SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Specification

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Measuring 89mm x 50mm x 14mm, the shape, design and materials were immediately reminiscent of Crank Brothers M19, which I’ve had for donkeys. The outer frame is made from machined aluminium alloy with knurled pattern for grip, treated to a smart black anodised finish.

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Tool bits are nickel-plated, hardened steel. There are eight hex keys-2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and an 8mm magnetic cap that sits atop the 5mm. Elsewhere, we have the familiar Philips and flat screwdrivers, T10 and T25 Torx and a series of functions integrated within the chain tool. We’re talking 8 and 10mm wrenches, 0, 1, 2 and 3 spoke keys.

More noteworthy is the 15mm slot designed for truing disc rotors. This can either be used in situ or unwound from the threaded pin- say accessing the spoke tools for tweaking a wandering rim. The chain breaker itself is designed for 8-12 speed deraileur chains.

 

Sizes are stamped, so easily spotted, which is welcome, although I err towards tools with sequential lineups for convenience. This is particularly helpful by the road or trailside when light’s fading. Some suggested a T30 Torx for chainring bolts was a missed opportunity. I’d argue it wasn’t particularly common, let alone an expectation. Finish seems uniformly good throughout and nickel, rather than chrome plating also bodes well for corrosion resistance and general longevity. Folded flat, it's conveniently stashed in most wedge packs and less likely to cause injury,, should you take a tumble with it in a jersey pocket. 

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Performance 3.5/5  
I’m pleased to report the design has been intuitive and tackles most jobs we’re likely to encounter on the road, or trailside. Tooling length isn’t an exact science. In my view, Weldtite has the balance right, although there are a few considerations. I've found the 4 and 5mm Allen keys a little too short for recessed bolts, such as those found on bar-end shifter wedges, Tektro and Dia Compe 287V drop levers.

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​When turned sideways, the tool is just narrow enough to sneak between a rack and reach the mounting bolts on bigger disc callipers, such as TRP Spyre. Despite definite charm, these can be prickly customers if you’re running a rack and needing to realign mid-ride. Similar story when conventional bottle cages, bigger hands and smaller, compact-geometry frames were thrown into the mix, Mini ratchet designs, including Oxford Torque RT10 Oxford Torque RT10 Mini Ratchet Set | cycling-not-racing have a definite edge here. However, you’ve to locate the bit and plug it in, which can also be fiddly-especially on a cold, dark and rainy night. Swings and roundabouts spring to mind.    

Aside from a longer standalone 4 (or 5) mm key (for bar cons and brake levers) a small, standalone 3/4mm for chainstay bridge bolts is a wise addition, but this goes for most "penknife" multi-tools. The 5mm also hosts the 8mm cap, which is magnetised for reliable union. This tag-team provides decent leverage for releasing well-greased to slightly arthritic pedal threads. The tool’s broader dimensions, coupled with the frame's dimpled texture also ensured convincing arrest of loose square-taper crank bolts. In common with similar designs, the magnet isn’t particularly strong. I’ve still got the 8mm cap, but it’s made a few bids for freedom.  Continuing this old-school narrative, the 6mm has liberated some sticky quill-stem expander wedges with modest effort.

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I’ve favoured the T25 Torx over the 4mm when working on anything bar fresh cleat hardware, since the heads are vulnerable to neglect and notorious for rounding off. Either way, I’ve persuaded some unexpectedly stubborn examples free without resorting to penetrant sprays or agricultural language. ​

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The open 8 and 10mm wrenches integral to the chain tool are similarly welcome if you have a varied fleet, or ride with folks who do. In situ and using the threaded chain driver as leverage, they've been handy for quick tuning of cantilever barrel adjusters and when removed, rack hardware. Same story with the spoke keys, which have proved a reliable fit on 13 and 14-guage nipples. I’ve needed to nudge one of my trailer wheel’s spokes and lent it to another rider, more confident with wheels than yours truly.

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​​Mercifully, warped rotors haven’t been a feature of this test period, but I did coax another rider’s straight enough to be functional and rub-free. In that instance, I found it easiest to perform said adjustment with the tool attached to the threaded chain pin. However, for more localised, precise adjustment, you can remove and apply more force without contaminating the rotor if you’re wearing mitts.

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Last but not least, the chain tool. These have often proved a weak spot, commonly failing around the spreader slots. Full disclosure, they’re designed for occasional use, but sheer convenience often has me reaching for them in the workshop. The pin’s action is less refined than some dearer examples in my ownership. Something I initially attributed to the nickel-plated finish, but it's improved with use and accumulated residual chain lube. Crucially, no issues splicing 8, 9 and 10-speed chains. Ditto rejoining older, pre magic-link 8-speeds and, push come to shove, there’s just enough room to rescue a stricken 7-speed.    

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Care/Durability 3.5/5

 

I’ve left ours out in the rain for three consecutive damp nights to see how the plating held up. Not so much as a freckle-at that point, I hadn’t exposed them to anything oily. As I mentioned earlier, the bits feel solid, no flexing under load. I’ve not needed to nip the tooling snug-easily done using a standalone 3mm key. The chain tool and drive pins show no hint of wear, and I’ve accidentally dropped ours onto concrete a couple of times. Everything looks pristine, which bodes well for the longer term. Not using the chain tool as a workshop staple will certainly help.

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Value 4.5/5

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At £15.99, the Weldtite 20 function multi-tool certainly represents decent value.  Muc-Off 17 in 1 Multi Tool Muc-Off 17 in 1 Multi Tool | cycling-not-racing is arguably its closest rival at this end of the market. Another design catering for most jobs you’ll encounter on a contemporary road, gravel and mountain bike. It shares some minor downsides, most notably the shorter 4 and 5mm keys and the 8mm cap. It’s also £4.01 dearer.

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Thorn 20 function Multi tool & Cordura Case - With T20 Tool (discussed here, in my review of Soma’s Woodie SOMA WOODIE MULTI TOOL | cycling-not-racing) is £19.99 comes complete with tyre lever, chain tool, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 cranked 2, 3mm Allen keys, T20 & T25 Torque screw, 2 flat and 2 Phillips screwdrivers, 2 spoke keys and a bottle opener. The tyre lever is firmly emergencies only and there's no rotor tool or open-ended wrenches. Nonetheless, mine is still serving me well many years and countless miles later.

 

Crank Brothers M19 looks and feels very similar, but at £32.99, twice the Weldtite's ticket price. Marketed at gravel audiences, it comes complete with a lifetime warrantee. 19 tools consist of 8, 9, 10, 11, 12-speed chain breaker,2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm Allen keys, Phillips 1 &2 and flat #2 screwdrivers, 8&10mm wrenches and TorxT-10, T-25 bits.

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M-Wave Mini 15 Bicycle tool is £24.99 and boasts 15 functions 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm Allen keys, Torx25, flat and cross-head screwdrivers, chain tool, 15g, 14g, 13g and 12g spoke keys. I’ve not tested one, so direct comparison is a little academic. Nonetheless, with the cash saved buying the Wedldtite, you could add a pair of their 2.0 tyre levers (review to follow) and a patch kit to the bundle.

 

Summary  

 

The Weldtite 20 function multi tool caters for most scenarios you’re likely to encounter on road, gravel, touring, and mountain bikes. In a nutshell, I'd say it's the embodiment of cheap but very cheery. Sure, the chain tool's drive pin is less refined than some and I'm not smitten with the 8mm cap, but these are very minor points.

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Michael Stenning  

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Verdict: 3.75/5 Minor niggles aside, a great value, one does most multi-tool.

  Tools – Weldtite