Bicycle tools from the discounter: The Lidl Bike Tool Kit in a professional check

A tool case for just 20 euros and 20 tools - can such a set really fulfil the requirements of an ambitious hobby screwdriver? The Crivit case from Lidl promises full equipment at a mini price and is aimed at anyone who wants to upgrade their workshop at a favourable price. But is the budget set suitable for more than just simple repairs, or does it quickly reach its limits for more demanding work?

Our first conclusion

At first glance, the tool case appears compact, clearly organised and surprisingly well equipped. But a closer look reveals weaknesses: Many of the tools are more in line with the technical standard of 20 years ago. The only Torx is a T25, and the chain of the chain whip is as wide as that of old 8- or 9-speed drivetrains. It is questionable whether modern racing bikes or gravel bikes can be reliably maintained with this - the range of functions falls noticeably short of current standards. Caution: Lidl changes its prices as quickly as petrol stations change their prices. If you're lucky, you'll save a few euros, if you're unlucky, you'll have to pay more.

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Crivit Bike Tool Kit - 19,99 Euro

The 20-piece Crivit bicycle tool kit from Lidl aims to be a compact all-round companion for maintenance and repairs on road, gravel and mountain bikes. The sturdy plastic case contains a total of 20 tools for drivetrain, bearings, brakes and tyres - from chain whip and crank puller to Torx spanner. With its handy dimensions, the set fits well in any workshop or in the car when travelling.

Technical data - Crivit bicycle tool case set

• Dimensions: approx. W 28.5 × H 21.3 × D 6 cm
• Scope of delivery: Tool case with quick guide
• Star cap tool: for Hollowtech II crank
• Puller: suitable for Hollowtech II and others
• Pedal spanner: 15 mm
• Hexagon socket: 8 mm
• Hexagon socket spanner: 6 pieces (2/2.5/3/4/5/6 mm), additionally with ball head
• Tyre lever: 3 pieces
• Chain riveters: for 6-10-fold
• Spoke spanner: Sizes 9/10/11/12/13/14/2×15
• Crank puller: for pedal arms with square
• Cassette puller: for Shimano HG and Sram
• Torx: T25
• Price: 19,99 Euro >> available here

The opinion of the editorial team

Together with Hans-Peter Ettenberger, our workshop foreman in our test lab, we tested the Lidl bike tool kit - and his verdict is mixed. Some tools fulfil their purpose, others are simply no longer up to date for modern bikes. This is particularly evident with the chain whip: the installed chain is so wide that it doesn't even fit between the sprockets of current 11- and 12-speed cassettes. At most, it works reliably with nine-speed. The square crank puller is also problematic: the pin measures only 9.5 mm instead of the usual 16 mm and can damage the internal thread of the square.

A burr on the cassette tool for Shimano and Sram prevents the multi-tooth nut from being inserted cleanly. The 15 mm pedal spanner measures 15.4 mm and therefore has a borderline amount of play. It works, but can damage the hexagon if the pedals are very tight. On the plus side, however, there are some solid tools: The chain riveter works properly with 8-, 9- and 10-speed chains, the set of Allen keys is useful, and the large 8 mm Allen key is actually very good as a pedal tool. The T25 Torx is also impressive, and the external multi-tooth spanner for Hollowtech II bearing shells is dimensionally accurate and functional.

The bottom line is a toolbox with a clearly limited range of applications. There are some suitable tools for older bikes and simple maintenance work. However, the Lidl set is not a recommendation for ambitious mechanics with modern road bikes, gravel bikes or MTBs - too many tools no longer meet today's technical standards.