Birzman Diversity 17 Multi Tool

The Birzman Diversity 17 multi-tool has pretty much everything you need in order to fix the most common mechanicals at the side of the road, in a compact package, and it's pretty easy to use too. My only issue is how easy it would be to lose some of the bits in the dark.

• Pros: All the tools you need in one handy package, CO2 inflator included
• Cons: Small parts easy to lose, tyre levers not the nicest to use

Instead of 17, you could be picky and say that the Birzman has only got 15 tools: both tyre levers count as one in my eyes, and a tapered spoke key to work with two sizes is just a spoke key. That aside, it's a worthy bit of kit to have in your pocket.

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Let's take a look at what's included. This is what Birzman lists:

- 2/2.5/3/4/5/6/8mm/T25

- Chain rivet extractor

- Chain hook

- Spoke wrench 3.2/3.4

- Cross head screwdriver #1

- Flat head screwdriver 4.5

- Tyre levers

- CO2 valve head (Presta/Schrader) compatible with threaded cartridges

All the hex keys are at one end, and at about 35mm long they are a decent length to be able to take on most jobs without you skinning your knuckles.

All, that is, except for the 5mm which is a good 30mm longer as it has a sliding 8mm adaptor attached. This is held in place by a ball catch that works well, though the resistance isn't that strong so this is one of those pieces that could go disappearing into the long grass. There aren't many bolts on a bike that are 8mm – pedals mostly – so it's not likely to get a whole lot of use.

The fit into most bolt heads is well within tolerance for all of the keys. There is a bit of slack, but no more than found on most of the other multi-tools in my collection. There is a possibility of any stubborn bolts, especially alloy or titanium, becoming rounded off quite easily, but these probably aren't the sort of jobs you'll be dealing with mid-ride.

At the other end of the polymer body you'll find a crosshead screwdriver that fits nicely into mech adjustment screws, and a Torx T25 bit. A lot of high-end stems have been using Torx bolts for a while and this size is pretty much the standard. It offers a good fit into the bolts with no issues tightening and loosening. The other tool is basically a threaded bar that takes the spoke key-cum-chain splitter-cum-CO2 inflator. It's a nifty bit of design.

At the end of the threaded bar is the pin pusher, the bit that nudges the pin out of a chain to separate it, and it'll cope with 8 to 12-speed chains plus any 3/32in used on a singlespeed. If you're riding an 1/8in track chain on your fixed wheel you're out of luck.

The CO2 inflator is a clever addition and works with any threaded cartridge. You just screw the cartridge in and push the head over any Presta or Schrader valve and it's job done. The internal o-ring makes sure the tool offers a tight fit so you don't waste any gas.

The side pods of the body incorporate two tyre levers. One has a spoke locator while the other comes with a pip to let the pressure out of a Schrader valve. They have quite sharp edges and aren't that comfortable to use, but they'll get you out of a tight spot if needs be. I've used loads with a softer, more rounded feel, which I'd choose before reaching for the Birzman's. They're quite tight to get out of the body too, if just using your finger nails; I had to use the flat head screwdriver bit.

That screwdriver bit is a standalone tool clamped into the main body. It slides over the 4mm hex key, making a sturdy lever, but could do with a touch of magnetism or another ball catch to make sure it doesn't drop off when pointed towards the floor.

Value-wise, the price of £27.99 for the Diversity 17 compares pretty well with one of the last multi-tools we tested, the Fabric Sixteen Tool, with an rrp of £24.99. The Birzman does have the added bonus of the CO2 inflator, and though it also adds to the weight it's still only 182g, which is no heavyweight for an entire tool kit.

> Buyer's Guide: 10 of the best multi tools

If you take a look back through our reviews of multi-tools you'll see a lot of other tools with fewer attachments for a higher price than the Birzman, further highlighting its value. Just make sure you keep keep an eye on all the bits so you don't lose any.

Verdict

A good all-in-one roadside tool kit – just keep an eye on all the pieces