[rating:4.5] Topeak’s Hexus has everything you need in one tool, and the large handle provides plenty of leverage when you need it, but the tolerances on the Allen keys and the torx weren’t good, and there was a significant wobble factor.
Our more brutal tester (and there is always one who can only use tools in full-on destructor mode) wasn’t confident they’d last long in his hands before rounding off. There’s also something fussy about the way all the tools are ordered, and it’s not the easiest to work with when you’ve got cold hands.
That said, the chain tool was simple to use, and the snap-off plastic tyre levers were quick and effective.
The longer than average size and cast aluminium body does mean you can get far greater leverage than with some smaller tools. That’s handy if you need to remove a stubborn pedal using a 6mm or 8mm Allen key.
The plastic tyre levers clip into the end plates and one of them hooks over the spokes to make tyre removal easy. They’re safer than – but not as tough as – metal levers, so take care with stubborn tyres, especially given that one of them doubles up as a screwdriver for the chain tool.
For rejoining a chain, a loop of wire unclips from the tool so you don’t have to relieve tension by unhooking the chain from the chainrings – good for clean hands.
The Hexus has 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and slide-over 8mm Allen keys plus a T25 Torx driver, Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, and a 14 gauge spoke key.
