Out of our top five multitools this Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite is by far the most unique thanks to its mini socket-set style design. I normally hate having to use a multitool as they’re never as good as using a proper workshop tool, but this one is nothing short of a joy to use. The ratchet handle is great quality and an old one that I’ve got is still working as good as new despite plenty of use both on and off the trail.
The fine ratchet mechanism speeds up any job and the 9cm long handle provides plenty of leverage. The other thing that I really like about the design though is the fact that you can also fit the ‘bits’ into the other end of the handle. This means it’s great at getting into tight places such as adjusting the reach on many brakes. Trying to do things like this with conventional multitools is a nightmare at best.
Because the tool uses standard sized ‘bits’ it means that it’s both cheap and easy to find replacements for any that you lose or wear out, plus there’s the added benefit that if you need a particular tool for your bike that isn’t included as standard then the chances are you can probably just buy that bit and then stick it in the pouch with the rest of them.
As standard this particular version comes with 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm allen keys, T25 and T10 Torx bits, and a philips screwdriver, which means it is obviously missing a chain tool. There are more expensive versions of the Ratchet Rocket that do feature a chain tool along with other things like tyre levers, but we’d rather go for this version and then carry a separate small dedicated chain tool as a decent one of those will always work better than any chain tool which is part of a multitool. The choice is yours though.
The pouch itself is a simple affair that fastens with velcro, and the elasticated bit holders inside do a good job of stopping them from wandering off. The whole thing weighs in at just 111g and you could happily carry it in a pocket. There’s also a velcro belt loop on the rear to increase the carrying options. In short, we love this tool.
Price: £17.99
www.extrauk.co.uk
www.topeak.com
And incase you missed them, here are our other top picks…
