Best multi tool for touring

Take a look at a Leatherman with pliers in combination with a cycler's
hex key set
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/campmor/search/main.jsp?command=text&ip_text=leatherman&image.x=8&image.y=7

Wesco offers the Gerber River Knife and a very useable 18" machete for
$14 - paint bright yellow for chopping, burial and self defense in
fixed blades below>
http://www.wescooutfitters.com/c-428-knives-accessories.aspx

http://www.wescooutfitters.com/p-9581-gerber-blades-river-series-shorty-fixed-blade-knife-w-plastic-sheath-black.aspx

and bring a police canister of genuine MACE

and WalMart's $2 vicegrip fileable/grindable to axle cone width's

cmcanulty said:

Can we discuss the best overall multi tool, price, weight, functions?
Especially for touring

Dear CM,

The 10-ounce Harris multi-tool at the bottom of this page is
unquestionably the best overall multi-tool:

http://www.nostalgic.net/index.asp?S=arc/ScannedLit/TheBicyclingWorld-3-16-94/TBW%2D3%2D16%2D94pg27%2Ejpg

None of the inadequate modern multi-tools that you will hear praised
in later replies include the essential oil-can or bicycle pump.

More seriously, the subject usually involves debates about trivial
weight differences on gadgets (often no longer manufactured) whose
various tools can go unused for years.

Such debates can be enjoyable, but they tend to be rather theoretical.
Anyone touring can easily carry a few separate tools and do just fine.

Here's what Jobst suggests for touring the Alps for several weeks:

http://www.trentobike.org/General/Packing_List.html

That was back in 1998. No sign of an oil can.

Cheers,

Carl Fogel

Quoted message said:

Can we discuss the best overall multi tool, price, weight, functions?
Especially for touring

The Topeak Hexus takes care of just about everything I've come across. I
think that, combined with a lightweight swiss army knife sort of tool, could
handle whatever you need. Just make sure you've got a way to remove &
tighten your cranks. I have sometimes come across chains that simpy could
not be extracted from being jammed in between the crank and frame without
removing the crank arm. But even that's a very rare thing to happen.

For what it's worth, nobody seems to be taking the high road on multi-tools.
You'd think by now somebody would come out with a $100 unit with carbon
fiber shell and titanium bits & pieces (where appropriate). People shell out
tons of money on helmets, so it's curious to me that someone doesn't tap a
similar market for tools.

--Mike Jacoubowsky
Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReaction.com
Redwood City & Los Altos, CA USA

Quoted message said:

and WalMart's $2 vicegrip fileable/grindable to axle cone width's

So THAT explains some of the stuff I've been seing come in the door lately!
I'm all for customers learning how to work on their own bikes, but...

--Mike Jacoubowsky
Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReaction.com
Redwood City & Los Altos, CA USA

"datakoll" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Take a look at a Leatherman with pliers in combination with a cycler's
hex key set
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/campmor/search/main.jsp?command=text&ip_text=leatherman&image.x=8&image.y=7

Wesco offers the Gerber River Knife and a very useable 18" machete for
$14 - paint bright yellow for chopping, burial and self defense in
fixed blades below>
http://www.wescooutfitters.com/c-428-knives-accessories.aspx

http://www.wescooutfitters.com/p-9581-gerber-blades-river-series-shorty-fixed-blade-knife-w-plastic-sheath-black.aspx

and bring a police canister of genuine MACE

and WalMart's $2 vicegrip fileable/grindable to axle cone width's

don't forget this stuff straight from MOMA

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=807-376T&categoryid=5110
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=5431B705
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=13755&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1
the can opener is probabbbbly the world's best: Chinese Army Issue ?
the oil can is a completely different item as .... never mind.
But we suggest a Finish Line 4 oz Epic bottle filled with Valvoline
synthetic transmission oil

People do not use visegrip correctly as using the knob to widen the
plier once on the nut or shaft or WIRE! Then ah squezzzing down.

Leatherman went Ti

forgot the otherspoon

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39171529&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

In article <[email hidden]>,

Mike Jacoubowsky said:

Quoted message said:

Can we discuss the best overall multi tool, price, weight, functions?
Especially for touring

The Topeak Hexus takes care of just about everything I've come across. I
think that, combined with a lightweight swiss army knife sort of tool, could
handle whatever you need. Just make sure you've got a way to remove &
tighten your cranks. I have sometimes come across chains that simpy could
not be extracted from being jammed in between the crank and frame without
removing the crank arm. But even that's a very rare thing to happen.

The Hexus looks very similar to my much-loved Crank Bros. Multi-17. The
Multi doesn't have tire levers, but it does have 8 and 10 mm open-ended
wrenches, and 4 (!) sizes of spoke wrench.

For touring, others have more experience than me, but I would add a
Leatherman-type tool for the pliers and hopefully a cable-cutter, on the
principle that you'll likely want them for non-bike stuff.

The Multi has gotten me out of a jam or two, and I have rescued several
cyclists on rides, including one because I could adjust his rear
derailer in some way or another, and one or two other people because I
was able to use the chain tool to remove a burst link and reassemble the
shortened chain.

Quoted message said:

For what it's worth, nobody seems to be taking the high road on multi-tools.
You'd think by now somebody would come out with a $100 unit with carbon
fiber shell and titanium bits & pieces (where appropriate). People shell out
tons of money on helmets, so it's curious to me that someone doesn't tap a
similar market for tools.

Boy-racers don't carry multi-tools during races, and tourists prize
toughness over lightness.

--
Ryan Cousineau [email hidden] http://www.wiredcola.com/
"My scenarios may give the impression I could be an excellent crook.
Not true - I am a talented lawyer." - Sandy in rec.bicycles.racing

I was able to use the chain tool to remove a burst link and reassemble
the
shortened chain.

THAT'S FANATSTIC! go with the Crank Bro.

datakoll said:

Take a look at a Leatherman with pliers in combination with a cycler's
hex key set
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/campmor/search/main.jsp?command=text&ip_text=leatherman&image.x=8&image.y=7
Wesco offers the Gerber River Knife and a very useable 18" machete for
$14 - paint bright yellow for chopping, burial and self defense in
fixed blades below>
http://www.wescooutfitters.com/c-428-knives-accessories.aspx
http://www.wescooutfitters.com/p-9581-gerber-blades-river-series-shorty-fixed-blade-knife-w-plastic-sheath-black.aspx
and bring a police canister of genuine MACE
and WalMart's $2 vicegrip fileable/grindable to axle cone width's

Nice, but 'the right tool for each job', as they say. Timmy likes a
one-meter broadsword for clearing a swath in traffic:

http://www.yellowjersey.org/photosfromthepast/SWORD.JPG
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

In article
<[email hidden]>,

datakoll said:

I was able to use the chain tool to remove a burst link and reassemble
the
shortened chain.

THAT'S FANATSTIC! go with the Crank Bro.

Heh. Well, the Hexus also has a chain tool.

The oddest tool I ever had a use for was a small adjustable wrench,
which I believe I was carrying because the older bike I was riding had
some 12 mm bolts where you'd expect to see Allen heads on a more modern
machine: seatpost clamp, bar clamp, that sort of thing.

Anyway, one of my rather eccentric club members was riding something he
had brought along on the club ride as a winter bike: it was a genuine
BSO, but with drop bars, DT shifters, and a lot of very off-brand parts
(Hi-ten frame, too, IIRC).

He got a flat rear tire, which was when I noticed the rear wheel didn't
have a quick-release! 15 mm nuts on each end of the axle, like a BMX or
something.

Hooray for the Clé Anglaise!

--
Ryan Cousineau [email hidden] http://www.wiredcola.com/
"My scenarios may give the impression I could be an excellent crook.
Not true - I am a talented lawyer." - Sandy in rec.bicycles.racing

A Muzi said:

datakoll said:

Take a look at a Leatherman with pliers in combination with a cycler's
hex key set
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/campmor/search/main....
Wesco offers the Gerber River Knife and a very useable 18" machete for
$14 - paint bright yellow for chopping, burial and self defense in
fixed blades below>
http://www.wescooutfitters.com/c-428-knives-accessories.aspx
http://www.wescooutfitters.com/p-9581-gerber-blades-river-series-shor...
and bring a police canister of genuine MACE
and WalMart's $2 vicegrip fileable/grindable to axle cone width's

Nice, but 'the right tool for each job', as they say. Timmy likes a
one-meter broadsword for clearing a swath in traffic:

http://www.yellowjersey.org/photosfromthepast/SWORD.JPG
--
Andrew Muziwww.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

The sword is to defend the honor of his Bianchi Pista in case he runs
into BikeSnobNYC.

A Muzi said:

datakoll said:

Take a look at a Leatherman with pliers in combination with a cycler's
hex key set
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/campmor/search/main....
Wesco offers the Gerber River Knife and a very useable 18" machete for
$14 - paint bright yellow for chopping, burial and self defense in
fixed blades below>
http://www.wescooutfitters.com/c-428-knives-accessories.aspx
http://www.wescooutfitters.com/p-9581-gerber-blades-river-series-shor...
and bring a police canister of genuine MACE
and WalMart's $2 vicegrip fileable/grindable to axle cone width's

Nice, but 'the right tool for each job', as they say. Timmy likes a
one-meter broadsword for clearing a swath in traffic:

http://www.yellowjersey.org/photosfromthepast/SWORD.JPG
--
Andrew Muziwww.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Dear Andrew,

I abhor outdated solutions. There are modern methods:

http://www.starerowery.republika.pl/pwu24.jpg

http://www.pedalinghistory.com/Images/PHMil01.jpg

http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/CoolBikes/1896_army_bike.jpg

Cheers,

Carl Fogel

Quoted message said:

A Muzi said:

datakoll said:

Take a look at a Leatherman with pliers in combination with a cycler's
hex key set
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/campmor/search/main....
Wesco offers the Gerber River Knife and a very useable 18" machete for
$14 - paint bright yellow for chopping, burial and self defense in
fixed blades below>
http://www.wescooutfitters.com/c-428-knives-accessories.aspx
http://www.wescooutfitters.com/p-9581-gerber-blades-river-series-shor...
and bring a police canister of genuine MACE
and WalMart's $2 vicegrip fileable/grindable to axle cone width's

Quoted message said:

Nice, but 'the right tool for each job', as they say. Timmy likes a
one-meter broadsword for clearing a swath in traffic:

Quoted message said:

http://www.yellowjersey.org/photosfromthepast/SWORD.JPG
--
Andrew Muziwww.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Dear Andrew,

I abhor outdated solutions. There are modern methods:

http://www.starerowery.republika.pl/pwu24.jpg

http://www.pedalinghistory.com/Images/PHMil01.jpg

http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/CoolBikes/1896_army_bike.jpg

Cheers,

Carl Fogel

He certainly didn't state where he was planning to go touring. Those
might be appropriate tools in some places.

On Dec 21, 6:14 pm, "Mike Jacoubowsky" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Can we discuss the best overall multi tool, price, weight, functions?
Especially for touring

The Topeak Hexus takes care of just about everything I've come across. I
think that, combined with a lightweight swiss army knife sort of tool, could
handle whatever you need. Just make sure you've got a way to remove &
tighten your cranks. I have sometimes come across chains that simpy could
not be extracted from being jammed in between the crank and frame without
removing the crank arm. But even that's a very rare thing to happen.

For what it's worth, nobody seems to be taking the high road on multi-tools.
You'd think by now somebody would come out with a $100 unit with carbon
fiber shell and titanium bits & pieces (where appropriate). People shell out
tons of money on helmets, so it's curious to me that someone doesn't tap a
similar market for tools.

--Mike Jacoubowsky
Chain Reaction Bicycleswww.ChainReaction.com
Redwood City & Los Altos, CA USA

Topeak seems to make very nice tools. The alien was the original do
everything tool. Then they added the mc guyver which had a whooping 33
tools. I would agree with Mike on this. Take a look at Topeak tools
they make a variety of choices. You want to make sure that the allen
wrenches can reach all your bolts. sometimes some bolts are deep and
the allens are not long enough to reach. In such cases, carry a spare
allen to reach a hard to reach bolt.

datakoll said:

forgot the otherspoon

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?produ...

Gene:

Are you on contract with these companies to promote their products?

I use nuts. What of it? whaddya trying do start something?
the deal is touring: standardize fasteners. My choice is grade 8 allen/
hex bolts all around (exceopt the Wheels axle nuts on Wheels Mfg solid
axles) as the tools are light so carrying a duplicate is no problem.
And Woolmort has made the allen wrench obtainable.

A NAIL CLIPPER ? what kind of nail clipper...?

my touring background, while basically minding my own business,
includes Wournos and friends, a favorite campsite now has credits for
rape and murder, 5 attacks by 7 or more thugs - all held off with
machete and gas - and one drive by shooting where a bullet went past
my head - drive by led in by our favorite Sheriff no less, and a shoot
out with a creep with a .357 revolver.
I saved a beloved corner marker palm with hardwood peg artery surgery
- he was bleeding to death - from another moron who had his kid shot
it with a 9mm.

I don't see why this isn't normal touring, it's normal here.

datakoll aka gene daniels said:

my touring background, while basically minding my own business,
includes Wournos and friends, a favorite campsite now has credits for
rape and murder, 5 attacks by 7 or more thugs - all held off with
machete and gas - and one drive by shooting where a bullet went past
my head - drive by led in by our favorite Sheriff no less, and a shoot
out with a creep with a .357 revolver.
I saved a beloved corner marker palm with hardwood peg artery surgery
- he was bleeding to death - from another moron who had his kid shot
it with a 9mm.

I don't see why this isn't normal touring, it's normal here.

Sounds like riding in rural Wisconsin during gun deer season, when the
armed and drunk FIBs are afoot.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
POST FREE OR DIE!