TESTED: Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X plus Ratchet

Mountain biking is an equipment intensive sport, and so tools are a part of it. While many of us have owned a Swiss Army knife at some point, and likely still do, the cross over with our mountain bike needs aren't massive. I almost always take a small one with me travelling, but what it does is limited. The Victorinox Swiss Tool range brings a lot of practicality, with a trade off in portability and pack size.

The model tested here packs in the Swiss Tool and case, and delivers full size pliers with cutters, flat head screwdrivers, size 1 and 2 Phillips head, bottle opener, can opener, file, knife, scissors and saw. All these tools lock into place with the full sized handle – something not always possible with multitools.

READ: AMB's multi-tool group test

This set also includes a leather carry case, which holds a corkscrew attachment that locks into the unit for a T-handle, a teeny tiny screwdriver, plus small ratchet with extender, and 6 tool bits with room to store 4 more. The tool comes with a 3mm and 4mm Allen key, T10 and T15 bits and Phillips 0 and 3 bits. The tool weighs 210g, but the whole kit as shown with the case is 373g. At 105mm long it's an easy fit in the hand for everyday use.

In use

The main part of the tool operates as you'd expect. The whole thing is stainless steel and made in Switzerland, so you know it will be good quality. I really like that the folding tools are just the same as those that were on the variety of folding knives I had growing up. From the ridiculously sharp mini saw, to the can opener and even the file.

The ratchet and tool bits really piqued my interest on this kit. The tool bits are a snug fit in the holder and in the ratchet head alike. Being open backed, you just flip the ratchet around depending on whether you need to tighten or loosen said bolt. The length fits easily in the hand and the little extender means you can get to just about any bolt on a bike.

The only downside is the mix of tool bits – but they are a universal fit. I removed the T10, T15 and Phillips, to sub in my own Wera bits of 2, 2.5, 5, 6 and 8mm and a T25. All up the bit holder, bits, ratchet and extender weigh 117g and can adjust everything I need to on my bike.

Verdict

This sort of tool may be overkill for your regular trail ride, but some of the tools will really start to make sense on a bikepacking trip or even as part of your travel gear. If you have some tool bits already, there is great scope to modify the tool set and have a great range of tools in a light, flat packed size for everyday use when riding. Then, when you need something for more indepth travels, camping trips, or just to carry on your belt when you go to fix a fence in the back paddock, you can have the full range of tools in a high-quality, well-made multitool. This would be perfect for the rider who does a bit of everything, and likes to invest in items to use for many years to come.

RRP: $449
From: victorinox.com.au

Hits:

– Swiss made in stainless steel
– Very wide range of locking tools
– High-quality ratchet tool

Misses:

– A different tool bit mix would suit mountain bikers