The Fabric 16-in-1 Compact Multi-Tool
We take a look at the Fabric 16-in-1 Compact Multi-Tool in this review. Made from CNC’d steel this small form factor stunning bit of kit manages to squeeze in 16 tools into something that will easily fit into your pocket.
Fabric is an award-winning company that makes components for all forms of cycling from road to mountain biking.
Fabric are known for creating aesthetically pleasing product design that not only looks high-end but performs exceptionally as well. Will this Fabric 16-in-1 compact bicycle multi-tool live up to this reputation?
The Multi-Tool
My first thoughts looking at this bicycle multi-tool is that it lives up to its name and is indeed compact. At 46mm x 71mm and only weighing 110g Fabric really have made great use of limited space.
The tool features rounded sides so that it’s ergonomic and comfortable to use. Each tool bit can rotate 360 degrees around its axis making it easy to access awkward positions on the bike and leverage the tool body as a handle.
The Sixteen functions
- Hex key (mm): 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8
- Spoke gauge: 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
- Phillips head: 2
- Torque: 25
- Mavic spline
- Bottle opener
- Chain splitter
Review
Having used this tool for a couple of months now I can say that I’m impressed. It easily fits in my pocket or bag and you barely notice it’s there.
When you inevitably need to use the tool, it has pretty much everything you require to get your bike up and running again in no time. 16 tools pretty much make this item a workshop in your pocket.
Unlike some other multi-tools, this one so far has stayed together and tight. Often the pins come loose and you need another tool just to tighten the multi-tool to prevent it coming apart.
Fabric state on their site that they have used Lock-tight sealed bits.
Summary
At 24.99 this isn’t the cheapest multi-tool on the market but the quality of the materials, design and compact form factor make this an elegant, ergonomic tool that is easy to use and fit in your pocket on all rides.
Having 16-in-1 tools means your pretty much covered for most mechanicals apart from perhaps flat tyres.
I take this tool with me on every ride. It’s got me out of some pretty sticky situations a few times and I would happily recommend it to those that appreciate quality design.
I would love to see Fabric create some on-bike storage solutions similar to OneUp Components EDC tool.
What do you think?
What do you think of the Fabric 16-in-1 compact multi-tool? Do you carry a tool with you when you go out on rides? What other tools have you tried?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
You can also check out our review of the Fabric Magic Saddle here
