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Crankbrothers M19 Review

This is a cleverly designed model with all the tools you need to get you out of a bind on the trail
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Crankbrothers M19 Review (We feel the M19 has some of the best ergonomics in the test, with rounded side plates that have texture added to...)
We feel the M19 has some of the best ergonomics in the test, with rounded side plates that have texture added to enhance grip.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Price:  $37 List
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Manufacturer:   Crankbrothers
By Jeremy Benson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jan 1, 2024
83
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 13
  • Features - 25% 8.0
  • Ergonomics - 25% 9.0
  • Portability - 20% 7.0
  • Ease of Use - 20% 9.0
  • Construction Quality - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

Crankbrothers has been making their famous M19 multi-tool for over a decade. This long-standing model has been a staple in many a mountain biker's pack or jersey pocket over the years, typically outlasting the mountain bikes they adjust and fix. With 19 functions, the M19 has every tool you need for the majority of trailside fixes and adjustments. It also has some of the best ergonomics in this test, with rounded aluminum side plates and textured grips for security in hand, even while wearing gloves. It's far from the smallest or the lightest model in this review, but it's not bulky or heavy, considering the wealth of tools it holds. The bits are made from durable high-tensile steel, which will stand up to all the torque you can dish out. It also has a sleek brushed aluminum carrying case as a bonus, though it adds 36 grams. The M19 is a classic multi-tool that lives on because quality and good design never go out of style. See how it stacks up against the competition in our review of the best bike multi-tools.
REASONS TO BUY
Functional
Affordable
Good ergonomics
All-metal construction
REASONS TO AVOID
Relatively heavy
On the bulky side
Case is unnecessary
Editor's Note: We updated this review on January 1, 2024, to adjust our testing metrics and elevate this classic tool to award status.

Compare to Similar Products

 
crankbrothers m19
This Product
Crankbrothers M19
Awards Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Bike Multi-Tool
 Top Pick Award
Best Lightweight Multi-Tool
 
Price Check Price at Backcountry
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$45 List
$44.99 at Amazon
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$37.00 at REI
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$43 List
$47.95 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line The M19 is a well designed multi-tool with everything you need to handle most trail-side mechanicalsThis one-piece tool offers exceptional leverage and a wide variety of functionsThe F15 carries all of the vital functions in its innovative, easy-to-use designA tiny, lightweight tool capable of tackling common trailside repairsThis contender weighs less than any other tool we tested and still offers high versatility and capability
Rating Categories Crankbrothers M19 Lezyne Super V 22 Crankbrothers F15 PNW Components Pebb... ToPeak Ninja 16+
Features (25%)
8.0
9.0
7.5
6.0
7.0
Ergonomics (25%)
9.0
8.0
9.0
7.5
7.0
Portability (20%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
10.0
9.0
Ease of Use (20%)
9.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
Construction Quality (10%)
8.0
7.0
8.0
8.5
8.0
Specs Crankbrothers M19 Lezyne Super V 22 Crankbrothers F15 PNW Components Pebb... ToPeak Ninja 16+
Weight 173 g 141 g 163 g 51 g 93 g
Number of Functions 19 22 15 6 16
Weight With Cover 209 g 143 g N/A N/A N/A
Hex Wrenches 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 mm 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 mm 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 mm 3, 4, 5, 6 mm 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 mm
Torx Wrenches T10, T25 T10, T25, T30 T25 T25 T10, T15, T25
Screwdrivers Phillips #1, #2, Flat #2 Phillips Phillips, Flat head None Phillips, Flat head
Chain Tool? Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Addtional Tools 8/10 mm open wrench; spoke wrenches sizes 0,1,2,3 8/10 mm wrench, spoke wrenches sizes 0,1,2,3, rotor truing tool, bottle opener, disc brake wedge Bottle opener Dynaplug accessory Spoke wrenches
Size (Length x Width x Thickness) 3.5 x 1.875 x 0.75 in 3.58 x 2.13 x 0.69 in 3.5 x 1.5 x 0.75 in 2.5 x 0.75 x 0.5 in 2.4 x 1.3 x 0.5 in

Our Analysis and Test Results

Crankbrothers has been in the cycling components and accessories business for quite a while. One of their most successful and popular products has been their multi-tools, and the M19 has been a mainstay for over a decade. They've made minor tweaks to it in that time, but the general shape, size, and design remain the same. It's safe to say that the M19 is a modern classic – a tool that lives up to the adage, “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.” During testing, the M19 quickly became a tester favorite for its wealth of tools, excellent ergonomics, and ease of use.

Performance Comparison


crankbrothers m19 - the m19 is a modern classic. it has great ergonomics, all the tools...
The M19 is a modern classic. It has great ergonomics, all the tools you need, plus it has proven itself to be highly durable.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

Features


With a total of 19 tools, the M19 has pretty much everything you will ever need to handle trailside repairs and adjustments. It comes equipped with all the usual hex key sizes: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 mm. It also has a Torx 10, Torx 25, #1 and #2 Phillips, and a flat-head screwdriver.


The chain tool is quality and has size 0, 1, 2, and 3 spoke wrenches, as well as 8 and 10 mm box wrenches integrated into its design. It also comes with a slick brushed aluminum case. The case weighs 36 g, so we opted to use the tool without it most of the time, but it's there should you choose to use it.

crankbrothers m19 - the featured-packed m19 is a solid value considering its...
The featured-packed M19 is a solid value considering its functionality.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

Ergonomics


The M19 is one of the most ergonomic traditional design tools we tested. The aluminum side plates are round and have some texture added to their center to enhance your grip. All of the tools fold cleanly in from both ends between the two side plates. The 3.5" length of the tool fits nicely across the palm, making it one of the most comfortable and secure tools to hold onto. From a comfort-in-hand standpoint, the M19 is one of our highest-rated tools. The length of the M19 enhances the grip in general, especially for hard-wrenching efforts.


The length of the tools and bits on the M19 is excellent. They are some of the longest in the test, especially compared directly to tools of a similar overall size. This length makes it easier to reach most of the bolts and heads you need while not being so long that the tool gets in the way of itself.

crankbrothers m19 - we feel the m19 has some of the best ergonomics in the test, with...
We feel the M19 has some of the best ergonomics in the test, with rounded side plates that have texture added to enhance grip.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

Portability


Like every multi-tool we tested, the M19 is relatively portable. When compared with the smallest and lightest tools, however, it is definitely on the heavier and larger end of the spectrum. It tips the scales at 173 g for only the tool; in the included case, it weighs 209 g. Considering the 36 g weight penalty associated with the case, testers opted to carry the tool on its own most of the time.


The M19 is one of the largest multi-tools in this test, but it's on par with other tools with a similar number of features. That said, it's still a slim and relatively small multi-tool that won't take up much space in your pack. If you're focused on shaving grams, you're better off checking out some of the more minute options in our review. But beware that those tools also have fewer functions.

The M19 is one of the heavier tools in the test.
The M19 is one of the heavier tools in the test.
The M19 is one of the larger tools in the test.
The M19 is one of the larger tools in the test.

Ease of Use


The M19 is about as user-friendly as multi-tools come. Beyond the extra case, the tool is one piece and completely self-contained – there are no loose bits or pieces to lose. All of the tools fold out from the middle, and the hex keys have their sizes etched into them for quick identification. While you can use a separate Allen key to adjust their tension, the bits are easy to fold but stay in place when not in use (which is why we opt not to carry this tool in its case.)


The chain tool is attached to the threaded pin pusher, is a bit larger than chain tools on comparably sized tools, and is textured on both the front and back to make it easier to hold onto. The addition of some texture on the rounded side plates also makes this tool one of the most comfortable and easiest to grip, even with gloves on. Admittedly, all of the tools in this review are relatively easy to use, but the M19 is among the most user-friendly of our test group.

crankbrothers m19 - the m19 is simple to use, plus it has one of the best chain tools in...
The M19 is simple to use, plus it has one of the best chain tools in the test.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

Construction Quality


With an all-metal construction that includes forged aluminum side plates and high-tensile steel bits, the M19 is very well made. One of our testers has had a similar version of this tool for the better part of the past ten years, and it is still going strong. The steel bits are stout, and the heads show no signs of wear or rounding.


The biggest durability concern with the M19 is the potential for minor corrosion and rust forming on the steel bits, which is present on our tester's older model. This slight amount of corrosion only occurs if the tool gets wet and isn't properly dried out afterward – like if it's left in your pocket after a rainy day ride. In the chance that the bits do begin to rust, it isn't a big problem since it doesn't affect the performance or longevity of the tool.

crankbrothers m19 - the m19 next to a 10 year old m17. other than a touch of corrosion...
The M19 next to a 10 year old M17. Other than a touch of corrosion its safe to say these tools are designed to stand the test of time.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

The M19 is as durable as any of the other all-metal tools in this review, though we understand the potential for rust could be disconcerting to some. Other brands have taken anti-corrosion measures like chrome plating or making the bits from Chrome-vanadium steel (those bits are generally stamped with CrV.) That said, we still feel that the M19 is among the best from the standpoint of quality construction.

crankbrothers m19 - we preferred to use it without the case, but it's a nice feature to...
We preferred to use it without the case, but it's a nice feature to have should you choose to use it.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

Should You Buy the Crankbrothers M19?


Few designs and products in the cycling industry stick around for more than a few years, much less more than a decade. The M19 is one of those special products that has stood the test of time with an elegantly simple design that makes it one of our top-rated multi-tools. With 19 useful functions, the M19 is equipped to handle virtually every adjustment or quick fix you need out on the trail. It has excellent ergonomics with rounded side plates and texture added to enhance grip. It's not the smallest or the lightest model out there, but it's still plenty portable. On top of all of that, it's very reasonably priced.

What Other Bike Multi-Tools Should You Consider?


The M19 has proven the test of time in terms of design and durability, making it an excellent, affordable option for any rider. But there are equally excellent multi-tools that you should also consider. The top-rated Lezyne Super V 22 includes three more functions and actually weighs less than the M19. But if you're looking for the most portable tool on the market, we highly suggest the similarly priced PNW Components Pebble Tool.

Jeremy Benson