It goes without saying, a good multi-tool is an essential in every mountain bikers hydration pack, and Lezyne make some of the nicest tools available. The latest, the RAP 7, cunningly includes a small LED light that has the potential to make trail side repairs that bit easier.

It’s a compact tool and smartly designed (we don’t judge tools on their looks but the pleasing aesthetics is a definite box ticked for us) and houses seven tool bits made from forged and drawn chrome vanadium. Included are 2.5, 4, 5 and 5mm Allen tools, a Torx T25 and a Phillips head screwdriver. These are the very essentials and all you really need for most simple maintenance and repair jobs on the majority of bikes.

The tool bits are very nicely machined and it’s an easy tool to work with, being light and sturdy enough for all but serious workshop sessions. The double bent tool bits means they’re centrally aligned, this makes tightening and loosening nuts a more ergonomic experience. You get a decent amount of leverage despite its diminutive size too. If you need any more leverage you really need to be reaching for workshop tools.

Which just leaves us with the mini LED. It’s a 1 lumen LED powered by tiny AG1 batteries (usually used in hearing devices) and is good for 3-4 hours battery life. Switching it on is a matter of twisting the CNC body to press the internal contacts together. In a stroke of genius the hollowed out body of the LED slots over the 5mm tool bit. A ball bearing recessed in the tool bit keeps it in place. A rubber band slips over the tool to keep mud and crap out.

We can see the value of having a small LED to hand. Some people like to carry a small Maglite on their key rings. However if you’re night riding and have a trailside repair, it’s likely you’ll have a much brighter light to hand for illuminating the intended repair area. It also doesn’t kick out all that much light on the trail side either so is of limited use when you actually need to fix a broken component or adjust something. So we’re left a little bemused by the light, and can’t help questioning its apparent pointlessness. We’ve not had one occasion when we’ve needed to use it. It does make a good talking point on the trail side though…

Verdict

Nice tool, shame about the LED.

Pros

Well designed
Solid
Good complement of tools

Cons

Largely pointless light

What Lezyne say

Lezyne RAP LED Tools have all the functionality of the standard RAP tools with the addition of a compact LED tool light. The light body is made of CNC machined aluminum and is activated by a on/off twist operation. The light slips over the 5mm allen and snaps in place with a spring loaded ball. Two AG1 button cell batteries power the 1lm LED for night time illumination.

More information: www.upgradebikes.co.uk 
Price: £14.99