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review
Tools - multitools
Specialized EMTSpecialized EMT tool

Specialized EMT

8
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Apr 14, 2009

0
£24.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Well made pocket tool but with slight MTB bias.
Weight: 
211g
Contact: 
www.specializeduk.com
How we test

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EMT is an abbreviation of Emergency Mini Tool and the comp quickly became my tool of choice around the workshop just as it did for road and trailside fettling/repair. Bristling with features, it includes 2,2.5,3,4,5,6 and 8mm Allen wrenches, disc specific tools (Pad opener, spacer tools and obligatory Torx) coupled with nifty box spanner, nylon coated tyre lever and both Phillips and flat screwdrivers- the latter crowned by a rubber cap to prevent injury in the event of a tumble. Lazer etching means you’ll pick the right size nigh on every time-crucial in racing where every second counts.

Having a broader profile than most is blessing and curse in equal measure: great in that it makes every tool a practical option, especially when tackling more difficult fasteners, but fiddly when negotiating bottle mounts and some seat collar bolts. Similarly, the chain tool could be a little hit and miss, requiring practice to get the best from it. All the functions feel arthritic and stiff at first and benefited from a quick shot of Teflon based lube but solid construction means they won’t turn sloppy and are easily tightened with an Allen wrench should the need arise. Despite prolonged use, it never felt uncomfortable in the palm of the hand and the pretty red finish should stand the test of time. The Comp’s arsenal of functions should address most road/trailside emergencies, although it will have greatest appeal to those who are mountain bikers first and roadies second: I would have preferred spoke wrenches in place of some disc specific stuff.

Verdict

Comprehensive and well made multi tool but with a slight MTB bias

road.cc test report

Make and model: Specialized EMT

Price: 24.99

Weight: 211g

Size tested: N/A

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

EMT stands for Emergency Multi Tool and is designed to include everything you need and nothing you don't. I would generally agree, although the mtb bias puts disc specific tools ahead of spoke wrenches.

Tell us some more about the techincal aspects of the product?

Hardned steel tools, sturdy anodized alloy side-plates, full complement of allen keys, box spanners, chain tool, torx wrench, disc pad opener and spacer tools, flat &philips screwdrivers. Colf forged alloy body.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

Tackles most tasks with consumate ease.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

A very respectable 211g

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

Surprisingly nice to use, even over prolonged periods.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Competitively priced

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

The EMT delivers on its promises but could prove a little cumbersome when tackling bottle mounts and seat bolt binder bolts.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Solid feel, good quality materials and nice to use-even for workshop duties.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Chain tool could've been better designed.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, especially if they were mountain bikers first and road riders second

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

Specialized EMT
Specialized
Multitool
Multi-tool
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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