Topeak McGuyver XT and XS

[Chako]

I found another model of a neat little discontinued tool...the Topeak McGuyver XS. I am not into bicycle multi-tools. That is a good thing as I know there are hundreds upon hundreds of different models out there on the market. However, these Topeak McGuyver tools caught my eyes as they aren't geared towards bicycle repairs, but more along the lines of outdoor survival. Topeak no longer seems to make these (best of my knowledge), and only offer two Alien models that feature the same general frame shape.

From what I can tell, the main difference between the McGuyver  XT and the McGuyver XS is that the XT features a metal frame, which contrasts to the XS which is all plastic. There is also a slight difference in the sheath logos, with the slightly upscale XT featuring an embroidered logo, and the XT, a rubber logo.



The neat thing about these compact tools, they come apart in two pieces. There are quite a few bicycle tool kits that do this, but it is relatively rare to see this in a non bicycle centric tool. In fact, I bet there are quite a few ticked of Topeak customers that may have bought the McGuyver thinking to use it with their mountain bikes only to find out it is the wrong tool for the job.

Seeing that the frame is the major difference between these two models, the tool selection is identical.



These tools feature the same construction as well, right down to the locking mechanism. One ingenious feature is the locking mechanism. You can unlock the knife blade for instance with the second half of the shell attached simply by moving that shells tools outwards, allowing you access to the bottom. Press downwards on that tab will also push in the locking mechanism of the first shell. It is harder to explain then to operate. There is also a tap that you press if you wish to separate both shells. This allows you some freedom to combine two tools to one job.



Another difference is the packaging. The metal framed XT comes in a nice box. The all plastic framed XS comes in a blister package.



Well, there you have it. Anyone aware of a different McGuyver model out there?

[scrappy]

I have one with pliers and the features yours has

[AimlessWanderer]

Thanks Chako  Interesting little items.
How do you reckon they would fare as users? Are they well made?

[Chako]

They are very well made. Good solid and quality construction with positive locking mechanisms. The tools are not junk either. Topeak makes a good quality tool.

Pliers you say? Do you have a photo of it, and what model is it scrappy?

[edcgear]

Interesting concept... I'd like to see those pliers... 

[scrappy]

I will try to load some pics tomorrow. If you look on ebay there are two mcguyver tools, one like yours chako in magnesium and another with 33 functions.
I bought the same tool 11 years ago for 70 dollars. Yes I paid too much!
It is both a multitool and a bike tool. It has
Knife
Small knife
Awl
Tweezers
Can opener
Bottle opener
Saw
Fish de scaler
Scissors
Pliers
Magnifying glass
Phillips
Fork
A couple screw drivers
Several allen wrenches
Wrenches
Chain breaker

[Chako]

Funny that you say this, as last night, I was cruising eBay and did buy that 33 function tool. 

So that is the one you are talking about. Cool.

[scrappy]

Chako
The one I saw is still one ebay but it is probably the same tool. I tool some crappy pics so maybe I will post em today.
Does your xt say magnesium on it anywhere? I see some that say topeak magnesium.

[Chako]

That is odd. I did buy it and paid for it. Why is it still listed?

Is the seller slouisbay?

[scrappy]

Different seller

[Chako]

Sometimes, I wonder about myself. You are probably looking at eBay USA. I restrict myself to eBay Canada.