Description:The Alien Tool 22 Function Folding Tool This one you will want in a real jam. Self contained and easy to access, with 22 functions it's the right tool for any size job. In the tradition of your favorite Swiss Army Knife, once the job is done the Alien's multiple tools fold easily back into their hardened plastic case, always ready for action. Light and small enough to fit into your pocket, you won't even know it is there until you need it. Moulded plastic body provides an excellent gripping surface while using tools and opens into two tool halves with a press of a button. Features: All tools fold into engineering grade plastic body for easy carrying. Tools include: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 mm two piece Allen Wrenches 8, 9, 10 mm two piece Box Wrenches Philips and flat head screwdrivers A universal chain tool Spoke wrenches for 14g and 15 g two tire levers. A Stainless Steel knife and a bottle opener Size: 3.4 x 1.8 x 1.5 inches
Submitted by
boscoboy
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilmington, DE Date Reviewed: October 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Middle Run
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
all the tools you need for trailside adjustments
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
2000 Supercaliber XT/XTR
Bottom Line:
I have used this tool for years with no problems - folds up nicely and fits into small spaces - has all the common needs -I left it in the car once and had to borrow a no-name tool to adjust my seatpost and it snapped right off. If i ever lost this I would buy another that same day
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Submitted by
Auggie
a Cross Country Rider
from Sandy Eggo Date Reviewed: July 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Any that will prolly cause me to face plant hard
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
BikeUSA
Strengths:
Has almost everything you need for the trail, including a pair of tire levers! Sturdy nylon pouch with fixer-thingy-attachy-point. Splits into two pieces for easier handling or using two tools simultaneously.
Weaknesses:
Bulky, square turd fits awkwardly in my seat wedge. The fixer-thingy-attachy-point adds additional bulk to pouch. If you wanted to mount the pouch on the bike directly (which I wouldn't do because its just one thing to fly off in mad crash) you have buy the bracket (2 styles-stem or bar/post) separately. Doesn't include pliers.
I've had this now for 8 years and its been both my trail-side tool that has gotten me out of all the jams I've been in, as well as a general purpose garage tool supplementing my auto tools when performing bike maintenance and repairs.
Besides the bulkiness, the only lament I have is that it doesn't come with a plier tool and I was contemplating carrying a compact Leatherman for that purpose (more weight and bulk). But I guess Topeak has listened to customers and their new Alien DX Multi-Tool comes with a plier for pulling on cables during trailside repairs!
The Alien II can be had online now for roughly $25. The new Alien DX for $39.
Overall, if price and not having a plier along is more better for you, I would definitely recommend the Alien/II.
Otherwise, my choice would be the new Alien DX (which I will review when I finally receive it and put it to use).
At $25, the best value for what it does! Dropped a hot poop for missing a handy all-purpose plier tool.
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Submitted by
ysaroya
a Weekend Warrior
from Isarael Date Reviewed: July 18, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
got everything you need inside and more!
the kit is modular, you can split ti in to 2 pices for more clerance and easy handelling.
Weaknesses:
abit havy (but i dont mind it)
Bottom Line:
when i go for aride i like to be prepared for anything, this tool give me confidence cose it's got all the tools inside.
saved me more then one time (helped me convert to a singlespeed when my rear druiler got yanked out taking with him 3 spokes from the rear wheel. 50 miles from no where...)
if you ride xc you can sattrl for a smaller toolkit but if you go on long rides in hard terrains you need to be prpeard for enything...dont think twice...it's alife saver!
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Submitted by
Tom K
a Racer
from Orland Park, IL, USA Date Reviewed: November 23, 2007
I think I have had this tool for close to 10 years. I got it as a gift shortly after they first came out with them. I may have gotten it x-mas of 1998. It has gotten tons of use of the years and still performs better than any other multi tool i've used. A small piece broke off the body of mine that makes the two tools no longer clip together, but everything else has been wonderful.
I don't there is a tool on it that I haven't used many times. Sometimes for rides or races I take it out of its case and put 1 tool in my right jersey pocket and the other in my left. Just to keep the bulkiness a little less.
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Submitted by
Gerd Wichers
a
from Vriezenveen Date Reviewed: August 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Jacobselv Norway
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Niphuis
Strengths:
The thing has the exact amount of tools. I am a recumbent biker and it's equally fair with recumbents as well. There are not too many tools in the Alien, but all the possible nuts and screws have been considered before it was issued. I don't fail on any; perhaps a canopener like the Swiss Wenger or Victorinox could do. At this moment of writing the review I am considering to buy the DX. Strong would be a good wire cutter, but I read a review that that particular tool is not functioning properly.
Weaknesses:
you can loose it. Perhaps the plastic parts might have been given a bit more stiffness. For my tight 20"tyres, they bend a bit to much. Perhaps the people of Topeak thought about the cranktool it to be used with some aditional help. I am not going to be negative on it but it may be a weak thing to use in practice: my cranks are just too tight with my pedals that I can open the thing.
Similar Products Used:
I tried to get a tool with equal consideration for the needs of the bike but did not find any.
The tools I have with me during travelling include a Leatherman Crunch, a Buck Whittaker and this Topeak Alien. I still try to find some good and most lightweight combination of tools but this Topeak Alien is most efficient. Perhaps an improvement on a reliable cable cutter would make sense?
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Submitted by
LegendaryMrDude
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK Date Reviewed: April 29, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Halfords
Strengths:
Compact, great range of functions, sturdy and heavy enough to notice when you've not got it with you.
Weaknesses:
It's heavy, no Torx heads, some tools don't "lock" so get a bit wobbly under load.
Similar Products Used:
Plenty of no-name multi-tools and various individual items
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel EX8, Giant XTC850, Giant TCR Team
Bottom Line:
I've had this for nearly 5 yeas now and never leave home (on the bike) without it. Small enough to fit in a saddle pack on a road bike and comes with all the tools you're likely to need on the road/trail. A tough nylon pouch keeps sharp edges and loose tools in place, but an elastic band does the same job and it's lighter. Not the cheapest, but I've not found anything else that comes close.
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Submitted by
Kurt
a
from Deep River CT. Date Reviewed: November 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
gift from sponcer
Strengths:
I have used this tool many times. It has everything you need. It works perfect for my bike.
Weaknesses:
the only weakness for this product that I have is that it is bulky and heavy
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
A Must Buy
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Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Jacksonville Date Reviewed: August 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Razorback
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Well built. Has many functions.
Weaknesses:
Weight
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance 2, XT setup
Bottom Line:
This is the best tool I've ever used! While it's a little heavy, it works better than every other cheap multi-tool i've ever seen. This includes other Topeak products. I would recommend this to anyone. The only thing that would be better is if it were lighter, but then that would compromise quality.
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Submitted by
Mike Gomez
a Weekend Warrior
from Norwalk,CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Unal Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$11.00
Purchased At:
Performance bikes
Strengths:
I'ts got pretty much everything I need to fix anything on my bike. Compact
Weaknesses:
A little on the heavy side but well worth it with all the tools you get.
Bike Setup:
Trek 4300
Bottom Line:
this tool is great, you can be pretty confident that you won't stay stranded somewhere because you don't have a certain tool to fix something. You can practicaly put together a bike with this thing. I got it for $11 but the regular price was about $30. A little pricy but well worth it. It's probably one of the better tools Topeak has made.
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Submitted by
Sky
a Cross Country Rider
from Aiea, HI Date Reviewed: August 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great Tool, always has everything I need, easy to carry on the trail.
Weaknesses:
Watch out for the little allen that can fall out when you take the wrench off.
Similar Products Used:
Misc Multi tools
Bike Setup:
'04 Specialized Hardrock Pro Disk - SS Conversion
Bottom Line:
Awesome tool, Sturdy. Compact size and splits apart. Couldnt really ask them to cram any more tools into such a small size.
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Submitted by
PJ
a
from Toms River, NJ Date Reviewed: August 8, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Kim's Bike Shop
Strengths:
Compact design, has everything needed for trail-side repairs
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Most other mini tools out there
Bottom Line:
I have used my Alien for almost every bit of work I have done on any bike I have had to repair or adjust.
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Submitted by
r. grenier
a Weekend Warrior
from geneva, ny, usa Date Reviewed: February 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anywhere i can ride
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
dick's sporting goods
Strengths:
very useful, compact, durable, has all the necessary tools for "on the go" repair, and a bottle opener for a nice cold one after a good ride.
Weaknesses:
can't attach it to bike, torx bit falls out sometimes, nothing a little tape can't take care of.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
mountainsmith approach, stock.
Bottom Line:
good tool to have and well worth the money. doesn't replace a good set of shop tools, but does it's job on the trail. recamended to anyone who needs a good set of tools while on the trail or road. this tool will get you out of most mechanical problems experienced while riding.
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Submitted by
Dan M C
a Weekend Warrior
from Moldova Noua,Caras-Severin,Romania Date Reviewed: August 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
The Danube trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Revolution Cycle
Strengths:
Nice package,apears to be a quality product,very versatyle and compact.
Weaknesses:
Made in Taiwan...?,why not made in the US or Europe ?,a little expensive at $ 60.00 !
Similar Products Used:
Other generic products.
Bike Setup:
You name it,on my Trek stuff from Easton,Thomson,Sony,CCM,Selle Royal,Cat Eye,Specialized,Continental,Axiom,Mesinger,Kryptonite,ETC.
Bottom Line:
Nice products from Topeak but to think that they charge so much for them is upseting.I'm replacing a Schwinn made bike tool kit that cost less than half and that one too was made in Taiwan...and you know what they look alike...go figure;do they charge more for the name ? can somebody answer that...Topeak are you reading this ?
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Submitted by
ISK
a Downhiller
from London, UK. Date Reviewed: August 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Vail, Co.
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Mosquito BIkes, London N1.
Strengths:
Outstanding tool in every sense. It gets huge use with me, both on the trail and in London every day as I ride daily through the city for work. Compact, very strong, excellent design, solid, well-built and good value.
Weaknesses:
Honestly can't find any, except I stabbed myself in the finger with the blade the other day - but that just showed it was still sharp after all this time!
Similar Products Used:
None, and can't see a need to.
Bike Setup:
Scott G-Zero P2 with discs fo rthe trail and an own build courier effort for city.
Bottom Line:
One of those rare cycling moments - a product which really is worth the money, and seemingly faultless.
compact, multi-functional, strong, light weight for its size and tool selection.
Weaknesses:
none found
Similar Products Used:
assorted tools, too many to carry on a trail.
Bike Setup:
04' Specialized RockHopper Comp.
Bottom Line:
An excellent tool in design, and build. Compact, lightweight, multi-functional, a "swiss army knife" of tools. I carry my Topeak Alien II whenever I ride. Agreed, it can not replace a good selection of "shop" quality tools,(for bike repair and regular maintenance) but for its intended purpose and functionality, it can't be beat. To date not only have I made minor adjustments on my bike on the trail, but I have also made emergency repairs on others bikes when their tools were un-able to do the job or left behind. It is a little pricey, but for what one gets and the peace of mind it gives, (knowing it is in my seat bag), it is definitely worth every penny spent.
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Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: June 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Compact, Well Made,
Weaknesses:
Built in Tyre levers may break easily. Torx bit and Pedal wrench keep falling off. Steel may be of an average grade.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bottom Line:
While This tool will not replace quality workshop tools it is exceptional for its intended purpose. Having said that I HAVE used it to totally strip down my bike on a few occasions and all tools have held up exceptionally well. The pedal wrench is awkward to use but many pedals I know of have hex key recesses accessable from the inside of the crank arm anyway. The steel used for the Hex Keys and wrenches seems a fraction soft. Make sure hex keys are fitted properley and the philips head screwdriver fits the screw head properley to avoid rounding the tools. The torx bit can be annoying the way it drops out when the pedal wrench is removed but all in all the positives outweigh the negatives. I keep mine in my pocket while riding and forget its even there so weight is not a real problem. Bottom Line...If you are looking for a good Multi tool that will last years with a little care and will get you out of a jam, then the Alien is that tool. In hindsight I would buy this product again.
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Submitted by
wannabeDHer
a Downhiller
from Kaysville,UT,USA Date Reviewed: February 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Kaysville Bike Rack
Strengths:
Very versital. Small enough to keep in a pack with you at all times.
Weaknesses:
Not so much standard sizes. I had to resort to my tool box to get the right sizes for my bike
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
98' Specalized FSR, VST-90 fork and DH rims
Bottom Line:
This is a swwet small "leatherbike" you can take with you anywhere and make quick repairs with. If you are planning on using it on every part of your bike, you need to look elsewhere.
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Submitted by
Clifford Louie
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellevue, WA. USA Date Reviewed: February 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Tolt-McDonald
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Myriad number of tools. Ease of use, especially when you separate the two halves. The design has been around for years and has proven useful to many of its owners.
Weaknesses:
Weight (but it has so many features), and keep track of where that knife blade is. If you separate the two halves you may find it tricky rejoining them while on the trail in freezing conditions.
Similar Products Used:
Park, Crank Bros. Multi 5
Bike Setup:
2000 Intense Tracer with full XTR and v-brakes. Mavic 517 Ceramics, Thomson seatpost, Easton Monkey Lite risers, Easton EA 50 stem.
Bottom Line:
Fabulous tool with few drawbacks. The only multi tool in MTB review that gets Quality reviews by an overwhelming majority of its users. An excellent value @ $20. I'd say it's the American Express card of multitools.
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Submitted by
KT
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: January 16, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Weaknesses:
weak steal (at least this one), bulky
Similar Products Used:
another Topeak hex wrench set that is bomb proof
Bottom Line:
I wound up giving this tool away to a friend after finding my old Topeak allen key tool. It's bulky (especially w/ the pouch) and has a bunch of tools that aren't used on today's bikes. Box wrenches? Who needs those. Emergency pedal wrench? hmmm, maybe. Just get yourself a multi-tool with the hex wrenches and screw driver, and a seperate Park Tool chain tool. Topeak does though make nice high grade steal multi-tools and you can usually find them at TJ Maxx for very cheap.
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Submitted by
M Snow
a Cross Country Rider
from Mesa AZ Date Reviewed: January 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Cave Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Adventure Bike
Strengths:
Fit, finish, workmanship and usefulness of tools supplied, Well designed and thought out. They even designed the tool be taken apart by each others halves so no outside tool sourcing is necessary for those hard to fit areas of some bike designs.
Weaknesses:
Torx fitting falls out. I painted it yellow and use double sided tape to prevent loss.
Similar Products Used:
tool drawer supplies, other peoples Park and Alien,
Bike Setup:
Titus, xt/xtr
Bottom Line:
I bought this unit a year ago I broke it on a Bontrager wheel trying to pry on the tire with supplied tool spoons. Topeak replaced the broken portion with out a receipt. Just based on good faith, No arguments no fuss just good ol plain service . Just dont take advantage of a good thing and perhaps they will be able to continue serving at a level above others.
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Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: August 1, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Compact, has every tool you'll need in a crunch
Weaknesses:
Pedal wrench can realistically only be used for putting pedals ON, location of pedal wrench on tool causes it to fall off when using allen wrenches, it's heavy, your friends will try to keep it! Buy them one of their own for Xmas.
Similar Products Used:
Assorted tools thrown together in seat bag
Bike Setup:
MTB - Haro Extreme1 w/ Time Z pedals, dual logic lights, other fun stuff. RoadB - stock Bianchi Vigorelli
Bottom Line:
I use this tool for both my mountain and road bikes. It does just about everything I need it to with the exception of removing pedals. The pedal wrench provided is just not strong enough to remove pedals, only to put them on. However, while traveling recently, I used the tool to put my pedals on and completely adjust a rental bike. Very functional.
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Submitted by
Knowlton
a Cross Country Rider
from East Dover, VT, USA Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
usefullness, # of tools, can save you if yu have a problem in the woods
$ 39.95
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating: