Lezyne RAP-21 CO2 Review

Founded in 2007, Lezyne is a relative newcomer to the bike-tool industry, but they have quickly gained a reputation for quality products. The RAP-21 CO2 sports the most functions of any tool in their RAP lineup. With a CO2 inflator included, it was an obvious choice to include in our test. We quickly grew to appreciate its numerous functions and easy-to-use nature as we put it through the wringer.

Performance Comparison

Features

Packing 21 functions, the RAP-21 CO2 was one of the most diverse and capable tools we tested. Between its aluminum side plates sit nearly every hex size you'll ever need with 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm wrenches. Also included with the RAP-21 CO2 are T25 and T30 Torx wrenches, Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, an 8-11 speed chain breaker, three spoke wrench sizes, 8 and 10 mm box wrenches, a bottle opener, a tire lever, a disc brake pad spreader. Additionally, this model was the only one in our test that included a CO2 inflator. With all of these functions at your disposal, you'll be covered for virtually any mechanical situation that might arise while riding.

Among tools we tested, the RAP-21 CO2 is only outclassed in its capabilities by the 23-function ToPeak Mini 20 Pro. In addition to offering two more functions, the Mini 20 Pro also weighs 36 grams less than the RAP-21 CO2, but the Mini 20 Pro's feature package doesn't include the vital CO2 inflator.

Ergonomics

We found that Lezyne had to make some small ergonomic sacrifices to pack so many functions into the RAP-21 CO2's aluminum frame. With a length just over three inches and a width a little over two inches, this was one of the largest tools in our test. The short, wide frame is a little bit chunky in the palm and makes it hard to get optimum leverage on sticky bolts. The rounded aluminum side plates provide a comfortable surface when applying torque, but we found that the chain tool handle moves around quite a bit when spinning the tool quickly to remove or thread in a bolt.

We think that the RAP-21 CO2's versatility and capability largely offset its minor ergonomic imperfections. Among the tools we tested, it scored right around the average in this metric. If you're looking for a highly functional tool without any ergonomic sacrifices, the ToPeak Mini 20 Pro offers the most features of any tool we tested with 23 and scored higher than the RAP-21 CO2. If you value ergonomics above all else, the Ratchet Rocket Lite DX is the multi-tool for you.

Portability

Every tool we tested is highly portable, and the differences between each model are fairly subtle. That said, we found that the RAP-21 CO2 was a bit more of a handful to tote on rides than the others. At 194 grams it tops our test, and its short, wide, and thick body can cause a nuisance in a jersey or bib pocket. The C02 inflator bulges out of the frame slightly and creates a bumpy profile that can poke and prod at your back. Its neoprene carrying case helps a lot and makes hauling it in a pocket more manageable, but we mostly stuck to traveling with it in a pack or saddle bag.

Among tools we tested, the RAP-21 CO2 tied with the Park Tool I-Beam for our lowest portability score. Riders who don't mind a few extra grams should have no problems carrying it in a pack and will no doubt enjoy its wide array of functions, but those who closely monitor their kit's weight will probably want to look elsewhere. The Ninja 16+ offers the lightest weight in our test and a perfect portability score, but comes a few functions short of what the RAP-21 CO2 wields.

Ease of Use

With its traditional multi-tool layout, the RAP-21 CO2 provides a refreshingly fast and simple user experience. Each of its 23 functions folds out from either end of the frame, and no tools require assembly before use. Only the CO2 inflator separates from the main body, so you don't need to keep track of multiple pieces while performing a repair. We did find that a lack of labels on many of the tools sometimes makes sorting through the many functions to find your required wrench a little bit troublesome, and removing the neoprene carrying wrap can take a few seconds. Overall, however, these things didn't pose much of an issue.

The RAP-21 CO2 offers an easy, simple, and quick experience. Only a few models, including the Fabric 16 in 1, the Unior Euro17, and the Crankbrothers M19, scored higher in this metric, but none of these tools offer the same number of features as the RAP-21 CO2.

Durability

Throughout our testing process, we had no questions about the RAP-21 CO2's durability. Its aluminum frame should last as long as you want to use this tool, and the CRV+ corrosion resistant tools showed no signs of wear with extensive use.

We scored this model alongside all of our highest-rated tools in durability. Other models with full-metal construction that we have confidence in include the ToPeak Mini 20 Pro, the Crankbrothers F15, and the Blackburn Tradesman among others. The Ninja 16+ was the only tool we tested with non-metal construction that scored as high in durability.

Value

At $35 retail, the RAP-21 CO2 sits at the more inexpensive end of the tools we tested. For 21 functions and a CO2 inflator, we think that it's a great value. Despite not being the highest-scoring tool in some categories, the low price tag means that we would recommend it to all but the most weight-conscious riders based on functionality alone.

Conclusion

The RAP-21 CO2 is one of the most function-rich models we tested. Along with its wide array of tools, it offers a simple, quick user experience and construction designed for longevity. Despite its large size and heavy weight, this tool's low price tag makes it a great candidate for any rider's pack.