(The following has been copied over from an old blog I started and abandoned a couple of years ago called Retrobike. I couldn't find my muse there as I have seem to found here. This article is the only thing worth keeping, as I hope to slowly reveal what tools are great in the world of bicycles. No, not all are labeled "Park". I would best describe this article as cute.)
In the history of bike mechanic arguments, never has an argument been so dividing as the great tri-tool versus bi-tool debate. Typically one of these two tools is most mechanics first real toy that they learn how to quickly put together a new disassembled bike. Depending on the teachings of their original bike sensei, the mechanic will choose their tool of which they will wield, protect, and defend for the rest of their lives. We should probably break down the great adversaries first before weighing their skills in combat.
The Y-shaped tri-tool comes in a variety of combinations but only one style is truly worth its value. Ignore the screwdriver tipped or 8-9-10mm socket tipped versions and engorge yourself with the pleasure 4-5-6mm hex headed tool. These three sizes are the most commonly used in the spec’ing of bolts for a bicycle and allow for a mechanic to quickly put together a bicycle without having to constantly stop, find the right size wrench, and continue working again. Many different bicycle tool manufacturers have produced a version of the tri-tool but the best comes from Lifu (pictured above). Most of the other brands like Park or Pedro’s use some sort of sawed off hex shape and shoved it into a metal or plastic sleeve, where as the Lifu version is forged out of chrome-vanadium steel into it’s needed shape and bent and welded together. The later seems to hold up better, the other brands have had a tendency to bend and shear off over time. Lifu can show up as Ice Toolz, Nashbar's generic tools, Avenir, etc. Because of its Y-shape this tool allows its user to more easily torque bolts down. This isn’t always an advantage as a lot of bolts and threads are made of aluminum and can easily strip.
The bi-tool firmly says “Meh” to the 4mm hex size and utilizes only the 5 and 6mm sizes. Shaped like an S, this crafty version allows good leverage due to its natural fitting in the palm. 4mm were never used quite that much anyways. I have found this product as a Lifu branded product as well as Summit. It is sometimes difficult to find at the local bike shop (Waldo Bikes has some in stock), but worth the effort if you find one.
Comparing these two titans is really more like comparing your two favorite beers. Each has its own certain tastes but both can leave you feeling drunk and happy. The tri-tool is exceptionally good at adjusting cantilever, side pull, and v-style (linear pull) brakes and especially brake pads, which need its high torquing capabilities to keep the pads in place. The tri-tool is also real good for road bike brake levers and bar-end shifters as well. Bi-tools are particularly good for seat posts, stems, derailleurs, and mtb brake levers. Both work well for testing out new bike adjustments, just stop loosen, adjust, and tighten over and over until you find just the right angles.
My suggestion, pick them both up, try them out, and pick your side of the divide today. Both typically sell for less than $5 each, so it should be affordable for everyone. Also, don't ask me which one I prefer, I have 4 of each in case the great bike tool Armageddon ever comes true.
In the history of bike mechanic arguments, never has an argument been so dividing as the great tri-tool versus bi-tool debate. Typically one of these two tools is most mechanics first real toy that they learn how to quickly put together a new disassembled bike. Depending on the teachings of their original bike sensei, the mechanic will choose their tool of which they will wield, protect, and defend for the rest of their lives. We should probably break down the great adversaries first before weighing their skills in combat.
The Y-shaped tri-tool comes in a variety of combinations but only one style is truly worth its value. Ignore the screwdriver tipped or 8-9-10mm socket tipped versions and engorge yourself with the pleasure 4-5-6mm hex headed tool. These three sizes are the most commonly used in the spec’ing of bolts for a bicycle and allow for a mechanic to quickly put together a bicycle without having to constantly stop, find the right size wrench, and continue working again. Many different bicycle tool manufacturers have produced a version of the tri-tool but the best comes from Lifu (pictured above). Most of the other brands like Park or Pedro’s use some sort of sawed off hex shape and shoved it into a metal or plastic sleeve, where as the Lifu version is forged out of chrome-vanadium steel into it’s needed shape and bent and welded together. The later seems to hold up better, the other brands have had a tendency to bend and shear off over time. Lifu can show up as Ice Toolz, Nashbar's generic tools, Avenir, etc. Because of its Y-shape this tool allows its user to more easily torque bolts down. This isn’t always an advantage as a lot of bolts and threads are made of aluminum and can easily strip.The bi-tool firmly says “Meh” to the 4mm hex size and utilizes only the 5 and 6mm sizes. Shaped like an S, this crafty version allows good leverage due to its natural fitting in the palm. 4mm were never used quite that much anyways. I have found this product as a Lifu branded product as well as Summit. It is sometimes difficult to find at the local bike shop (Waldo Bikes has some in stock), but worth the effort if you find one.
Comparing these two titans is really more like comparing your two favorite beers. Each has its own certain tastes but both can leave you feeling drunk and happy. The tri-tool is exceptionally good at adjusting cantilever, side pull, and v-style (linear pull) brakes and especially brake pads, which need its high torquing capabilities to keep the pads in place. The tri-tool is also real good for road bike brake levers and bar-end shifters as well. Bi-tools are particularly good for seat posts, stems, derailleurs, and mtb brake levers. Both work well for testing out new bike adjustments, just stop loosen, adjust, and tighten over and over until you find just the right angles.
My suggestion, pick them both up, try them out, and pick your side of the divide today. Both typically sell for less than $5 each, so it should be affordable for everyone. Also, don't ask me which one I prefer, I have 4 of each in case the great bike tool Armageddon ever comes true.
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