CYCLO 20 FUNCTION MULTITOOL

190g £19.99

Multitools come in a variety of shapes and sizes; some go minimalist, others cover most bases. The Cyclo 20 Function Multitool is in the latter category, offering a range of functions for the group rider, family fleet, or the multi-bike fettler. It’s handy in workshop and on the road.

Pros: wide variety of functions, length good for torque.

Cons: longer tool bits can be a problem in nooks and crannies.

multi tool weldtite maintenance bicycle bike cycle

weldtite multi tool maintenance bike bicycle cycle

Spec and features 3.5/5

Knowing what you need to fix your bike is key to selecting a multi-tool, and for machine specific multitools is vital. On the other hand, some multi-tools are ideal for fixing the fleet or for group rides. Even with a twenty-function tool, such as this, you may still find odds and ends that you can’t manage.

The Cyclo 20 Function Multi-tool has a broad range; two tyre levers, a chain hook, Allen keys at 2, 2.5mm, 3,4,5,6 and 8 (the last is a cap that is stored snugly on its 5mm buddy), a Philips screw-driver, the increasingly popular Torx bits at T10,15,25, 30, the chain-breaker (universal according to the blurb), and four spoke keys (3.23,3.3,3.45,3.96). There’s a 15mm open spanner on the chain-breaker

Beneath the bits, within the composite frame are a couple of glueless patches. The tool bits are made from heat-treated steel and finished in nickel-plate. The composite tyre levers press-fit into the frame. It is worth taking a little care to ensure you have done this properly – I managed to mislay ours for a while, but that was my fault.

cyclo bike bicycle maintenance multitool tyre lever

Performance 4/5

Sitting in the palm of the hand, there’s a comfortable feel to the Cyclo Multitool. That’s helpful when giving a stubborn Allen bolt the long-handle; even more so when shoving out one of those tight chain pins.

Of course, long tool bits – Allen keys (Hex-head) – are great for a bit of welly, but can be problematic when working on smaller frames or getting in amongst the disc brakes, racks, and mudguards of a touring machine. Mind the Torx bits do a good job, too, and I’ve managed to remove all-comers without resorting to penetrant sprays – and that’s after a winter of riding. Mind, the same could be said of my old Alien multitool.

Tyre levers look a tad skinny, but remove dwell set Schwalbe Durano tyres with happily enough – although took some manipulation to slip the recess over the spoke for security.

In three months, I’ve only needed to tighten the Allen bolts that hold the tools tight once. That’s pretty much in line with general experience of other tools.

I’ve used the chain tool on single, six, ten, and eleven speed chains. True, chain-breakers can be the weak-spot on multitools. However, this one seems to be pretty reliable – shifting a stubborn pin on the single speed without provoking too many foul oaths.

A pleasant surprise was the removal and replacement of pedal using the open 15mm U spanner which adorns the chain tool. True, the curlicues of a retro pedal made things a little fiddly, but the job was done: and that is what we want in a roadside fix. True, one very ancient set of pedals could not be attacked because of the width of the tool. However, I can’t see why it should not accommodate most designs.

chain tool breaker single speed bike bicycle

A slight digression, but I initially used the spanner cautiously – without placing it at the furthest extension. That shifted the pedal. Trying again with the ‘handle’ as long as possible, I’m sure I felt a little flex before my hack yielded.

Not having been left to fester in damp bar bags or similar grot-inducing locations, there’s no freckling or discolouration.

chain breaker tool multitool cycle bike bicycle

Value 3.75/5

Not all multitools offer the same features, so for real value, take a look at the machines you are likely to use it on and see what you need. For example, the more expensive Soma Woodie offers a similar range of tools, but with flat head screwdrivers included at the expense of some of the Torx bits.

The Passport CDW also offers 20 functions, however two-part designs are not everyone’s cup of tea. It is a little more expensive. Neither this, or the Cyclo 20 in question, will offer the coverage of some bigger tools – such as Topeak’s Alien ii.

Cheaper than both, I’ve found Lifeline’s 18in1 very effective. Its stubbier bits may prove attractive to those riding smaller frames, and its CO2 adaptor will appeal to some. Its chain breaker has a long handle.

Summary

I have found the Weldtite Cyclo 20 Multitool to be comfortable and convenient. Keep an eye on those tyre levers, and you have a tool that will deal effectively with most road or trailside repairs.

Verdict 3.75/5 Likeable and effective multitool covering a wide-range of needs.

Steve Dyster

PUBLISHED APRIL 2021