The cycling multi-tool is typically a lesson in compromise. It has to have all of the bits we need to wrench our bike in an emergency while still remaining small enough to fit in a saddle bag or empty water bottle. The result is typically a product that has the parts you need in a package that provides you little to no leverage. Does it work? Yes. Could it be better? Fix It Sticks believed so, and their Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition proves it to be true.
Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition
Unlike most multi-tools, the Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition isn’t a single tool with multiple attachments. Instead, the Replaceable Edition consists of two steel sticks that can be joined together to create a T wrench. This design allows for a very compact package that easily fits in your saddle bag, while still giving you more than enough leverage to tighten down that nagging bolt.
The original Fix It Sticks comes with 4 bits that are permanently mounted into the sticks. What makes the Replaceable Edition unique is that the sticks are now fitted with Neodymium magnets at the ends to hold the 8 included interchangeable bits (2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm Hex, Torx 25, Phillips #2) in place. As a side note, we love that they included a Torx bit here. The extra bits are packaged in a simple plastic tube that can be easily thrown in your saddle bag. You can also preload the sticks with the 4 bits you are most likely to use. The tradeoff for this practicality is a bit of weight (151 grams for all bits and 116 grams with 4 bits in place versus the 51 grams of the original).
Our Thoughts
The Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition has become a team favorite. Because we are often on the road with new bikes that were quickly fitted, having the ability to make small adjustments on the fly makes life that much easier. But more than that, at least one editor has added the Replaceable Edition to their personal saddle bag (usually preloaded with the 3, 4, 5MM Hex plus the Torx-25). Having that extra bit of torque can really make the difference between ending a ride early and making sure you get to go the distance.