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Blackburn Wayside Multi Tool

8
£29.99

VERDICT:

8
10
A well-thought-out, well-made multi tool suitable for both roadies and CX/mountain biker types
Weight: 
200g
Contact: 

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The Blackburn Wayside is a great option as a comprehensive multi tool out on the road. There's a lot packed in for the size of the unit, and with features such as a disc brake pad separator, it's obvious lots of thought has gone into the product, making it an almost one-stop shop for your fettling needs.

Given the vast array of tools and functions available on the Wayside, it's hard to envisage a scenario on the road (or trail) – spares permitting – that it couldn't deal with. It includes a chain tool, chain assembly hook, disc brake pad separator, 6mm and 8mm hex keys (the 8mm is hollow), T25 and T30 Torx keys, spoke keys, a Presta valve core tool, flat head screwdriver, serrated knife and further individual hex keys – 2, 2.5, 3, 4 and 5mm – all contained within a 200g unit measuring 86x53x23mm.

> Find your nearest dealer here

> Buy this online here

One of the standout features is the built-in bracket housing five separate hex keys (all ball-ended). This makes using the L-shaped keys far easier than if they were permanently attached to the body of the Wayside, and doesn't add much in the way of bulk. Sure, it's not the slimmest multi tool I've ever seen, but it's by no mean huge and is more than made up for by the sheer flexibility of the unit.

Build quality is also great – it's made of tough and dense, high quality materials that aren't about to bevel or round off any time soon with proper use (hence the 200g weight). Weight weenies won't enjoy that, but for anyone else wanting decent quality to pack into their saddlebag, it's not an issue.

Blackburn Wayside Multitool - open.jpg

Design is also a sticking point with lots of multi tools; it's no good having the kit and caboodle if you can't access them. Here, with clever design work, and parts such as the the chain assembly hook and the individual hex keys coming off, space is freed up for the rest of the device to work its magic. I had a go with all the bits at various points, and found them all easily accessible.

> Check out our guide to the best multi tools here

In fact, the only flaw I could spot was that when the chain tool and spoke key unit was exposed, I found it popped the chain assembly hook out when I replaced it. It's a small thing – but worth mentioning because it could be quite easy to lose. It really is just a niggle, and with the Wayside costing £29.99, it's hardly something to criticise it for.

And there's no danger of the bits falling out when it's fitted back together – the chain assembly tool fits snugly, while there's a rubber band to hold everything together around the outside for that extra security.

All in all, it's a great tool that will have a multitude of uses, whether on the road or trail. Enough said.

Verdict

A well-thought-out, well-made multi tool suitable for both roadies and CX/mountain biker types

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Blackburn Wayside Multi Tool

Size tested: 19 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?

Blackburn says: "Remember that time on the trail [or road] when your brake lever reach went out of whack? Unfortunately, your multi-tool couldn't get out of its own way to turn the adjustment screw. This multi-tool changes all of that."

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

19 functions:

- Individual Hex Keys: 'L' bend with ball end to get into funky places: 2, 2.5, 3, 4 & 5mm sizes

- Knife Blade: Locking and serrated for your pleasure

- Chain Tool: 7–11 speed compatible

- Chain Assembly Hook: To assist in chain repair

- Disc Brake Pad Spreader: Easily resets disc brake pads

- 8mm Hex: With hollow core that will accept loose hex keys to provide additional leverage

- Torx Keys: Essential for modern bikes: T25, T30 sizes

- Spoke Wrenches: Located on the chain tool handle: #0, #1 & #2 sizes

- Presta Valve Core Tool: Reinstalls or tightens tube valve core

- Flat Head Screwdriver

Weight: 200g / 0.44lbs

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

It's sturdy and well made. The only slightly weak point is arguably the plastic bracket for the separate hex tools.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

Very well built – I won't expect it to wear down in a hurry.

Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
6/10

It's no lightweight tool, if that matters.

Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

A fair price for the quality and number of tools – you can certainly pay more.

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

Very well – a good design works wonders.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Disc pad separator (while not useful for me specifically) will be helpful for many.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing, to be honest.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes – if weight wasn't their concern.

Use this box to explain your score

It's a very good, well-designed, comprehensive multi tool at a fair price.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 25  Height: 188cm  Weight: 83kg

I usually ride: Specialized Allez Sport  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding

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1 comments

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Yorky-M | 8 years ago
0 likes

not sure about the knife, but blackburn tools last and last and last.....

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