Topeak Power 21 Reviews

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Topeak Power 21

MSRP			$ 29.95
Weight			Tools 190 grams <br>Bag 22 grams
# of Reviews			33
Average Rating			3.55/5

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Submitted by Miguel a Cross Country Rider from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: May 8, 2008
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Price Paid:	$22.00
Purchased At:	Sun and Ski
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.
Similar Products Used:	Topeak Alien, Cook Bros., and others
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.
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Submitted by RockinRider a Cross Country Rider from A land far far away........ Date Reviewed: June 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Purchased At:	Pricepoint
Strengths:	Has everything you really need in an emergency.
Weaknesses:	none
Similar Products Used:	numerous Aliens
Bike Setup:	Just right.
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.
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Submitted by Ziggy Stardust a Cross Country Rider from outer space Date Reviewed: May 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$25.00
Purchased At:	LBS
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!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:

Submitted by jacob lea a Cross Country Rider from Bendigo,Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: January 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:	Mt Herbert
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Price Paid:	$30.00
Purchased At:	Harding cycles
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.
Similar Products Used:	none
Bike Setup:	Cannondale F2000
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:

Submitted by Aaron a Cross Country Rider from Orlando, FL Date Reviewed: May 12, 2001
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Price Paid:	$25.00
Strengths:	Lots of wrench sizes
Weaknesses:	everything breaks
Similar Products Used:	parks
Bike Setup:	Kona Muni-Mula
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.
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Submitted by shannon a Weekend Warrior from wichita, Ks Date Reviewed: March 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:	Less than 1 month
Price Paid:	$32.00
Purchased At:	bicycle service
Strengths:	it is very compact
Weaknesses:	this tool is a piece of crap. 1st time I had to use the 15 mm wrench it snapped on me.
Similar Products Used:	n/a
Bike Setup:	GT I-drive 6.0
Bottom Line:	biggest waste of money. called topeaks consumer services and they still haven't called me back
Value Rating:Overall Rating:

Submitted by Luke a Cross Country Rider from Knoxville,TN,USA Date Reviewed: September 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:	lock4
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Price Paid:	$20.00
Purchased At:	LBS
Strengths:	Functional, comes with rattle free pouch, tons of tools,compact design
Weaknesses:	Tool heads are cramped.
Similar Products Used:	Ritcheys, and parks
Bike Setup:	99 Jamis Dragon.
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.
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Submitted by jeff dence a Cross Country Rider from philadelphia Date Reviewed: August 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:	Less than 1 month
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.
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Submitted by Rebecca a Weekend Warrior from Ottawa, Ontario Date Reviewed: April 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:	Ottawa River
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Strengths:	Small, convient pouch that velcros to frame.
Weaknesses:	Yeah sure it has 21 tools, but the placements of some make them impossible to use!
Bottom Line:	Good when you don't want to carry any load, but want a 'do-enough' type tool with you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:

Submitted by Evan Truesdale a Cross-Country Rider from Chicago Il Date Reviewed: November 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Chicago buissnes district
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Strengths:	light
Weaknesses:	everysingle g-d d@mn thing
Similar Products Used:	Topeak McGuyver *****
Bottom Line:	utter bull. The tools get in each others way, it's hard on the hands, it looks stupid, I wish I could give this waste of materials NO FLAMING TURDS
Overall Rating:

Submitted by Steph a Weekend Warrior from Victoria Date Reviewed: November 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Anything in Shawnigan Lake
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Strengths:	Compact Leight weight Has everything
Weaknesses:	Hard on hands
Similar Products Used:	other wrenches
Bike Setup:	Kona NuNu
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.
Overall Rating:

Submitted by Eric a Weekend Warrior from Oakland,CA Date Reviewed: August 11, 1999
Duration Product Used:	3 months
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?
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Submitted by BlueDevil a Weekend Warrior from Ontario Date Reviewed: August 7, 1999
Duration Product Used:	3 months
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!
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Submitted by thecool533 a Cross-Country Rider from millersville,MD Date Reviewed: August 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:	shaffer farms
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Strengths:	has alot of tools and compact.
Weaknesses:	One of the small allen wrenches broke off.
Similar Products Used:	A handful of tools.
Bike Setup:	trek 930
Bottom Line:	Good overall tool.
Overall Rating:

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.
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Submitted by Richard Finucane a weekend warrior from Michigan City, IN Date Reviewed: September 13, 1998
Bottom Line:	Quick and simple...great idea, and for the most part great product. Big trouble is the chain tool, do not rely on it. The very very first time i had to use it the nipple broke off and poof...Richard is walking 15 miles back to the car. Oh well, you live you learn.
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Submitted by 7777 a cross-country rider from Augusta, Ga Date Reviewed: August 2, 1998
Bottom Line:	Knew I needed a multi tool. Found this one on sale and liked the reviews. After using it now for a couple months, I realize it works. Haven't had to use the chain tool yet but it looks good. I found that the allen wrench for my derailer wasn't long enough. Would be wonderful if Top Peak designed a couple different multi tools for specific bikes.Tire levers work well in warm weather. Smart idea with the booklet showing you how to use everything. Still need to carry a tiny pair of pliers.
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Submitted by Brad Nyenhuis a cross-country rider from Crown Point, IN Date Reviewed: July 20, 1998
Bottom Line:	I bought the Topeak-16 before the 21 came out.(Almost the same tool) and it has been great for it's INTENDED purpose. An on-the-trail EMERGENCY tool meant to get you home in a bind. Many of the negative reviews come from people who seem to be trying to use this tool for daily use. This tool isn't meant to replace your toolbox and anyone who thinks that any multi-tool will last with constant use is fooling themselves and probably should be paying someone else to work on their bike for them.
Overall Rating:

Submitted by Sherman a weekend warrior from British Columbia, Canada Date Reviewed: July 11, 1998
Bottom Line:	I bought this about 3 weeks ago. I think it is an ok tool. I have used all the allen wrenches and they work fine. One compaint is that it is a hassle to get out of the neoprene pouch. The velcro tends to stick to your gloves and it is hard to get out. That is just a minor detail. Another complaint is the flathead screwdriver. It is in a very stupid place and can not be utilized very well. Also I think that the pedal wrench is a very stupid idea. Usually pedals are on quite tight and with a short tool like the Power 21 it won't work even if you use the neoprene case as a glove. I am not going to use it unless I really need to but I can't see myself using it on the trail. I think the tool will break before the pedal will come off. The chain tool does look a little cheap. I hope it serves it's purpose on the trail when the time comes that I need it. Usually multi tool chain tools are not as well made as a regular chain tool.
Overall Rating:

Submitted by Arni a cross-country rider from Northern New Jersey Date Reviewed: June 9, 1998
Bottom Line:	Fortunatly I have only had to pull this tool out of my bag once. It failed me. My chain broke in the middle of one of my rides. No problem I've got the multitool 21 WRONG. It turns out that the metal nipple that pushes the chains pin out is not one peice connected to the threading. So what happened was the nipple detached from the rest of the tool and was lost in the dirt and leaves of the trail. I was stuck and had to walk out. I have e-mailed Topeak and told them about my problem- they have yet to respond. The rest of the tool seems to be fine- But I caution you the chain tool has a very poor design. Why on earth would they design the nipple separate from the threading of the tool? Do not rely on the chain tool. I got home and borrowed a friends Park Chain tool and it is designed correctly with one piece!! So as far as I'm concerned they should call this tool the multitool 20 not 21 because the one tool I needed didnt work.
Overall Rating:

Submitted by Robert Green a weekend warrior from New Joisey Date Reviewed: June 4, 1998
Bottom Line:	I was looking for a while for a good on-the-trac tool set. Then I got the latest Performance mag. They had it on sale for 29.99, so i ordered it. I also ordered the headset wrenches that go w/ it (but are sold seperately). Everything is great and well worth the price. UNLIKE THEIR MCGUYVER TOOL, WHICH IS A GOOD $40 MORE! The Power 21 had more tools and is easier to use.
Overall Rating:

Submitted by Richard a cross-country rider from Raleigh Date Reviewed: April 27, 1998
Bottom Line:	Got this puppy last year after I borrowed my buddy's when my chain tool broke in the middle of nowhere. That one use was enough to convince me it was worth the cash. Never had a chain tool that worked so damn well ! Someone already mentioned the little screwdriver which needs the head of the chain tool removed to use, but other than that, it has been great. Couldn't believe it when i realized it has a 14mm wrench so I could reattach my pedals after a flight ! I highly recommend it, but will take off one chili for the screwdriver.
Overall Rating:

Submitted by Mr. Super V 2000 a cross-country rider from Ohio Date Reviewed: March 28, 1998
Bottom Line:	This tool is QUALITY! It has saved me so many times on the trail from a long walk home. The only thing that sucks it the screw driver head burried in the chain tool... you have to remove the screw (of the chain tool) to use the flat head screwdriver. But other than that this tool is Awesome!
Overall Rating:

Submitted by Alun Evans a weekend warrior from Swansea, Wales Date Reviewed: December 23, 1997
Bottom Line:	The Topeak 21 is a great tool for its intended purpose. The chain tool is top-notch and the little piece of wire used to keep chain slack is clever. Most of the necessary tools are there (except a 13ml spanner for my sh!tty seat-bolt), and my only real complaint is that the allen heads are difficult to get into some places. I've read that some people find the heads a bit undersized but I've never stripped any bolts with it.
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Submitted by Zimdog a weekend warrior from Alabama Date Reviewed: October 26, 1997
Bottom Line:	After reading these reviews, I bought the Topeak 21. I have a '96 GF Montare, 90% of the adjustments will require allens, which are undersized and I consider unusable...nothing like stripping a bolt when you'd rather ride than walk! Furthermore, need an adjustable or open end wrench to adjust/replace the brakes on the Quad 21 R fork. Chain tool, box wrenches, 4 chilis.In summary....on design, I give it a 5, but for quality control in manufacturing, a 1. Overall, form follows function, and this tool doesn't function, a 2 at best. Note: Wal-mart has allens for $4, lifetime warranty.
Overall Rating:

Submitted by John Escaleira a cross-country rider from Harrison, New Jersey Date Reviewed: July 23, 1997
Bottom Line:	I purchased the Topeak Power 21 rated 4 stars by Bicycling magazine (Nov. '96). Well it works great it fits nicely underneath my saddle and has so many different tools to choose from. One thing, the tire levers are very thin so that they will fit nicely in the bag and they break pretty easy and they only give you two.
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Submitted by Jim a weekend warrior from Los Gatos, CA Date Reviewed: July 16, 1997
Bottom Line:	The allen's are rough and slightly undersized. They have a tendency to strip bolts. Heve no use on my bike for the box/socket wrenches. No philips. Haven't needed to use the spoke wrench or chain tool. I have had this tool for a week. I think I will return it. Nice and compact. Missing some required tools, (i.e., good screw drivers). Should be updated for current bike repair requirements. Great concept. Poor craftsmanship. It will work in a pinch (i.e., it will tighten, but can strip bolts).
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Submitted by Steve a cross-country rider from Provo, Ut Date Reviewed: July 8, 1997
Bottom Line:	Every time my bike or riding partners bike has busted this tool has come through. The metal does appear soft but I've never had a problem. The two parts are way handy for fixing brakes as well. Dig the pouch.Some of the allen's donn't appear to be the exact size they should be but they're close enough to work. Well pleased am I. I just got a free Cool Tool so I'll try it out and see if it's any better but I doubt it.
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Submitted by James a weekend warrior from Carlsbad, CA Date Reviewed: March 14, 1997
Bottom Line:	My quest for the perfect multi-tool led me to the Topeak Power 21. Well worth the cash. Small enough to carry on all rides, everything fits in the handy pouch. It even comes with tire levers and speed patches. What more can u ask for? Just remember to use the pouch when you try to wrench something. I was removing my pedals, my hand slipped and the little allen key left me with a nice puncture wound.
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Submitted by Brian White a cross-country rider from Oakland, CA Date Reviewed: November 21, 1996
Bottom Line:	i'd been searchin' for the perfect tool for a long time, always seeing the shorter end on all tools. Too heavy, not enough tools, too cumbersome, etc...that is until i saw the topeak 21. And i wass just about ready to settle on a ritchie when i saw one. I've owned one now for a few months and its already saved my ass from havin to walk out. I think that the two separate tools which also work together is a great idea. Most tools are easy to use. Especially the chain tool. & the little thing that holds the chain while you work saves a helluva lot of screamin. This all fits in a cool lottle pouch you put right on your seatpost. Only bitch is the weak tire levers, but you can just carry some good ones in yo camel back.
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Submitted by Sergey Sapozhnikov a cross-country rider from Dumont, NJ Date Reviewed: October 10, 1996
Bottom Line:	I use it for on-the-road maintenance a lot & never had a trouble Topeak couldn't take care of. The design is excelent: whenever I need 2 wrenches simultaneously, they always appear to be on separate tools. It does feel a bit tricky for the first couple of times, but that's about it. Design, lightness & compactness definitely worth 30 bucks.
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Submitted by Greg Wang a weekend warrior from Berkeley, CA Date Reviewed: October 6, 1996
Bottom Line:	I guess it's a little tricky, but I'd still give it 5 stars if not for the price (about $35).It's real convenient, and there is an optional headset wrench add-on. If you are out on the trail, it may come in real handy.The two piece configuration is great, as there are indeed jobs that require two tools. You can also add the second tool onto the first tool for extra torque when needed.Pretty cool, but pricey.
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Submitted by Hirby Eiui a weekend warrior from Boise, ID, USA Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996
Bottom Line:	Been using the Topeak Power 21 tool for the last six months. So far it has been an excellent tool for emergencies and light duty adjustments. The only bad thing is that it is hard to figure out how to use some of it's capabilities. Just keep the little fold-out pamphlet in it until you get used to it, or you might be scratching your head trying to do some things with it. It's got: 2,2.5,3,4,5,6, 8,9,and 10mm hex wrenchs. 8,9, and 10mm box wrenches. Flat screwdriver. 2 spoke wrenches. 14mm box socket wrench. 2 tire lever. 3 glueless patches. one wire chain hook. A couple of the hex and box wrenches are on there twice, for some tasks that require you to hold a bolt while turning a nut. It's all packaged in a nice neoprene bag. I would recommend that you do as the pamphlet says and use the bag as a cover while doing hard tasks or the tool will tear your hand up. I'd give it five stars if it wasn't so hard to figure out how to use.
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