Topeak Alien II

I remember my first ‘Swiss Army Knife’ and being impressed with all the multiple tool options, including a cutlery set! However, it’s fair to say, I probably used just a fraction of all the tools that were on it and, looking back, it was just trying to be too much at once. These days, we’re looking to get the most out of what we buy so this multi-function tool, unlike mine from yesteryear, has a focus and that focus is cycling.

You don’t find a pair of scissors or cutlery (although the serrated knife could double-up if you’re desperate!) on this set, instead you have multiple size Hex Wrenches, 4 other types of wrench for different parts of your bike, a chain tool, tyre levers, a flat-headed and Phillips screwdriver and a… bottle opener. Seems out of place but, let’s be honest – would it really be a multi-functional tool without one? All-in-all you get 31 different tools crammed on to an engineering grade polymer body that weights in at an impressively light (for what you get) 290 grams. It also comes with its own little carry case that can attach to your bike frame so you don’t need to worry about it falling out of your pocket as you’re busy cycling.

For all of the tools it comes with, it folds up in to a surprisingly compact 3.4”x1.7”x1.6” and also splits in to 2 separate halves. Not only does this allow for more to be packed in due to increased surface area, it’s also pretty essential if you want to change a tyre! The positioning of the tools has clearly been well thought out with nothing getting in the way of anything else while using any of them. The other thing that impresses me with this is the very comprehensive user manual that comes with it, detailing how to use every single tool. Absolutely essential for when you’re out in the wild and need to make an emergency repair. Well worth it for the price. RRP £37

https://www.topeak.com/global/en/product/172-ALiEN-II