Whether you are doing a short ride around the neighborhood or a century, it is important to bring tools with you. The Trek Pro BITS multi-tool is Trek’s go-to multi-tool that includes 18 functions to cover everything from tubeless repairs to simple handlebar angle adjustments. Retail price for the Trek Pro BITS is $76.99 which includes a removable multi-tool and holder which includes chain tools. Trek actually sells the 15 function multi-tool on its own as the Trek Elite BITS multi-tool for $43.99. With the PRO version Trek includes tire plugs, a quick-link storage and a chain tool integrated into the outer holder in a compact form factor.
The Trek Pro BITS multi-tool combines an outer holder with chain tools and an 15 function folding multi-tool.
| Retail Price | $76.99 |
| Rating | 9.6 / 10 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 162 (complete), 100 (multi-tool alone) |
| Likes | + Compact form factor that is easy to travel with + Clever design with inset hex bits to maximize functionality + Includes wide range of functions for adjustments or repairs |
| Dislikes | – No storage bag included – Short length of bits limits leverage compared to larger tools |
| Where to Buy (US) | Trek |
UNBOXING
The Trek Pro BITS multi-tool comes in a compact white cardboard box with an illustration of the tool on the front. Inside the box you’ll find the tool held inside a cardboard holder. Trek also includes three tire plugs inside the plug storage compartment with the tool.
FIT & FINISH
The Trek Pro BITS Multi-Tool is a two piece tool with a compact dual row multi-tool that sits inside a plastic and metal outer holder for additional functionality and storage. At its core, you have the Trek Elite BITS Multi-Tool which is a 15 function multi-tool. It’s a compact swiveling multi-tool with an anodized aluminum holder and laser cut steel tools. In terms of dimensions, the multi-tool on its own is 68 x 28 x 12 mm or 2.7 x 1.1 x 0.47 inches which makes it easy to stash in a saddle bag or pocket. With the outer holder the dimensions increase to 94 x 29 x 21 mm or 3.7 x 1.1 x 0.8 inches which is still portable. What is special about the Pro BITS version is that Trek adds the plastic and metal outer holder. You simply slide the multi tool into it to stash it away with plastic tabs at the ends ensuring the tool stays in place.
Beneath the multi-tool slot there are two slots for chain master links, not included with the set, which ensures you are ready for any type of chain failure. This outer piece has a few clever features like a sliding door on the bottom that stores the included tire plugs. It’s clear Trek has thoroughly tested the design, as the door has a textured surface and three raised slots to ensure the door can easily be slid on or off smoothly. The storage door actually serves two purposes, one to store the tire plugs and to also reveal the metal chain breaker. If you remove the cover you can access the chain tool and use the multi-tool with the 3mm hex bit to attach or remove a chain pin. There is also a clever outer slot that lets you use the tire plug holder through the holder for additional leverage.
As far as the actual tools, the inner multi-tool has 15 functions with a two row swiveling design. Trek includes 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex tools, T25, Phillips and flat screwdrivers, tubeless tire reamer, and a chain tool. One of the unique features of this multi-tool is the so-called “ghost key” which is a combination tool that resembles a key. The “ghost key” includes size 0, 1, and 2 spoke wrenches, valve core removal tool, and valve extender wrench all cut out of one piece of metal. It’s impressive how the Trek engineers were able to fit so many functions onto something that is on par with a house key.
Trek has also been clever about the tool design with the smaller hex bits inset into larger hex bits. The smaller 2 and 3 mm hex bits are so small there isn’t enough space for actual numeric labels so Trek uses horizontal lines to indicate the size. Otherwise the tools have darker gray labels which makes it easy to identify the tools. Even the outer holder has a nice Trek logo ghosted onto the anodized aluminum body.
ON THE BIKE
With the small size of the Trek Pro BITS tool we threw it in our Silca saddlebag for shorter rides and in our Tailfin top tube bag for longer rides. The wide range of Hex and other bits make it perfect for small adjustments like seat posts or stems and even removing thru-axles which require larger hex bit sizes. While the length of the bits are shorter compared to larger tools like the Topeak Mini PT30 due to the smaller dimensions of the tool, it is still easy to work with tight tolerances and easy to see labels on the bits. The multi-tool has a snug friction fit into the outer holder which helps it stay in place securely even on long rides. It’s also nice having the peace of mind with the additional chain breaker and tire plugs in their own compartment. As with most compact chain tools, it’s never quite as good as a dedicated tool but works well and is surprisingly ergonomic as the holder has a U shape with the multi-tool removed.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Trek Pro BITS Multi-Tool to be a well designed and packaged multi-tool. With the Pro version, Trek combines the 15 function multi-tool in a clever outer holder that doubles as additional storage and a chain tool. It’s a fairly compact design given all the function with the usual attention to detail we’ve come to expect from Trek such as textured outer door and engraved labels on the bits. We were impressed with the wide range of functions the multi-tool has from standard Hex and Torx to spoke tools and tubeless tire repair. For those who don’t need additional chain or tire tools, the Trek Elite Multi-Tool is also an excellent option with 15 functions on its own. The only improvements we would have liked to see is some sort of storage bag and slightly longer bits for more leverage. That said, the Trek Pro BITS Multi-Tool is a convenient and highly portable multi-tool that lets you do roadside repairs or adjustments with ease.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Trek. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.