Crankbrothers M19 Review

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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