All Arround MTB

Park Tool have taken a considered approach to the contents of this starter toolkit. Housed in a spacious plastic tool chest are 17 bike-specific tools (12 ‘pieces’), which cover most basic maintenance tasks. Highlights include the powerful cable/housing cutters, the chain link pliers and the chain wear indicator. The Allen key multi-tool,T25 Torx wrench, chain tool, tyre levers and patch kit are all small enough to slip into a pack. An external BB tool, such as Park’s BBT-19.2,would be a welcome addition.You’ll need to add an adjustable spanner to make full use of the kit. Price $150

The name Park Tool is normally a byword for quality design and construction but we were left a little underwhelmed by this multi-tool. The tool bits are hardened and plated and we didn’t manage to round any of them but they’re quite short, as is the 71mm body, so it can be difficult to get enough leverage to turn stubborn bolts. The nut on one of the pivot bolts on our sample had a burr that snagged skin and clothing. The inclusion of a T30 Torx key in addition to the standard T25, Allen (2.5-8mm) and screwdriver heads will be welcomed by owners of some Shimano cranks, but the 8mm and 15mm ring spanners will likely only be useful if you like to ride a fixie around town. It’s a good-looking tool and ought to last a long time but the MT-40 looks a better bet for mountain bike use – it swaps the spanners for a chain tool and CO2 cartridge head for 22$ more. Price 52$

Once you’ve used Park’s cassette pliers you’ll wonder why you didn’t invest in a set sooner. With sprocket spacing shrinking, some chain whips can get stuck or slip and send knuckles dangerously close to sharp teeth.

THIS MID-SIZE mini pump from Park Tool is a perfect size for packs or frame mounting, but a touch too long for stowing in a pocket.