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Actually, the selection of mountain bike pedals from Crankbrothers was not exactly small until now. Four different models with the classic whisk click system were already available in the US company's range. And all of them in different quality levels. But the Americans probably thought: something is still missing. And because niches seem to be there to be filled, the Mallet Trail is now model number five in the MTB pedal range of the accessory manufacturer. As a trail and gravel pedal, it is intended to close the gap to the larger platform pedals from the enduro range.
Low weight, small platform
Compared to the classic Candy, the Mallet TrailThe new Crankbrothers has a slightly larger platform and two interchangeable pins on each side, which should improve grip on the pedal when it is not clicked in. Common to all Crankbrothers pedals: the whisk mechanism, which allows access in four positions and is said to offer particularly good self-cleaning.
In order to have sufficient freedom of movement even on slightly wider rear triangles, the Mallet relies on a 57 millimetre long axle - in comparison: The Candy is only 52 millimetres wide. For smooth running, the US label has Igus bearings on the inside and Enduro cartridge bearings on the outside. At 355 grams, the Mallet Trail remains pleasantly light and is therefore a good alternative for bikers who want to keep the weight down.
Settings and assembly
Depending on the height of the shoe sole, we recommend fitting the supplied washer under the cleats, as otherwise the click-in behaviour can be somewhat sluggish. With the cleats supplied as standard, you have the choice between a 15 and 20 degree release angle - although we generally get on better with the smaller angle. Alternatively, Crankbrothers also offers the Easy Release Cleat with a release angle of just 10 degrees and the option of 0 degrees of freedom of movement, which is otherwise 6 degrees.
Practical test of the Mallet Trail
Those who are used to SPD pedals will find the Crankbrothers binding mechanism difficult to use. Due to the construction of two movable brackets, there is no defined exit point. The release is purely determined by the angle and the foot simply slips out of the pedal at some point without much resistance. This doesn't feel very secure off-road. In our opinion, the spring could also be a little firmer - it cannot be adjusted here.
Getting on is also unusual. Sometimes you have to turn the bar slightly to get it in the right position. To get into the pedals, you always need to push a little to the side - unusual and somewhat complicated in technical terrain.
Once you're on the Mallet Trail, however, the connection to the pedal is good - the shoes have contact over a large area and sit firmly on the pedalling surface. The distance to the shoe profile can be fine-tuned using the so-called traction pads - small plastic caps - and shims under the cleats. Riding unclicked is not an option with the Mallet Trail, as the footprint is too small and the two tiny pins have almost no function.
The most important information about the Crankbrothers Mallet Trail
- Price189,99 Euro >> available here
- Weight pedals / cleats: 355 / 34 gram
- Footprint / stand height / axle length78 x 74 mm / 9 mm/ 57 mm
- Release hardness / angle / freedom of movement4.8 Nm / 10, 15, 20 degrees / 6, 0 degrees
- Special featuresIntegrated traction pads for improved shoe contact; 2 adjustable pins per side; bearings with double seal; extended axle for more freedom of movement, 57 mm Q-factor; flattened corners against rock contact
Evaluation & conclusion
| Category | Grade |
| Entry / exit (30%) | 3,2 |
| Driving feel / stability (30%) | 2,0 |
| Cage function (10%) | 4,0 |
| Setup (10%) | 3,3 |
| Weight (20%) | 1,0 |
| BIKE NOTE | 2,5 |
Conclusion: Crankbrothers Mallet Trail
The Mallet Trail are lightweight, compact and offer a solid stance when clicked in. The special binding with four entry positions practically cleans itself, and the contact with the boot can be fine-tuned using shims. However, entry and exit are not very well defined and take some getting used to, the release hardness is very low and not adjustable. When unclicked, you stand very unsteadily on the pedal.
You can find out more about pedals here
Stefan Frey
Editor
