[CraigE]

I had a little wakeup call the other day. As I was climbing this long hill another dude with massive leg strength was pounding up it in high gear out of the saddle and passed me. Suddenly his chain broke.

I have a small 20 year old multitool I keep forgetting to take out my road bike pack. I thought about just getting a Crankbrothers M19, similar Park or other brand and be done with it.

I saw something quite intriguing but a little pricy. Apparently Botranger makes this slick tool that slips into the stem of your bike. 70 bucks though.

Bontrager BITS Integrated MTB Tool - Trek Bikes

Enhance your cycling experience with Bontrager Integrated MTB Tool System. Find the best gear at trekbikes.com and your local Trek retailer. Shop now!

www.trekbikes.com

I already have a spare tube and flat reaper kit stuffed in my down tube (Trek Slash). No room for anything else. I'm not concerned about weight. I like the idea but put off a bit by the price. Anyone have one of these?

I have the Bontrager in my steerer tube. The price didn't bug me as there are only a few options in that range. I'm very happy with it.

 

[GKelley]

I would never trust any of the integrated multi-tools. They're too puny and cheaply made.

And the prices are just criminal for them integrated tools... Pay more for less tool. 🤡 WTF!

 

[kapusta]

Any time I think about a tool that integrates with the bike, I move on because I ride several bikes. I just keep my tools in my pack. Packs (even heavy ones) have never bothered me.

 

[Rod]

I could not get along without my small Camalback. The waist packs seem to be all the rage now. I only have 2 bikes (road and mtb) so the internal solution seems like a good choice if it was not for the cost.

Seems like most of the replies here are for the EDC. I was looking at the Botranger because it's available at my local shop and is a easy and secure fit with supplied bolts. The negative reviews stating how hard it is to remove for use is a plus for me.


Here is the one I was looking at: https://www.amazon.com/Multi-Tool-1...APqJ&pd_rd_r=f9d137f0-9608-49d8-a9ab-5a93460690f6&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m

A lot of options out there for sure.

I like your idea of that frame strap solution!! Lot

I have the M19 tool that you linked to and I use it between my road, SS, and mountain bike. In short, it does what it needs to do, which is exactly what you want in a tool. The chainbreaker would be ideal if it was just a little larger, but it gets the job done. I've saved people on a road bike who broke their chain on our insane steep climbs in this area. I've also used it to install many chains on my bikes over the years.

 

[kapusta]

I know people who roll the dice and don't even carry a tool, they just happily walk their problem back to the car because they don't ride far from it.

Or use the [tools / tube / sealant / valve core] from my pack.

 

[jabrabu]

I don't have any personal experience with it, but I've heard reports of the Bontrager integrated tool rattling in the steerer tube.

 

[mlloyd007]

I have both the 1Up and Granite minitools that install in the stems of various bikes. Both are well integrated into the stem and the multitools work well.

 

[345948]

I had the Cannondale Lefty one back in the day. Was expensive and I don't think I used it once. Was really cool though.

I just carry a regular tool in my hip pack. It's a super minimalist one I found at my bike shop with no branding with barely any leverage. I have the smallest Lezyne pump they make. I bring a couple Co2's, a tiny chuck inflator and strap a tube to the bike. I ditch the Co2, tubes and pump on XC races and bring one can of those all-in-one Sealant+air cans. If it doesn't inflate, race over.

About as minimalist as you can get while still being "prepared" for most local 8-20 mile rides. I have tool, air, backup air and a tube. None of which I'd like to use though. I'll probably switch to a Tubolito tube at some point and ditch the frame tube. Not sure which is safer though. Tubolito rubbing in a pack or tube on the frame getting coated in dust.

 

[Harold]

I considered the OneUp EDC tool. Opted against it for a few reasons.

First, I use an Exodux rack for my pickup truck. It holds the bikes with an expanding collet in the bottom of the steerer tube. Can't use a steerer-tube mounted tool system with that.

Second, I've tried many multitools and have encountered a few situations where excessively short tools and/or chunky handles have prevented me from using the tool on the fastener that needs tightening.

I bought some fix it sticks instead and have been thrilled with that tool. It's plenty long, so it has reach. The handles are long enough that I can tighten something reasonably snug with it. And it's less bulky than quite a lot of multitools I've used.

I added the Lezyne quick link pliers chain tool to go with it and cover chain needs. has magnetic slots for 2 quick links (though I just had a couple of the magnets pop out and need to glue them back in) and has a longer handle than many packable chain tools. I haven't needed to use it to pop a chain rivet yet, but it looks like it'd work reasonably well.

 

[sherwin24]

I also use the OneUp EDC tool in the 100cc pump, then installed extra pump mounts on each bike. Instead of OneUp's puncture kit and pliers, I had a Dynaplug kit that fits nicely in the pump. The only issue I had was the pump handle sliding open on rough terrain, and it won't close with the stopper in the head, so I would have to stop. Now I use silicone self adhering tape to hold it shut and it serves as having some emergency tape on hand. I've taken it as my only tool while bike packing on a 3 day trip without worry.

 

[Pooner El Ray]

OneUp Components' threaded top cap EDC is a genius invention. Very easy to self-tap the steerer tube and install. Full sized EDC allows me to carry a CO2 canister and cash.

Their EDC Lite is also a good option if your bike cannot fit the threaded top cap version.

They also have a threadless carrier option too!

 

[schnee]

I'm worried about how gross / corroded they'd get in wet conditions. Is the top seal waterproof?

I'm in a rainy region, so I'm riding a lot in 'just before or just after' light drizzle a lot, so I'd be worried about exposure to the elements.

 

[Muggsly]

I have the OneUp EDC and pump combo (the small pump) I throw in my pack when I go on longer rides. It's a great combo and I only take it when I need it. I had it mounted to the bottle cage and it was unobtrusive I just didn't like it aesthetically. yeah I know but still.

 

[Brad]

I had a little wakeup call the other day. As I was climbing this long hill another dude with massive leg strength was pounding up it in high gear out of the saddle and passed me. Suddenly his chain broke.

I have a small 20 year old multitool I keep forgetting to take out my road bike pack. I thought about just getting a Crankbrothers M19, similar Park or other brand and be done with it.

I saw something quite intriguing but a little pricy. Apparently Botranger makes this slick tool that slips into the stem of your bike. 70 bucks though.

Bontrager BITS Integrated MTB Tool - Trek Bikes

Enhance your cycling experience with Bontrager Integrated MTB Tool System. Find the best gear at trekbikes.com and your local Trek retailer. Shop now!

www.trekbikes.com

I already have a spare tube and flat reaper kit stuffed in my down tube (Trek Slash). No room for anything else. I'm not concerned about weight. I like the idea but put off a bit by the price. Anyone have one of these?

Yea I’ve got one. It’s heavy but the tools are good quality and the chain breaker works. It’s easily to install too.

 

[ballisticexchris]

I would never trust any of the integrated multi-tools. They're too puny and cheaply made.

Have you actually had one?

 

[GKelley]

Have you actually had one?

No. I didn't trust that it was a justified price for the product. I got better tools for cheaper.

 

[dysfunction]

I have an EDC.. I don't really use it because the fix-it-sticks are way better. The pump, that is a solid winner.

 

[GKelley]

I bought some fix it sticks instead and have been thrilled with that tool. It's plenty long, so it has reach. The handles are long enough that I can tighten something reasonably snug with it. And it's less bulky than quite a lot of multitools I've used.

I added the Lezyne quick link pliers chain tool to go with it and cover chain needs. has magnetic slots for 2 quick links (though I just had a couple of the magnets pop out and need to glue them back in) and has a longer handle than many packable chain tools. I haven't needed to use it to pop a chain rivet yet, but it looks like it'd work reasonably well.

Could go PB Swiss 470 combined with the Lezyne Chain Pliers for an even lighter option. 😎

I do like the Fixit sticks too. Great kit.

 

[Harold]

Could go PB Swiss 470 combined with the Lezyne Chain Pliers for an even lighter option. 😎

I do like the Fixit sticks too. Great kit.

I'd rather have a more usable tool. The thing I like about the fixit sticks is that you get length/reach for reaching into deep spots AND you get leverage because it's basically a t-handle. yeah, it's heavier, but I don't mind it because the tool is compact and the weight isn't excessive. I use the fixit sticks with removable bits, so I have a bit more fastener flexibility.

 

[Pooner El Ray]

Have you actually had one?

They aren't meant to replace shop tools. They're meant for on bike/on trail emergency repairs.