Pro Bike Tool Mini Ratchet Tool Set

The Pro Bike Tool Mini Ratchet Tool Set has all of the pieces you need to adjust the bolts, screws and Torx fittings you are likely to find on your bike. It's also strong and easy to use, and when you consider the price it is probably one of the best options for a multi-tool out there.

• Pros: All the tools you need; ratchet tool is stronger than it looks; neat pouch
• Cons: Nowt really

Unzipping the hard case pouch, you'll find a stainless steel ratchet tool with reversible drive, a magnetic tool bit extender and 2/3/4/5/6/8mm hex tools, T25 and T30 Torx bits, plus PH1 and SL4 screwdrivers.

Even the pouch is handy, with its twin mesh nets. I managed to get all of the tools in one side and a couple of tyre levers in the opposite side. Bung a tenner in with them or your debit card and you have pretty much all you need for popping out for a ride. The whole thing will sit easily in your jersey pocket and weighs very little.

Initial concerns were with the ratchet tool. Its body is quite slim and I wasn't sure about the overall feeling of quality. Getting to work undoing the bolts on my bike that sees the worst of the weather, I had no issues whatsoever even on those that had become a little bit corroded in place.

The ratchet was easily up to the job, and so were the bits. The tolerances are tight so there was no slop in the bolt heads on either the hex keys or Torx bits.

The ratchet tool does position your hands quite close to the bolt you are working on, so you need to watch your knuckles if the bolt comes undone with a jolt, but it does allow you easy access to a rear rim brake calliper and the like.

If you need a little more leverage or space, you can always use the magnetic extender which gives you an extra 65mm in length. It holds the tools tightly and they won't come out unless you pull back on the chuck to release them.

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For the cash you can't really knock it. Rachael tested something similar for our sister site, off.road.cc, and found the Granite Design RocknRoll toolkit to be very good. It has most of the same tools as the Pro Bike Tool kit but is more expensive at £30.

Another option could be the brilliantly designed Fabric Chamber Multi-tool, a smart take on a ratchet system that will set you back £34.99. It is clever, though.

Overall, the Pro Bike Tool Mini Ratchet Tool Set is in my bag or pocket for every ride and has replaced my multi-tools. It's a smart solution that is really good value for money.

Verdict

Smart solution to tinkering with your bike away from home at a great price