Best tools for out on the trailsUpdated 8 months ago
Best Tools for Mountain Biking: Biketart’s Top Trail Essentials
Riding off-road is thrilling, but it’s always wise to be prepared for the unexpected. These trail tools and kits are hand-picked by Biketart for their performance, portability, and reliability when you’re far from home. Here’s why they’re each worth a spot in your gear.
OneUp Components EDC Tool V2
The OneUp EDC Tool V2 redefines on-bike storage with an ultra-sleek design that fits directly into your bike’s fork steerer tube, keeping everything you need securely tucked away yet accessible at a moment’s notice. This kit is ideal for riders who value portability without sacrificing readiness. With just a simple swap of your star nut and top cap, you have a highly capable toolkit always on your bike, so you’ll never have to worry about forgetting your tool in the car.
- What Makes It Special: This innovative, “fit and forget” design frees up pocket space and eliminates the need for a saddle bag. It also features a range of essential tools, including a 10-function multitool, tyre lever, chain breaker, spoke key, and storage for a quick link. Plus, you can swap the storage pod for a tubeless plug kit and stash some cable ties, making it the ultimate trailside toolkit.
- Why You Want It: Perfect for riders who want a streamlined, worry-free solution that’s always on their bike, ready for any trailside adjustments.
Crank Brothers Multi-19 Multi-Tool
The Crank Brothers Multi-19 is built to last with 19 essential tools crafted from robust, high-quality materials, ensuring it can handle the toughest trails and conditions. This multitool is compact and easy to store, so you can pop it in a pocket or saddlebag and head out without added bulk. If you’re a mountain biker who likes to be fully prepared without a ton of gear, this is an excellent choice.
- What Makes It Special: Crank Brothers’ reputation for durability and ruggedness shines here. The Multi-19 offers an expansive set of tools, including hex keys, screwdrivers, open wrenches, and spoke wrenches, designed to tackle nearly any trailside repair.
- Why You Want It: For those who want a lightweight yet fully-featured multitool that can take on almost anything, the Multi-19 is an exceptional go-to option.
Crank Brothers Multi-19 Multi-Tool - Link
Lezyne RAP II 25 CO₂ Multi-Tool
The Lezyne RAP II 25 CO₂ isn’t just a tool—it’s a conversation starter on the trail. Known for their precise engineering, Lezyne created the RAP II 25 with a sleek, matte black finish, ensuring you look good while staying prepared. With a built-in CO₂ valve, quick link storage, and 25 essential functions, this multitool is packed with utility.
- What Makes It Special: Designed for versatility, this tool covers almost any trailside need. The integrated CO₂ valve allows for rapid tyre inflation, and the range of tools includes chain tools, Torx, and hex keys, making it ideal for on-the-go repairs.
- Why You Want It: The RAP II 25 is perfect for riders who value both function and form. It’s a great choice for riders who need a sleek, powerful tool with the added convenience of CO₂ for quicker inflation.
Lezyne RAP II 25 CO₂ Multi-Tool - Link
OneUp Components EDC Lite
With the OneUp EDC Lite, you’ll never have to worry about whether you brought your multitool along. This nine-function multitool fits directly into your fork steerer, making it perfect for riders who want to be prepared without adding extra weight or bulk. The simple installation process and minimalist design make this tool one of the best low-profile options available.
- What Makes It Special: It’s extremely compact yet offers everything you need for quick trailside fixes. With nine essential tools, including hex keys, a T25 Torx, and a flathead screwdriver, the EDC Lite ensures you’re covered for the most common adjustments.
- Why You Want It: For minimalist riders who prefer a worry-free, integrated option that’s always on the bike, the EDC Lite is ideal for its simplicity and convenience at a competitive price.
Topeak Mini 9 Tool
Lightweight and highly portable, the Topeak Mini 9 Tool is a fantastic option for riders who want to pack light. Weighing only 92 grams, this tool fits comfortably in a jersey pocket or a compact saddlebag, so it’s always within easy reach when you need it. Topeak’s reputation for compact, durable designs is on full display here, making it a favourite among cross-country riders and racers.
- What Makes It Special: With nine essential tools, including hex keys, a Phillips screwdriver, and a T25 Torx, the Mini 9 covers all the basics without unnecessary bulk.
- Why You Want It: For those focused on keeping weight down and looking for a simple, compact option, this tool delivers essential functions in an ultra-light package.
Long-Haul Essentials for Extended Rides
For big trail days or extended adventures, these storage and repair solutions help ensure you’re well-prepared for the journey.
Dakine Hot Laps Gripper
The Dakine Hot Laps Gripper is a convenient storage solution that attaches securely to your bike frame, keeping essential items like tubes, CO₂, and multitools within arm’s reach. It’s designed with a large Velcro strap and a rubberized patch to prevent it from sliding or rattling, even on rough trails.
- What Makes It Special: Dakine’s Gripper is perfect for mountain bikers who want to keep tools and tubes securely stored on their frame without needing a full pack. The durable design ensures it will stay put, even on rocky, bumpy trails.
- Why You Want It: If you prefer not to carry a backpack or bag but still want easy access to your gear, the Hot Laps Gripper is an ideal solution for long-distance riders.
Dakine Hot Laps Gripper - Link
Continental Tire Lever ATB - Single
A must-have for mountain bikers, the Continental Tire Lever ATB is specially designed for larger, rugged tires. This lever makes changing tyres on tough terrain a breeze thanks to its ergonomic grip and robust construction, making it far less likely to snap under pressure.
- What Makes It Special: Known for premium tyre designs, Continental understands what’s needed to work with tougher, thicker tyres. This lever is specifically engineered for mountain biking, providing ample leverage and durability.
- Why You Want It: Essential for quick, trailside tyre repairs, this tyre lever is a simple but highly valuable addition to any trail toolkit.
Continental Tire Lever ATB - Link
Peaty’s Holeshot Tubeless Puncture Plugger Kit
Peaty’s Tubeless Plugger Kit is designed for quick, reliable puncture repairs, making it a great tool for those running tubeless setups. Compact and easy to carry, it allows you to seal larger punctures on the spot, avoiding the need for a tube swap.
- What Makes It Special: This kit features durable, high-quality plugs that work efficiently to seal punctures. The compact size and simplicity make it easy to carry and use whenever needed.
- Why You Want It: For riders who love the freedom of tubeless tyres and need a quick fix for large punctures, this is an essential kit for minimizing downtime.
Peaty’s Holeshot Tubeless Plugger Kit - Link
Frame-Mounted Pumps: Reliable Alternatives to CO₂
For riders who prefer a hand pump over CO₂, these frame-mounted pumps offer reliable, long-lasting solutions for inflating tyres out on the trail.
OneUp Components EDC Pump
This OneUp EDC Pump features a hollow core, allowing storage of the EDC tool or CO₂ cartridges within the pump itself. The pump head also doubles as a CO₂ inflator, giving you maximum flexibility in a single piece of gear.
- What Makes It Special: The clever storage design and CO₂ compatibility make this pump an all-in-one inflation solution, ideal for riders who want to streamline their gear.
- Why You Want It: It’s perfect for riders looking to reduce clutter on their bike while having the option of both manual pumping and CO₂ inflating in one compact setup.
Crank Brothers Klic HV Pump
The Klic HV Pump by Crank Brothers combines sleek aesthetics with a practical flex hose, which makes it easier to inflate tyres without wrestling with your muddy wheels. The pump mounts neatly under the bottle cage, keeping it secure and accessible.
- What Makes It Special: The integrated flexible hose allows for smooth tyre inflation without awkward positioning, making it especially useful in messy trail conditions.
- Why You Want It: Ideal for riders who prefer a frame-mounted pump with style and function, the Klic HV Pump provides reliable, hassle-free inflation when CO₂ is not an option.
Crank Brothers Klic HV Pump - Link
With the right trail tools, you’re ready for anything the ride throws your way. Choose what suits your riding style best, and keep rolling with confidence!