Bike Perfect Verdict
If you're looking for the trustiest workhorse of mountain bike multi-tools, Crankbrothers m17 is a great option.
Pros
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Tool length helps access some bolts and adds more leverage
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Different color options
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A useful selection of tools
Cons
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Can't get at those tucked-away bolts
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Feels cumbersome compared to fancy ratchet-style tools
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Crankbrothers m17 multi-tool has been around for ages and in that time has remained relatively unchanged offering riders a nice balance of tools to fix their bike out on the trail. A lot has changed though as the best mountain biking multi-tools are looking for creative new solutions to aid emergency fixes, so does the classic m17 still earn its spot in our riding pack?
Design and build
Crankbrothers has used high tensile steel for the m17 which has a standard ‘Swiss-Army’ layout. The tool includes a rubberized band that holds it all together when in your pocket, pack, or when you are using it. The bumpers feature a knurled finish for added grip and are available in four different colors; midnight (black), black/red, gold (which I have on test), and nickel. There's also a range of jazzy splatter effects as well.
You might have guessed already but Crankborthers has kitted the m17 out with 17 tools. There are the expected 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 hex keys, Phillips and flat, and a T-25 torx tool. On top of that, there is a chain tool that has 0, 1, 2, and 3 spoke wrenches integrated into it as well as 8mm and 10mm open wrenches. The Chain tool should have you covered for most bikes too as it works for 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12-speed chains.
Performance
The first thing you notice with the Crankbrothers m17 is how well it's put together, everything feels tight but still moves freely when folding out tools. All the tools snug neatly into bolts for a secure fit and there is little bending or twisting when trying to turn stubborn bolts. The length finds a nice balance of not too small that it's hard to get enough leverage but not so big it becomes an uncomfortable heavy lump when riding.
The chain tool is about as good as you can expect from a tool integrated into a multi-tool giving enough leverage to drive a stubborn pin out and it's always handy to have a plethora of spoke keys just in case things get out of true.
While the m17 has a great selection of tools, Crankbrothers have a range of ‘m’ tools If you need more, less, or different options. Crankbrothers has the m19 (one extra Phillips and a T-10) and the m13 which drops the chain tool, spoke keys, and open wrenches in favor of a tire plug tool.
Verdict
Crankbrothers m17 is a classic tool for a reason, it's simple, well-made, and has all the facilities that are needed to fix the majority of trailside issues. The overall design does feel a little basic compared to newer options with smart tool configurations and ratchets etc which can make working on your bike easier, especially if there are hard-to-reach bolts involved. Pricing is on par with a lot of the similarly equipped multi-tools though and there is no denying the straightforward reliability of the m17. If you are looking for fuss-free reliable tooling on the go it's a great option.
Tech specs: Crankbrothers m17 multi-tool
- Price: $29.99 / £29.99 / $54.99 AUD / $34.99 CAD
- Tools: 2/2.5/3/4/5/6/8 Allen keys, Phillips #2, flat #2, T25 Torx, chain breaker, 0/1/2/3 spoke wrenches, 8mm/10mm open wrenches
- Size: 9 x 4.5 x 2.5cm
- Materials: High-tensile steel
- Weight: 177g
