Topeak Alien II 31-Function Bicycle Tool

This is a very handy compact multiple tool kit. I’ve owned one before but left it in storage in the isles.Now I have to buy another one since I now live on the west coast. I am basically duplicating and buying the same tools that I left at home.So I can pretty much speak from experience why this Topeak Alien tool is so awesome. Yes there are many other multitools out there such as the Crankbrothers, Specialized etc. I prefer the Topeak Alien as it has a good assortment of tools to do repairs when I am far away from civilization. Yes the other tools can do the same but the Alien has a few more tools than most others brands. It is slightly heavier but it stands to reason its only because it has a more diverse tool selection as opposed to say a 15 function tool that weighs less. Probably those who race XC would be justified in carrying a lighter tool. Weight doesn’t play a role as to what goes into my hydration pack but having the right tools to make it out of a bad situation pretty much justifies the weight which in my opinion is not heavy at all. It comes with a nylon pouch to put the tool in and I believe the tool is a winner at its given price point.

Perfect! As you expected from the manufacturer. Must have for bike enthusiasts

I like all the tools it provides. I don’t like its weight, but with all the “fire power” it provides, its weight is expected. I don’t carry it on day-to-day road cycling. It is good for touring. It’s also good for a quick start-of/end-of ride adjustment or repair. A friend of mine used his for an in-ride chain repair — on my bike — it’s a solidly built tool! I use the Topeak Alien tool with some regularity for adjustments at home when I don’t feel like digging through my tool bag for a certain tool.
If you are like me (or my friend) don’t be put off on its weight.

Several years ago, I became serious about mountain biking again after not riding a bike since acquiring my driver’s license. I had an older version of this tool back then and with the upgrades they made to it, including a chain tool, I decided I had to have the newer version.

I have used this tool to fix all kinds of trail-side problems with my (and by buddies’) bike. All of the tools are useful and well thought-out. I keep this tool in its nylon pouch on the waist strap of my Camelbak with several quick links in the small flap on the Velcro closure of the pouch.

I ran into one problem with it though, which would have brought the tool down to 3 stars, but the way Topeak handled the issue put it back to 5. I had to use the pedal wrench to fix an issue trailside. In the literature about this tool it says that the pedal wrench is for emergencies only, not general use, and man were they right. The tool did its job, but after using it (and having to crank on it pretty hard) the pedal wrench flexed to the point that the wrench would no longer fit properly on a pedal spindle.

I called Topeak and the customer service guy asked what the broken part was, asked for my name and address, and told me he was shipping a new wrench part to me immediately! He didn’t ask for receipts, where, or when I bought it, how I was using it when it broke, or anything. No kidding, I received the replacement part, in factory packaging, three days later! That, my friends, is the way companies should stand behind their products! Well done Topeak!

If you want a tool that allows you to fix just about any trailside problem, from a company which stands behind its product, you need a Topeak Alien II multi-tool!

There have been a few times I wished I had a wrench in my tool bag rather than trying to get by with pliers. This tool has a great selection of wrench sizes. I also like that the tool splits in half so I can use an Allen key on one end and a wrench on the other end when a bolt works loose. It took me a few minutes to figure out how to press down on the safety catch to release the knife blade or release a tool that had been extended. Now that I know where to press, I like the safety catch. Heavier than the tool it is replacing because this does more.

I’m fairly new to the riding world (purchased a bike this year for the first time since I was 12 — which means it’s been a long time). But I’ve been able to use this for minor maintenance (seat adjustments, etc.) and installations (installed simple stuff like cup holder, rear rack, detachable child seat, etc.). It’s also small enough to fit in my wedge bag under the seat, and perfect for quick tune-ups. I had to make a minor adjustment mid-ride to my seat height as it was too low and had to tighten some of the reflectors that loosened and were rattling, while out riding.

It’s nice to be able to have something relatively light that you can take with you to cover most general bases. It’s not featherweight though, but shouldn’t kill you unless you’re going for minimal weight for speed (I’m riding more for commute/fitness). I like the feature that the tool can split in half for easier hand-holding. It also came particularly in handy when I had to use the hex wrench side on one hand, and the allen wrench on the other in order to tighten a screw and hold the bolt at the same time.

All in all, I recommend it, and feel comfortable that it can handle my general needs. I’ve heard others need much more sophisticated tooling, but as I’m not re-building bicycles generally, this has been perfect for regular maintenance and needs.