Trail tool - Fix it...
 

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[Closed] Trail tool - Fix it sticks or blackburn switch

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Posts: 177
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Topic starter
 

Any one tried any of these. Looking for something along these lines.

Im not a huge fan of the rounded ends on the blackburn tool but open to feedback or recommendations.

these will not be used anywhere other than the trail


 
Posted : 10/09/2020 12:06 pm
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FixIT Stick I found fragile and generally crap, bits fell off, T part rounded off.Junk, basically.


 
Posted : 10/09/2020 12:07 pm
 Joe
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Is this any lighter than carrying a classic park tool?


 
Posted : 10/09/2020 12:08 pm
 Joe
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But also... most of the serious long distance racer types I know tend to just carry pro grade loose Allen keys in a small pouch. Realistically you need a 4mm/5mm and maybe a couple of others depending on how your bike is built. Lighter, better quality and less more dextrous to use!


 
Posted : 10/09/2020 12:12 pm
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Blackburn Big Switch Multi Tool looks neat especially as it has a chain breaker.

i have been using:
https://www.topeak.com/global/en/products/mini-tools/1075-ratchet-rocket-lite-dx

neat little kit, though no breaker


 
Posted : 10/09/2020 12:13 pm
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I had the switch - the rounded ends make it almost totally unuseable and I threw it away after killing a couple of bolts.

I'm generally a fan of rounded allen keys but Its one of a long list of blackburn products that have disappointed to the extent I would never buy anything from the brand again.


 
Posted : 10/09/2020 12:33 pm
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Ratchet rocket.

Its so bloody useful i grab it for car work aswell.


 
Posted : 10/09/2020 1:26 pm
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I use the topeak alien 2. Perhaps overkill for most but it does have a chain breaker and it has saved my ass a couple of times with it's variety of tools...


 
Posted : 10/09/2020 1:37 pm
Posts: 177
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Topic starter
 

Interesting. the rounded hex was a concern and appears to be a weak point.

also good idea about normal hex keys


 
Posted : 10/09/2020 1:51 pm
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I’ve been happy enough with my Topeak Hexus something. Paid about £12 delivered and it has all the usual size Allen keys on it plus some Torx bits, a chain tool and 2 tyre levers. So cheap I bought 2 so both the mtb bag and road bike bag have one in.

I wouldn’t use it for home maintenance (got some nice Wera Allen leysnetc for that) but it’s done the job on the trail so far.


 
Posted : 10/09/2020 3:24 pm
Posts: 13771
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As far as minimalist tools go, I really like this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B000OZ9WTQ/ref=ppx_yo_mob_b_track_package_o0_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1


 
Posted : 10/09/2020 7:23 pm
 Joe
Posts: 1705
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That is a nice tool Honuorable George... ordered!


 
Posted : 10/09/2020 7:48 pm
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I've had one of those Park Tools for nigh-on 20 years - the accuracy of the forging isn't too good so the small Allen keys are pretty useless, plus the flat screw-driver blade on the end means there's lots of tight spaces it won't fit. It's one redeeming feature is the combination hex-spanners, particularly if you have a rack / mudguards.


 
Posted : 10/09/2020 8:24 pm
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I have two sets of Fix It Sticks. One in my Fabric Keg and the other I actually use in the 'workshop'. My first set must be seven or so years old and still going strong. Also have a Ratchet Rocket but find the sticks less fiddly to use.


 
Posted : 10/09/2020 9:47 pm

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