Brake cables and bike tool for the trail?

[Austin_Metro]

I need to replace the brake cable on my child's bike (Tekro centre pull jobs). Is there a brand of choice for this sort of thing? I just want something decent. Are they all ok?

Also, I'd like a multi-tool or tools to carry with me on my bike. What are the tools of choice for this? Extra 'internet points' if made out of titanium (etc)...

Thanks, Austin.

[LeadFarmer]

I three Allen key tool is useful to carry

[Austin_Metro]

Funny you should suggest that ... when my water bottle mount came loose today, I would have been pleased to have packed one!

[dudleybloke]

I have a folding Allen key set and a smallish multitool on the bike whenever I go anywhere.

[blueovercream]

For a child's bike I don't think the cable brand will matter. I've used Clark's if you're looking for a brand.

I can recommend the Topeak Alien as a trail-side multi-tool.

[Austin_Metro]

Thanks all. Any further contribs welcomed.

Topeak Alien II (there is also a III) seems quite a beast.

https://www.tweekscycles.com/uk/topeak-alien-ii-26...

[Austin_Metro]

Blueovercream - the Topeak website is a whole world of new 'essential' tools. Thanks for that!

[GravelBen]

There are a wide array of good multitools, and no doubt some not so good ones too. Its tempting to think 'the more features the better', but also look at the weight and bulk especially if you're going to be slipping it into a pocket.

A small tool in your pocket with just the essentials is more useful than a many-featured tool you left at home because it was chunky and you were only going for a short ride so didn't bother taking it.

I have a Crank Brothers M10 which I find a good compromise between function and bulk.

[defblade]

Austin_Metro said:

Thanks all. Any further contribs welcomed.

Topeak Alien II (there is also a III) seems quite a beast.

https://www.tweekscycles.com/uk/topeak-alien-ii-26...

I've had the original Alien for year and years. It's a little heavy, but everything's there and it's well thought out... my favourite example (although looking at the pics of the 2, this may have changed ) is the heads of the bolts/pivots holding all the tools on each half - the half with the spanners etc has an allen-head bolt; the allen key side has a crosshead - which means you can use each half to service the other half

[beambeam1]

https://www.topeak.com/us/en/products/275-Ninja-Se...

Means you'll never forget it. Here's mine:





Granted, it is a bit pricey but it was a Christmas gift.