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review
Tools - multitools
Lezyne CRV 20 multitoolLezyne CRV 20 tool

Lezyne CRV 20 multitool

7
by Mat Brett
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jul 16, 2012

0
£29.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Tough multitool with enough functions to get you out of most roadside bother
Weight: 
160g
Contact: 
www.upgradebikes.co.uk
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Lezyne CRV 20 multitool has enough functions to get you out of most mechanical troubles you're likely to experience on the road and it's tough enough to last the distance too.

It's well made with forged aluminium side plates and chrome vanadium steel bits that are nickel plated to protect against wear and corrosion. I've used the CRV 20's tools loads over the past couple of months and, unlike some multitools whose components appear to be made of cheese, they've stood up well. A quick inspection shows there are no rounded edges in sight. There's no rust either although you need to dry everything after a wet ride to make sure that never becomes a problem.

You'll doubtless use the Allen keys most. The large (86 x 53 x 22mm) overall size of the multitool provides you with a handful of leverage – just about enough to tighten or loosen a pedal, for example, as long as your pedal has the requisite hole on end of the axle.

I found the chaintool a little tricky to use but it's certainly a whole lot better than you'll find on many multitools and well up to the job.

You get wrenches for the most common sized spoke nipples, and although I wouldn't be too keen to use the metal tyre lever on delicate rims for fear of damaging them, it'll get you out of bother if you need to. I've not had any use for the serrated knife yet but you never know, it might prove handy some day. A neoprene band wraps around all the tools to avoid any nasty mishaps.

Functions

  • Allen keys: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm
  • Torx (star shaped) screwdriver T25
  • Screwdrivers: crosshead and flathead
  • Chaintool (9/10speed)
  • Spoke wrenchs: Mavic MTB, 3.22, 3.45
  • Serated knife (60mm)
  • Tyre lever
  • Bottle opener
  • Disc brake wedge
  • Spanners: open ended, 8mm, 10mm

Verdict

Tough multitool with enough functions to get you out of most roadside bother

road.cc test report

Make and model: Lezyne CRV 20 tool

Size tested: Black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Lezyne say, "CRV tools functional, lightweight, and durable tools ideal for road-side or trail-side use. Forged aluminum side plates are lightweight and easy to use while wearing gloves. Chrome Vanadium bits and fastening hardware are durable and nickel plated. Forged Center Pivot bits increase tool rigidity and improve ergonomics. Precision cast stainless chain breaker works with 9/10 speed chains (CRV 12 & 20) and has 3 integrated spoke wrenches."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Leyne say:

"Forged centre pivot bit design

Precision CNC-machined Center-Pivot design increases bit rigidity and improves tool ergonomics while reducing weight."

By this they simply mean that each of the tools is attached at its base via a bolt that runs between the two sideplates. It works well, the tools you're not using acting as the handle in your palm.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

You'll find lighter multitools but that's often a false economy; going for lightweight over function might leave you stranded on the roadside.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

It feels pretty comfortable to use, fitting well in the palm of your hand to give you good leverage without too much pressure.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

This is one of the more expensive multitool we've ever tested on Road.cc but it's not an outlandish price - certainly not for something with this many functions and of this quality.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well. I've used it mostly for tightening 4, 5 and 6mm Allen bolts but it has also come to the rescue when my chain snapped.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The range of functions and the fact that the tools have stood up to repeated use without a problem.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The chain tool is a bit tricky to use, although it's certainly reliable enough.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 41  Height: 190cm  Weight: 75kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,

 

Multitool
Lezyne CRV 20
Mat Brett

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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