At a glance Brilliantly thought through multitool that packs impressive functionality into a very small package
Tested by
Matt Swaine
Performance
If Volkswagen chose to single out the satisfying clunk that their car doors made to highlight the quality of their manufacturing, fellow countrymen SKS might like to point to the reasurringly ergonomic feel of their mini multitool.
The CT-Worx nestles neatly in your palm but manages to pack in 20 different functions through its array of tools. There's a suit of six Allen keys, flat and crosshead screw driver, a chain tool, ring wrenches, spoke keys and tyre levers, but the real joy is just how neatly all these things fit together. The frame holds the folding Allen keys while the chain tool slots into one end. The tyre levers snap in top and bottom and need to be taken off to get access to the ring wrenches. It is an immensely well thought through package that has everything you need for running roadside repairs.
For the
average commuter who just wants to fix a puncture, tinker with seat
post settings or fix their lights, there might be a bit too much on
offer. The die cast chain tool adds a significant chunk of the 223g
weight here so unless you're happy using one that might be weight
worth saving. And although the tyre levers felt robust and capable,
they were a pain to try to dislodge from the main tool housing. I
ended up using the chain tool to help unclip them.
But the genius of this tool comes to light when I compare it to
my normal commuting and touring tool bag. Within the impressively
small dimensions (94x40x35mm) SKS have managed to pack the full
functionality of my clunking collection of bike tools. And while my
road-side maintenance kit is oily, overly bulky and keeps losing
bits (specifically tyre levers) this multitool does just as much in
a fraction of the space and keeps kit neatly together.
For serious cyclists, travelling significant distance who want to
be able to deal with more than the odd puncture this is a durable,
easy to use bit of kit that's well worth having. If you're not a
tool geek now you might well be when you've spent a good 40 minutes
marvelling at the engineering that's gone into this one!
Buy from www.chainreactioncycles.com
SKS says:
- extremely functional and compact
- 20 functions for touring and race bikers
- including diecast chain tool, 2 separate tire levers and set of box/open wrenches
- chrome-vanadium quality tool steel
Measurements: 94x40x35 mm
Weight: 223g
Find out more www.sks-germany.com
