Mixed emotions
I have been in the market for a new multi-tool for a while now. Mine works great, but it is getting old and rusty. I could replace it with an identical model. The Crank Bros tool is truly better than sliced bread, but we cyclists are always looking for more performance.
Upsides? It weighs less than 100 grams and will replace my rear skewer which weights about 85 grams. It is unlikely that I will ever go on a ride and forget my tool.
Downsides? You gotta take out your rear skewer almost any time you want to use it, and that will almost certainly result in contact between the rod and your hand (leaving dirty greasy hands for the rest of the ride).
Prejudices/thoughts? I am a bit concerned about the construction of this thing...it is too light to be steel, but perhaps some critical bits are steel? Wont they rust being exposed to the elements...after all, the tool in my pocket rusted and it is somewhat protected. This thing is said to cost 40 bucks, so we know it is not some wonderful material like titanium that will not corrode easily...no way it is aluminum (no one would be that stupid).
From Pedros:
Tülio includes eight of the most commonly used bicycle tools – 4,5,& 6mm hex wrenches, an emergency 8mm hex wrench, a No. 2 flat head screwdriver, a chain tool (1-11 speed compatible) and a pair of spoke wrenches (3.23mm & 3.45mm).
Not sure why they include the term "emergency 8mm hex wrench", I mean is it the *only* part of the tool that can be used in an emergency, or is this just marketing speak for, "this feature of the tool is utter rubbish, but perhaps if you are desperate enough you can get it to work"? I will report back on that too.
I think it just may be worth a look. After all it was the only thing at Interbike this year that I can actually afford! With a name like Tulio, this Campagnolo lover can not resist giving it a try...though I am beyond skeptical that it will live up to its namesake!
Don't do It
Go with what's tried and true. Gambling on a tool working when you really need it isn't worth the innovation. Crank Bros. Multi-19 is all you'll ever need along with a tube and a mini-pump.
CB-17
Right on brother! By far the best tool I have ever owned, and when I need a quick adjustment, it actually sees use in the shop (not just on the roadside).
Fear not, I will not take this out of my pocket until another tool proves itself worthy. The redundancy might actually make me stronger as a bonus!
(I thought I had the 19, but I actually carry the 17...and use the hell out of it!) The only difference is the 17 only has one Philips and one flat screwdriver.
Do it
Actually, for a chain tool, with a good design and alloy (7075 for example) you can use Alu. The same catch for protecting the steel parts from the rust.
You don't take out the skewer to use the tools, only the handle!
Pedro's have a good reputation for delivering good products. I can't believe they will put a logo on a rubbish.
Agree
Pedros has not disappointed me yet. However, with cycling a well made piece of equipment does not guarantee success. We all have preferences and unique needs that result in people using different brands, sizes, colors, etc.
The ultimate test will be determining it this thing is right for *me*...that said, if it is right for me, there is a great chance that it will be right for many of my friends and readers. Now I just need to get my hands on one to review!
It appears that the 8 mm
It appears that the 8 mm Allen head is the socket for a couple of smaller sizes. So, perhaps the resultant thinnness/weakness is why it is billed as "for emergency use"?
Yes
That bit was sort of a joke. The 8mm is the one tool that I will likely never use anyway.
Otherwise this thing shows a lot of promise. And I intend to fully test one.
Another pseudo-joke was the bit about forgetting my tool on a ride...as much use as mine sees, I could never manage to leave home without it...I would probably be more prone to starting a ride without shoes than forgetting my tool.
Fortunately, I rarely need to use the tool on my own bike...somehow I always seem to be the guy fixing other people's stuff?