Multitools – they will be your best friend, or your worst enemy.
A good multitool can save a ride or race, a poor one could ruin it. Thankfully I have been charged with investigating 15 different tools in an effort to cull some of the guess work in choosing your next trail guardian angel.
Initially, I wanted to rank these in order of desirability. However each tool has its own unique pros and cons with specific riders and workshops in mind. There are several criteria which are consistently targeted in each review, but it’s ultimately up to you, the reader, to decide upon priorities.
While these are a small portion of multitools available, we reached out to all the major distributors in Australia with an opportunity to put forward their top contenders. And so without further ado, here is AMB’s great multitool group test!
CLEANSKIN TRAILSIDE
$40 mtbdirect.com.au
Functions: 22
Fits in cargo bib pocket: Yes
Fits in storage tube: Tight fit, but technically yes
Material: High tensile steel
Weight: 140g
Chain breaker? Yes
Fun fact: Cleanskin is a budget friendly brand with minimalist aesthetics – just like the wine.
In terms of functions per dollar, the Trailside multitool is one of the best value tools on test. This tool hovers beside the Azur AMT-18 in terms of quality and price. The aesthetics are exactly as the brand describes – clean. While the tools don’t pack completely flush with the body, it comes close compared to the chunky Azur competitor and boasts more functions.
One thing I particularly appreciated with the Trailside was that the bit sizes were engraved on each hinge. This eliminated that guessing game when pulling out at least two hex keys before finding the 4mm!
Personally, I prefer elongated multitools as they are easier to handle in tight spots and when reaching between cables. The Trailside is quite wide and square, meaning it’s not a great option for the finer jobs. However, considering its price, this tool has a surprisingly comfortable smooth grip without any harsh edges.
If you find yourself using a chain breaker frequently, or have below-average grip strength,
