One of my biggest peeves with multitools are tool arms too short to reach their objective. There have been times when I’ve needed to adjust a derailleur’s limit screw, shifter mount or other small bolt tucked away, and the tool in my pack just couldn’t get there. Not so with the Birzman Feexman Diversity 17.
Not all of the FD17’s allen wrenches are super long, but important ones are. The 5/8 combo is stretched, which is very helpful. They work as a pair by turning the 5 into an 8 with an adapter, and that part is held in place with a spring-loaded ball – the trick is not losing it when you’re using the 5.
The other sizes are slightly longer than usual, making them long enough to work because the carrier is slender in both dimensions, letting it squeeze between tight spots and still have a little room to twist. I had no problem adjusting all the things that commonly vex me.
With 17 tools on board, there’s something for most any problem you’re likely to encounter on the trail. Or the road. Or anything in between. The body is a high strength polymer, as are the tire levers, which are surprisingly stiff. Weight on our scale is 181g. The tool contains the following:
– 2/2.5/3/4/5/6/8mm/T25
– Chain rivet extractor ( 8-12 speed, 3/32″ single speed )
– Chain hook
– Spoke wrench 3.2/3.4
– Cross head screwdriver #1
– Flat head screwdriver 4.5
– Tire levers ( One with a spoke hook, one with air release knob for Schrader valves ).
– CO2 valve head ( Presta / Schrader ) compatible with threaded cartridges.
– Dimensions: 10 x 4.6 x 2.4cm
Tool bits are Chrome Vanadium, and the chain breaker is a mix of alloy and steel. While I haven’t had to use the CO2 yet, the process is quite clever and keeps your hands off the cartridge so you don’t freezer burn your fingers:
If you’re looking for a mini-tool that’s compact yet complete, and has longer tool arms than most, I’ve had good success with this one. Retail is a very reasonable $33 (€32,90 / £27.99).
