off-road.cc

PRO's Mini Tool 15 is a solid little bit of kit with just about every essential tool you need contained within it. It's slim but sturdy and the chromed bits are well made and corrosion-proof. If I'm being picky, the 5mm key is a mild faff to get to and the 8mm is for emergencies only, but apart from that, it's a solid choice.

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At around 7mm deep and only 46x72mm wide, it's nicely slim and can easily be put in a jersey or short pocket without being too noticeable, save for the robust 123g weight. It does feel nice and sturdy though, with the aluminium frame being braced at either end for better stiffness and the chrome-plated tools staying rust-free after being left alone in a soggy pack for weeks at a time.

There are seven Hex keys on offer, with 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm options, the last of those being a slimline version that only effectively engages on two points. It's perfectly good for emergency use, but if you want something to really torque up cranks or free pedals then you'll need to be very sure it doesn't cam out or you'll risk damage to components and knuckles.

You get a T25 Torx key and - special bonus - there's also a T10 key which is great for SRAM brake bleed screws amongst other things. There's no flathead screwdriver but you do get a Phillips head, while the chain tool can be fully unscrewed and used as a spoke key for four sizes of nipple and a bottle opener too.

Constant use of a multi tool will end up with you getting annoyed about the slightest of things - well, I do - which is why I find the fact that the super-common 5mm Hex is hidden under the chain tool a bit of a pain. It takes a second to flip the chain tool out before you can access the 5mm - and then you need to put the chain tool back again or it flaps about, which is a faff when you need it so often.

It's a similar story with the smaller Hex keys - they aren't offset so getting them into some brake levers is a faff, but that's the price you pay for the slim design. Still, it's not a deal-breaker by any means.

Micro-grumbles aside, this a solid little multitool that's got just about everything you do need plus it's sleek, sturdy and well made to boot.

• www.freewheel.co.uk

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