TORQUE MIGHTY 15 MULTI-TOOL

148g £21.99

The Torque Mighty 15 multitool is Oxford’s take on this staple of the tool kit. It sits in the palm of the hand and has been out and about on tour for a bit of roadside fettling as well as in the workshop. It has done just about everything that’s been asked of it. Despite one or two grumbles – personal preference comes in a good deal here – it is a decent tool at a competitive price, although similar lay-out will get more functions.

Pros: light and comfortable in the hand.

Cons: longer tools might be preferred by some, no integral tyre lever.

torque mighty multi-tool bike cycle maintenance workshop tool kit oxford

A Proviso

OK, this maybe teaching granny to suck eggs, but before putting together any tool kit for the road you need to know your bike and consider the trips you are making. True, many fasteners and such like are standard – though not all by any means – but clearances, racks, accessories can make like awkward. So, know your bike, is the watchword.

In the mists of time, when multi-tool emerged from the primeval saddle-bag, my fave was Topeak’s Alien. Still is, though the chain-breaker died a while back. Generally, the number of functions has increased, whilst Allen keys have become stubbier. On the whole, there’s no problem with that, but, on a personal note, there are nooks and crannies on the old Supergalaxy that are best accessed by longer tools.

Materials and build 3.75/5

A 6061 aluminium, satin-finished, body houses hardened chrome vanadium tools. Neither is especially unusual, but both bode well for strength and durability, as well as looks. The Mighty 15 is also lighter than some tools with fewer functions, such as Park’s I-Beam3.

The Mighty Fifteen comprises; 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 mm Allen Keys, with an 8mm adaptor that slips onto the 6, Phillips, flat-head, and Torc 25 drivers, four sizes of spoke key, including one for Mavic M7 nipples, and a chain-breaker. That covers pretty much everything that’s adjustable, bodgeable, or fettleable at the roadside, and many in the workshop. Multi-tools a primarily for the road or trail; it is unfair to expect them to do the job of the long-handle.

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Performance 3.5/5

As you’d expect, the Allen keys, torque tool, and screw-drivers do all you need. Although fiddly with clearances on the tourer, they have been perfect on more up-to-date steeds, sans racks and mud-guards.

Chain tools, in my experience, are often the bane of even the best multi-tools. This one has managed six, nine, ten, and eleven speed chains. The stiffest pins were hard work, but you’d expect that. So far, I have not managed to bend the shaft, but I’d advise caution with any multi-tool, especially on a longer tour or when distant from civilization.

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I’ve found the Mighty 15 comfortable to use. It sits neatly in the palm of the hand. At the same time, following the modern trend, it’s a one-piece tool. How many bikes these days require a spanner and an Allen key? Brake calliper, mudguard fastenings fork crown bolts, and such like? Well, very few, but yours might, especially if you discover long-forgotten bodges.

Value 3.5/5

Coming in at around the same price as Topeak’s Mini 20 Pro function tool and a little more than Lezyne’s RAP fifteen function tool (including CO2 dispenser) gives some idea of the level of competition. However, it is competitive in this field and offers very decent value for money, in my opinion.

Multi-tools of this type are best suited to individual or group day rides or short tours where a one stop tool kit is required. In that sense, it’s quick and easy when speed is important. More fiddley, and a little more expensive, Blackburn’s Wayside Multi-tool offers a wider range of functions – except for the Mavic 7 spoke key.

More experienced fettlers with specific tools in mind might prefer Blackburn’s Switch, which comes in a little cheaper, or the Full Windsor Breaker– much pricier, but with a really tough chain-breaker and integral tyre lever.

Conclusion

The Mighty Fifteen is well worth a look if you are after a very -made multi-tool which should suit most standard builds while comfortable and easy to use. Few multi-tools cover every base, so get to know your bike and your preferences. For example, there may be no tyre lever function, but that’s no deal-breaker for me. Equally, strip-down gravel and road builds are likely to be more its natural habitat, rather than tourers.

Verdict: 3.5/5 Good multi-tool in a competitive market.

Steve Dyster

http://www.oxfordproducts.com/bicycle/brands/torque/mighty_15_aluminium_folding_cy/

PUBLISHED MAY 2019

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