Spurcycle Tool Review: Pocketable Perfection

By Lucas

PUBLISHED Aug 25, 2025

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A pocket-sized multi-tool is an essential part of any bikepacking kit, whether it’s for trailside repairs or quick adjustments on the go. Many brands have released impressively compact tools, but that portability often comes at the cost of user-friendliness. I find searching around for the right bit to be a hassle with many folding tools, especially after they inevitably become caked with grime and no longer pivot smoothly. Their short extension and bulky form can make them tricky to use in small spaces, too.

I’d accepted these trade-off as an unavoidable part of using a multi-tool until around five years ago, when I first got my hands on the titanium Spurcycle Tool, a tiny T-handle tool with 10 bits and a handy carrying case that fits in your front pocket. It’s such a joy to use that I find my self eager for something to need adjusting when I’m out on the bike just so I can use it. First released in 2017, the Spurcycle Tool has undergone a handful of updates, most recently taking its current form this spring.

Rather than the conventional folding design used in most multi-tools, Spurcycle’s approach gives the removable bits room to breathe with a standalone design that also makes them visible at a glance. No more searching around for the right head obscured by another one. A magnetic bit holder slides smoothly from T to L-shape, improving handling and helping add leverage in even the tightest of spaces—think installing a water bottle cage or adjusting a saddle. The Tool’s color-coded quarter-inch bits (and the handle) fit neatly into a nylon holder, and tiny magnets keep the bits in place. The whole assembly tucks snugly into a grippy and durable TPU case with a snap closure.

The included bits (listed below) are made of chromed S2 steel and should cover most typical trailside fixes, but the Tool isn’t a replacement for a full repair kit. You’ll still want to carry your favorite tire levers, mini chain breaker, and other essentials. Some buyers will undoubtedly see this as a con, but for my needs, I’d rather carry the best of everything than make sacrifices for a single all-in-one solution.

Spurcycle Tool Bits

Comparing it to the previous version, there are several notable differences. First, the Tool is now made in Taiwan instead of the United States, and the price has been lowered from $69 to $59. Despite the lower cost, it’s superior to its predecessor in every way. Some changes are subtle and others are huge leaps forward for an already great tool.

The biggest improvement is the new nylon bit holder, which now has a slot for the T-handle, rather than it sitting alongside the bits. The holder is rigid rather than flexible, and it spans the full width of the case. A solid magnetic base means the bits are no longer at risk of falling out the bottom. The snap sensation of the bits clicking into the holder and the handle is truly satisfying, offering just the right amount of resistance. In fact, I’d go so far as to say the Tool almost doubles as a fidget toy. Another change of note is that the bit holder has been shortened slightly to allow it to fit into the case, meaning it has a tad less reach than before but is still highly useable. I’m not certain if it’s because it’s far newer or due to minor variations in machining tolerances, but the sliding action in the latest Tool feels ever so slightly less smooth than the older version. Time will tell whether it’s the former or the latter.

The fit and finish of the case itself have also been refined with better stitching, a subtly different texture, and a Spurcycle logo. Where the original weighed in at 93 grams, the new version weighs 95 grams—a tiny weight penalty for an all-around superior tool. When buttoned, the case has a 30mm x 95mm (1.18 x 3.75 inch) footprint, making it an ideal place to stash a little cash for emergencies, too. The black case looks good but can be a little difficult to spot at the bottom of a framebag, though the pop of blue in the logo helps.

Lastly, this is neither here not there, but a friendly warning: as much as you might be tempted to keep it in your pocket or backpack as an everyday tool, note that the TSA will eagerly confiscate it if you attempt to fly with the Spurcycle Tool, as Logan found out after this year’s Sea Otter, unfortunately. Let his experience be a lesson to toss it in your checked baggage for your next trip!

• Model/Size Tested: Spurcycle Tool
• Actual Weight: 95 grams (with case)
• Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
• Price: $59
• Manufacturer’s Details: Spurcycle