I’ve never kept count, but I imagine that in the past 10 years I’ve purchased at least 20 different compact multi-tools for my bikes. Like the Cynic philosopher Diogenes who spent his time looking for an honest man, I spend my time looking for great bicycle products. A few weeks ago the folks at Serfas sent me one of their new products for review, the Serfas ST-17i CO² Inflator / Mini-tool, and it has a few features that ought to be of interest to any cyclist. As an added bonus, I’ve not seen this product reviewed anywhere else yet—and I am always delighted when I can share new products with my readers.
Serfas ST-17i CO² Inflator / Mini-tool
Here is a breakdown of the seventeen tools in the Serfas ST-17i CO² Inflator / Mini-tool: Eight Allen keys (8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2.5, 2, and 1.5mm), one 10m open wrench, four spoke wrenches (3.23, 3.3, 3.45, 3.96mm), a chain break tool with two chain retainers, two Torx drivers (T25, T30), CO² Inflator head, and both a Philips and flat head screwdriver. This tool has a full metal body and is 2.75″ long, 1.5″ wide, and .75″ tall. This products weighs an even 4.0 ounces (114g).
Spoke Wrench and Chain Break Handle
The Torx drivers are mainly needed to tighten the bolts on disc brakes (usually found on mountain bikes). In case you are wondering—Torx bolt heads resist slipping better than Philips head bolts, and there is less chance of stripping a Torx head bolt.
Chain Break Tool on the Serfas ST-17
The chain tool on the Serfas ST-17i is one of the best I’ve ever seen on a cycling multi-tool. I never throw my old bicycle chains away—I keep them so I can test chain break tools! When I put a short length of chain on the Serfas ST-17i I was surprised to find out it had a self-centering head since it’s not mentioned on the package. The self-centering head means that your chain will not slip as you are working on it. Even if you keep your bicycle chain clean and well lubricated it is going to wear out. While it is always best to replace your chain before it wears out, some cyclists (maybe most) just don’t check very often to see how much their chain has stretched. If your chain should snap when you are out on a ride you will need this tool to remove the damaged link and put the chain back together. If you are not sure how to use a chain tool there are several good videos on YouTube.com that can show you how they work (most of these tools work the same way).
CO² inflator Head on the Serfas ST-17i
The biggest selling point for the Serfas ST-17i is the CO² inflator head (Presta valve only) that is built into the mini-tool. It seems like nearly every time I get a flat tire it is during a rain storm (this past Saturday it was during a snow, sleet and slush storm). The small CO² inflator heads that most cyclists carry are easy to drop (especially when wet), but since the CO² inflator head is built into the body of the Serfas ST-17i it is very easy to handle and even easier to use.
There are two items lacking from this tool: a tire lever and a carrying case. You always need to have a pair of tire levers with you when riding, so make sure you pick up a set before you head out. The lack of a carrying case is no big deal since most of the ones that come with cycling multi-tools just take up space in your saddlebag anyway. However, loose items in a saddlebag will make enough noise to drive you crazy on a long ride. A great way to prevent the noise is to put loose items in a short length of on old inner tube and seal up one end with the glue from your tire patch kit. By the way, I also keep my spare CO² cartridges in shorts lengths of inner tubes as well.
The Serfas ST-17i CO² Inflator / Mini-tool retails for $45 and can be ordered from the Serfas Website or from almost any bike shop in America. If you like this tool but have no need of the chain break or Torx wrenches you should check out the Serfas ST-13i CO² Inflator / Mini-tool (it retails for $36). One step above the Serfas ST-13i is the Serfas ST-15i CO² Inflator / Mini-tool. The Serfas ST-15i comes with two tire levers and glueless patches (it retails for $40).
As some of my regular readers know, I seldom keep the products that are sent to me for review—most of the time I give the products to random visitors who comment on this blog. However, I’ve decided to hold a contest for this beautiful Serfas ST-17i CO² Inflator / Mini-tool. To enter the contest all you have to do is pick a number between 200 and 500 and enter it in the comment section below (you don’t actually have to make a comment). The contest ends at midnight (CST) on Friday, January 11, 2013. After the contest closes I will use a random number generator to pick the winning number. If no one has the exact number the person with the number closest to, but not over, the winning number will get the Serfas ST-17i I reviewed today. In case two or more people chose the same number the first person to pick the number will be the winner. This contest is for U.S. residents only and only one entry per household allowed. When the contest is over I will publish the results in the comments section of this article. I will mail this product to the winner via Priority Mail at my expense.
billgncs
January 7, 2013 at 7:19 AM
Good article, I like the idea of the embedded infiltrator, and using the inner tube pieces to deaden noise.
I keep a sliced piece of inner tube to put under my carbon bike before I put it on the rack in the garage. Keeps it from getting marked.
Do you find your chains needing replaced at a regular mileage ?
350
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 10:19 AM
I have five bikes and all of them eat up chains at a different rate. My old Trek 1200 only has one chain ring in the front and a Shimano Alfine IGH in the back (front the chain’s standpoint it is a single speed) and I have over 2,100 miles on the chain with almost no wear whatsoever. On the other hand, one of my old mountain bikes chews up chains rather quickly (less than 2,000 miles) mainly because the chain is always full of sand and mud by the time I get home.
billgncs
January 7, 2013 at 10:08 PM
thanks, I have lots to learn.
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 10:13 PM
Bill — I plan on writing an article on chains and chain tools within the next few weeks.
billgncs
January 7, 2013 at 10:14 PM
great! do you use a sram chain with the special link?
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 10:20 PM
I use SRAM chains with a master link on four of my bikes (all except the Trek Madone). One of the tools I want to review is the Park Tool Master Link Tool — it makes removing the master link a LOT easier!
billgncs
January 7, 2013 at 10:21 PM
thanks again! ride safely!
Jennchi
January 7, 2013 at 7:32 AM
93
Holy moly, that would take the place of three items in my bag.
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 10:19 AM
It is certainly a “space saving device”.
eliotcresswell
January 7, 2013 at 7:36 AM
332. Thanks for the review.
Cary Gossett
January 7, 2013 at 7:40 AM
Well done. Very cool 🌀
207
Joboo
January 7, 2013 at 7:50 AM
333
Chatter Master
January 7, 2013 at 7:51 AM
273
Awesome!
Steve C
January 7, 2013 at 8:38 AM
211
scarver
January 7, 2013 at 8:39 AM
217
Alex P
January 7, 2013 at 8:48 AM
376
frankoshanko
January 7, 2013 at 9:18 AM
Nice article! It’s been a while since I took a bicycle repair class and my chains have held up well. I guess I need to ride more! I’ll guess171.
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 10:20 AM
If you are not wearing out a couple chains a year you need to ride more! 🙂
Jeff Katzer
January 7, 2013 at 9:37 AM
Ok, I’ll pick 222
But more importantly let me say nice work on the closeup detailed photos. Regarding the need for tire levers. I have been using them for… several decades… But the first time I had a flat on my new 29’er I just peeled the tire off and replaced it by hand. It was that easy… Oh – but I still carry my trusty tire levers, just in case.
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 10:22 AM
Thanks for the comments about the photos! I can remove some tires by hand, but this past Saturday I used THREE different brands of tire levers on a Kevlar beaded tire and couldn’t get it to budge! It took over 10 minutes just to get the tire off!
stagewest
January 7, 2013 at 9:38 AM
318
Dickson
January 7, 2013 at 9:50 AM
387
Chatter
January 7, 2013 at 10:03 AM
425
Gary Galvin
January 7, 2013 at 10:10 AM
That is a great product! Thanks for sharing
253
spoonfuloflentils
January 7, 2013 at 10:18 AM
428
Nathan
January 7, 2013 at 10:30 AM
430
Jack C.
January 7, 2013 at 10:35 AM
385
Hendri
January 7, 2013 at 10:36 AM
437
pushingmiles
January 7, 2013 at 10:42 AM
I pick 444
– Thanks for the review. This looks like a nice tool to have on day rides! Although, I too wish it had some sort of tire lever tool. My tires are extremely tight on their rims so I don’t think I’ll be pulling those off by hand anytime soon.
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Sometimes even WITH a tire lever you can barely get the tires off.
pushingmiles
January 7, 2013 at 8:26 PM
I know what you mean! My racing bike is nearly impossible to work with. It feels like the tires are shrunk on to the rims. I’ve broken a few plastic tire levers on it; now I use metal ones on that bike.
Tom Robe
January 7, 2013 at 10:45 AM
Nice review – the CO2 inflator is a nice addition. I have been using a Serfas multi tool set that I found on the trail a few years ago. This would be a nice upgrade. My guess is 340.
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 8:03 PM
It’s always nice to find bike tools on the trail! However, I’ve found more tools sitting on the ride of the road — in the past few years I’ve found hammers, pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers and nearly a complete set of socket wrenches (not all at the same time). I finally realized that most of these tools were probably dropped by people working on their cars.
mynkist
January 7, 2013 at 11:05 AM
That seems like an awesome tool. I always enjoy all of your articles. I chose number 147
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 8:14 PM
Thanks for the compliment!
isaac976
January 7, 2013 at 11:06 AM
I wanna be 976 as always .. 😉 awesome tool by Serfas.. I wish I could I wish I want.. Good luck guys !
Erik Watson
January 7, 2013 at 11:09 AM
281
spokengear
January 7, 2013 at 11:15 AM
Loved that review. I have several pieces from Serfas and have found them all to high quality without being over-priced. Maybe it is time to ditch the frame pump!
274
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 8:06 PM
Like you said, Serfas makes high quality products but doesn’t overcharge for them. On the bikes I use for longer distances (60 miles or more) I carry a frame pump and the CO2 inflator CO2 for speedier changes, small frame pump as a last resort).
Tracy Wilkins
January 7, 2013 at 11:23 AM
412
Conversations With The Moon
January 7, 2013 at 11:28 AM
348
Josh Boggs
January 7, 2013 at 11:52 AM
233
anniebikes
January 7, 2013 at 11:57 AM
245
Gina
January 7, 2013 at 12:03 PM
301! Thanks as always for the informative review. 🙂
skdemars
January 7, 2013 at 12:13 PM
243
Nice review – only missing the weight 😉 I’m sort of a weenie. It would also be nice to hear how the air chuck works. i.e. I have three right now and prefer those which have valve you can control over those which simply press on and allow air to flow.
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 8:11 PM
I forgot! It weighs an even 4.0 ounces (114g). Thanks for reminding me — I’ll edit the article and put it in.
Papi
January 7, 2013 at 12:32 PM
420! That’s my number. As always I love reading your blog and can’t express enough how helpful your reviews are.
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 8:14 PM
Thank you so much! Good luck!
docsmultisportlife
January 7, 2013 at 12:57 PM
341
I have the Serfas 13i; my only complaint was the length of the Allen keys. There wasn’t good clearance when trying to adjust a saddle bolt on one of my bikes. The 17i is a tad longer and probably more convenient.
Appreciate all the reviews.
Doc
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 8:15 PM
Thank you so much!
Emanuel Table
January 7, 2013 at 2:40 PM
200! I’m impressed by this tool. Great pictures of the product by the way!
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 8:15 PM
Thanks for noticing the photos!
John W. Komdat
January 7, 2013 at 2:55 PM
230
Mike M.
January 7, 2013 at 3:38 PM
290
Elisabeth
January 7, 2013 at 3:54 PM
455!
jimegli
January 7, 2013 at 4:15 PM
Thanks for you helpful reviews! The encouragement and insight help keep me pedaling! 287
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 8:16 PM
Glad anytime I can encourage a fellow cyclist!
tomlet2237
January 7, 2013 at 5:15 PM
Nice review… Thanks! I’ve switched to the threaded cartridges, because with these I only need my inflator head, not the shell that some units require for non-threaded cartridges. With this unit we need carry one less item. But honestly though, when are these mini-tools going to stop growing? 😉
Tom
348
tomlet2237
January 7, 2013 at 5:22 PM
Ooops, 348 already gone. I guess I’ll be 347. If that’s legal?
Tom
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 6:06 PM
OK , I’ll accept it — you are down for 347.
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 8:18 PM
My first couple of CO2 inflators were for non-threaded cartridges as well — those handle really took up a lot of room in the saddlebag.
alice stribling
January 7, 2013 at 6:20 PM
233 !! thanks!
Emilee Jane Tombs
January 7, 2013 at 6:30 PM
Aww wish I could enter, this looks like a great tool to have in your backpack! Alas, I am a UK resident 😦 nice review though!
BikeBelles
January 7, 2013 at 6:30 PM
Aww wish I could enter, this looks like a great tool to have in your backpack! Alas, I am a UK resident nice review though!
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 6:40 PM
I really wish I could send products across the Pond, but between the cost of postage and the Custom’s paperwork I probably won’t be doing it anytime soon. Ride safely!
Dan Reinking
January 7, 2013 at 6:34 PM
324
Thanks!
Ed
January 7, 2013 at 6:44 PM
nice write up
279
Rich miller
January 7, 2013 at 7:08 PM
I think you deserve a chance. I just put an order in for crank brothers tool. Oh well 227
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 7:57 PM
One never can have tool many bicycle multi-tools!
ecoveganhealth
January 7, 2013 at 7:20 PM
Thank you so much for this review, looks like a fantastic tool 🙂
442 is my number!
Roman
January 7, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Cool tool. I may just give up my hand pump for one of these. 397
Cyclist with a roman nose
January 7, 2013 at 8:31 PM
CDXXIII = 423
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2013 at 8:37 PM
Just have to ask — is there any significance to those Roman numerals? I know that CDXVIII represents the effort to inspire a convergence of Art, Science, and Religion — and you are just off by five.
Cyclist with a roman nose
January 11, 2013 at 11:17 AM
Hey mate…
Interesting regarding CDXVII…
I never heard of that.
I was just playing with numbers and typed my guess (423) into Wolfram|Alpha:
http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=423
All Seasons Cyclist
January 11, 2013 at 11:22 AM
OK, I thought there might have been some other significance to the number you chose! Thanks.
Jim Hamilton
January 8, 2013 at 7:14 AM
285
HPat17
January 8, 2013 at 7:49 AM
The tool looks interesting but I wonder if it is as easy to use as it appears
132
rich hanley
January 8, 2013 at 8:50 AM
441 …
Thanks
john witherspoon
January 8, 2013 at 10:25 AM
462
kwchannell89
January 8, 2013 at 2:59 PM
I have never seen a Co2 inflator on multi-tool before. That’s cool.
Joe Espiritu
January 8, 2013 at 3:06 PM
413… I know you said the contest is open to U.S. residents only. I’m U.S military stationed overseas. Hopefully you can include guys like me in your contest. Thanks!
All Seasons Cyclist
January 8, 2013 at 3:46 PM
No problem — I will gladly include ANY member of the U.S. military in the contest, regardless of where they are stationed.
Joe Espiritu
January 12, 2013 at 2:57 PM
Thanks so much. I appreciate it! Thanks for your blog, as well. Ride safe!
Lisa
January 8, 2013 at 4:21 PM
Cool tool. Going to share this! 297
sarahsdoodles
January 8, 2013 at 6:32 PM
When it comes to tools, I’m genuinely all sorts of confused, which is ironic considering that my dad sells them for a living!
All Seasons Cyclist
January 8, 2013 at 7:04 PM
You need to have your dad show you how to use these — otherwise he will be considered a total failure as a father. 🙂 Come one, my wife taught our three sons how to do their own laundry when they hit sixth grade (and only two of them are now trained killers — thanks to the US Military).
EmmaNutrition
January 9, 2013 at 7:47 AM
That sounds like a cyclists dream tool…not that I would know but I’m pretty sure my husband would love it! Off to search for it here in the UK 🙂
EmmaNutrition
January 9, 2013 at 7:53 AM
Nope not available here yet – like many things!!
All Seasons Cyclist
January 9, 2013 at 3:04 PM
So sorry about that — maybe it will be there soon!
WeekdayGeek
January 9, 2013 at 7:59 AM
Reblogged this on Weekday Geek Weekend Adventure Freak and commented:
This is a multi tool worth having in your back pocket.
kwchannell89
January 9, 2013 at 2:02 PM
420
Dale M.
January 9, 2013 at 3:35 PM
347
WeekdayGeek
January 9, 2013 at 9:14 PM
cool review.. number 276 thanks
WeekdayGeek
January 9, 2013 at 9:16 PM
p.s. i am in Australia but i will gift it to another blogger if i win.. just for fun
All Seasons Cyclist
January 9, 2013 at 9:48 PM
We can do that!
WeekdayGeek
January 10, 2013 at 12:30 AM
hows’ the pugsley going now?
All Seasons Cyclist
January 10, 2013 at 12:38 AM
The Pugs is running great — but we are still begging for snow! Chicago keeps getting missed and all the snow either goes north or south of us. So far this year El Paso, Texas has received more snow than Chicago!
Ben A.
January 10, 2013 at 7:23 AM
I mean 271.
John Hamilton
January 10, 2013 at 12:02 PM
463
Zeus Adventure
January 11, 2013 at 10:02 AM
Avoiding the snow down here in South Texas, but it has certainly been a wet winter so far… for the contest I’ll take 225
Laurie
January 11, 2013 at 1:10 PM
My husband seems to have a tendency of having mechanical issues while out on some of his rides. It is about time he upgraded his current mult-tool. I’ll guess 351.
All Seasons Cyclist
January 11, 2013 at 3:02 PM
Stay tuned — I’ll use the Random Number Generator to pick the winning number very shortly!
Kayla
January 11, 2013 at 9:12 PM
465
Dana
January 11, 2013 at 10:09 PM
That is one cool tool! 254
All Seasons Cyclist
January 12, 2013 at 1:07 AM
*** THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED ***
The winning number was 339