Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
Cost: $64.95
How obtained: Sample from the company
RBR sponsor? No
Availability: retail and online
Website: https://www.topeak.com/global/en/products/75-Mini-Tools/1369-ALiEN-X
I’m a sucker for all-in-one bicycle multi-tools. So one of my favorite gifts over the holidays was Topeak’s ALiEN X, the updated version of their most fully featured ride saver.
Opening the package, the thing that surprised me straight away was how tiny it is at only 3.1 x 1.8 x 1.6 inches (7.8 x 4.5 x 4cm). Smaller is better when it comes to take-along tiny folding tool kits and the X will easily fit in every pack and all but the smallest seat bags. Or carry it in a pocket if you don’t mind its weight (204 grams).
I like having a full assortment of tools along on rides because while I don’t expect to need them for my own bike, I never know what challenges await on my friends’ bikes. It’s fun to be the person to have just the problem-solver needed to get everyone back on the road.
The ALiEN X can perform 34 functions with its full assortment of tools, almost all made of tough chrome vanadium steel. Some of the highlights include several handy chain tools, such as a chain hook, pliers for separating quick links and a chain breaker that includes a second shelf for easily loosening stiff links after driving in chain pins (even some dedicated chain tools don’t have this feature).
There’s also a tire lever, a disc brake pad spacer (removable), a Presta valve core removal tool and a sharp knife with a partly serrated blade for sawing. The knife has a removable nylon cover for safety – I haven’t seen that before and it’s a smart addition.
The tools that need the stability for best use lock in the open position, like the knife, the master link plier arms and the multi-sized spoke wrench. The other tools pivot freely for getting the body of the tool (the handle) positioned right for sufficient leverage and comfort.
Topeak filled the ALiEN X with hex keys and torx tools for what’s on most modern bicycles. So it’s the wrong mini-tool for bikes requiring wrenches for hex nuts. For those, go back a generation and get the ALiEN III, which is still available online.
The ALiEN’s body is made of an engineered grade polymer with rounded corners for durability and a good grip. The tools’ two halves simply slide together and lock in place.
Last but not least – and I didn’t realize this until I read Topeak’s owners’ manual, they even include holders hidden inside the chain tool half of the tool (naturally) for stashing a chain master link (you provide your own – it’s not included).
Here’s the manual if you’d like to learn how all the tools work: https://cdn.topeak.com/storage/app/media/download/product-manual/Alien%20X/M-ALiEN_X_ML-2020-08_web.pdf.
For a complete list of all the tools/functions, see the illustration here with the callouts. I’m impressed with everything Topeak has packed into this little helper from another planet and I think if you appreciate fully featured multi-tools you’ll like this one a lot. It even comes with its own nylon bag, a thoughtful bonus that will help keep the tools like new.
Ride total: 9,870
I’ve had a multi tool in my seat bag for decades and I can’t remember ever using it. I would like one with just a few simple tools to repair a chain and some allen wrenches. I certainly don’t need to lug around a tool like this.
What, no pedal wrench adaptor like past Topeak multitools?
Hi Bob,
The pedal wrench on this tool is the 6mm and 8mm hex keys FYI.
Hope that helps,
Jim
I’ve used an ALIEN (the earlier model) for years. Like you probably do, I get a lot of kidding about the big multi tool from the hot-shots who travel “light”. Then guess who saves their ride when the inevitable breakdown happens. The master link pliers are a welcome addition to the new model.
Yes, I have fixed many a bike for people who travel “light,” “energizer.” They’re always very appreciative.. and happy to let me do it!
Jim
And the alternative reality is a well-maintained bike with quality components. I the past few hundred thousand road miles, I have really only had flat tires. I carry 4 & 5 mm Allen wrenches and very occasionally need one of them.. I have cut a notch in my house key to serve as a spoke wrench and can true the wheel if I break a spoke or experience a rim failure (has happened 3 times in the last 200K miles) Beyond that, I have never been stranded by a mechanical, YMMV.
Now if they can just squeeze in a pump;)
I must not maintain as exquisitely as some of you: I find things to tighten all the time on rides. Myself or friends adjust seat heights regularly. I also tour, and the multi is invaluable for adjustments and things getting loose beyond the bike.
One thing this tool doesn’t have is an appointed disc straightener. Will the spoke holder work for this, or would I have to keep carrying my small adjustable wrench?
I haven’t seen this tool in real life, but I was wondering if the slot in the disk brake pad spacer was designed to straighten a rotor?
Hi Dave and Fred,
Topeak labels a slot in one of the arms of the chain pliers as a spoke holder. You can see it in the photo on this page of the guy using the pliers to open a quick chain link.
I thought that slot looked a little wide to be able to hold spokes well. (I assume they mean hold aero/bladed spokes to prevent it from twisting when you’re truing a warped wheel on the road. So I tried it on the oval spokes on my wheels and it’s definitely too wide to work on those.
I tried it on a disc rotor next and it went right on. So maybe they labeled it wrong? It’s not a long slot so it doesn’t hold onto much of the rotor. But, I think if you used the tool to hold the outside edge of the rotor and used your thumb to put pressure where you want it instead of just at the edge, it might work in a pinch to true a rotor.
I did try the brake pad spacers and it didn’t fit on the rotor.
Thanks for the question and I hope this is helpful,
Jim
Personally, I find individual tools more useful than an all-in-one tool. My tool kit is really sized for MTB rides. I only have one Rule 31 bag that I carry on both road and MTB rides. I carry a hex key set, chain tool, spoke tool, tire levers, tweezers & weatherman micra.
I carry a Victorinox Swiss Army Bike Tool Kit. We had a seat rail come loose in a fast group ride and I was out drawn by rapid-fire Allen wrench tools coming out of ride bags from all directions after we stopped. My Swiss Army kit is high quality/light weight but slow to use, best for solo rides, and buried down in my ride bag. It would be cool to have a small quick-link and chain breaker tool plus carry extra chain segments and links. Not to heavy an option for non-racers.
I have used a lot of multitools from minimalist to everything tools. What I always wonder with a multitool is not how many tools are there but can I get it to where it is needed, and will I have room to turn it? I have often heard bikepackers say that individual hex wrenches work better for them, and maybe this is because their frames and handlebars are quite crowded. Also, if you have bolt on frame bags and feed bags and such, there isn’t a lot of room to tighten them inside the bag. I like the idea of the the Alien coming in two, and perhaps this helps keep the tool from being too wide to turn. I would appreciate your thoughts on this.