Bicycle multitool with pliers?

[rodia77]

Hi all,

I'm not a very active member here,  so if there were similar questions before, please point me to the relevant threads, too -- I used the search but didn't find anything.

As per the subject, I'm looking for recommendations for a bicycle multitool:
- with pliers/cutters
- the more lightweight, the better
- size +/- that of LM Juice (btw, the Juice is great, but (i) it's on a 24/7 desk duty and (ii) I could use something more ergonomic, ie less straight handles; if there's nothing better than the Juice for my purpose, I'll just buy another one)
- doesn't have to be a dedicated/specialized bicycle tool, I have one with hex keys and chain tool but I thought indicating the purpose will help you with more relevant suggestions
- readily available to buy in EU

A bonus pic of what I have:



TIA.

[Dutch_Tooler]

Not sure what restrictions exist on carrying tools with blades in Poland, but that could exclude some existing tools as well. Perhaps a plier based multitool with exchangeable blades and provision for full size 1/4" hex bits would be most flexible and perhaps even obviate the need for the beefy tool on the left in the pic, at least in part. Examples include Roxon Flex and the GOAT tool, but both are larger than the Juice.

[rodia77]

Not sure what restrictions exist on carrying tools with blades in Poland, but that could exclude some existing tools as well. Perhaps a plier based multitool with exchangeable blades and provision for full size 1/4" hex bits would be most flexible and perhaps even obviate the need for the beefy tool on the left in the pic, at least in part. Examples include Roxon Flex and the GOAT tool, but both are larger than the Juice.

Thanks, both interesting suggestions, I'll definitely look into them.
As for blades, no restrictions and never too many. My "bicycle" blades are Buck Bantam BHW and/or CS Canadian Belt or MeecTools "Craftsman's" knife, due to them being very lightweight.

[nate j]

Couple of thoughts…

LM Skeletool

Vic Deluxe Tinker if you think the pliers will be large enough for your needs.

[rodia77]

Couple of thoughts…

LM Skeletool

Vic Deluxe Tinker if you think the pliers will be large enough for your needs.

Thanks. Yes, Skeletool and also Gerber Crucial, they're similar in size and weight. The Vic's pliers won't cut it, though.

[rodia77]

So, a little update.

I dug a bit more and figured the winning candidate would be SOG PowerPint.

However.

I also figured that I really only need pliers, as all other tools are redundant -- I carry everything from bike tools, to LM Style, to a full-size knife with me, so.. Yeah, pliers. They arrived today and here are a few pics with the Juice:

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Unfortunately, I got a chipped lemon so it goes back and I'll order another one.

[rodia77]

Couldn't add more attachment in the previous post, so here's the chip:

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Thanks for looking and your input, everyone!

[Farmer X]

The chip is a bit of a bummer. I'm sort of surprised that set got past quality control. But once you have a good set, it'll be a right proper pair of pliers!

[rodia77]

The chip is a bit of a bummer. I'm sort of surprised that set got past quality control. But once you have a good set, it'll be a right proper pair of pliers!

Thanks!

I don't think it was a QC issue, but rather a return from an Amazon customer who broke it. Maybe I'm seeing things that are not there but the wire cutters seem to have some marks on them, too.

[IMR4198]

   I'd say you called it right.  Probably someone broke it and shipped it back.  I always looked around flea markets and sales for tools.  Generally picked up old things like pliers for a dollar.  Maybe less.  Lots of good quality German and US made tools floating around out there.  Most need the rust scrubbed off them.  New doesn't mean anything to me.  I have boxes of stuff that I picked up for nothing almost.  Just a suggestion.  Do as you please.
Best wishes.
Gary
 

[tosh]

I honestly can’t think of a single plier based MT that would be of use to a cyclist

The plier heads won’t grip the bolt or nut heads, the plier cutters won’t cut through the braided wire. Not counting bike multitools none have the torx bits as standard unless you want to include leatherman accessories??

Personally I’d just grab a dedicated bike MT and a pair of pliers and a SAK.

[rodia77]

Thanks!

I don't think it was a QC issue, but rather a return from an Amazon customer who broke it. Maybe I'm seeing things that are not there but the wire cutters seem to have some marks on them, too.

I received the replacement today, it turns out it's a design feature! 

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I feel a bit silly, but at the same time I can't blame myself, no pics of this side of the tool anywhere, how could I know. 

I always looked around flea markets and sales for tools.  Generally picked up old things like pliers for a dollar.  Maybe less.  Lots of good quality German and US made tools floating around out there.  Most need the rust scrubbed off them.  New doesn't mean anything to me.  I have boxes of stuff that I picked up for nothing almost.  Just a suggestion.  Do as you please.

Flea markets are a good idea for finding cool stuff but not that good for buying something specific, and quick. It's also regional, here in Poland, you'll probably have to dig through tonnes of post-Soviet junk before you find something quality.

Personally I’d just grab a dedicated bike MT and a pair of pliers and a SAK.

That was my conclusion! 

[Cru_Jones]

I’ve searched and searched for a similar tool, and I’ve come up short.

A few times I’ve almost ordered a Roxon Flex companion. They have a build for bicycles, but even if I tweak the toolset (it’s a modular system that allows you to swap out tools quickly), it didn’t have enough tools for me outside hex keys and the pliers. Ideally I’d also love a knife, scissors, file and screwdrivers to pair with the hex keys.

Just recently I bought Leatherman Arc and replaced both bit drivers and chisel/bottle opener for a 1/4” bit driver and a Wera 4-in-1 hex bit (3, 4, 5, and 6 mm in one).

I think that will probably suffice with what I have in my saddle bags (Topeka Alien or small collections of loose tools - hex keys, chain breaker, tire levers, ect.).

I’ll probably break down and get a Daysaver Essentials 8 one day. It looks like a beautiful, albeit expensive, tool.

[rep]

I also carry a simple Serfas bike tool which is mostly allen keys, plus an old 100 mm adjustable wrench and a new Knipex Cobra 125 for the pliers, plus flat fix stuff.  Knives are extra and depend on where I am.  On multiweek tours I also have a 6 inch adjustable wrench, chain breaker, and maybe some extras if I feel paranoid.  Even in Europe bike shops can be a long way away.  Plus my trekking bike is 26 years old with a first year Rohloff and old school Magura rim brakes, which are reliable the great majority of the time.  Which means not all the time!