Crankbrothers Launches Two New Multitools With Storage Compartments - Sea Otter Play

Sep 18, 2020
by Ed Spratt  

Crankbrothers has announced two new additions to its multitool lineup with a focus on trailside tubeless tire repair.

The brand new M20 and M13 models both feature a removable plastic case designed for storing tire plugs and quick links. This comes with five tire plugs and it can be easily removed from the tool when it is not needed. The M20 sees the multiple new additions of the two new tools as it features a valve core removal tool and a brake rotor straightener.

Next up is the smaller M13 tool, although it comes with only 13 tools it still features the new tubeless tire repair options as the M20. This includes the new tire plug tool that is only found on the M20 and M13 models. The main differences between the two options are that the smaller M13 loses the chain tool, brake rotor straightener, spoke keys, valve core remover and 8mm wrench. Both models use high tensile steel for the tool bits and they come with a lifetime warranty.

photo
M13
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M20

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Both the M13 and M20 come with a removable plastic storage case for tire plugs and quick links.

The new multitools are available now with the M13 costing $25.99 and the M20 priced at $39.99. As well as the gold color you can also go for red or a more subtle black option. You can find out more here.

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121 Comments
  • 147 2
 CrankBros gets a bad name for a lot of silly products... but they make a damn fine multitool. Especially this series... which is actually useful and kicks the crap out of the vast majority of other multitools.
  • 11 0
 So much of this. Crank Brothers may have issues with their droppers and a few other products, but they make some of the best damn multitools on the market IMO. My M18 has been great for close to a decade, and the updates to make it the M20 are really nice with the tire plug and valve core tools. I'm seriously tempted to make the upgrade.
  • 4 0
 Totally agree I have an M19 that I carried for 2 years on the trails. The only reason I don't carry it is I ordered the F15 Stevie Smith. Now my M19 lives in my road bike kit. I love their tools.
  • 4 6
 Also, as long as you're willing to rebuild them once in a while, they have the best clipless pedals you can find if you want a pedal that won't kill you when you miss a clip-in or want to ride something unclipped.
  • 4 0
 Absolutely! Anyone else wish they would turn the flathead driver 90 degrees? That way you could get a little extra pry action out of it without it rotating around it's holding pin. Crankbros? Please?
  • 2 0
 @pnwpedal: I wish they (anyone making a multitool) would incorporate a tube for dynaplugs. You probably wouldn't make many friends over at Dynaplug doing that, but it'd be sweet.
  • 2 0
 @pmhobson: fixmfg.com/product/dynaplug-wheelie-wrench-pro-hans-rey-edition

Already done.
  • 2 1
 @big-red: And if you ride in snow, ice or heavy clay mud, you can clip straight into them and they pop the hard debris right out the bottom unlike any other brand except Time.
  • 2 0
 @thustlewhumber: I've seen that. I don't understand why it doesn't fold in/out with the rest of the tools. That's what I want (and in a sub-$50 tool like we see here)
  • 7 1
 Disagree. I have an older version of these tools. I had high hopes but found the shape is too large and clunky to get at some screws... essentially the bits are too short for the width of the tool body. It also rusts out real quick.
  • 2 1
 Right? It's the only multi-tool worth buying. I have 2 M19s. I've tried other multi-tools over the years, but they all end up falling apart, or not having all the tools I want on them.
  • 15 0
 My Crankbros tool has held up really well for many years. The tire plugger is a good addition though. Unheard of when I got my current multitool which is testament of how old it really is.

I think it would be great if there were a company that lets you assemble your own tool. Some need T25, others don't (running centerlock rotors), some want this type of tire plugger, others want Dynaplug, some may actually need a 10mm allen key for their Octalink crankset. I think Wiha does this for companies but not for individuals as far as I know. Their tools may not be super compact, but really comfortable. Which matters more to me when out there tired, wet and cold with a broken bike.

Either sell it assembled or just allow people to order it and receive a bag with endplates, the tools and a bunch of washers. I'd love to have that.
  • 6 0
 @vinay: wow that’s actually a brilliant idea
  • 3 0
 @thustlewhumber:

I use this an it’s awesome. Well worth the high price.
  • 1 0
 My CB tool cant adjust eagle derailleur limits. Next!
  • 2 0
 @vinay: mineral designs mini bar tool
  • 1 0
 Or pb swiss bike tool
  • 1 0
 My Silca has been pretty good.
  • 1 0
 @lognar: Oh yeah, but ideally with as few loose parts as possible. So I'd rather not have separate bits for everything though I get that it does add some versatility.

I've got a Wiha tool made for Magura. It has the basic allen keys etc commonly found on a bike (and T25 obviously) but it also has an open ended 8mm spanner for tightening the hose. I think that's nice. If it would be possible to ask Wiha to just add a tire plugger/reamer and a knife, then that would be great.
  • 2 0
 @phalley: mine has rusted really quickly too. Had to bathe the thing in WD-40 to get it to move again.
  • 1 0
 @vinay: You better get a free tool for that idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also custom colours and or lasered names so you can tell yours from your buddies that seems to be bent all the time.
  • 2 0
 @Doogie711: M19 12 years and going strong! Plus their pedals have gotten WAY better. Love my DM Stamps.
  • 3 0
 Except the T25 is not long enough to reach the rear/ bottom bolt on a Guide/ Code calliper without the head of the tool catching on the calliper body (and yes most multi tools are also limited in this way).
  • 1 0
 I have 2 crankbros Multitools both going on 15 years old. Good hard steel and only a bit of rust on one of them. Have to give props for the stamp pedals too. Way less foot cramping.
  • 1 1
 I've had a Topeak Alien XS for so long now I don't know when it was made. Slides together. A bit or 2 I think is outdated like the box end wrenches, but it's even got a knife w/ safety lock.
Doesn't have a torx bit so I just have a small Torx float at the bottom of my bag.

Would like to try a new tool, but it has most of the tiny allen's so I can adjust the limit screws on my SLX derailleur. Carry a CO2 & Stans Dart in the hip pocket of the pack for quick access (and it saved me a LOT of air one day having the Dart quick at hand. I would hate to dig around on my multi-tool, unfold it, peel a plug out and then stab at it.

That being said, the Dart only carries 2 plugs and they aren't perfect for all cuts or punctures.
  • 2 0
 I like mine (I have both of the old versions of these) but they rust. Not ideal for a tool that gets left in a pack or saddlebag.
  • 2 0
 I've been using a M19 for the past 10 years - it's the best thing Crank Bros has made IMO. There's actually already
a valve-remover tool on the M19, so I'm not sure why they're saying it's a new feature for the M20...

(Look on the chain tool - there's a bunch of cutouts for spokes, and there's one that fits a presta valve core)
  • 2 1
 @jaydubmah: at home I usually use a size 15 spoke wrench to remove a valve core
  • 1 0
 Would the tire plugger be good for removing a Schraeder valve core?
  • 1 0
 ngl, the biltong strip carrier is a stroke of genius
  • 1 0
 @phalley: now that you mention it!
  • 1 0
 @vinay: SKS has been doing this for years with their Toolbox Race: www.amazon.com/SKS-Toolbox-Race-15-Function-Bicycle/dp/B000X65OOS
  • 1 0
 @bertbc: That's not quite it, is it? It seems there are two bonus tools (T20 and 2mm allen) you get and can install but what I was looking for is like buying everything as if it were spare parts. Receive them in a bag and assemble them at home. So for instance:
allen keys 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
flat blade screwdriver
Phillips PH2
T25
tire plugger/reamer
knife
spring plate to lock knife and plugger
endplates
washers
bolts and nuts (possibly with threadlock applied)

It doesn't take much other than configurator software (that may insist that you get the spring plate if you order a knife and maybe calculates the bolt length and number of washers you're going to get) and someone in the warehouse who picks your order. Of course if you want to receive it assembled then it is going to take much more from their logistics but up to this point, it should be fairly doable.
  • 1 0
 @vinay: honestly at this point I'm going to try a bit tool, bits aren't ideal because you can loose them but the versatility and actual usability to me are more important than a compact one piece tool. None of the folding multi tools are any good. The CB F15 can't get at eagle limit screws, and for the most part the quality of folding tools is pretty shit. My last tool started to round out my stem bolts from the occasional need to readjust my stem on trail. I'd rather have my tools be more functional than one unit.
  • 1 0
 @lognar: A bit tool can't quite do the tire plugger/reamer trick. I personally have a preference for not having any loose parts. However, the Crankbrothers Y-series tool is a nice combination where you get the common tools in the Y-shape and then can take whatever odd bit you need as a bit. However, this tool doesn't come with the plugger and reamer. But I can imagine they might include it in a future version.
  • 2 0
 @vinay: I don’t get the obsession w having literally every tool clumped together, imo it makes a large brick of unusability. Especially since there are tools I use all the time and some that rarely get used if ever. The ones that never get used (chain breaker, spoke tools, co2 head) im ok with them being separate and stealthily stashed in my bag. Whats the point of having every tool if theyre clumsy and difficult to use. Fixing stuff trailside is annoying as it is and i want my tools to be functional.
  • 2 0
 @lognar: Oh yeah, I prefer my chainbreaker and spoke tool separate too. But for me it is either together or separate. Not a tool that is supposed to stick together but separates in different pieces when you actually use it.
  • 1 0
 @Doogie711: I destroyed my f15. Bent the crap out of the case and now it doesn't go back in. Do not recommend
  • 1 0
 @liam-fillinger: How the heck did you do that? I've had my F15 for 5 or 6 years now... and it's still perfect.
  • 41 0
 Give the people what they want! MORE STASH TOOLS... I want them in every orifice on my bike. I want to undo bolts and out falls a full workshop.
  • 48 0
 I think the logical next step is a stash tool that goes inside your body.
  • 9 0
 @HollyBoni: pluggable tyre pluggers!
  • 33 0
 I guess every tool is pluggable if you have enough determination.
  • 5 0
 @HollyBoni: cushcore has it in development
  • 4 0
 interesting it your refer to your bike and it's orifices. something you want to tell us or will we read it in the papers one day?
  • 22 0
 I think seat companies are next up to design areas to stash tools. There is a lot of space between the seat and seat rails that is still untapped. Seat companies can design seats to have tools clip into areas in the seat. No seat bag required.
  • 13 0
 @nfontanella: they call it the tushcore
  • 8 0
 What about a bike frame that unfolds into a bike stand for ease of maintenance! Not a single flaw in that idea... right? Right?!
  • 2 5
 @tacklingdummy: You've crushed a saddle casing a jump right? Even in moto, people don't like stashing stuff under the seat for off road.

It's the one place I've always hated having anything stored.
Just to access anything, you have to basically shove your hand in all the roost off your ride first.
It's literally the equivalent of what @HollyBoni suggested...like shoving your bike in your bikes rectum.
  • 4 0
 @blowmyfuse: that's assuming that a storage solution is open to the elements and not protected with say a small flap that clips shut or closes with velcro.

I velcro stuff to the underside of my saddle all the time.
  • 1 2
 @tacklingdummy: www.cyckit.com
  • 3 0
 @tacklingdummy: Specialized saddles have bolt holes that you can attach stuff to. My old XC bike had a tube, CO2 head, cylinder, and lever bolted to the seat.
  • 1 1
 @tacklingdummy: The weight is to high on the bike then. S/B closer to center of gravity.
  • 2 0
 @fabwizard: How much weight are we talking about here? Likely less than the difference in weight between a Ti or carbon railed saddle and the same model with CroMo rails.
  • 2 0
 @VtVolk: I would think quite a bit more than that. My multi is a brick.

I am a bit of a weight weenie at heart(to many years of road and XC racing).

But I am mostly against adding any weight to my bike, why pay for a light bike then add weight all over.

Regardless I should have said closer to center of gravity is "preferable' not that it 'was' to high.
  • 1 1
 @Afterschoolsports: I'm talking about just having to open the pack, regardless of flap, etc. Most times here in wet WNC, any saddle pack is gonna be covered in goo itself.
  • 1 0
 @blowmyfuse: Never crushed a saddle casing a jump. This is where the design engineers would make innovative designs that make it easier to access tools and have them solidly clipped in. I am not talking about loose tools in a compartment rattling around. Securely clipped or strapped in with ease of accessibility right on the saddle.
  • 1 0
 @fabwizard: I don't think the weight would make much of a difference in handling. It would likely be only a couple hundred grams of extra weight at most. EDC tool only weighs 116 grams. Some EWS racers have strapped a tube/tools to their seat which has to weigh about 300 grams. DMR made their Stage1 saddle that can strap a tube and tools to the seat better, but I think more innovative ways can put tools underneath.
  • 1 0
 @tacklingdummy: I generally don't notice these things, but when I used a small-ish seat bag on my road bike I really noticed the weight when I was out of the saddle pedalling. I went to a waaay bigger half frame bag, and even tho the frame bag ended up being 2-3x heavier than the seat bag because I put way more stuff in it, the bike felt lighter under me. The weight being so high up makes a big difference.
  • 3 0
 @Afterschoolsports: He'd be damned if any MTBer's gonna put their dirty, gloveless greasy hands on his boy's birthright, so he hid it, in the one place he knew he could hide something: his ass. I hid this uncomfortable piece of metal up my ass for two years. And now, little man, I give the multitool to you.
  • 31 0
 Every product announcement should come with a giveaway
  • 7 1
 Especially if its crankbrothers Big Grin
  • 5 33
flag saladdodger (Sep 18, 2020 at 6:12) (Below Threshold)
 If it says crankbrothers on it, i wouldn't want it for free.. sorry
  • 16 0
 @saladdodger: To be honest I've been using a Crankbrothers mutlitool for years, it's been flawless.
  • 3 6
 @vinay: I've had probably 15 multitools over the years and only had one fail; want to guess the brand?
  • 41 0
 @Weens: You've had 15? And only ONE has failed??? What happened to the other 14?
  • 4 0
 @rrolly: free trail giveaways to people who didn't pack theirs
  • 2 0
 I never see any follow ups when they do announce giveaways.. Has anyone actually won anything?
  • 2 1
 @Weens: Gerber?
  • 2 0
 @Weens: Stanley?
  • 2 0
 @Weens: Out of all multitools that I no longer use but that hasn't failed, there was one from Topeak (that appeared convenient being so small, but turned out to be too uncomfortable to operate with cold gloved hands) and the one from Crankbrothers.
  • 1 0
 @monkeybizz: when do we ride? I may have things I forget to bring
  • 10 0
 Seems like everyone is stuck on bad experiences with Crankbrothers and that's understandable. But it also seems like problems that they had 7+ years ago. I'm running pedals, wheels, dropper and have multi-tools also and they have been great as long as you service and don't neglect them.

When headtubes and other parts fail from other brands seems people get over them but why not Crankbrothers. Seems like more people hate because its the cool thing to when brands are trying or bringing something different to the table. Just my observation
  • 7 0
 I think the haters just out-shout the people who have been happy. I have a Highline dropper, candy pedals, and an M19 multitool. All have worked quite well, but I see little point in yelling about it. People who hate them won't change their opinion no matter what I say.
  • 4 0
 @jaredmh: good thing the sport is growing like crazy - lots of room for new opinions and new fans. I like their stuff.
  • 9 0
 can they sell me just the little plastic bacon holder part? i already have the multi-tool and it clearly just clips onto the frame
  • 1 4
 3d print one
  • 7 0
 @Riyadh: or they could sell it to me for idk something reasonable like 5-10$?
  • 2 0
 You wouldn't have the pronged tool to actually insert them if you attached this to one of their other tools.
  • 2 0
 @jaredmh: what?
  • 5 0
 I hear a lot of love/hate opinions about crankbrothers pedals. I didnt hear bad opinon about crankbrothers multitools. I got F15 model and its the best. I wanted to buy One up components thing but realize F15 is enough. Always carry it in side pocket, helped so many poor bastard.
buuutt I dont really see a point of that.
Comapnies sell every tool separately then multitools with some extra addons.
Can someone finally make one small multibox with everything u need for riding in the mounatains.
"Multibox M50 Enduro Edition" - Brick that gonna save your ride
  • 4 0
 It's not a preloaded fast tire stabber, so I do not plan on upgrading from my old version M19. The M19 is one of the best multitools out there. It has almost everything you need for basic work or adjustments on a bike, except for big jobs requiring specific tools. The M19 was my only set of "bike tools" I owned many years ago when I started riding. It survived a lot of abuse.
  • 3 0
 A bit like the Topeak Tubi. The Topeak is better in that it has a knife to trim the plug after insertion and the tire plugger locks, the Crankbrothers is better in that it has an 8mm allen key.
  • 2 0
 If only the Tubi 18 had a chain breaker
  • 1 0
 Are there any tire plug kits out there for under $10? They are all $20 on amazon.

I've never used one- do they completely negate the need for riding with a spare tube?
  • 6 0
 @hamncheez: I stopped carrying a spare tube for normal rides this year after realising I hadn't installed one on the trail in 5 years. Plugs almost always work for me, or at least get me home while keeping an eye on pressure and topping-up if needed. Plus I have CushCore in the rear now and there's no way am I going to try to remove it on the trail if I can avoid it. Rides with a backpack I'll still carry a tube just because, but those are more out-there rides.

The Weldtite kit is under €10 over here and is as good as any, minus any fancy design. Plenty of kits on AliExpress for €5-10 with a nice capsule design but change the skinny brown plugs for 4-5mm ones (very cheap).

And you don't need a knife. Trim your plugs to a sensible length at home and then insert them just enough when the time comes. I've only ever lost one inside the tyre inserting too far. Even if there's too much plug hanging out it's no big deal, just trim when you get home.
  • 1 0
 @ptld: I've once had a Specialized multitool with an integrated chainbreaker. It broke when I needed. Ever since I just carried the same Park Tool (C-5 if I'm correct) ever since. I lost my trust in integrated chain breakers. I also think that it is more convenient to keep the chain together when there isn't too much other stuff dangling from the chain breaker (annex multi-tool). Obviously people now carry a hook for keeping the chain together now so yeah, an integrated chain breaker could be an option (if it is good). But I'm fine not having it.

@Lornholio : Ok, never tried whether I could get away with not trimming the excess. Didn't quite see the point risking that if I could just trim it when I should.Seems like if something could snag my tire, it could also rip the plug out. But yeah, my rear axle needs an 8mm allen key for installation and removal so not having it in a tool is a funny one. Especially when you see other torx sizes included. What other torx sizes are being used on bikes other than T25? I've got some really tiny torx screws for my reservoir cap (Magura Louise 2006) but it is not what I'd need out on the trail.
  • 2 0
 @Lornholio: I've taken the spare tube and levers off both the road bike and mountain bike this year. Especially with the insert - I couldn't get the tyre off easily, then what am I supposed to do with the insert?... I have cut down some of the weldtite plugs to half size, so I just use them if it's not a huge hole - saves cutting them and get more value for money!
  • 2 0
 @vinay: the Formula Cura requires a T10 if you decide to bleed your brakes on the trail
  • 1 0
 i have an m19 and it keeps falling apart at one of the pivots (bolt works its way loose), which is very probrematic because then you have half of the tools and all the spacer washer to account for. This is in a seat bag for a pavement only bike. Have put it back together a couple of times with increasing amounts of loctite, no cigar. Maybe i just got a dud, but i wouldnt buy another of their multitools
  • 1 0
 Damn, with loctite? That's weird. Had that problem with a few tools over the years (including my OneUp EDC) and loctite did the job nicely. I'd recommend going to red loctite but make sure you get it right when you tighten it because that stuff is HARD to move once it cures.
  • 2 1
 I wish that Crankbrothers would just embrace their best selves as makers of high-quality cycling accessories, rather than trying to be a components company. Seems like every component I've ever used of theirs either falls apart (pedals, wheels), or has too much associated negative baggage related to their earlier designs to ever truly embrace their new supposedly better products (droppers). Their multitools and pumps are generally awesome though.
  • 1 0
 I also like to imagine a day when they just make tools. Their tools are good. Everything else. Crap
  • 3 0
 The article says the M13 loses the 8mm Allen, but it seems to be there in the pictures. What am I missing?
  • 8 3
 Mmmmm bacon
  • 4 3
 Said everyone ever
  • 3 0
 So far Blackburn has the only multitool that is smokeable. Get your priorities straight CB.
  • 1 0
 haha, which tool?
  • 1 0
 @RonSauce: The Switch
  • 3 0
 Is the actual tool any different from the classic one? That was the best multitool out there.
  • 3 0
 A multi-tool with a bacon-strip backpack!
  • 1 0
 i noticed the older CB m-19's with the 8-9-10 speed chainbreak are on sale.... Is it because do they not work on 11 speed or 12 speed? or is it just hype?
  • 4 0
 I’ve used it on Eagle, they work just fine on 12 speed.
  • 1 0
 Have used it on many an 11 speed Shimano chain, and one Shimano 12 speed. No issues
  • 2 0
 If my m19 would ever break i’d sure like that m20 as a replacement. Crank bros best products ever..
  • 2 0
 found an M19 trailside one day and its the best ground-score I've ever come across!
  • 5 3
 Looks like a small beef jerky compartment.
  • 1 1
 I am thinking, I might actually put beef jerky in there....
  • 2 0
 Is this the Matryoshka doll edition?
  • 1 0
 we hear you like compartments?! So we put a compartment on your tool to stash in your compartment
  • 2 0
 I have the F15 tool and as everyone on here has said - their tools rock.
  • 2 0
 Titanium version please. Thank you
  • 1 0
 The #3 spoke key removes valve cores perfectly. No need for an additional tool.
  • 2 0
 About time multi-tools started coming with SWAT compartments!
  • 2 0
 @phile99: it's swat compartments all the way down(tube)
  • 1 0
 Nothing really holds a candle to the miniature ratchet/torque wrench kits from Topeak and Silca though.
  • 1 0
 Sounds like lots of fumbling around
  • 1 0
 When do we get another Stevie Smith edition.... or maybe also a Jordie Lunn version...
  • 1 0
 @saladdodger: Why? Is it because you are the Salad Tosser Tool? Asking for a friend.
  • 1 0
 Are the bits any longer than the ones found on Topeak’s Mini 20 Pro?
  • 1 0
 talk about no info video........ maybe explain the tool in over 20 seconds







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