All Arround MTB

In the trail riders’ checklist lies an important item, the multi-tool. Everyone who’s ridden the trails knows that there are but a few sets out there that are the perfect all in one multi tool. Syncros puts an end to your quest with the Match box 12.

Topeak have added to their tool line, with more highly useful tools for the shop or home mechanic. It’s not only light weight parts that have specific torque requirements when fitting and adjusting – just about every part on your bike has a recommended maximum force.

SO GOOD The E-Version has enough tools to fix pretty much any trailside emergency. Even a remarkably sharp knife is included, which sits in a safe position when not in use, along with a bottle opener just in case the only solution is to open a fresh brew while mulling over the repair in hand. There’s a Mavic splined spoke key and the chain tool is comfy and easy to use too.

SO GOOD The Heist’s shaped side plates make it by far the most comfortable-to-use tool on test. That means you can crank bolts up nice and tight, despite the tool’s minimal length.

SO GOOD The Tom 18 doesn’t take up a lot of room in your pocket or pack but has a whole load of tools crammed into its compact 70x50mm body. It sits comfortably in your hand when in use and gives easily enough leverage for a trailside tighten. The Allen keys are good quality, and the chain tool folds flat to sit flush when not in use and is easy to use too.

SO GOOD X-Tools’ offering is big on value and has a good selection of Allen keys, from 2 to 8mm, along with T25 and T30 Torx wrenches, a small Phillips screwdriver and a chain tool. It’s the most compact tool on test but still feels comfortable in the hand and gives enough leverage to tighten most bolts. It’s lightweight too.

THE MATCHBOX 12 from Syncros offers a dozen handy tools for trailside maintenance. There are 2-6mm Allen keys, flat and Phillips head screwdrivers. T10. T20 and T25Torx keys, and a snap-on 8mm Allen key bit. Its compact 60mm length still offers enough to grip on to when tackling tight bolts but will fit in small pockets in your pack without any fuss.

AT JUST 60MM long and with only five tools, the Toolmanator 5 is more of a pocket-sized emergency fettler than a full-on 'rebuild your bike on the side of the trail' number. Weighing just 41g, it'll sit in a short or jersey pocket without weighing you down or flapping about while you ride.