• Decapper: Acts as a Bottle opener‍
• Crank bolt tightening tool: Integrated bottom bracket set‍
• Storage area in Toolkit: To store split pin for chain

**There might be other functions available with the tools based on the model of bike, the spares or accessories used and the vintage. Do refer to your Bike manufacturer website for further specification.

Well now that you are clear on how to use the Allen key by referring to the table above, let’s look at what you can buy based on your need.  I am going to share my experience after reviewing 4 different Multi Tool kits with BTWIN.

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1.  BTWIN 100 Bike Multitool- 6 Tools in 1

A super economic and a perfect partner to use as a beginner. The 100 Multi Tool offers unbeatable value for money and can be taken on all your bike rides without requiring a lot of space. It has a gel insert that optimises grip and the toolkit is made with steel and zinc.

Features and Advantages: 

1. Compact Design: 6 tools in 1 which consists of  4 Allen keys (3/4/5/6 mm), 1 Phillips & 1 flat screwdriver.
2. Product Composition: Complementary parts- 95% Steel, 5% Zinc  and Frame 70% Polyamide 6, 30% Glass – Fiber
3. Weight:97 g
4. Easy to Use: Tool size indicator on the ends for getting the right tool quickly.
5. Warranty: As with most products in BTWIN the 100 Bike Multi Tool comes with a 2 year warranty too.
6. Stock advice: Store in a dry place.
7. Approved by: BTWIN multitools are tested continually by their professional teams, such as the U-19 PRO Racing Team.

BTWIN 100 Bike Multitool- 6 Tools in 1

• ‍Allen Key 6mm: Wedge nut, Brake pads adjustment,  Pedal adjustment and Seat clamps.
• Allen Key 5 mm: Handlebar, Aligning brake, Saddle  height and Gear cable adjustment.
• Allen Key 4mm: Specific handlebars ,bottle holders,  mudguards, fixing pannier racks and Cleat adjustment.
• Allen Key 3mm: Side mirror, Brake lever adjustment  and Spring tension adjustment in Shimano pedals.
• Phillips screwdriver: Front and back Derailleur adjustment,  brake spring tension adjustment.
• Flat screwdriver: Front and back Derailleur adjustment,  brake spring tension adjustment.

Who should buy this?

Any beginner can opt for this! This multitool will definitely come handy whenever you go out for those short rides within the city and to be honest having 3,4,5 and 6 mm Allen keys along with 1 Phillips and 1 flat screwdriver helps you to carry out most of the basic maintenance and adjustments on your bike. The grip is really comfortable thanks to the Gel inserts. The compact design means it can easily sneak into your saddle bag or Jersey pocket.

Cons: Since it does not have a Chain tool, I personally would only recommend this for short rides within the city and having this economical toolkit is a good way to learn some basic maintenance tricks while starting your cycling journey. 

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2.  BTWIN 500 Aluminium sBike Multitool – 8 Tools in 1

When compared to the BTWIN 100 Bike Multitool the 500 Aluminium has 2 extra goodies in it. One would definitely benefit from the inclusion of 2mm Allen key as it would help with the reach adjustment of Shimano shift and brake levers and theT25 torx key would help you with disc brake adjustments. You would hardly notice the weight difference as it weighs just 104 grams. 

Features and Advantages: 

1. Compact Design: 8 tools in 1 which consists of 2/3/4/5/6 mm Allen keys, 1 PH2 Phillips & 1 flat screwdriver, 1T25 Torx key.
2. Product composition: Complementary parts 100% Steel and Frame 100% Aluminium
3. Weight:104 g
4. Ease of Use: Tool size indicator on the ends for getting the right tool quickly.
5. Warranty: As with most products in BTWIN the 500 Aluminium Bike Multitool comes with 2 year warranty.
6. Stock advice: Store in a dry place.
7. Approved by: BTWIN multitools are tested continually by their professional teams, such as the U-19 PRO Racing Team.

BTWIN 500 Aluminium Bike Multitool – 8 Tools in 1

• ‍Allen Key 6mm: Wedge Nut, Brake pads adjustment,  Pedal adjustment and Seat clamps
• Allen Key 5 mm: Handlebar, Aligning brake, Saddle  height and Gear cable adjustment.
• Allen Key 4mm: Specific handlebars ,bottle holders,  mudguards, fitting pannier racks and Cleat adjustment
• Allen Key 3mm: Side mirror, Brake lever adjustment  and Spring tension adjustment in Shimano pedals
• Allen Key 2mm: Reach adjustment of Shimano shift and  brake levers

• ‍T25 Torx Key: Disc brake adjustment
• PH2 Phillips screwdriver: Front and back Derailleur adjustment,  brake spring tension adjustment
• Flat screwdriver: Front and back Derailleur adjustment,  brake spring tension adjustment

Who should buy this?

This can be used  either by beginners or intermediate level cyclists. It is always good to experiment and learn and nothing beats good practice. An excellent economical buy with good quality aluminium composition.

Cons: As with BTWIN 100 Bike Multi Tool since this too does not have a Chain tool, I  would only recommend this for short rides within the city and having this  toolkit is a good way to learn some basic maintenance tricks while starting your cycling journey. 

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3.  BTWIN 900 Bike Multitool – 18 Functions in 1

A sleek and elegant design! This is one multitool worth investing. it contains 2 additional Allen keys compared to the BTWIN 500 Aluminium Bike Multitool a 2.5mm which would help you in making adjustments to your gear shifter and pannier rack height adjustment and the 8 mm Allen key would help you with the removal of Crank bolt. The Mavic® 5.65 mm (M7) spoke wrench helps with Spoke tension adjustment and the 3.2 mm (0.127") / 3.5 mm (0.136") spoke wrenches help with the spoke nipple adjustments of those specifications. A bottle opener or decapper always comes in handy when you are planning to have some drinks during your rides. A disc brake pad spacer and 10mm open-ended spanner also comes in handy.

But my personal favourite is the chain tool which supports 8,9 and 10 speed chain and it comes with a storage handle to store the split pin for chain. This is truly a lifesaver and confidence booster when you have it’s company on your rides!

Features and Advantages:

1. Compact Design: 18 functions in 1 which consists of Allen keys: 2/2.5/3/4/5/6/8mm, T25 Torx keys, PH2 Phillips screwdriver, 8,9 and 10 chain tool with storage handle,3.2 mm (0.127") / 3.5 mm (0.136") spoke wrench, 10 mm open-ended spanner, Decapper, Disc brake pad spacer and Mavic® 5.65 mm (M7) spoke wrench.
2. Product composition: Frame 100% Steel Complementary parts 100% Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
3. Weight:156 g
4. Ease of Use: Tool size indicator on the ends for getting the right tool quickly.
5. Warranty: As with most products in BTWIN the 900 Bike Multi Tool comes with a 2 year warranty.
6. Stock advice: Store in a dry place.
7. Approved by: BTWIN multitools are tested continually by their professional teams, such as the U-19 PRO Racing Team.

BTWIN 900 Bike Multitool – 18 Functions in 1

• ‍Allen Key 8mm: Removing Crank bolt
• Allen Key 6mm: Wedge Nut, Brake pads adjustment,  Pedal adjustment and Seat clamps
• Allen Key 5 mm: Handlebar, Aligning brake, Saddle  height and Gear cable adjustment.
• Allen Key 4mm: Specific handlebars ,bottle holders,  mudguards, fixing pannier racks and Cleat adjustment
• Allen Key 3mm: Side mirror, Brake lever adjustment  and Spring tension adjustment in Shimano pedals
• Allen Key 2.5mm: Gear shifter adjustment and pannier  rack height adjustment
• Allen Key 2mm: Reach adjustment of Shimano shift and  brake levers
• T25 Torx Key: Disc brake adjustment
• PH2 Phillips screwdriver: Front and back Derailleur adjustment,  brake spring tension adjustment
• Mavic® 5.65 mm (M7) spoke wrench: Spoke tension adjustment
• 3.3 mm spoke wrench: Specifically for 3.3mm spoke nipples
• 3.5 mm spoke wrench: Specifically for 3.5mm spoke nipples
• Chain tool (8,9 and 10 speed): To fix quick link and chain  maintenance
• Decapper: Acts as a Bottle opener
• Crank bolt tightening tool: Integrated bottom bracket set
• Storage handle on Chain tool: To store split pin for chain

Who should buy this?

Best buy based on price, functions and easy to carry. Any cyclist who does not want to walk home during their long endurance rides should have this compact toolkit. As you look at the 18 functions that are specified above for this multitool this multitool covers all basic and advanced problems that you might encounter while on your rides. 

Cons: Nothing that I have observed, you just need to get used to the Chain tool by practicing at home. 

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4. BTWIN 920 Bike Multitool – 21 Functions in 1

The BTWIN design team developed this multi-function bike tool for making adjustments and repairs to your bike when you're out on rides or at home. 21 functions in 1 tool for repairing and adjusting your bike in any situation. It's nice and compact so you can slip it into your saddle bag on rides. It comes with a Silicone case for greater longevity.

When compared to the BTWIN 900 Bike Multitool this offers a lot more functionality but you would need to see for yourself if you need those additional functions while on a ride as its heavy, weighing at 216 grams. Nonetheless there is nothing a good Jersey pocket cannot fit.

Let me explain the difference between the 900 and 920 multitool: In comparison to BTWIN 900 Bike Multitool the BTWIN 920 Bike multitool has Flat head screwdriver,T30 Torx, 2 Tyre levers, 8mm / 9 mm / 10 mm hex key and instead of 3.2mm on 900Bike multitool, this has 3.3mm spoke wrench.

Features and Advantages:

1. Compact Design: 21 functions in 1 which consists of : Allen keys: 2 / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 /8, Flat-head screwdriver, PH2 Phillips screwdriver, T25 / T30 torx keys, Mavic® 5.65 mm (M7) spoke wrench, 3.3 mm spoke wrench, 3.5 mm spoke wrench, Chain tool, Decapper, 8 mm / 9 mm / 10 mm hex key, Crank bolt tightening tool and 2 tyre levers.
2. Dimensions: Height: 12 cm, Width: 5.5cm and Thickness: 2.4 cm
3. Product composition: Complementary parts 100%Steel. Frame 100% Polyamide 6 and Protection cover 100% Rubber - Thermo plastic Rubber
4. Weight:216 g
5. Warranty: As with most products in BTWIN the 920 Bike Multitool comes with 2 year warranty.
6. Stock advice: Be sure to transport and store the tools in the case provided to ensure they last.
7. Approved by: BTWIN multitools are tested continually by their professional teams, such as the U-19 PRO Racing Team.

BTWIN 920 Bike Multitool – 21 Functions in 1

• ‍Allen Key 10mm: Remove or fit Shimano freehub body  and Maintenance of Campagnolo cranksets‍
• Allen Key 9mm :Vintage Rear derailleur shift key  adjustment‍
• Allen Key 8mm :Removing Crank bolt‍
• Allen Key 6mm: Wedge nut, Brake pads adjustment,  Pedal adjustment and Seat clamps‍
• Allen Key 5 mm: Handlebar, Aligning brake, Saddle  height and Gear cable adjustment.‍
• Allen Key 4mm: Specific handlebars ,bottle holders,  mudguards, fixing pannier racks and Cleat adjustment‍
• Allen Key 3mm: Side mirror, Brake lever adjustment  and Spring tension adjustment in Shimano pedals‍
• Allen Key 2.5mm: Gear shifter adjustment and pannier  rack height adjustment‍
• Allen Key 2mm: Reach adjustment of Shimano shift and  brake levers‍
• T25 Torx Key: Disc brake adjustment‍
• T30 Torx Key :Disc brake adjustment‍
• PH2 Phillips screwdriver: Front and back Derailleur adjustment,  brake spring tension adjustment‍
• Flat screwdriver: Front and back Derailleur adjustment,  brake spring tension adjustment‍
• Mavic® 5.65 mm (M7) spoke wrench: Spoke tension adjustment‍
• 2 Tyre Levers: To pry tire bead up and over rim  sidewall‍
• 3.3 mm spoke wrench: Specifically for 3.3mm spoke nipples‍
• 3.5 mm spoke wrench: Specifically for 3.5mm spoke nipples‍
• Chain tool: To fix quick link and chain  maintenance‍
• Decapper: Acts as a Bottle opener‍
• Crank bolt tightening tool: Integrated bottom bracket set

Who should buy this?

This is a great value for money and posses excellent quality. You can completely overhaul your bike and assemble it back with this gem of a toolkit. If you are one of those nerdy cyclists who loves to explore different bike parts, you can buy the 900 Bike multitool without an ounce of doubt. If you are comfortable you can easily carry this in your back Jersey pocket too. Most importantly you get a longer grip which means that it is flexible and as a result you get more torque. Personally I would have this both for my long endurance rides and as part of my home maintenance toolkit.

Cons: It might feel heavy for a few of you out there and might feel bigger as its height is 12 cm but as I covered earlier there is nothing that a good jersey pocket cannot accommodate. 

Pro tip- Once your Allen key wears off and you continue to use it in an Allen bolt it will start getting stubbed . So it is important that you check the tip of your Allen key on a regular basis and if its too stubbed you can either grind the tip to bring it back to shape or cut the edges to maintain its use. 

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