Bike Multi Tool Crankbrothers M20 Review

Crankbrothers’ M20 bike multi tool scores an impressive 4.8 out of 5 from over 1,330 reviews. Over 200 riders picked one up just last month showing its popularity among cyclists. This isn’t your average multi-tool. With 20 high-strength steel tools squeezed into a 203-gram design, it’s marketed as “the ultimate trailside companion.” And plenty of cyclists seem to agree.

I set out to see if spending $34.75 on this bike multi tool is a good idea. What caught my attention most was the tire plug tool built right in and its own little storage case, plus the chain breaker that works with 8-12 speed drivetrains. I put this bike tool through its paces on real trails testing everything from the hex wrenches to the rotor straightener. The chain tool is a lifesaver when you need to remove a few links just to get your bike going again. But is this Crank Brothers multi-tool worth the higher price and its lifetime warranty? In this review, I’ll break it all down to help you figure out if it should be your top pick for a bike tool.

Disclaimer

Crankbrothers M20,M-Series Bike Tool, Gold, One Size

• TOOLS INCLUDED: Hex Wrenches #2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8. Open wrench 8mm. Spoke wrench #0, 1, 2. Screwdrivers Philips & 2, f…
• CHAIN TOOL: 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 speed compatible
• SPECIALTY TOOLS: Tire plug tool, tire plugs, valve core removal tool, rotor straightener

$33.04

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Crankbrothers M20 (Gold, $33.04): Details and Tools Included

The Crankbrothers M20 multi-tool, with its gold finish feels both small and solid in your hands. Selling at $33.04, it falls into the higher-end range of bike repair tools. Let’s take a closer look at what features make it worth the cost.

Size: 89mm x 48mm x 19mm

The M20 stays compact with dimensions of 89mm in length, 48mm in width, and a thickness of 19mm. Its size makes it easy to carry in most saddle bags or jersey pockets without being bulky. Unlike some chunkier alternatives, the M20’s slim design appeals to riders looking to save space while still keeping it practical and functional.

Weight: 203g

Weighing 203 grams, the M20 manages to balance being easy to carry while still feeling solid in your hand. It is not the lightest bike tool out there, but its weight shows how sturdy and equipped it is. Those extra grams make it stable when you’re applying force to tough bolts during a ride. The weight spreads out too, which helps keep your hands from getting tired if you use it for a long time.

Material: Chromium-Molybdenum Steel

Crankbrothers makes the M20’s tools from strong 6150 Hi-Ten steel and uses aluminum for the side panels. The alloy made of chromium and molybdenum, offers great strength compared to its weight and stays solid even under heavy pressure. The anodized metal body adds grip while shielding it from rust helping the tool stay useful for a long time, no matter the weather it faces.

Included Tools: 20 total such as a tire plug and chain tool

The M20 gets its title because it combines 20 unique tools in a single small device:

• Hex Keys: Sizes 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm
• Torx Keys: T-10 and T-25
• Screwdrivers: Phillips sizes #1 and #2, plus a flathead #1
• Chain Breaker: Works with 8-speed through 12-speed chains (breaking )
• Spoke Wrenches: Sizes 0, 1, and 2
• Open-End Wrench: 8mm size
• Extra Tools: Tire plug tool with storage, valve core remover, and rotor alignment tool

The tire plug tool includes five plugs stored in a detachable case that connects right to the tool itself. This case also works as storage for extra chain links. The chain tool has a built-in rotor slot to straighten rotors, and the plug tool handles tires with a maximum pressure of 40 PSI.

Color and Style Choices

The M20 comes in four unique finishes designed to complement your bike’s look:

• Gold ($33.04)
• Nickel
• Black Midnight Edition
• Black & Red

All versions work the same but let you choose a color that fits your style. I tried the gold one, which has simple branding and a matte surface that avoids fingerprints and scratches well.

Unlike simple bike multi tool that cut corners on quality or features, the M20 offers top-notch performance in a compact design. This toolset handles every emergency you might face on a trail, including drivetrain fixes and tubeless tire problems. Adding rare tools like a valve core remover and rotor straightener gives it an edge over many rivals in a similar price range.

Tool Performance: A Look at Real Trail Use

After testing the Crankbrothers M20 for weeks on actual trails, I saw how each tool holds up in real-world situations. The features listed on a multi-tool tell part of the story. You see its worth when you’re adjusting parts with muddy gloves or solving a breakdown far from home.

Hex and Torx Wrenches: Fit and Leverage

The M20’s Allen keys and Torx bits fit into bolt heads. This good fit spares you from the trouble of rounding off bolts while doing quick fixes on the trail.

Most of the hex and Torx bits are long enough to reach into tricky spots, like adjusting brake lever reach. However, the 8mm Allen key falls short here . It doesn’t offer much length making pedal removal or crank bolt tightening feel a bit lacking in leverage.

The tool’s design causes some flex during high-torque tasks. The axles holding the tools are pretty long, but the frame stays thin. When loosening stubborn bolts, the tool bends more than I would like. To get better leverage, I sometimes had to adjust my grip.

Chain Tool: Works with 8 to 12-Speed Chains

The chain tool supports modern drivetrains that use 8 to 12-speed chains. It offers flexibility, but there are some drawbacks. Breaking chains can be tricky because the tool’s body doesn’t always provide enough leverage in emergencies.

When I tested this, I sometimes needed extra grip to apply enough force to break apart difficult links. Rob Weaver, the technical editor-in-chief, mentioned that wearing gloves made it easier to use the chain tool. However, he also said the tab feels too small to grip well on its own.

The chain tool doesn’t stop at just its main job. It includes a rotor straightening slot and a valve core tool, which add more usefulness without making the tool bigger.

Tire Plug Tool and Storage Case

One of the M20’s most useful features is how it handles tubeless repairs. It has a built-in tire plug tool and comes with five sticky rubber plugs. These plugs are stored inside a removable case that connects right to the multi-tool.

The plug tool has a better design compared to many others. Its “fork” is left open at the end instead of being pinched, which makes it easier to set a plug in it without hassle. When you push it into the tire and pull it back out, the plug stays where it’s supposed to instead of coming back out with the tool. For bigger holes, the plug often stays in place to help slow down air loss while you work on adding more plugs.

The included plugs though, aren’t very thick and can have a hard time handling bigger tears when it comes to mountain biking. But the tool’s prong is wide enough to work with larger plugs you can buy .

The storage case has a second use since it holds a spare chain link. However, its connection to the multi-tool can feel a bit clunky when unfolding bits. This small hassle is worth it because of its usefulness.

Rotor Straightener and Valve Core Remover

The rotor straightener makes it easier for riders to fix bent disk rotors without straining their thumbs. While it does not perform as well as tools made for this purpose, it gives enough leverage to handle quick fixes on the trail.

The valve core remover tackles a frequent task without needing a separate tool. It’s handy to replace damaged valve cores or add sealant letting riders skip the trouble of carrying extra gear.

These specialized features change the M20 from a simple repair gadget into a complete kit to handle almost any trailside fix. Standalone tools might perform better, but having everything packed into one small convenient tool is well worth a slight trade-off in performance.

Hands-On Experience: 30 Days Testing on the Trail

Using the Crankbrothers M20 for a month on different trail rides and repairs gave me useful feedback not covered in its specs. During emergency fixes and regular outings, this multi-tool showed far more capability than what the manufacturer described.

Easy to Carry in Saddle Bags

Over 30 days of use, the compact size of the M20 (89mm x 48mm x 19mm) made it easy to stash in saddle bags. The tool stayed in place and didn’t cause awkward lumps that might brush against your legs while riding. When attached to the bike or inside a bag, it avoided any rattling or extra noise.

One thing to keep in mind: this multi-tool isn’t ideal for jersey pockets. The sharp tubeless tire repair feature poses a real safety hazard if you crash. It’s better to store it in frame bags or special tool pouches built for safer carrying.

Using the Tools While Wearing Gloves

Using tools while wearing gloves felt simple overall because the tool fits well in hand. The ribbed sides make gripping easier. However, the chain tool needed more focus. Its tab is so tiny that gripping it with gloves on was tough without some extra help.

When dealing with stiff chain links, I noticed gloves made things easier to handle. But even then, I still had to use pliers at times to deal with stubborn chains. The storage box for tubeless plugs also proved handy in a surprising way. It stopped the chain tool from moving around during transport.

Holding Up After Repeated Use

After thorough testing in the field, the tool showed impressive durability. The parts stayed secure on their hinges whether folded or open. The strong steel design handled heavy pressure without bending or twisting.

In simple terms, this bike multi tool, which includes a chain breaker, handled dirt, dust, and some moisture really well. Users suggested drying it off after it gets wet to help it last longer.

Balancing Weight and Functionality

Weighing 203 grams, the M20 doesn’t qualify as ultralight, but its features make up for the extra heft out on the trail. The weight difference between the most bulky and the most lightweight multi-tools out there is around 80 grams (about 2 ounces). Because of that many riders prioritize functionality over shaving off a bit of weight.

As one reviewer put it, “I’d rather trade some space for a more comprehensive set of tools.” That sums up my own experience well. While testing, I appreciated having tools like the tubeless repair feature close at hand even if it added a little more weight to my setup.

The crank brothers bike multi tool offers a smart mix of being thorough and useful. It is a good choice to recommend to riders who want to stay prepared rather than focus on having the lightest gear.

Crankbrothers M20 vs M19 vs M17: Which One Should You Pick?

Figuring out which Crankbrothers multi-tool fits your needs means paying attention to their small but important differences. While I’ve been using the M20 , let’s break down how the M19 and M17 compare so you can choose the best tool for your rides.

Number of Tools and What They Offer

The main difference between these models comes down to what features they include.

The M20 takes the lead with tools designed for tubeless tires. It includes a tire plug tool with its own storage box, a valve core remover, and a rotor straightener. You won’t find these tubeless-specific features on the M19 or M17.

The M19 comes with 19 built-in tools. It includes a chain breaker, seven hex wrenches ranging from 2mm to 8mm, two Torx keys (T10 and T25), Phillips #1 and #2 screwdrivers, a flathead #2 screwdriver, and four spoke wrenches. It also features 8mm and 10mm open-end wrenches to tighten brake hose nuts.

The M17 includes 17 tools but skips the Phillips #1 screwdriver and the T10 Torx key that come with the M19 and M20. All three models have chain tools that work with 8 to 12-speed drivetrains. They are sold with lifetime warranties.

Size and Weight Details

Riders keeping an eye on weight can notice the differences:

• M20: Weighs 203g with dimensions measuring 89mm × 48mm × 19mm
• M19: Weighs 175g with dimensions measuring 89mm × 45mm × 19mm
• M17: Weighs 168g with dimensions measuring 89mm × 43mm × 19mm

All three models share the same length, but their width changes . The M20 is the widest because it includes extra features.

Deciding Which Model Fits You Best

Your riding habits should guide what you pick:

The M20 works best for riders using tubeless tires. It proves handy in isolated areas where plugging a tire could save you from walking home. Its complete tool set explains its higher cost of $42.99.

The M19 offers great value at $32.99 reduced from its original price of $39.99. OutdoorGearLab calls it “a functional and ergonomic tool at a great price,” making it a solid pick for riders on a budget.

The M17 works well for those who want just the basics. It costs $26.99 down from $32.99, and its lightweight simple design is perfect for short trips or as a spare tool.

When choosing between them, think about the price difference as well as how useful the extra tools might be in unexpected situations.

Pricing and Value: Should You Spend $33 on the M20?

The Crankbrothers M20’s price changes depending on where you buy it. My test unit came in a gold finish and cost $33.04. Crankbrothers’ official site sells it for $42.99, but plenty of stores offer deals that drop the cost to somewhere between $33 and $40.

Comparing Prices of Bike Multi Tools

Looking at the competition shows where the M20 stands among top-tier choices. The Silca Italian Army Knife Venti is priced at $55 and has similar features, while the Pro Bike Tool 20-in-1 provides comparable tools for $27. Within Crankbrothers’ own range, the M19 is available for $32.99 after a discount from $39.99, and the M17 now costs $26.99 reduced from $32.99.

Lifetime Warranty and Support

One reason behind the higher price is Crankbrothers’ lifetime warranty. This guarantee lasts forever and adds a lot of value over time. It might even mean the M20 could be the only multi-tool you ever have to buy. People often highlight the great customer support in their reviews, which makes owning it even better.

Is the M20 the Best Bike Multi Tool for the Price?

Whether the M20 is worth it depends on what you need it for. If you use tubeless tires, the built-in plug tool stands out since many other tools don’t include it. The M20 works well with 8-12 speed drivetrains because of its chain breaker. NICA coaches and regular cyclists often talk about how useful and well-rounded its features are.

If tubeless repair doesn’t matter much, riders on a budget may see more value in choosing the M19. However, the M20 appeals to more serious cyclists who need reliability on the trail. With tough materials, a lifetime warranty, and a complete toolset, the $33 price tag is reasonable for what it offers.

Conclusion

The Crankbrothers M20 is more than just a fancy bike multi-tool—it delivers what it promises. While trying it out , I found this gold-colored tool reliable and handy for real trail use. Its tubeless repair feature makes it stand out from the crowd outshining its M19 and M17 siblings as well as other competing tools.

Even though the chain tool grip feels a bit clunky at times and there’s some flex when using it under high pressure, the tool still delivers solid value in the $33 to $43 price range. Features like the plug storage case, which also stores spare chain links, point to smart design decisions made to tackle real challenges on the trail.

When you’re miles away from everything, weight worries take a backseat to fixing a bike issue. Those extra grams turn into the kind of reliability that can save your day. Strong build quality combined with Crankbrothers’ lifetime warranty turns this tool into a reliable long-term choice instead of a quick fix.

Cyclists using tubeless setups will see great value in the M20. Riders aiming to cut either weight or expenses could choose the M19 or M17 instead, but they’ll lose out on the top-notch tubeless repair features.

After testing it for 30 days in real-life situations, I can say the Crankbrothers M20 is one of the best multi-tools for bikes. Its higher price gives you reliable performance, a solid design built to last, and a wide range of features that handle all sorts of trail problems. This tool turns what could be a bike-ending failure into a quick roadside fix. It is a worthy buy for serious riders who often explore areas with no cell service.