Blackburn Wayside Multi Tool

The Blackburn Wayside is a great option as a comprehensive multi tool out on the road. There's a lot packed in for the size of the unit, and with features such as a disc brake pad separator, it's obvious lots of thought has gone into the product, making it an almost one-stop shop for your fettling needs.

Given the vast array of tools and functions available on the Wayside, it's hard to envisage a scenario on the road (or trail) – spares permitting – that it couldn't deal with. It includes a chain tool, chain assembly hook, disc brake pad separator, 6mm and 8mm hex keys (the 8mm is hollow), T25 and T30 Torx keys, spoke keys, a Presta valve core tool, flat head screwdriver, serrated knife and further individual hex keys – 2, 2.5, 3, 4 and 5mm – all contained within a 200g unit measuring 86x53x23mm.

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One of the standout features is the built-in bracket housing five separate hex keys (all ball-ended). This makes using the L-shaped keys far easier than if they were permanently attached to the body of the Wayside, and doesn't add much in the way of bulk. Sure, it's not the slimmest multi tool I've ever seen, but it's by no mean huge and is more than made up for by the sheer flexibility of the unit.

Build quality is also great – it's made of tough and dense, high quality materials that aren't about to bevel or round off any time soon with proper use (hence the 200g weight). Weight weenies won't enjoy that, but for anyone else wanting decent quality to pack into their saddlebag, it's not an issue.

Design is also a sticking point with lots of multi tools; it's no good having the kit and caboodle if you can't access them. Here, with clever design work, and parts such as the the chain assembly hook and the individual hex keys coming off, space is freed up for the rest of the device to work its magic. I had a go with all the bits at various points, and found them all easily accessible.

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In fact, the only flaw I could spot was that when the chain tool and spoke key unit was exposed, I found it popped the chain assembly hook out when I replaced it. It's a small thing – but worth mentioning because it could be quite easy to lose. It really is just a niggle, and with the Wayside costing £29.99, it's hardly something to criticise it for.

And there's no danger of the bits falling out when it's fitted back together – the chain assembly tool fits snugly, while there's a rubber band to hold everything together around the outside for that extra security.

All in all, it's a great tool that will have a multitude of uses, whether on the road or trail. Enough said.

Verdict

A well-thought-out, well-made multi tool suitable for both roadies and CX/mountain biker types