Test results clipless pedals up to 80 euros:
BBB FORCEMOUNT
Price/Info 59.95 euros (14.95 euros¹) / www.sportimport.de
Weight² (pedals/cleats): 292/52 grammes
Release hardness²/angle: 5 to 14 Nm/fixed
Sole spacing: not customisable
Standing height/axle length¹: 9 mm/52 mm
Storage: Plain bearing/ball bearing
BIKE judgement ³) VERY GOOD
CONCLUSION Compatible with Shimano's SPD system. Entry and exit do not quite reach Shimano level, but the BBB weighs significantly less. Limited lateral freedom of movement, so the cleats must be positioned correctly. Good stability.
CRANKBROTHERS CANDY 1
Price/Info 60 Euro (27 Euro¹) / www.cosmicsports.de
Weight² (pedals/cleats): 277/37 grams
Release hardness²/angle: 5.5 Nm/15°, 20°; 0° optional
Sole distance: adjustable via 1 levelling plate
Standing height/axle length¹: 8.5 mm/53 mm
Storage: Cartridge/friction bearing
BIKE judgement ³) VERY GOOD
CONCLUSION The lightest of the affordable pedals impresses with a good footprint. The binding mechanism is very smooth, but also quite undefined. Despite four entry positions, you often don't find your way into the pedal straight away.
LOOK S-TRACK
Price/Info 69.95 euros (19.95 euros¹) / www.grofa.com
Weight² (pedals/cleats): 289/35 grammes
Release hardness²/angle: 7.5 Nm/15°
Sole spacing: Adjustable via 4 levelling plates
Standing height/axle length¹: 12 mm/53 mm
Storage: 2 ball bearing/ingus ring
BIKE judgement ³) GOOD
CONCLUSION The lightweight look is noticeably high, the binding mechanism is somewhat susceptible to dirt. Neither the release hardness nor the angle of the poorly defined mechanism can be adjusted. The good standing surface can be extended using a cage.
MAVIC CROSSRIDE SL
Price/Info 80 Euro (18.50 Euro¹) / www.mavic.de
Weight² (pedals/cleats): 298/44 grammes
Release hardness²/angle: 7.5 Nm/13°, 17°
Sole spacing: not customisable
Standing height/axle length¹: 10.5 mm/54 mm
Storage: Industrial bearings
BIKE judgement ³) GOOD
CONCLUSION The Mavic and Time systems are identical and can only be adjusted in angle. Even with a small angle, the freedom of movement of the foot is great. It's easy to find your way into the pedal, but the way you click out is rather undefined.
SHIMANO PD-M540
Price/Info 59.95 Euro (12.90 Euro¹) / www.paul-lange.de
Weight² (pedals/cleats): 350/50 grammes
Release hardness²/angle: 15 to 23 Nm/fixed
Sole spacing: not customisable
Standing height/axle length¹: 10 mm/55 mm
StorageCone bearing
BIKE judgement ³) VERY GOOD
CONCLUSION The heaviest of the affordable pedals is a proven and robust classic. Easy to adjust, with a reliable and clearly defined mechanism. Good stability. Not a visual highlight, but almost impossible to break.
TIME XC2
Price/Info 59.95 Euro (17.90 Euro¹) / www.shocker-distribution.com
Weight² (pedals/cleats): 297/44 grammes
Release hardness²/angle: 7.5 Nm/13°, 17°
Sole spacing: not customisable
Standing height/axle length¹: 10.5 mm/54 mm
Storage: Industrial bearings
BIKE judgement ³) GOOD
CONCLUSION Identical to the Mavic Crossride pedal. The larger binding angle is not recommended, especially for beginners. Good, defined entry into the pedal and stable stance. The plastic cage shows signs of wear quickly.
¹) Price for replacement cleats, ²) BIKE measurement, ³) The BIKE judgement is independent of price, BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
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Stefan Frey
Editor
