SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Otherwise, the tool feels solid, even under load, say when tackling stubborn cleat bolts Obviously, these tools are designed for quick tune-ups, not workshop duties. Given the chain component is aluminium alloy, I wasn’t surprised by evidence of wear, after a few weeks. 

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Performance 3.5/5

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First up, I was initially a little sceptical as to how silent it would remain, especially over washboard tarmac. A combination of precision fit, and powerful magnet have ensured its’ clung-on limpet-like. That said, it’s worth checking the chain tool is wound fully home from time to time. I reinstated ours without doing so, having fitted a fresh chain to Ursula and over the course of a week’s mixed terrain riding, a subtle, intermittent tinkling kicked in. 

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Mudguard stay was my first thought, but a process of elimination led me to the Covert. I discovered the chain spreader had worked loose and the main tool had to be extracted with long, needle-nose pliers upon my return. Nipped tight, silence restored and no repeats to date. Elsewhere, the articulated socket head ensures its nimble in tighter spaces. 

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OK, so with the rear tyre inflated mudguard chain stay bridge bolts have called for something skinnier (I have a standalone 4mm from a flat pack furniture pack, perfect for such duties) but no issues with reaching bottle cage hardware in small frames. 

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Bits are solid and precisely machined, no hint of rounding or similar nastiness with decent quality fasteners. I’ve managed to chew a couple of Allen heads, but these were bargain basement “made of cheese” stuff.  Pattern cleats being particularly vulnerable examples (and ultimately exorcised with the T25). 

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I have even managed to slip an 8mm “cap” from another, dead multi tool on the Covert’s 6mm and released an old- fashioned square taper crank bolt. A standalone key, or one common to “pen-knife" models, such as Blackburn Wayside Multi Tool  or the Lifeline 18 in 1 Multi tool With CO2 inflator .

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This arrangement required greater concentration to swerve slippage and potential damage but proved rescue is realistic- handy on a group ride or coming to a stranger’s aid. A long, slender standalone 5mm key will be necessary for some deeply recessed bolts-brake levers, including The Cane Creek SC5 .

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As I’ve said before the articulated head, coupled with body length means the Covert 7 offers a decent amount of torque, while also giving knuckles a sporting chance. Stowed away in the crank, I’ve defaulted to it, by the roadside and while performing post wash checks and light tune-ups.