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Pro Bike Tool 17 in 1 Review

An inexpensive, user-friendly multi-tool with all of the basic functions necessary to keep you rolling
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Pro Bike Tool 17 in 1 Review (The frame is a little bit short for optimal leverage, but the width fits nicely in the palm.)
The frame is a little bit short for optimal leverage, but the width fits nicely in the palm.
Credit: Zach Wick
Price:  $28 List
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Manufacturer:   Pro Bike Tool
By Zach Wick ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 31, 2023

Our Verdict

With its impressive performance and reasonable price, we feel the Pro Bike Tool 17 in 1 is the best value in the test. This tool covers all of the basics, and the simple layout makes tool selection and use straightforward. The steel tool bits are durable, and the aluminum frame holds up to significant torque without any noticeable flex. Each bit is engraved with a label, so you can be sure you're pulling out the right tool for the job. While the bits are on the shorter side among tools we tested, and the chain breaker requires a bit of extra elbow grease to pop a chain pin, we highly recommend the 17 in 1 to anyone looking for an inexpensive and reliable tool. See it rated versus top competitors in our review of the best bike multi-tools.
REASONS TO BUY
Simple layout
Lightweight
Ergonomic frame
REASONS TO AVOID
Chain tool lacks leverage
Short bits
Editor's Note: We updated this review on December 30, 2023, to update our testing metrics.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Five years ago Pro Bike Tool may not have been a household name in the cycling industry, but the company is quickly gaining popularity and reach by providing high-quality tools at accessible prices. Their mission to create easy-to-use, reliable, and affordable tools is manifested in the 17 in 1 multi-tool. This tool doesn't come with any harebrained design gimmicks or marketing fluff. It's a straightforward, well-executed design that packs the essential functions necessary to keep most bikes rolling through common mid-ride mishaps.

Performance Comparison


pro bike tool 17 in 1 - the diminutive aluminum frame of the pro bike tool 17 in 1 packs an...
The diminutive aluminum frame of the Pro Bike Tool 17 in 1 packs an impressive number of functions.
Credit: Zach Wick

Features


A multi-tool is only as good as the repairs that it can handle, and the 17 in 1 has the capability to solve most minor mechanical issues. With seventeen functions, this tool isn't the most feature-laden model we tested, but it also doesn't waste space or add weight by including superfluous bits. The suite of tools includes all of the common hex sizes with 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex keys, a T25 Torx bit, a Philips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, 13, 14, 15, and 16 gauge, and Mavic spline spoke wrenches, a chain breaker, and the all-important bottle opener.

The 17 in 1's features go slightly beyond what we consider the basics necessary for a good multi-tool. The nearly-full suite of hex wrenches should be enough to tackle any hex bolt on a modern bike, and the variety of spoke wrenches certainly have you covered if a wheel needs attention. The lack of Torx wrench variety is the only real issue you might encounter. While the T25 is the most common Torx size found on modern bikes, you will almost certainly run across a T15 or T30 bolt occasionally. These bolts don't live in places that commonly need adjustment or repair mid-ride, but if you want to be prepared for any eventuality, you might want to look at some of the more full-featured models we tested.

pro bike tool 17 in 1 - the frame is a little bit short for optimal leverage, but the width...
The frame is a little bit short for optimal leverage, but the width fits nicely in the palm.
Credit: Zach Wick

Ergonomics


Despite the 17 in 1's relatively diminutive size and light weight, we found it fairly ergonomically friendly. The 1 3/4 x 2 3/4 x 1/2 inch frame fits well in the palm and provides solid leverage in high-torque operations. The aluminum frame is also quite sturdy, and each side is smooth with rounded edges. This means that you can apply just about as much pressure as you want without the frame digging into your palm or flexing. The shape and size mean that this tool doesn't provide quite as much leverage as some of the larger tools in the test, but it holds its own surprisingly well.

The main ergonomic sacrifices that the 17 in 1 makes for the sake of size are the relatively short tool bits and the small-handled chain breaker. The bits aren't the shortest we tested, and they should work just fine in most situations and for most bikes. Hard-to-reach, recessed bolts often found on pedals, derailleurs, and cranksets could pose an issue for the stubby wrenches. Although, we wouldn't necessarily advise using a multi-tool for high-torque operations like crank or pedal removal. The basic chain breaker design is fairly common among multi-tools, and all of them typically have the same issue as the 17 in 1. The small handle fin can be hard to hold during the pin-pressing process, and it requires a bit of strength to complete the operation.

pro bike tool 17 in 1 - this tool got us out of a few mid-ride binds without much hassle...
This tool got us out of a few mid-ride binds without much hassle, and for that we are thankful.
Credit: Zach Wick

Portability


The 17 in 1 isn't the lightest or most compact tool we tested, but at 112-grams and half an inch thick it's very portable. The low-profile design slips easily into a jersey or shorts pocket, and the low weight means it doesn't bounce around or create a nuisance while riding. If you want to carry it in a pack or saddlebag, it leaves plenty of space for some extra snacks along with your tube and first aid kit.

Pro Bike Tool includes a small carrying case, but, while the case looks nice, we quickly came to the conclusion that it was unnecessary. With all of the tools folded into the frame, the profile is smooth without any bulges and it stores nicely regardless of whether it's in the carrying case or not. If you're looking for the lightest tool, the 17 in 1 is bested slightly by a few other models we tested. But these tools packs fewer functions than the 17 in 1, and of course, will cost you a few bucks more.

pro bike tool 17 in 1 - this little tool fits nicely into a pocket or pack.
This little tool fits nicely into a pocket or pack.
Credit: Zach Wick

Ease of Use


Its simple layout and user-friendly nature is the 17 in 1's biggest strength. This tool is among the easiest to use of any tool we tested. The traditional rectangular frame shape with folding tools packed into its interior makes tool selection quick and easy. Each bit is engraved with a label, so you never need to question which hex size you're looking at. When it comes time to pull this tool out and make an adjustment on your bike, there's no disassembly or digging around for bits required. Simply rotate out the bit that you need and wrench away.

The only aspect of this tool that we didn't find user-friendly is the 8mm hex bit. Rather than including a standalone 8mm hex, Pro Bike Tool chose to use a small bit that fits over the 5mm hex wrench. This means that in order to use the 5mm hex, you need to remove the 8mm bit and do your best not to lose it while you're working. The tiny bit could easily disappear if you drop it in the dirt on the side of the trail or if it bounces away on the pavement. We understand that the 8mm hex takes up considerable space and that combining it with the 5mm bit allows for the compact design, but for the sake of user-friendliness, we would prefer a bit that doesn't separate from the main body of the tool.

pro bike tool 17 in 1 - the small 8mm bit that fits over the 5mm hex wrench could easily be...
The small 8mm bit that fits over the 5mm hex wrench could easily be lost during a hurried repair.
Credit: Zach Wick

Construction Quality


Our experience in testing indicates that this tool will serve you well as long as you can manage to keep tabs on it. After countless wrenching operations the CNC machined steel bits look as good as they did when we pulled them out of the package and the aluminum frame shows no signs of wear. The T25 Torx bit held up well to our rotor bolt torque test, showing no signs of spinning on us. Even if you're a ham-fisted mechanic, these tools should hold up to the punishment you dish out.

Should You Buy the Pro Bike Tool 17 in 1


If you are a budget-conscious rider who wants a tool for the trail, the Pro Bike Tool 17 in 1 may give you more than you asked for. You don't often find a solidly built, all metal construction tool that is easy to use at a fair price. The 17 in 1 is the standard flip out style multi-tool, offering almost any tool you may need for trail repairs. It rated very well on most of the metrics and the only concerns were related to tool length and chain breaker leverage. For the overall quality and price of this little beast, those concerns are minor in our eyes.

pro bike tool 17 in 1 - the steel bits held up during our field test.
The steel bits held up during our field test.
Credit: Zach Wick

What Other Multi-Tool Should You Consider


If you are looking for a similar folding tool at a reasonable price, take a gander at the Fabric 16 in 1. The Fabric is almost the same tool just minus the flathead screwdriver but costs a few dollars more. The Crank Brothers M19 is another well-made tool with solid construction, but it will run you more money for a similar unit. The ToPeak Ninja 16+ is the next-in-line option that will give you many of the same tools in a portable package, but with a higher price and a polymer body.

Zach Wick