Review of Topeak Alien DX 27-Function Bicycle Tool

Topeak Alien DX 27-Function Bicycle Tool
By: Topeak Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 2
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Awsome

On: 2009-03-25

What else can I say. It comes with a nifty velcro pouch and helped me a few times so far. I ride a Gary Fisher Montare and this tool does the job. Would recomend

Useful tool

On: 2009-02-15

I purchased this tool for our family trail bike rides to accompany extra tubes, etc... While the tool has a wide range of wrenches, it is limited. The disappointment is the designer had in mind that all bikes have quick release tires/rims and seats. I changed the tire/rim and seat quick releases to standard nut attachment on the rims and seats since they were upgraded on our bikes and we did not want to lose them with a simple "quick release." Thus, the wrench that fits the tire/rim nuts is small and hard to use for changing a tire, as I put it through this test and is also a pedal wrench. I found it difficult to use on the pedals since it is really too small.

Next, a wrench to fit the replaced bolt and nut (14mm) for the seat is not provided, so unless another tool is carried, we cant adjust our seats if necessary.

The chain tool was tested on an old bike that needed a new chain and worked sufficiently. I cant figure out how I would use the mini pliers, unless to cut a wire, as they are too small and hard to get a good grip with your thumb. My Champion Victorinox Swiss Army Knife has a plier that is bigger than this one and much more useful. Also a pair of scissors on this tool would have been helpful as well.

I really could not figure out why so many allen wrenches and figure this would be more toward racing bikes or high end bikes.

Otherwise the tool is useful to have since it is small and compact and can be there in a pinch. I purchased Inline Pedal wrench that has a 14/15 mm box wrenchs on the opposite end which solved the Aliens limits to carry in our travel tool bag.