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Pedros RxM Multi Tool

7
£23.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Lovely tool but the flathead bit needs revising for better compatibility with Phillips heads
Weight: 
159g

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The Pedro's RxM is a 12-function multi-tool that, unusually, employs a composite body. It's very well made throughout and backed by a lifetime warranty. However, I'd suggest the flathead driver bit needs revising for better in-a-pinch compatibility with Phillips head fasteners. Some riders will also baulk at the size.

The 12 tools include a high quality, detachable chain tool complete with integrated 3.2, 3.3 and 3.5mm spoke keys. There's another M7, Mavic-specific design too, should you or a riding companion run Mavic wheels.

> Find your nearest dealer here

In terms of Allen keys, we have 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and an 8mm. Last, we have the flat driver, which proved decidedly hit 'n' miss with Phillips fasteners – a pain when taming a wayward mech or tightening accessory brackets by the roadside. The fact that all the bits are laid out sequentially – so you can just flick from a 4 to a 5, for example – is a bonus, saving lost tempers and time.

Pedros RXM Multi Tool .jpg

All the tools are really accurately machined for a precision fit, and are made from heat treated nickel plated steel. I wouldn't leave them in a soggy wedge pack for days on end, but no real worries about corrosion. All are of a really sensible, knuckle-sparing length, too, and the sturdy composite handle sits nicely in the palm, for additional comfort.

As with many multi-tools (multi multi-tools?), the 8mm bit is a cap designed to slip atop the 6mm. Though I'm somewhat prone to losing these in the bottom of wedge packs, or more permanently in long grass, I'd sooner go for this design than the short, stubby type, and its length makes whipping (suitable) pedals on/off that bit easier.

Removing and refitting the drive side of a (well-prepped) square taper crankset took about five minutes, but that's a whole lot faster than a long walk home, not to mention cheaper than chewed cranks.

Chain tools tend to be a weak spot on multi-tools. I lean toward the fold-out type that uses the body's length for leverage, especially when tackling weathered examples, although drive-pins and spreader slots tend to be the first casualties, even with very occasional use.

Pedros RXM Multi Tool - underside.jpg

Pedro's has opted for a removable 'Park' type pattern, which, though bulkier, is much better engineered. Simply seat the chain within the spreader slot, insert the 5mm bit, and with that lovely palm friendly composite sitting nicely in your hand, wind the pin back/forth to break or rejoin. Though not intended as such, ours has deputised for my workshop model, cutting 6, 7, 8 and 9-speed chains down to size very convincingly. I've drawn the line at beefy 1/18 track fare, mind.

> Beginner's guide to bike tools 

I've never needed to call on the spoke keys, but they are an accurate fit on standard nipples, so should get you out of a jam.

Overall, I've been seriously impressed by the RxM, but for all its intelligent, user-friendly appeal, in its present guise, the flat bit is a deal-breaker for me. I'd like a Phillips head please, and maybe even a Torx...

Verdict

Lovely tool but the flathead bit needs revising for better compatibility with Phillips heads

road.cc test report

Make and model: Pedros RxM Multi Tool

Size tested: 12 tools

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Pedro's says: "The right multi-tool can be the difference between finishing the most epic ride of your life and going for the longest walk of your life carrying a busted bike. Pedro's has drawn upon its experience making professional shop tools to make sure you finish that epic ride. Pedro's multi-tools feature tools made from heat-treated tool steel for strength, superior anti-corrosion finish for unmatched long-lasting performance, and handles made of lightweight but super tough composite material. In addition, the handle has a built in tool stop that allows the wrenches to be rotated 270 degrees for leverage and ease of use. The Pedro's RxM Multi-Tool blends efficient size and weight with the essential rider needs featuring the most essential tool you need to repair your bike out on the road or trail and get home safely. The RxM Multi-Tool weighs 163 grams and has 12 tools including 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm hex keys, a flat blade screwdriver, m7 spoke wrench and a removable shop quality chain tool with integrated 3.2, 3.3, and 3.5mm spoke wrenches, all backed by Pedro's lifetime warranty".

My thoughts: generally a very nice tool but I would have substituted the flat for a Phillips driver and increasingly T25 Torx bits are becoming the expected norm.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

12-Function Folding Multi-Tool

163 gram, 12-function folding multi-tool

Tools made from heat-treated tool steel for strength and feature superior anti-corrosion finish for unmatched long-lasting performance

Ergonomically designed handle made of lightweight but super tough composite material

Includes 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm hex keys, a flat blade screwdriver, m7 spoke wrench and a removable shop quality chain tool with integrated 3.2, 3.3, and 3.5mm spoke wrenches

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Accurately machined, well made and should last many years.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

Does most things very well and generally pleasant to use.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Well made and backed with a lifetime guarantee.

Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
7/10

Reassuringly stout.

Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
 
7/10

Nice to use. Composite frame is both comfortable and reassuringly solid.

Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

Loses a point due to the omission of Torx and not-so-versatile flat driver design.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

In many respects the RxM is a very good tool – it's nice to use, intelligently thought out and should last. However, opting for a flat driver in place of a Phillips will divide opinion, though I understand the argument that a flat can be more versatile, tackling both flat and Phillips heads in a pinch. I would prefer a T25 in place of the Mavic spoke key too, and suspect many other riders will also be put off by this, given the increasing ubiquity of discs.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Nicely engineered, pleasant to use.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Flat bit needs tweaking for a better fit with derailleur screws and other Phillips fasteners.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly, if they revised the flat bladed screwdriver.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

Decent tool and well made but flathead bit needs revising.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 43  Height: 1m 81cm  Weight: 70kg

I usually ride: Rough stuff tourer based around 4130 Univega mountain bike frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo-cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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8 comments

Avatar
ktache | 7 years ago
0 likes

Oh and just to complicate things a bit, it's no longer called JIS, it's something else, a bit like phillips is no longer phillips but crosshead.

Avatar
ktache | 7 years ago
0 likes

I believe you can "make" a phillips into a JIS by grinding off the tip, but because of the internet they are much more available.  A bit pricey for one screwdriver, but getting just the "right" tool for the job.

As I understand it, the phillips was developed so that when using a powered driver on it it the driver will pop out when it reaches the right torque, so easier for production line work.  There is a lot more about the JIS in the japanese motorbike community.

Avatar
ktache | 7 years ago
1 like

Brooksby, the odd crossheads on my Vs and derailleurs, being shimano are not crossheads but Jaspanes Industry Standard.  James May on Reassembler got me onto it.  That's why my Phillips drivers mess them up a bit.  Have to get one for my workshop, I believe the JIS +2, but getting one on a little multi would mean no killing the heads when out.  They are the only screwheads on my bike.  Everthing else is Hex/Allen and a few, increasingly, torx.  Torx 25 is generally the standard on discs, I believe, which is why they are more common.

Avatar
I love my bike replied to ktache | 7 years ago
1 like
ktache wrote:

Brooksby, the odd crossheads on my Vs and derailleurs, being shimano are not crossheads but Jaspanes Industry Standard.  James May on Reassembler got me onto it.  That's why my Phillips drivers mess them up a bit.  Have to get one for my workshop, I believe the JIS +2, but getting one on a little multi would mean no killing the heads when out.  They are the only screwheads on my bike.  Everthing else is Hex/Allen and a few, increasingly, torx.  Torx 25 is generally the standard on discs, I believe, which is why they are more common.

If nearly every manufacturer & reviewer doesn't know about JIS, what chance do enthusiast & everyday cyclists?

For spokesmen podcast mentioning JIS: http://traffic.libsyn.com/spokesmen/The_Spokesmen_113.mp3

 

Avatar
brooksby replied to ktache | 7 years ago
1 like
ktache wrote:

Brooksby, the odd crossheads on my Vs and derailleurs, being shimano are not crossheads but Jaspanes Industry Standard.  James May on Reassembler got me onto it.  That's why my Phillips drivers mess them up a bit.  Have to get one for my workshop, I believe the JIS +2, but getting one on a little multi would mean no killing the heads when out.  ...

Eeek! Really?  I have Shimano too, and I had no idea that they weren't "standard" Phillips/cross-head. Dammit!

Avatar
Valbrona | 7 years ago
0 likes

Not many cross-head or Phillips on bikes. A slot-head blade fits every style of limit screw - SRAM/Shimano/Campag - whereas a cross-head does not.

Avatar
brooksby replied to Valbrona | 7 years ago
1 like
Valbrona wrote:

Not many cross-head or Phillips on bikes. A slot-head blade fits every style of limit screw - SRAM/Shimano/Campag - whereas a cross-head does not.

Teeny tiny cross-head screws as the balance screws on my V-brakes. So there yes

(Wouldn't dream of using a flat-head screwdriver on a cross-head screw, though...)

Avatar
ktache | 7 years ago
1 like

Has anyone ever seen a multitool utilisng a JIS screwdriver head?

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