Components

Topeak Alien II vs III: Which One Should You Get?

Topeak Alien II Vs III

Two great multitools from Topeak. The Alien III has been made to replace the Alien II that's been around since the 90's.

But what's the difference between the two?

It's Topeak Alien II vs III. Fight.

Topeak Alien II Vs III

Product Comparison Table

Topeak Alien I Vs III

Allen Wrenches:
2-L / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8 / 10 mm
Bag Material: HD nylon 
Body: Engineering grade plastic

Bottle Opener: Hardened Steel
Box Wrenches: 9 mm 
Chain Hook: Stainless Steel Wire
Chain Tool: CrMo Steel 
Screw Drivers: 
#2 Phillips / Flat Head
Serrated Knife / Saw:
Stainless Steel 
Size: 
8.6 x 4.3 x 4.1 cm
Spoke Wrenches:
14G / 15G

Tire Levers:
Two Integrated Into The Body

Tool Material:
Chrome Vanadium
Torx Wrench: T25
Weight: 290g / 10.21 oz
Price: $

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Topeak Alien III Mini Folding Bicycle Tool

Allen Wrenches:
2-L / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8 / 10 mm Bag Material: HD nylon
Body: Engineering grade plastic / Pressed Stainless Frame
Bottle Opener: Hardened Steel
Box Wrenches: 8 / 9 / 10 mm 
Chain Hook: Stainless Steel Wire
Chain Tool: CrMo Steel
Screw Drivers: 
#2 Phillips / Flat Head
Serrated Knife / Saw:
Stainless Steel 
Size: 
8 x 4.5 x 4.5 cm
Spoke Wrenches:
14G / 15G / Mavic 7 / Shimano Compatible
Tire Levers:
Super Hard Anodized

Tool Material: 
Chrome Vanadium
Torx Wrench: T25
Weight: 272g / 9.57 oz
Price: $$

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Their Differences


Size

The size of the original Alien II is 8.6 x 4.3 x 4.1 cm whereas the Alien III is 8.6 x 4.3 x 4.1 cm.

So there's not a lot of difference here, and it's unlikely to affect your decision unless you have an unusually small saddle bag or dimensions you need to stick to.

Topeak Alien 2

Weight

The new tool is 18g lighter than the old one. The tool is quite heavy so shaving off a few grams is great.

Particularly for those looking for ways to save as much weight as possible while still being prepared if something goes wrong.

Check Alien II Pricing And Availability On Amazon

Body

The body is where the Alien III begins to differ from the Alien II. 

The Alien III features a stainless steel body that makes it more durable and longer lasting. 

The Alien II uses Engineering grade plastic which is good but not as good as the Alien III.

Topeak Alien III

Tire Levers

Another significant change to the tool is the addition of super hard anodized tire levers on the Alien III. 

The Alien II has plastic tire levers which may not be robust enough to get into stiffer tires on the market.

Of course, you take an extra set of levers out with you, but that would be adding to your overall bulk.



Spoke Wrenches 

There is also an extra two spoke wrench fittings which are the Mavic 7 and Shimano. 

Again, a lifesaver if you know you've got a bicycle that uses these tools, but not necessary if your bike uses tools that can be found on the Alien II.

Here's a video by Topeak showing you some of the things that Alien III can do.


The Winner 

There are pros and cons of both, and they're both great tools. However, there can only be one winner!

In the battle between Topeak Alien II vs III.

The Alien II just takes it! 

It's not as light or durable and has fewer tools, but it still does a great job!
It's also a little less expensive of the two products. Click here to check its price.

If I needed the extra tools and the lighter weight I'd go for the Alien III, but I think 99% of us would be alright with the original. Hope this helps!