Silca Italian Tredici multi-tool review

The Silca Italian Tredici multi-tool continues the brand’s reputation for making quality-feeling kit.

The Tredici features Allen keys in 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm and 8mm (as an adaptor attached to the 5mm key) sizes along with three Torx keys that include a T10, T20 and T25.

It has Phillips PH2 and flat-head screwdrivers and a disc pad spreader. Cut into the pad spreader are two spoke keys, and the forged and machined sidebars have a built-in magnetic chain-quick-link holder.

Each tool is double chromed to help reduce the chances of corrosion, while the tool pivot is made from stainless steel. The tool measures 41mm wide, 12mm deep and 71mm long, and weighs 100g.

The Tredici tool feels well-made and solid despite its light weight. It’s reasonably well equipped too, but there are some notable omissions, including a chain breaker. This means it’s best suited to being used as an emergency tool or one that can be used to make set up adjustments and tighten bolts, rather than an all-encompassing repair-any-breakdown companion.

During testing, the tools remained tight on their pivot and the sidebar’s anodising brushed off scuffs and damage well. When left in a damp pack, corrosion wasn’t a problem either.

General Allen key bit tolerances were okay, but given the tool’s price it wasn’t as good as I was hoping; the 5mm tool felt particularly loose in all the bolts I tried it on. I put this down to it having a small sprung ball bearing to attach the 8mm Allen key adaptor.

The accuracy of Torx keys was much better, though.

The 8mm Allen key was gusto enough to comfortably undo tightly-fastened pedals and the tool didn’t flex under high loads.

The rest of the Allen keys were just long enough to access most recessed bolts – including disc caliper and disc rotor bolts – but there might be some instances on your bike where they won’t reach.

On my Yeti SB165 long-term test bike, the 5mm Allen key wasn’t able to access the Switch Infiniti bolts, for example. Adjusting brake lever reach with the 2mm Allen key was possible, but slow going because the tool’s body contacted the brake lever.

The tool's beauty is clearly in its light weight and will be best suited to someone who likes to tinker with their bike while on a ride or secure the occasional loose bolt. You’ll have to pay for the privilege, though.

Silca Italian Tredici multi-tool bottom line

A quality feeling and looking tool that lacks a little in Allen key sharpness and variety, but it should appeal to weight and space conscious riders.