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Poland, Warsaw
1 Level
740 Review
66 Karma

Review on ๐Ÿ”ง Topeak Mini PT30 Multi-Tool - Black, Universal Size by Luis Despain

Revainrating 5 out of 5

The vast majority of riders should buy this, not the Topeak Mini 20

If you're buying a mountain bike multi-tool and are sane then you're probably looking at the Topeak line. When it comes to setting up, choosing between the Mini 20 and PT30 is very difficult. I would say the PT30 is the best tool for almost anyone who isn't too weight focused and here's why: The main differences between the Mini 20 and the PT30 are: 1. Chain break tool. The PT30 has a second guard and is slightly larger overall. Second stop chain breaking tools work better because they stabilize the link being broken. The ones without a second fence can still be used, they just cause a lot more frustration. The PT30's break tool is just as good as the park tool I have at home.2. total size. This is a small difference. The Mini 20 is smaller/lighter, which is great if that's what you focus on (151g vs. 169g). It's less than an ounce different. However, this difference causes the Mini 20 to feel awkward in the hand when used, in contrast to the PT30, due to its larger size. It fits in the palm of your hand and is much more convenient to use. Size also means slightly longer tools that fit in more space, resulting in less frustration on the trail.3. Knife. Most reviews highlight the bacon strip insertion tool as the main difference between the Mini 20 and PT30 tool sets. I'd argue that if you're still using bacon strips instead of Stan's darts, you simply haven't used darts yet. Once you've done that, you'll stop using the bacon strips for anything other than a tiny prick. The bacon strip insertion tool is useful, but not as useful as a knife, which has a ton of uses on the trail. It's worth buying the tool just for being. It replaces the useless "tire lever" on the Mini 20.4. Storage of master links. You need to take an extra main link when you ride. This tool makes storage easier. In short, if you're looking for a multi-tool, get it. The comparison above is for the Mini 20, but similar comparisons can be made with the Alien and other multi-tools in the Topeak range. Everyone else has small advantages, but for the vast majority of mountain bikers, this is the tool for you. One small flaw I'd like to correct from Topeak: the only multi-tool that can be a water bottle holder is a ninja. Specialized makes a mid-size multi-tool that attaches directly to a water bottle cage, and that's almost reason enough to buy this thing because it frees you from a backpack or fanny pack. Topeak: Please do it! Not all of us have built in frame bays unless we have enough cash to buy a new Trek Fuel EX.

Pros
  • cool product
Cons
  • something else