Magped Enduro2: Magnetic pedals in the test

At some point, every mountain biker is faced with the fundamental question of which pedal system they would like to use. Click or flat? Firmly fixed or loosely connected? There are only a few bikers who switch between the two systems. But there is also an intermediate option. The Austrian pedal manufacturer Magped has developed a magnetic system that combines the advantages of both worlds. On the one hand the secure hold of a clipless pedal, on the other the quick and easy release of the foot as with a flat pedal. Does it work? We have already been able to test the second generation of the Magped Enduro.

Facts & info about Magped Enduro2 pedals:

• Robust, double-sided MTB pedal for trail and enduro use
• Up to 16 pins per side
• Patented switch pins with 9/11 mm length
• Two magnet strengths selectable: 150/200 N
• Milled from an aluminium block
• Triple ball bearing
• Including 50 steel pins, metal plates, spacer plates
• Dimensions: 108 x 100 x 16 mm (l x w x h) / Weight: 477 grams
• Price: from 159 euros >> available here

Magped Enduro2: Half flat pedal, half clipless pedal

In terms of size, the Magped Enduro2, which is milled from an aluminium block, is comparable to a classic flat pedal. The Austrians were able to reduce the weight by a whopping 23 per cent compared to its predecessor, which is also reflected visually in a somewhat more delicate design. Despite the lower weight, the pedal axle has been reinforced to ensure improved durability. The connection between shoe and pedal is provided by Magped 150 or 200N strong magnets on both sides of the pedal and a metal plate that is mounted at the cleat position on the shoe.

Variable switch pins in 9 or 11 millimetres

The so-called switch pins are a clever detail that no MTB pedal manufacturer has ever had in its programme before. These can be mounted from both sides and therefore offer two different lengths - 9 and 11 millimetres. In the basic setup, the Magped Enduro2 comes bare without pins. You can install the pins yourself depending on your taste. The Austrians recommend four long pins at the front and four to six short pins in the centre to rear area of the pedal as the optimum setup. We also started the test with this setup.

Magped Enduro2 - Setup

However, before you can hit the trail, the metal plates that provide the connection between the shoe and the magnet need to be fitted to the shoe. In our case, the magnet has a force of 200N. As the rather large plates take up a lot of space in the cleat channel, there is a little less room to play with the optimum position compared to classic clipless pedal plates. The depth of the pedal channel should also be carefully considered. Ideally, the metal plates should not be deeper than one to two millimetres below the sole of the shoe. Otherwise, the magnet, which is mounted on a polymer damper, cannot be placed close enough to the plates. The result: the shoe sits too tightly on the pedal and can hardly be moved. In our case, we had to fit two two-millimetre-thick spacers under the metal plates instead of the three-millimetre-thick plastic spacers in order to achieve the optimum position.

Magped Enduro2: Clicking in is a matter of practice

For a clipless pedal rider, stepping onto the pedal is unfamiliar at first. When you bring your foot close to the pedal, the strong magnet provides an instant connection with the pedal with a short metallic click. You no longer need to apply any force to engage the pedal, which is very positive in itself. However, even after several rides with the Magped Enduro2, we still had the problem that the connection to the pedal deviated slightly from the last position every time we put it back on. Due to the rather grippy pins, the foot could hardly be moved on the pedal. It took time each time to place the foot optimally on the pedal. Flat pedal riders who are not used to a clearly defined position on the pedal should find it easier to switch to the Magped pedals.

Optional positioning aid

If you want to make sure that you are in the same position on the pedal every time you click in, you can also order the so-called positioning plates from Magped (€14 per set). They make the clipping-in process noticeably easier, but in combination with the grippy pins they also ensure that the shoe can hardly be moved on the pedal again. In practice, the correct height alignment of the cleats using the spacers therefore proved to be the more practical solution.

Solid support and spontaneous fear of loss

Once you have found the right position, the Enduro2 offers good grip even in rough sections. Slight pulling on a climb is no problem. Even on jumps, the magnet holds your foot securely on the pedal - as long as your feet are flat on the pedals. However, because the pulling force of the magnet is difficult to estimate, there are always a few heart-stopping moments off-road. For example, when you want to correct a slightly botched jump or when you are on technical climbing sections and your feet are tilted on the pedals. It can happen here that the shoe unexpectedly loses its connection to the magnet - a problem that is not an issue with clipless pedals and that you are prepared for from the outset with flat pedals. However, releasing the foot does not always go smoothly either. If the profile of the shoe catches on the pins of the pedal and then the magnet grabs again, you need quick reflexes to avoid tipping over while standing.

If you still want a little more grip and security for rough terrain or steep climbs, you can switch to the optionally available Strong plates (22 euros per pair). They increase the pulling force of the 200 mm magnet by a further 30 per cent.

Test summary of the Magped Enduro2 pedals

If you don't want the fixed connection of clickies but are still looking for better grip than with flat pedals, the Magped Enduro2 is an alternative that is definitely worth a look. The footing on the huge cage is excellent and even with shoes without a binding system you have sufficient grip. Getting out is quick - although not always smooth. The initial setup requires a little effort. Which and how many pins should I fit? Is the metal plate too deep in the pedal? Standard or strong plate? In order to find the perfect combination, it takes a few set-up rides and possibly another order of accessories from the manufacturer.