REASONS TO BUY
Lightest in the test
Small
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Mediocre ergonomics
ToPeak Ninja 16+ Review
Boasting the lightest weight in our test, this model packs 16 functions into its reinforced polymer frame
Credit: Topeak
RELATED: Best Bike Multi-Tool of 2024
Our Verdict
Tipping the scales at just 93 grams, the ToPeak Ninja 16+ is one of the lightest tools in our review, but this model offers more than just gram savings. ToPeak managed to fit 16 functions into the tool's small frame while keeping the layout simple and easy to use. Out on a ride, the Ninja 16+ all but disappears in a pocket or a pack. When it comes time to pull it out, this model will remedy all of the most common mid-ride mechanical issues and even get you out of some trickier situations. While it isn't the most full-featured tool, it's one of the smallest models we reviewed. We found that ToPeak had to make some small sacrifices in the Ninja 16+'s ergonomics to pack in all the functions, but the tool holds its own against its larger counterparts. Get the scoop on how it stands up to the competition in our review of the best bike multi-tools.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on December 30, 2023, to adjust our testing metrics and update the award status of this multi-tool.
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ToPeak Ninja 16+ | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $43 List $47.95 at Amazon | $45 List $44.99 at Amazon | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | Check Price at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $37.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This contender weighs less than any other tool we tested and still offers high versatility and capability | This one-piece tool offers exceptional leverage and a wide variety of functions | The M19 is a well designed multi-tool with everything you need to handle most trail-side mechanicals | The F15 carries all of the vital functions in its innovative, easy-to-use design | A tiny, lightweight tool capable of tackling common trailside repairs |
| Rating Categories | ToPeak Ninja 16+ | Lezyne Super V 22 | Crankbrothers M19 | Crankbrothers F15 | PNW Components Pebb... |
| Features (25%) | |||||
| Ergonomics (25%) | |||||
| Portability (20%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (20%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (10%) | |||||
| Specs | ToPeak Ninja 16+ | Lezyne Super V 22 | Crankbrothers M19 | Crankbrothers F15 | PNW Components Pebb... |
| Weight | 93 g | 141 g | 173 g | 163 g | 51 g |
| Number of Functions | 16 | 22 | 19 | 15 | 6 |
| Weight With Cover | N/A | 143 g | 209 g | N/A | N/A |
| Hex Wrenches | 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 mm | 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 mm | 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 mm | 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 mm | 3, 4, 5, 6 mm |
| Torx Wrenches | T10, T15, T25 | T10, T25, T30 | T10, T25 | T25 | T25 |
| Screwdrivers | Phillips, Flat head | Phillips | Phillips #1, #2, Flat #2 | Phillips, Flat head | None |
| Chain Tool? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Addtional Tools | Spoke wrenches | 8/10 mm wrench, spoke wrenches sizes 0,1,2,3, rotor truing tool, bottle opener, disc brake wedge | 8/10 mm open wrench; spoke wrenches sizes 0,1,2,3 | Bottle opener | Dynaplug accessory |
| Size (Length x Width x Thickness) | 2.4 x 1.3 x 0.5 in | 3.58 x 2.13 x 0.69 in | 3.5 x 1.875 x 0.75 in | 3.5 x 1.5 x 0.75 in | 2.5 x 0.75 x 0.5 in |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
ToPeak targets weight-conscious cyclists with the Ninja 16+, but we found it capable and versatile enough that it would make a great tool for any rider. While it isn't the most feature-packed model in ToPeak's line, it still packs 16 functions in its tiny body. With its carbon fiber reinforced polymer frame and chrome steel tools the Ninja 16+ will have you covered for the majority of your trailside issues and will go unnoticed in your pack or jersey pocket for the rest of your ride. Our testers were excited to try out this enticing little package, and it quickly became a favorite for its lightweight and easy-to-use nature.
Performance Comparison
The Ninja 16+ is lightweight and super portable, yet it still has just about everything you need out on the trail.
Credit: Zach Wick
Features
The 16-function Ninja 16+ impressed us with its capabilities. Packed into its small frame are all of the common hex sizes and then some with 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm wrenches. Also included are 3 Torx wrench sizes with T10, T15 and T25, #2 Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, a chain breaker, a chain holder, and 14G and 15G spoke wrenches. These tools represent everything you need to conquer basic repairs in the field. You will not often encounter a situation in which this tool won't be able to solve your mechanical issue.
The 4 and 6mm hex wrenches must be removed from the tool to use.
Credit: Zach Wick
Ergonomics
Despite its small size, the Ninja 16+ held its ground in the ergonomics department. At just over two inches long and one inch wide, it was the smallest tool in our test, but the length was just enough to fit comfortably in the palm when tightening or loosening a bolt. When applying torque, there are a few places where the tools attached to the sides of the frame create pressure points on the hand, but for the most part, the smooth polymer is easy to grasp. The chain tool is also well designed ergonomically with a textured spinner that can be threaded in and out by hand and a 4mm hex head to apply torque when breaking a chain. The removable 4mm L-type hex wrench you use in conjunction with the chain tool isn't quite as long as we would like but allows you to apply the necessary torque to break a chain.
The size of the Ninja 16+ means the tools themselves are slightly shorter than some of the other models we tested. Despite this, the small tool can still get to bolts in hard to reach places, and the 8mm hex wrench is long enough to reach crank bolts and pivot axles that are often recessed. The Ninja 16+ also has a removable 4 or 6mm hex socket that fits into the end of the 8mm wrench and creates a much longer, more leverage-friendly tool.
The 4mm L-wrench can be attached to a socket in the 8mm hex for more leverage.
Credit: Zach Wick
Portability
ToPeak designed the Ninja 16+ with lightweight portability in mind, and they hit the nail on the head. At 93 grams it is the lightest model we tested, and a rider can easily slip it into a jersey or bib pocket to forget about it until it's needed. The tools fit well into the compact shape of its frame, and we aren't exaggerating when we say that the Ninja 16+ is barely noticeable in a pocket or a pack.
The Ninja 16+ is one of the smallest and lightest tool we tested.
Credit: Zach Wick
Ease of Use
Out on the trail, the Ninja 16+ is simple and quick to use. Following a traditional multi-tool design, the layout is easy to understand visually, and the tools are readily identifiable. Many of its harder to identify tools are labeled, so you can quickly find what you're looking for. The Ninja 16+ is ready to use as soon as you pull it out of your pocket or pack and makes a great tool for rapid mid-ride setup adjustments. The removable L-type 4/6mm hex socket keeps this tool from ranking among our top scorers in this metric. The 4mm wrench is one of the most commonly used on any bike, and having to pull out the small L-wrench every time you need to use it isn't ideal. Additionally, removable pieces are one extra thing to keep track of when performing a trailside repair and are easily lost.
While the Ninja 16+ rated as one of the easiest tools in our test to use, a few tools we tested edged it out. Tools with a traditional multi-tool design and a simple layout typically rated higher in this metric. Our favorite tools in this category include labeled tools and a one-piece design to minimize the fiddling necessary during a mid-ride repair.
The Ninja's layout is great for quick adjustments.
Credit: Zach Wick
Construction Quality
We initially had questions about the durability of the carbon fiber reinforced polymer body of the Ninja 16+, but our concerns were largely dispelled once we got our hands on the tool. When reinforced with carbon fiber, a thermoplastic polymer like that of the Ninja 16+ has a very high strength-to-weight ratio, but can also fail with fatigue over a long period of time. We worried that if the frame of the tool flexed or twisted during use that the material would fatigue and fail quickly. Unlike other tools with plastic frames, however, the Ninja 16+'s body is incredibly stiff, and we couldn't detect any movement when applying high torque to the tool. Based on this and the lack of wear on the tool's chrome vanadium steel wrenches throughout the testing process, we're very confident in this tool's longevity.
The uneven outer surface of the composite body can create pressure points on the hand.
Credit: Zach Wick
Value
We think that the Ninja 16+ offers a lot of value. It is the lightest tool in our test while rating highly in versatility and durability. All of that for a price that falls right around the median of all the models we looked at is difficult to pass up.
Conclusion
Our testers thought very highly of the Ninja 16+. With an incredibly lightweight design, 16 useful functions, an intuitive layout, and quality construction, we would recommend this tool to any cyclist.
—
Zach Wick
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