If you go on rides more than a mile from the trail head this tool is a must have. The Wheels Manufacting Hanger Multi Tool, looks like a normal multi tool, but it hides a spare emergency derailleur hanger.
It packs the following tools in a super tiny American made package:
- 6,5,4,3,2.5,2mm Hex keys
- Phillips, Flat
- T25 Torx
Hanging off the side, attached by a knurled/machined knob is a derailleur hanger.
The hanger slips over your skewer and allows you to reattach a rear derailleur and ride out.
How you use it is pretty ingenious. First you unscrew the nut from the quick release.
Next you slip the hanger over the QR and reattach the nut.
Attach the derailleur and you can ride back out to the trail head.
Really whether or not you ride with gears or your carry an extra hanger for your frame this thing can save your ride. You know your buddy who never brings tools, or maintains their own bike? You have driven a few hours to some epic singletrack and they with will snap their derailleur off when you are as far from the car as possible. Since you are carrying this you’ll be able to hook them back up, get riding and not have to walk out of the woods.
If you do need a replacement hanger for your bike when you get home, check out Wheels Mfg hangers, they have one for every frame under the sun. http://wheelsmfg.com/content/view/686/27/
The wheels Manufacturing version is on the left, the original (from Turner) is on the right, the Wheels one actually looks nicer.
Check out what Wheels MFG has to say about the Hanger Multi Tool here: http://wheelsmfg.com/content/view/694/44/
If you have read this far, you are probably a bike geek, take a look at their catalog. They make everything. I need to pick up their stainless steel fastener kit.
