Crank Brothers Multi 19 Bike Tool Review

Trail tools are an important piece of equipment. There’s nothing like being out on a ride when you have a mechanical breakdown only to find that you don’t have the right size allen wrench, don’t have a chain tool or don’t even have a patch kit to repair a punctured tube. Walking your bike down perfect singletrack sucks.

Carrying a multi-tool is a good first step. I’ve carried a Topeak Alien II in my hydration pack for years, but have found it to be a bit clunky to use at times. On top of that, it’s HUGE… like an old cell phone brick. When I saw the Crank Brothers Multi 19 tool, I knew I had to try it out.

About the Crank Brothers Multi 19 Tool

Compact and functional, the Crank Brothers Multi 19 is a simple trail tool offering the essential tools for trailside or trailhead repairs or tweaks. Compact and lightweight (175 grams), the Multi 19 slips in a back pocket or any pocket in my pack and goes unnoticed. It does come with a handy carrying flask (gathering dust in my garage) for long-term storage, but it’s kind of unnecessary.

Yes, as its name suggests, the Multi 19 has 19 tools on it. Here’s the lay of the land:

• Tool material: 6051 High Tensile Steel
• Frame material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
• 8/9/10 Speed Chain Tool
• 1/2/3/4 Spoke Wrenches
• 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 Hex Wrenches
• 2 Phillips and 2 Flat-head Screwdrivers
• 8mm and 10mm Wrenches
• t-25 Torx Wrench
• Warranty: Lifetime
• MSRP: $33

Crank Brothers Multi 19 Tool Review

Having carried the Topeak brick around in my pack for so many years, the Multi 19 is a breath of fresh air. It’s small, compact and lightweight (100+ grams lighter than the Alien).  Another thing about it is how simple the design is.  It is super easy to flip out the desired tool, use it, then slide it back into my pocket. There’s no need to have a carrying case or to figure out how to get the multi-part tool back together again (as with the Topeak).

I’ve found all the tools to be durable and functional. Even the chain tool works exceptionally well. Every time I’ve had to break a chain with my old Topeak, I dreaded it.  But, with the Multi 19, it broke the chain quickly and easily.

I have found times when I haven’t been able to torque the bolt easily because something was in the way (tube, cable, shock, etc.) But, for the most part, I’ve been able to tighten, torque and repair anything I’ve needed to on my bike.

If you want to go even lighter, the Crank Brothers Multi tool is also available in 5, 10 and 17-tool models.

The Bottom Line: Crank Brothers Multi 19 Tool

Simple and highly-functional.  That’s the key to a trail tool and the Crank Brothers Multi 19 is all of that and more. Super small and highly durable, I’ve found the Multi 19 to be just what I need on the trail. With every tool necessary for trailside repairs, the Multi 19 is a great riding companion.

Buy Now: Find the Latest Crank Brothers Multi Tools at JensonUSA