The Grid 8 Multi-tool from Blackburn is an ideal option for riders who limit their road-side repairs or adjustments to the essentials. It won't help you if you've broken your chain or need to open a bottle, and for many riders, that is just fine. Cell phones have changed the way many cyclists approach mechanical issues on a ride. But no one wants to call for a ride 20 minutes after you exit the door just because your handlebar starts to slip downwards, or a cleat a loose, or, for that matte a chainring bolt is creaking. The Grid 8 is perfect for many riders because they get the common tools they need, with actual leverage for effective use, and it fits in many small or medium saddle bags, so you don't have to think about it much when you don't need it.

With the sheer number of fastener types and sizes now commonly used on bikes, Blackburn judiciously selected the tools most likely required by today's road, mountain, and commuter -oriented bikes. You get the following Allen hex wrenches: 6, 5, 43, 2.5 mm' and the now widely used Torx T25 and T30 sizes. The eight tool is a simple small flat head screwdriver, which will work with most derailleur adjustment screws. Yes, it would be nice to have an 8mm as well (found on many pedals axles and cranksets), but that would have likely another tool, and creating a new model altogether. So you have know what your bike requires and mechanical comfort level can handle. The tools themselves have a decent length and leverage for hard to reach places, and the construction is sturdy and reassuring in your hand. The tool quality is very good, with clean, precision machine interfaces required by today's fasteners. So throw the Grid 8 Multi-tool in your bag or backpack and forget about it until you need it.