21 Functions to take care of any mechanical problem thrown at you. Two piece design allows you to use both tools in conjunction with each other. This is one tool that would make McGyver proud. Features: 21 Functions - the most of any multi-tool available. Tools all fit conveniently into two compartment neoprene case Tough heat treated cromoly construction Tools include: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 mm Allen Wrenches 8, 9, 10, 14, 15 mm Box Wrenches, Small flat head screwdriver, Universal chain tool, 2 Spoke Wrenches for 14g and DT, Combo T Wrench and leverage bar, Stainless Steel U chain hook, 3 Glueless patches, sandpaper and 2 tire levers Size: (LxWxH) 3.6 x 2.24 x 1 inch
Submitted by
Miguel
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2008
Strengths: When I bought this tool back in 1997, I thought it was a neat little design. I especially liked how you could combine both sides to give you extra leverage and torque when you needed it.
Weaknesses: I was solo biking in Moose Pass, Alaska- on a trail to Johnson Lake. Suddenly my chain went snap. No problem, I thought, I have this trusty Topeak tool. Wrong- I broke the chain tool after removing the pins. Damn thing failed me when I most needed it. Not good. Since I started late in the afternoon- about 5pm- and since it was September, I could not walk the twenty-something mile hike out of there before dark. I forgot all about night. I hadn't experienced it for three months, though the heavy cloud cover didn't help the light conditions. So I ended up spending the night alone on the side of the trail, under-geared, in the rain, smack-dab in the middle of grizzly country. Between my paranoia and the multitude of curses I uttered at Topeak, I didn't sleep a wink.
Bottom Line:
Emergency tools should function in emergency situations. If you hear about the a specific failure repeated by numerous customers you should be very wary indeed.
Similar Products Used: Topeak Alien, Cook Bros., and others
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
RockinRider
a Cross Country Rider
from A land far far away........
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2003
Strengths: Has everything you really need in an emergency.
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
Pay no attention to the people beeyatchin' about this tool. If you're looking for something fairly light that gets the job done, look no further. I've gone through two (only because I lost the first one) in five years and it's tough to beat. Yeah the tire levers may be crap, but a real man could use his hands for that anyway.
Submitted by
Ziggy Stardust
a Cross Country Rider
from outer space
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2003
Strengths: Pretty cheap (inexpensive), works well overall, relatively light and compact
Weaknesses: Chain breaker could use improvement, flathead screwdriver somewhat hard to access and use, pokes holes in it's neoprene storage bag, tire levers are too small/flimsy
Bottom Line:
I've owned and ridden with this tool for over three years now. It has saved me (and one of my riding buddies) on several occasions. After first buying the tool I didn't really expect it to hold up because it looked like some sand casted cheddar cheese constructed deal. But I have pleasantly surprised with it's overall strength and durability so far. The allens have always loosened and tightened the bolts I've needed to serice on the trail just fine...no slippage, bending or breakage. The flathead screwdriver part of the tool is a little hard to get to and utilize because of the chain breaker, but I have successfully used it on the trail to adjust my derailleur stops (that's the only flatheads on my bike), and to pull out V-brake pad retaining pins.
The chain breaker is the tools achilles heel. Although I will say I have broken probably about ten chains with this tool and it still works fine. The only problem/hassle is the hardened pin that's used to drive the chain rivets out "floats" inside of it's threaded carrier. It can and will fall out unless you make sure its seated and stowed safely at all times. A guy from an earlier review complained that it falls out and gets lost in the dirt and leaves...it's true this can happen if you dont keep an eye on it. But for me it hasn't been that bad, I'm just careful to make sure I either remove the pin and keep it in my bag when not using it. Also the hardened pin has mushroomed slightly over the years with use, but it's still fully serviceable, I just broke another chain recently with it with no problems. They sell replacement pins if you need one, but if you only use this tool for emergency usage (and don't abuse or misuse it) the original one should last a long time.
They also give you a little unfolded paper clip looking piece of wire with the kit, that I didn't even know what it was for until recently. It's used to hold your chain together while you break it and when replacing the master link...which is really handy! I wish I knew what it did earlier because trying to pull two segments of chain together while simultaneously trying to get the master link in is a hassle. Its a handy little supplement that really makes chain repair easier.
The neoprene case the tool comes in is pretty nifty, although the tool pokes holes in it over time. The two little plastic tire levers are pretty cheesy and flexible though. I carry one additional full size plastic tire lever with my kit to be on the safe side. Although the small Topeak tire levers can be used to change a normal x-country tire if you know the proper way to change a tire (which should almost be possible with you bare hands if you do it properly). Heavier cased and more rigid tires (i.e. downhill) will probably not come off easy (or at all) with the topeak levers.
Overall this tool is a good investment. I have been pleased with the durability and utility of this tool over the past 3+ years. Although it is not perfect and it has it's limitations (as all compact emergency tools do), it has served me well and I recommend it. Of course there are more functional tools out there, but they are 1) not as compact 2) heavier 3)more expensive . If you keep in mind the intended use of this tool, become familiar with it's capabilities and use, and don't expect it to perform like a towed 300lb snap on tool chest - then I think you will be pleased overall with it's performance....also I've recently seen these on pricepoint.com for $12 bucks. Thats a deal!
Submitted by
jacob lea
a Cross Country Rider
from Bendigo,Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2002
Strengths: Its light and has alot of tools
Weaknesses: The bag sucks it gets holes in it every where the tool touches it. The tools arn't situated in very good position's. Where is the phillips head screwdriver.
Bottom Line:
This product is reasonable but a bit dear for what it realy is. If you are just a casual rider this tool would be ideal. But if you are a bit of a hard core rider you want some thing a little better.
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Orlando, FL
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2001
Strengths: Lots of wrench sizes
Weaknesses: everything breaks
Bottom Line:
This thing is a huge POS. There is nothing worse than a tool that fails on you when you need it most. I broke both of the tire levers the first time I used them, broke the chain tool after removing pins one time, snapped off the heads of the wrenches after using them about 3 times, bent the body of the tool trying to tighten headset. Basically, this thing is the largest piece of bramson on the market. I will not buy another topeak product EVER. If I could rate it any lower, I could.
Submitted by
Luke
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville,TN,USA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2000
Strengths: Functional, comes with rattle free pouch, tons of tools,compact design
Weaknesses: Tool heads are cramped.
Bottom Line:
Excellent tool. Practically everything you will need for an emergency repair except perhaps a really fat (8mm for shocks/cranks) allen, but if you maintain your bike off the trail, that'll never be a problem. The tool heads are really close together. I work in a bike shop so I guess im just a little resourceful, and I don't mind having to turn a screw only 1/2 of a turn each time, afterall, it's an emergency tool. If I wanted convenience, Id carry a $300 Park pit kit and a $300 race stand. I can't whine, its well built and very useful. I'd reccomend this to anyone who wants a sturdy, compact, well engineered trail tool who keeps care of their babies off of the trail. If you don't have the patience to turn screws a little tiny bit each time, find a fold out tool kit (bulkier, heavier, noisier) that will suit your needs better.
Submitted by
jeff dence
a Cross Country Rider
from philadelphia
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2000
Strengths: it small and compact and has everything you need.
Weaknesses: it sucks
Bottom Line:
i bought the thing to use in case of an emergency.the fist time i got a flat one of the tire levers broke. the second time i had to use it the chain tool broke and i had to walk. ive used one of the allens on it to adjust my seatpost a few times and it allready shows wear. the thing sucks.its a good design just poor quality.
Submitted by
Steph
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria
Date Reviewed: November 2, 1999
Strengths: Compact Leight weight Has everything
Weaknesses: Hard on hands
Bottom Line:
This tool is great, it's all I need for any ride. I use it a lot a home too, I don't have to rummage in my toolbox to find the right size wrench, allen key or even my chain tool.
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakland,CA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1999
Strengths: Two pieces that complement each other very well (extra leverage, work on both ends of a brake...)
Weaknesses: no philips head
Bottom Line:
I use my bike for commuting/running errands daily, so it's outside a lot. Had to convert from quick release to nuts for the wheels and seat post so pranskters don't get tempted... The pedal wrench fits the wheel nuts perfectly, saving me from carrying an extra wrench. My bike's stem bolt is really deep-seated, and the Power 21's long 6mm allen reaches it easily, while similar products i've tried didnot (i'm talking about non-moving wrenches, not the flip open tools). Only thing keeping me from giving it 5 chilis is the lack of a philips head and the way you have to unscrew the chaintool bolt to get to the flat head. The chaintool section has an extra 5 mm allen, why not replace it with a philips head?
Submitted by
BlueDevil
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: August 7, 1999
Strengths: Light weight, own bag, lots of useful tools, a guide for what to use where (how to put the 2 pieces together to maximize torque etc.)
Weaknesses: Haven't found any yet
Bottom Line:
I never want another multi tool because this one works great! I've used it for minor adjustments on the trail quite a few times. The chain tool worked when I needed it to as did everything else. 5 chilis for no complaints!
Submitted by
Cool Guy Oggy
a cross-country rider
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1999
Bottom Line:
The only thing I don't like about the Power 21 is the tire levers. Compared to other tire levers that I've used they don't work very well at all. Other than that the patch kit and the tools worked very well. I like the chain tool the very much it's very easy to take apart and chains and put them back together.
