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Customised look and made in GermanyNew mountain bike pedals from Haig Rip

Henri Lesewitz

 · 27.11.2022

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Photo: Henri Lesewitz
Good stance, glamorous look: The custom pedals from Haig Rip are designed to combine top function with an individual look
Mountain bike pedals are available in all designs and price ranges. The range of platform pedals in particular is almost impossible to keep track of. They are available in plastic and aluminium, for 50 euros or more. What has never been seen before: pedals that are 100 per cent "Made in Germany" and whose visual details can be customised by the customer. Haig Rip is the name of the new brand, which is still in its infancy. The pedals look extremely classy, but also cost around 200 euros. Is it worth it? We tested them exclusively.
Hubert Ruff is a mountain bike enthusiast and originally developed the pedals for himself. His company is still in its infancy.Photo: Hurbert Ruff.Hubert Ruff is a mountain bike enthusiast and originally developed the pedals for himself. His company is still in its infancy.

The man behind the Haig Rip label is called Hubert Ruff and lives in an idyllic town in Baden-Württemberg. When he started riding again after a long break from mountain biking, specifically in the bike park, he quickly learnt to appreciate the advantages of platform pedals. Although the range on offer was huge, Hubert was annoyed by the fact that almost all pedals available on the market came from the Far East. "Why not build pedals made in Germany?", Hubert explains. He is a master toolmaker. He has the necessary machines. He knows all about bearings and materials. So he set to work. That was two years ago. Now his jewellery is finished. The pedals passed the triple TÜV standard Advanced Plus XXL at the renowned Zedler testing institute.

However, only small quantities have been produced so far. The pedals can currently only be ordered via Hubert's Instagram account (@hubse_ruff). A webshop is being planned.

In the same league as fine cigars and expensive wine: the Haig Rip pedals come in a large, heavy wooden box. This can be used for other purposes after unpacking.Photo: Henri LesewitzIn the same league as fine cigars and expensive wine: the Haig Rip pedals come in a large, heavy wooden box. This can be used for other purposes after unpacking.

The most important facts about the Haig Rip MTB pedals:

  • Fully customisable in terms of colour
  • 6 colours, freely combinable for pedal body and pins
  • 100 per cent Made in Germany
  • Pedal body CNC-milled from 7075 aluminium
  • Steel axles nitrided and anodised for maximum corrosion protection and better sliding properties
  • 12 pins per footprint
  • Double-sealed needle roller bearings
  • 370 gram / pair
  • 200 to 240 euros (depending on the degree of customisation)
The front panel of the box features the brand logo, which Hubert has cut out of a metal plate and then lovingly screwed on.Photo: Henri LesewitzThe front panel of the box features the brand logo, which Hubert has cut out of a metal plate and then lovingly screwed on.

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Rat-sharp custom look: the CNC-milled pedals are small works of art.Photo: Henri LesewitzRat-sharp custom look: the CNC-milled pedals are small works of art.

Exclusivity and quality are the guiding principles of Hubert's project. The bodies of the Haig Rip MTB pedals are milled from 7075 aircraft aluminium and are neither bulky nor delicate. The fact that the milling machine has not gnawed the aluminium down to the bone should ensure that the pedals are very stiff. Customers can choose between different anodised colours and also put together a pair with different colours on the left and right. Black, gold, silver, red, blue and purple are possible.

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Through a cut-out in the side of the outer wall, you can see the gold-coloured nut with which the axle and pedal body are screwed together.Photo: Henri LesewitzThrough a cut-out in the side of the outer wall, you can see the gold-coloured nut with which the axle and pedal body are screwed together.

Viewed from the side, the 3D look really comes into its own. The golden cap covers the outer bearings and is also the nut that secures the axle and pedal body. The axles are made of CroMo steel and are nitrided and anodised for better sliding properties and a harder surface.

Some flat pedals have bulges where the axle passes through the pedal body. This worsens the grip. These have a flat base. Top!Photo: Henri LesewitzSome flat pedals have bulges where the axle passes through the pedal body. This worsens the grip. These have a flat base. Top!

The treads are 10 x 10 centimetres in size, which is roughly the standard for platform pedals. The surfaces are flat, have 12 pins each and are also ribbed for maximum grip. The pins can also be customised. Whether in one of the six colours on offer or in the form of a wild mix of colours. The customer decides.

The fisheye lens makes the Haig Rip look monstrous, but looks are deceptive. The pedals are normal size and normal weight.Photo: Henri LesewitzThe fisheye lens makes the Haig Rip look monstrous, but looks are deceptive. The pedals are normal size and normal weight.

Other pedals may be cheaper, but none are as exclusive

The Haig Grip platform pedals weigh 370 grams as a pair. A good value, but not one that stands out. Some models made of plastic (nylon or fibre composite material) weigh even less. At more favourable prices. The test winner from our current plastic pedal test, the Tatze Link Composite, weighs only 358 grams at a price of 89 euros. The argument in favour of the Haig Rip is its exclusive look. And the high-quality Made in Germany production. But the big question is: How well do they work?

>> You can find a comparison between plastic and aluminium pedals here <<

The Haig Rip made a good impression in the practical test. The grip is great without the pins biting into the soles of the shoes too much.Photo: Henri LesewitzThe Haig Rip made a good impression in the practical test. The grip is great without the pins biting into the soles of the shoes too much.

The Haig Rip MTB pedals offer good stability. The connection between shoe and pedal is excellent thanks to the straight, fully usable surface and the 12 pins. However, the pins do not bite too aggressively into the sole, so that corrections to the foot position are possible at any time without any problems. Over the next few months, they will have to prove their quality in terms of durability in our endurance test.

Conclusion: Haig Rip platform pedals

Exclusive, high-quality pedals that are safe to stand on. The high price is undoubtedly justified by the Made in Germany production. However, the function of the MTB pedals is no better or worse than that of cheaper products. The Haig Rip are an option for sustainably-minded, quality-conscious custom fans.
The new prototype takes the optical potential to the extreme thanks to the segment design. In our test, however, this version proved to be insufficiently robust for tough MTB use. Hubert Ruff is already working on eliminating the weak points.
Photo: Henri Lesewitz

Hubert's passion for the pedal project was so great that he developed a second version in an attempt to realise the full potential of the custom-made theme. The Haig Rip V2 version is extremely detailed and consists of a multi-component body whose individual parts can be customised in terms of colour. The MTB pedals weigh another 20 grams less than the normal version. However, the prototypes did not prove to be stable enough in our test. Hubert wants to dimension the thin, filigree cleats differently. In our test, two bars broke at the thinnest point. Hubert cannot yet say when the final version will be ready. First of all, extensive tests are still to be carried out.

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