Topeak Alien II 31-Function Bicycle Tool

When I read the description for this multitool, I initially thought it had too many unnecessary parts. It turns out my roommate has this exact same multitool, so I've been using it a bit.I've found that the location of each little tool is actually very well thought out. The two halves come apart not only for simple convenience, but also for you to use the tools from one half to give you extra leverage turning a tool on the other half. Examples: When using the chain pin tool on a stuck pin, the 5-mm Allen wrench is on the other half so you can use it to give you extra leverage. When using the mini pedal wrench (which is quite short, about 75% the length of the whole multitool), you can give yourself extra leverage on the pedals by inserting the 8-mm Allen key from the heavy half into the smallest hole on the pedal wrench. This gives you more than double the original wrench length, a much stronger lever.Note on the mini pedal wrench: The material seems to be the same as the 8-10mm wrenches, but different from the Allen wrenches. I would have felt better with a steel pedal wrench, but that might have just been too heavy and this one seemed to work just fine for tightening my pedals a bit before I could make it over to my bike shop.So after all this, I ordered one for myself and it came today. I noticed my roommate's tools would fold out without resistance (except the knife--that one uses a locking mechanism so it never accidentally deploys). My new one was much tighter. I found out that on the sides of each half, there are different sized hex holes so you can use an Allen wrench from the opposite half to tighten or loosen the folding resistance to your liking. The 4-mm on the smaller half adjusts resistance on the heavy half, and the 2.5-mm on the heavy half adjusts the resistance on the smaller half.The knife is indeed VERY sharp and seems highly durable, and requires considerable manual effort to unfold. (Or maybe that's just my weak girl hands.) This is a good thing. I am zero percent worried that it will ever accidentally open. Folding likewise requires manual effort, but just be careful not to fold it onto your fingers because that blade is quick.Overall, I feel much better having one for myself. If you want to pack light and aren't wandering far from civilization, you can probably just take the smaller half alone. If you're going on a camping trip, absolutely take the whole thing.Another note that I think a lot of people will miss about these tools is that each half's black plastic base is actually a plastic tire lever. They're identical. The plastic is hard and rigid, and won't scratch the rims or wheel. I didn't see this at first when I was using the tools, I thought the plastic shapes were just aesthetic and for fitting the halves together. They don't really show this off in any pictures or diagrams but it's a really nice touch!Thanks for reading and if you have any questions please feel free to comment.

Several years ago, I became serious about mountain biking again after not riding a bike since acquiring my driver's license. I had an older version of this tool back then and with the upgrades they made to it, including a chain tool, I decided I had to have the newer version.I have used this tool to fix all kinds of trail-side problems with my (and by buddies') bike. All of the tools are useful and well thought-out. I keep this tool in its nylon pouch on the waist strap of my Camelbak with several quick links in the small flap on the Velcro closure of the pouch.I ran into one problem with it though, which would have brought the tool down to 3 stars, but the way Topeak handled the issue put it back to 5. I had to use the pedal wrench to fix an issue trailside. In the literature about this tool it says that the pedal wrench is for emergencies only, not general use, and man were they right. The tool did its job, but after using it (and having to crank on it pretty hard) the pedal wrench flexed to the point that the wrench would no longer fit properly on a pedal spindle.I called Topeak and the customer service guy asked what the broken part was, asked for my name and address, and told me he was shipping a new wrench part to me immediately! He didn't ask for receipts, where, or when I bought it, how I was using it when it broke, or anything. No kidding, I received the replacement part, in factory packaging, three days later! That, my friends, is the way companies should stand behind their products! Well done Topeak!If you want a tool that allows you to fix just about any trailside problem, from a company which stands behind its product, you need a Topeak Alien II multi-tool!

There have been a few times I wished I had a wrench in my tool bag rather than trying to get by with pliers. This tool has a great selection of wrench sizes. I also like that the tool splits in half so I can use an Allen key on one end and a wrench on the other end when a bolt works loose. It took me a few minutes to figure out how to press down on the safety catch to release the knife blade or release a tool that had been extended. Now that I know where to press, I like the safety catch. Heavier than the tool it is replacing because this does more.

just received .. I won't belabor the points already made well - this tool looks to be great - huge # of tools, seems decently/well made (will post back after use), but comes at a price, is a hefty tool - and will just about fill my small under seat pouch which also has inner tube, patch kit and 3 tire levers (will keep these in despite the levers on the tool since they're quite lite)). The designers must have had a great time designing this one - the amount of work that went into the design is clear (locking mechanisms, etc).Two notes:1. The tool weighs in at 11.0 ounces for case and tool (despite seems the amazon product features say .6 lbs, the product description is more accurate, where the tool is listed at 290 grams.). May not make a difference, but there's a clear trade-off between functionality, quality and weight. (and I'd argue against using metal for the handles, this tool doesn't need any more weight).2. The nylon case has a belt loop on the back, not a plastic clip. The packaging is a little different than in the photo (still looks quite authentic Topeak packaging, so no worries there) and my guess is that they changed the product. I can't tell how big the clip was, but for me, I can't see clipping this tool to any cycling pants, it seems to heavy for that (and still can be secured by the belt loop if you're worried about losing it on the road / trail), so losing the clip is an improvement (others who use the clip may feel differently).Good luck / enjoy the ride!!