![]() Save yourself the trouble by maintaining a healthy tire pressure. If the pressure is too low, the cyclist has to work significantly harder to maintain the same speed. One of the most important factors in a good bike ride is proper tire pressure. When the lubrication wears off or becomes clogged with grime, metal grinds on metal, which can cause damage to the sprockets or the chain itself. Keep the bike chain clean and lubricated. Certain models even offer tire patch kits along with the tool. Mid-range: For $15 to $20 you can expect to find units with high-quality stainless steel, a dozen or so different tools, and, in some cases, a carry bag.Įxpensive: At the top of the range, $25 to $40, you’ll find products with stainless steel construction, 20 or more elements, including more hex keys and chain tools, and hard carry cases. Don’t expect a lot of stainless steel construction at this price point, though. Inexpensive: For less than $10 you can get your hands on a high-value multi-tool that includes a chain tool, Allen keys, flat-head and cross-head screwdrivers, and Torx wrenches. ![]() The price of a bike multi-tool corresponds to the number of instruments it includes, the quality of them, and any added accessories. Certain brands offer unique leather pouches with individual tool slots, which present a bespoke, crafted look. The case can range from a basic neoprene bag to a hard case, which is equally great for protection and organization. ![]() Carrying caseīike multi-tools often come with their own carrying case to protect the tool from weather and wear and tear. Try to avoid using screwdrivers, butter knives, or other improvised tools in place of a pry bar because it could damage the rim or further damage the tire. That’s why a pry bar is sometimes included as a separate accessory, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Many bike multi-tools come with a tire pry bar, but unless it’s molded into the multi-tool’s body, it’s often too bulky to fit on the main unit. High-end examples feature nonslip patterns for more grip. Tire pry barĪ tire pry bar is a rigid tool that helps you remove bike tires and tubes from the wheels. However, there are some, and we list our favorites below. Bike multi-tool featuresīike multi-tools are relatively simple devices devoid of flashy add-ons and accessories. Multi-tools are commonly exposed to the elements, so make the jump to stainless steel to prevent rust. That’s why you should always seek out multi-tools made of tough high-tension steel because, believe it or not, there are flimsy plastic options out there. ![]() Spoke wrenches: These set the rods that radiate out from the wheel hubs.īike multi-tools are meant to be transported, flung about, twisted, and otherwise abused.Open wrenches: These loosen and tighten bolts. Torx wrenches: These loosen brake levers and other components.Ĭhain tools: These aid in the removal and installation of tires. Hex keys: Also known Allen wrenches, these interact with the hex heads found all over bicycles, including on the cranks, pedals, brake levers, and spring tension adjusters. Screwdrivers: Both flat-head (standard) and cross-head (Phillips head), loosen and tighten screws. Below, we list the essential instruments that bike multi-tools offer and what they do. The number of tools in your multi-tool is an obvious limitation to what repairs you can make, but the variety of tools is more important than the number. Saddle bags are fairly small as well, and if you want to bring energy bars, gels, tire patch kits, or mobile devices along, there won’t be much space for bulky tools. Adding superfluous heft only makes it harder on the rider, so you want to consider the size and weight of the tools you carry. In fact, in terms of how much weight a bicycle can carry relative to its total weight, bicycles are the most efficient means of cargo transportation in the world. That said, there are a few basic elements to keep in mind when shopping. Like bicycles, every multi-tool is a little bit different. Bicycles with standard gears usually have quick-release mechanisms to remove the wheels without any tools, but many fixed-gear and single-speed bikes require a 15 mm wrench to remove the wheels.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |