Do I need a multitool?

pjtn
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Do I need a multitool?

Postby pjtn » Thu Feb 09, 2017 5:46 pm

My bike is a BMC AC01 with the Gates belt drive, Alfine 11 gear hub and hydraulic disc brakes. We ride on dedicated bike tracks and don't go for any more than an hour usually. This will hopefully change as we become more fit and the weather cools down.

Is there any point in bringing a multitool along? The drivetrain isn't likely to give any problems, I have no idea how to work on the brakes and I'm not sure what else would go wrong.
Last edited by pjtn on Thu Feb 09, 2017 5:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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biker jk
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Re: Do I need a multitool?

Postby biker jk » Thu Feb 09, 2017 5:49 pm

Your seatpost could slip. Your headset could go loose. Loose pedal. I had a loose shifter once so needed to stop and tighten the bolt. Stuff happens.

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DavidS
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Re: Do I need a multitool?

Postby DavidS » Thu Feb 09, 2017 9:17 pm

Biker jk is correct, a little multitool is easy to carry and saves your bacon just when you need it.

Oh, and, if you don't have one, you will definitely need one.

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find_bruce
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Re: Do I need a multitool?

Postby find_bruce » Thu Feb 09, 2017 9:25 pm

What tools do you need to change a flat rear tyre on your bike ? Try doing it at home when you have time

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Derny Driver
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Re: Do I need a multitool?

Postby Derny Driver » Thu Feb 09, 2017 10:11 pm

Ive never needed one in years and years of riding.
Nothing mechanical has ever happened apart from flat tyres.
So its a no from me.

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RonK
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Re: Do I need a multitool?

Postby RonK » Thu Feb 09, 2017 11:03 pm

You must have a multitool. The sky could fall down.
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piledhigher
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Re: Do I need a multitool?

Postby piledhigher » Thu Feb 09, 2017 11:12 pm

Derny Driver wrote:Ive never needed one in years and years of riding.
Nothing mechanical has ever happened apart from flat tyres.
So its a no from me.
You must live a charmed life, while out riding.

Busted spokes
Snapped chains
killed a derailleur
cracked a frame (not that a multi tool helped)
Loose cleats
Italian bottom bracket came loose (not multi tool fixable)

I'm sure there were others

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bychosis
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Re: Do I need a multitool?

Postby bychosis » Fri Feb 10, 2017 8:34 am

I have been riding for years and in reality have most often used the tools on a bike that has just come from an upgrade or recent service where I've failed to set up something right and it needs adjustment, or not tightened correctly and is loose or slips to the wrong position. Only very occasionally have I had a mechanical failure requiring a multi tool.

Most common mechanical failure is a flat tyre, but even those have become rare since I installed tyre liners or switched to tubeless.

In reality I've used a multitool trail/roadside maybe once a year for the past few years. Most of which has been my own fault. Having one is handy, but if you don't mind a walk or calling the sag wagon it's not a necessity. I have one in my commuter pack, or take it on long rides in a saddle bag. Short rides I tend not to bother switching it around between packs/bikes.
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biker jk
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Re: Do I need a multitool?

Postby biker jk » Fri Feb 10, 2017 9:06 am

Derny Driver wrote:Ive never needed one in years and years of riding.
Nothing mechanical has ever happened apart from flat tyres.
So its a no from me.
You must be very lucky. I've used mine to help fellow cyclists with a loose saddle bolt, loose pedal and loose headset just to name a few.

Zippy7
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Re: Do I need a multitool?

Postby Zippy7 » Sun Feb 12, 2017 10:00 pm

I've found the multi-tool helpful fixing a broken chain.

Of course, YMMV - you can always call for a sag wagon if you only ride in mobile-friendly areas.
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RobertL
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Re: Do I need a multitool?

Postby RobertL » Mon Feb 13, 2017 2:00 pm

Ask for one for your birthday/Christmas/anniversary etc.

fat and old
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Re: Do I need a multitool?

Postby fat and old » Tue Feb 14, 2017 3:16 pm

biker jk wrote:
Derny Driver wrote:Ive never needed one in years and years of riding.
Nothing mechanical has ever happened apart from flat tyres.
So its a no from me.
You must be very lucky. I've used mine to help fellow cyclists with a loose saddle bolt, loose pedal and loose headset just to name a few.
Sounds like my 4wd recovery gear. Only ever used it to help others

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Bunged Knee
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Re: Do I need a multitool?

Postby Bunged Knee » Tue Feb 14, 2017 4:28 pm

Is that the MacGyver multi tool that you are looking for? It`s very rare and hard to find in stores. :lol:

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ID please? What ID? My seat tube ID is 27.2mm or 31.6mm depending on what bikes I ride today.thanks...

westab
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Re: Do I need a multitool?

Postby westab » Tue Feb 14, 2017 5:41 pm

Bunged Knee wrote:Is that the MacGyver multi tool that you are looking for? It`s very rare and hard to find in stores. :lol:

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And like so many other things on the idiot box - completely useless. :lol: :lol:
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