Trail Essentials : Bike Multi-Tools

Last night was my first Park City trail ride of the season, and… my bike blew up. Derailer hanger snapped right in two. Not the best way to start a season, but better now than during prime-time. Luckily, I was near the end of the ride, and I was carrying both zip-ties and a multi-tool, two essentials I rarely leave home without on my bike, which in this case, saved me a considerable amount of walking back to the trailhead.

For a multi-tool, I carry and suggest the Topeak Hexus II. Topeak has always put a lot of thought into their product design, and the Hexus II strikes a good balance between size and utility. However, whichever you decide on make sure that it comes equipped with a chain tool, as invariably, when shit hits the fan, removing the chain is the difference between walking or carrying the bike, and coasting back to safety.