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Markus Linden
As the name suggests, mini tools should take up as little space as possible.
All of the tools we tested fit easily into a small saddlebag, while still leaving room for a spare tube and/or patch kit.
How small the tools actually are depends not only on the inventiveness of the manufacturer when combining different tool types, but of course also on the number of tools - in principle this means: the smaller and lighter, the fewer tools are integrated.
Small and light tools tend to be preferred by cyclists and mountain bikers, but it is also helpful if the tool weighs little on multi-day tours.
You won't look at every gram on an e-bike, but rather make sure that important tools aren't suddenly missing in the event of a breakdown.
Which tools you should take with you also depends on how long you are traveling.
On longer tours, a loose drink holder, a rattling luggage rack or grinding brakes can be so annoying that you want to repair the problem on the way.
What tools do you need?
Allen keys in different sizes often help with modern bikes.
Our mini tools have Allen sizes between 2 and 10 in the range.
Which one you really need depends on the bike.
You need small 2-sizes for fine-tuning rim brakes on racing bikes or for adjusting a derailleur gear - but this is rare and usually not on the go.
A large 8mm Allen key is also rarely used - but some pedals are screwed on with it.
A 10 Allen is almost never used.
For Torx you need size T25 - at least if your bike has disc brakes from Shimano.
A chain tool is helpful if the chain breaks along the way.
Then you can remove a link and at least drive home with the chain that is too short.
This always works with bikes with derailleur gears - with hub gears the necessary leeway is occasionally lacking.
Tire levers are almost mandatory.
You use them to lift a flat tire off the rim and get to the tube.
If the mini tool does not have an integrated tire lever, then you should definitely take one or better two with you.
They only cost a few euros and also weigh little.
Screwdrivers are also important in the Phillips or slotted version.
All of our mini tools have at least the cross variant.
Read the test to find out what other important and less important tools there are.
All spoke wrenches in our test can handle spoke sizes G14 and G15.
Most wheels can be aligned with this.
Only a few wheels have special sizes for the spoke nipples.
Contec PG1
Contec's PG1 only has 8 different functions: Allen keys from 3 to 6, Torx T25, Phillips and slotted screwdrivers and a chain tool.
Contec has brought the whole thing to a very compact size with a clever mechanism: 5 by 5 centimeters with a thickness of about one centimeter and a weight of almost 90 grams are very compact and light.
A rubber-coated steel angle protects the seven bit tools from falling out and can be removed.
Then it serves as a holder for the bits and as a rotating arm for the chain tool.
The lever effect of the bracket, which is only five centimeters long, is not great, but it is sufficient if the screws are not too tight.
The bits themselves are labeled, as is their recording.
Contec does not supply a pouch.
But the PG1 has no sharp edges as all the tools are protected inside.
So you can simply put it in a pocket or even your jersey pocket without risking the rest of your luggage.
These are the advantages:
Contec's PG1 is light, small and inexpensive.
The most important tools are there.
These are the disadvantages:
There is no tire lever, and some cyclists will also miss a 2 or 8 Allen key.
The tool doesn't offer much leverage either.
For whom the PG1 is suitable:
Above all for racing cyclists who want to pay attention to every gram.
Mountain bikers can also simply put the tool in their jersey pocket on their tours.
tom 18
The Tom 18 from the German manufacturer SKS accommodates the 18 tools promised in the name in a classic mini tool design: They are clamped in a small metal frame and can be opened up and down.
With a length of 7.3 centimetres, this ensures sufficient leverage.
Allen keys are available in sizes from 2 to 8, Torx in size 25.
Chain tools and Phillips and slotted screwdrivers are also available.
The Tom 18 has a spoke tool for tightening spokes, a tire lever and a small compartment for a chain rivet.
If you want to use the spoke tools, you have to unscrew the chain tool completely from its thread.
The tool for pushing the disc brake pads apart is nice: you rarely need it, but with the Tom 18 it can also be used as a bottle opener.
SKS supplies a small bag for the compact tool (7.3 x 4.8 x 2 centimetres).
The weight of 188 grams is average in the test field.
These are the advantages:
The Tom 18 contains many tools in a small space.
You have to equip the chain rivet compartment yourself (with the right rivet for your own chain), but you always have one with you.
The integrated tire lever is also pleasing.
These are the disadvantages:
Although all tools are made of chrome vanadium steel, the chain tool with the integrated spoke tensioners is not.
There could be a vulnerability here.
(In the test, however, the chain tool of a Shimano chain showed itself to have grown).
For whom the Tom 18 is suitable:
With its balanced mix, the mini tool is ideal for touring riders, whether with electrical support or just with leg strength.
The Tom 18 can also remain in every saddlebag for the daily commute to work.
Super V23
The Super V23 from Lezyne follows the classic frame structure like the Tom 18 and the MTC-40.
A total of 23 functions can be folded up and down.
The leverage when using the tools is very good - which is due to the fact that the Super V23 is almost 10 centimeters long.
The width is also not without at 6 centimeters.
It's still easy to stow away: it's very flat at just over a centimeter.
In addition to the wide range of Allen keys from 2 to 8 and the Torx sizes T10, 25 and 30, there is a Phillips screwdriver and the obligatory chain tool, which also contains spoke tensioners from 12G to 15G.
A special feature is the tubeless needle: it can be used to patch holes in tubeless tires from the outside.
Two corresponding plugs are also included in a holder.
On the other hand, there is a brake disc tool that not only pushes brake pads apart, but can also grip out-of-round brake discs.
This is how they bend straight.
And it opens bottles too.
These are the advantages:
The tool contains clever tools for tubeless riders and is light at 156 grams given the wealth of functions.
These are the disadvantages:
Lezyne only supplies a rubber band so that the tools do not unfold by themselves.
A small bag would be more appropriate.
Especially since the disc tool has a sharp edge that makes it impossible to store Super V23 and a replacement tube together.
A tire lever is missing.
For whom the Super V23 is suitable:
Especially for tubeless riders who might occasionally have problems with disc brakes.
These are mainly dedicated mountain bikers, with or without an electric drive.
But the Super V23 could also be the right choice for one or the other racing cyclist or gravel biker.
Lobster II
Although the Hummer II with 18 functions follows the classic mini tool structure in the frame design, Topeak has accommodated two tire levers on the outside of the frame, both of which have additional functions: one as a spoke tensioner, the other as a handle for the chain tool.
The tire levers are clipped into the frame when not in use - it's a bit difficult to remove.
In addition to Phillips and slotted screwdrivers, there are Allen sizes from 2 to 8. The number 8, like Torx T25, is designed as a small attachment for the 4 and 5 mm Allen key.
They could get lost but are both well secured when not in use.
With its aluminum frame, the Hummer II looks very robust and also feels good in the hand.
These are the advantages:
The tool is slim and tire levers are cleverly integrated.
With a weight of 167 grams, it is relatively light.
All edges have been sanded down - so it can lie next to the spare tube in the saddlebag.
These are the disadvantages:
The 3 mm Allen key and the slotted screwdriver are very short at two centimeters in length - you simply won't get to some places with them.
For whom the Hummer II is suitable:
It is a universal tool that offers help to cyclists without special requirements and therefore serves touring cyclists as well as commuters.
MTC-40
Park Tool's MTC-40, with its blue plastic frame, doesn't appear particularly robust at first glance, but it has remained reliable in use and is easy to grip.
The chain tool is particularly useful because it is combined with the brake disc tool.
It can therefore serve as a second grip for the other hand when setting or pulling rivets.
Also good: The tip of the chain tool can be replaced and reordered.
It breaks occasionally.
Torx is available in T25 and 30, Allen sizes from 2 to 8 are available.
The largest Allen is a tiny attachment for size 5 and is held in place by a spring loaded knob - it's easy to lose if you're not careful.
The slotted screwdriver is designed in such a way that it also takes most Phillips screws.
A special feature is the adapter for CO2 cartridges: With the small and light cartridges, a tire can be inflated without an air pump.
The cartridge itself is not included.
So there are a total of 13 functions in the MTC-40.
These are the advantages:
The MTC-40 is easy to handle in use.
With its length of 8 centimeters, there is sufficient leverage, the rounded plastic frame helps with work.
These are the disadvantages:
The brake disc tool protrudes far at the top, so that the MTC-40 has a thickness of 3 centimeters.
Weighing in at 214 grams, it's quite heavy for the thirteen functions.
For whom the MTC-40 is suitable:
For all those who prefer to take a CO2 cartridge with them instead of an air pump and value a stable chain rivet and brake disc tool.
Alien III
Manufacturer Topeak accommodates a total of 31 functions in the Alien III.
This works because the entire gadget can be split into two parts.
The top and bottom halves will unlock and slide apart.
In addition to Allen sizes from 2 to 10, there are Phillips and slotted screwdrivers, with the latter also serving as a bottle opener.
But that makes it a bit voluminous, so that you may not be able to access hidden screws.
A Torx T25 and a chain tool are integrated.
The chain tool is turned with the 5 mm Allen key on the other half of the tool.
more on the subject
Battery-powered air pumps for bicycles put to the test: Putting on a lot of pressureBy Markus Linden
In addition, the Alien III also contains open-end and ring wrenches in sizes 8, 9 and 10, spoke wrenches and two more for special Mavic and Shimano spokes.
A special feature is the partially serrated blade, which can be folded out and folded in again by pressing a button.
The integrated tire lever is made of hardened and ground aluminum.
This makes it stable, but you should use it with care on painted rims, otherwise there will be scratches.
Anyone who occasionally removes the front wheel for transport and has disc brakes knows the problem: accidental pressure on the brake lever compresses the pads.
A disc brake lock, which is located inside the Alien III and which is clamped between the pads for the duration of transport, provides a remedy.
The variety of functions has its price, which is expressed above all in the weight: At 294 grams, it is the heaviest mini tool in the test field and with dimensions of 8 x 4.5 x 4.5 centimeters it is also quite voluminous.
Topeak includes a small pouch.
These are the advantages:
The Alien III is an all-rounder that equips the cyclist for (almost) all eventualities.
Thanks to the clever arrangement of the tools, the »mini workshop« remains compact.
These are the disadvantages:
The mini tool is more or less »mini«, but at 300 grams it is heavy.
For whom the Alien III is suitable:
For all cyclists for whom weight is not the first or second priority: e-bike touring cyclists and all cyclists who go on tours lasting several days and do not want to get stranded on the road because of a lack of tools.
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