Clipless pedals are more popular than ever. Racers have long appreciated the power transmission, pedalling efficiency and uncompromising grip. And more and more freeriders are also clicking in. We tell you where it works:
CRANK BROTHERS MALLET E (photo above)
Price (pedals / cleats) 169 € / 27 €
Weight* 421 g / 34 g
Release hardness* / angle 5.3 Nm / 15, 20 degrees
Freedom of movement 0 / 6 degrees (depending on cleat)
Standing height / axle length* 15.6 mm / 52 mm; 57 mm (optional)
The advantages of the Mallet E are obvious: the large cage is the safest place to stand - clicked in and out and even with a CC profile. The special binding offers four entry points and is virtually self-cleaning. The distance from shoe to pedal can be adjusted using shims. The large release angle and the non-adjustable hardness speak against the pedal. The entry and exit is not very defined and always feels different, and the binding sometimes releases on contact with rocks. A great pedal, but the characteristics remain a matter of taste.
FREERIDE RATING 9 out of 10 points
SIXPACK VERTIC TRAIL (FREERIDE test winner)
Price (pedals / cleats) 109,50 € / k. A. €
Weight* (pedals / cleats) 354 g / 50 g (SPD-compatible)
Release hardness* / angle 10.3-17.3 Nm / not adjustable
Freedom of movement 4 degrees
Standing height / axle length* 15.1 mm / 52.5 mm or 58.5 mm
If you click into the Sixpack pedal blindfolded, you could be forgiven for thinking you're clicking into a classy XT pedal from Shimano. The Sixpack imitates the feel of an SPD pedal like a hoverfly imitates a wasp. The Sixpack is also slightly flatter than the Shimano and is available in two axle lengths. The release force can be read on a scale and is easy to adjust. The Sixpack weighs 50 grams less than the Shimano. These are all just nuances, but in the end Sixpack has the edge over Shimano. Great!
FREERIDE RATING 9.5 out of 10 points
HT T1
Price (pedals / cleats) 150 € / 18 €
Weight* (pedals / cleats) 373 g / 60 g
Release hardness* / angle 5.3-9.2 Nm / not adjustable
Freedom of movement 4 / 8 degrees (depending on cleat)
Standing height / axle length* 15.5 mm / 56 mm
The stylishly machined T1 is very light and has a similar flat design to an XTR pedal. The release hardness is scaled and easily adjustable. Overall, the T1 offers a secure footing and has a comfortable range of movement that can be varied depending on the cleat. The binding system is a mix of SPD and Crank Brothers, with good self-cleaning properties. The release is somewhat undefined due to the two movable sides and is also rather hard in the easy setting. The pins are of little additional benefit when clicked in. Great detail: The pedals are available in many colours.
FREERIDE RATING 9 out of 10 points
TIME SPECIALE
Price (pedals / cleats) 275 € / 20 €
Weight* (pedals / cleats) 411 g / 43 g
Release hardness* / angle 6.0-10.2 Nm / 13, 17 degrees
Freedom of movement 5 degrees
Standing height / axle length* 18.1 mm / 55 mm
The Speciale has a large cage with four pins on each side. At least the rear ones engage with the shoe profile. Nevertheless, the stance is rather wobbly because the sole only has a small contact surface. As is typical for Time, the release is somewhat undefined and the Speciale creaks when pedalling. The screw for the release hardness is very small, the adjustment range is small and hardly noticeable in practice. Thanks to the wide and open bracket, the Speciale cleans better than the SPD systems. However, we would have expected more for the high price.
FREERIDE RATING 7 out of 10 points
LOOK X-TRACK EN-RAGE+
Price (pedals / cleats) 100 € / 16,99 €
Weight* (pedals / cleats) 449 / 54 g (SPD compatible)
Release hardness* / angle 9.3-18.8 Nm / not adjustable
Freedom of movement 6 degrees
Standing height / axle length* 16.9 mm / 53 mm
The Enduro version of the X-Track offers an enlarged support compared to the standard version - you can feel it. Unfortunately, the foot is cemented in place because the cleats also rest on the pedal body. This makes it difficult to click in and makes lateral movement very difficult. The screw for the release hardness wears out quickly. With Shimano SPD cleats, the pedalling angle feels increased, but the foot can also move more freely, which can prevent knee pain. Here too, the pins are of little use - a pity!
FREERIDE RATING 7 out of 10 points
SHIMANO XT (PD-M8020) (FREERIDE-TIP price/performance)
Price (pedals / cleats) 95 € / 10,50 €
Weight* (pedals / cleats) 403 g / 50 g
Release hardness* / angle 6.2-18.8 Nm / not adjustable
Freedom of movement 3 degrees
Standing height / axle length* 16.1 mm / 55 mm
Compared to a standard pedal, the contact area of the XT trail pedal is only minimally increased. With a low profile on the shoe, the pedal is rather wobbly. Riding unclipped is not recommended here. The SPD binding mechanism is still excellent and in a class of its own. You find your way into the pedals intuitively in every situation. In or out, the feeling is always super defined and always the same. The release hardness is widely adjustable, but the screw is a little stiff. In terms of weight and self-cleaning, other pedals are better.
FREERIDE RATING 9 out of 10 points
FREERIDE RANKING: The number (maximum 10 points) reflects the overall impression of the testers. 10 = test winner, no better. 9 = very good. Recommended buy. 8 = solid performance. 7 = below average. The product has weaknesses. 1 to 6 = We can only warn against this! *FREERIDE measured values
Stefan Frey
Editor
