Lezyne Super V 22 Review

Although Lezyne has only been on the scene since 2007 they're already an industry mainstay, and one of the first names that comes to mind when we're looking for high-quality tools. Recently, they completely revamped their entire multi-tool line and introduced the Super V 22. This new model represents a refinement of Lezyne's previous offerings using the same basic design but with longer bits, more leverage, and a new black anti-corrosion coating.

Performance Comparison

Features

The Super V 22 comes in near the top of the field in our features metric. With 22 functions, this model's recent update means that Lezyne was able to analyze the most common tools necessary to repair modern bikes and pack them all in. Unlike some of the tools we tested, the Super V 22 doesn't have much fluff. Each of the bits addresses a common need. Foremost among its tool suite is a nearly full selection of hex wrenches with 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 mm bits along with three Torx sizes, T10, T25, and T30. Together, these two sets can conquer just about any mechanical issue your bike might encounter. You will rarely come across a bolt that these wrenches won't fit on a modern bike.

Complementing the suite of hex and Torx wrenches are a number of additional useful bits and a chain breaker. A Philips head screwdriver will help with limit screw adjustment on some derailleurs and a rotor truing fork will get you home if you bend a brake rotor in a crash. The rotor truing fork also performs triple duty as a disc brake wedge in case you need to spread your brake pads and a bottle opener for a post-ride beverage. The chain breaker packs a number of tools on its handle including sizes 0, 1, 2, and 3, spoke wrenches, 8 and 10 mm open hex wrenches, and a valve core removal tool.

Ergonomics

As soon as we got our hands on the Super V 22 we could tell that it was an upgrade from previous Lezyne models we had used. The 3.6 x 2.1 x 0.7 inch frame fits very well in the palm, and the body's extended length provides great leverage. When you really need to lay on the tool to get a bolt to break free this is one of the best models in the test. We put it to the test removing pedals and were able to do it every time without the frame's edges digging grooves into the palm of our hands. We typically don't recommend multi-tools for pedal removal, but this model handled it surprisingly well. The frame has bolt heads protruding slightly at each of the four corners that aren't the most comfortable on your palm, but they didn't cause us any pain when torquing a bolt. If you're concerned about lacking the torque necessary for a trail or roadside operation, this may be the tool for you.

Along with the ergonomic frame, this model's bits are also long enough to get to hard-to-reach bolts. Many bolts can be tough to access on modern bikes. Crank and pedal bolts specifically are often recessed, and many multi-tools don't pack bits long enough to work effectively. The Super V 22's bits are among the longest we tested in a traditional multi-tool design with lengths from 1-1.5 inches. While there's a definite limit to how ergonomically friendly a boxy multi-tool can be, the long bits help considerably when working with fiddly little bolts in tight spaces. It's not as simple as using workshop tools, but operations like adjusting derailleur limits, setting up your cockpit, and centering disc brake calipers are all well within this tool's capability.

Portability

The Super V 22 is surprisingly portable and lightweight given its size and number of functions. We would typically expect such a capable tool to be bulky with tools bulging out of the frame, but Lezyne managed to neatly pack all of the tools into a sleek half-inch-thick frame. This means the tool will slide nicely into a saddle bag or pack and leave plenty of extra room for snacks, a tube, and a first aid kit. It isn't the smallest tool that we tested by a long shot, but the thin profile means that it can squeeze into tight spaces with the best of them.

With the extra functions comes a little bit of added weight over the lightest models on the market, but at 141 grams (143 with the included band to hold the chain tool in place) it is by no means a heavyweight. The Super V 22 is light enough to carry in a jersey or shorts pocket without being a nuisance. Unless you're a gram-counting racer, you likely won't notice much of a difference between this and the lightest models on the market. For reference the lightest models we tested tipped our trusty kitchen scale right around 100 grams.

Ease of Use

With its traditional design and simple layout, the Super V 22 is very easy to use. There's no case to remove before pulling out your desired tool, and nothing requires assembly or dismantling before use like some of the kit-style tools on the market. Simply pull the tool out of your pack or pocket, fold open the tool that you need, and get to wrenching.

Our only complaint is that the tools aren't engraved with labels to quickly identify wrenches. Sometimes it's difficult to quickly discern between hex wrench sizes in a pinch.

Construction Quality

After a month of testing and countless wrenching operations, our test tool started to show a few minor signs of wear and tear. Lezyne's new Black Anti-Corrosion tool coating started to wear off of the bits we used most often, and we started to see some minor damage at the head of the 3 mm hex wrench. Granted we weren't the most responsible owners when putting this model through its paces, but many of the tools we tested came out the other side looking far fresher.

Beyond these minor concerns, all signs point to this being a well-constructed product. The frame held up well to wear and tear and the tools still rotate just as well as the day we pulled it out of the package. Despite a bit of wear, the Black anti-corrosion coating worked well with no hint of corrosion despite us carrying it in sweaty pockets and on rainy rides.

Should You Buy the Lezyne Super V 22

If you desire a high quality multi-tool with great ergonomics at a reasonable price, you can't get much better than the Lezyne Super V 22. Offering 22 functions and a lightweight design, this folding multi-tool is packed with features to keep you rolling smoothly. Hex and Torx wrenches manage all the common repairs, while a chain breaker and rotor truing fork help with more major issues. The V 22 is easy to use and solidly built. It's sure to offer you years of reliable trail repairs.

What Other Multi-Tool Should You Consider

It's pretty tough to find a multi-tool to beat out the Super V 22, but there are a few contenders that might draw you in. The Crank Brothers M19 is a legit competitor, offering 19 features for a touch cheaper than the V 22. If you are willing to move up the expense ladder, you will surely find a lot to like about the ToPeak Ratchet Rocket NTX+. The mini-ratchet system is fast and simple to use, though it is a much more substantial carry.