New race pedals from Leatt put to the test: Leatt Ceramag Endurance 8.0 clipless pedals

The Leat Ceramag Endurance 8.0 herald a new era. Until now, the South Africans have been known primarily for bike clothing and protectors. Now it's pedals - and not just those for freeride and enduro bikers, as you might expect from the traditional motocross label, but also with an option for cross-country and marathon riders. The BIKE test shows whether the new clipless pedals from Leatt have what it takes to hold their own in a crowded market.

Leatt Ceramag Endurance 8.0 clipless pedals in detail

• Price: 219 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 350 g (pair, BIKE measurement)
• Weight clearance: 130 kg
• Cleat system: Shimano SPD
• Freedom of movement: 5°
• Release angle: 15°
• Special features: Pedal body made of recyclable magnesium with ceramic coating, adjustable spring stiffness

>> We have compiled more information on the new Ceramag components from Leatt here

Lightweight, precise, variable

Leatt advertises the new Ceramag pedals primarily with their light weight. The Endurance 8.0 version weighs exactly 350 grams - thanks to a CNC-milled pedal housing made of ceramic-coated magnesium. The version with a titanium axle reduces the weight by around 50 grams, but costs another 120 euros more than the basic version, which is already not exactly cheap at 219 euros RRP. This puts the weight of the Leatt on a par with other high-end race pedals, such as the Shimano XTR, but they cost more. Other race pedals, which are based on a plastic body instead of metal, such as the Time Atac XC10 (165 euros / 291 grams), achieve a lower weight at a significantly lower price. The XC clipless pedals from Leatt are approved for a maximum system weight of 130 kilos. Nice: The pedal bodies are clearly labelled with "R" for right and "L" for left and the axles can be easily screwed into the cranks via an eight-way Allen key - as is now standard for high-quality pedals.

>> We have also been able to test the Leatt Ceramag flat pedals.

Leatt has also thought about sustainability and durability. Inside the Ceramag Endurance 8.0, a triple-sealed bearing system is designed to ensure permanently smooth running: a self-lubricating LSL plain bearing, a needle bearing and an industrial deep groove ball bearing work together to minimise friction and wear. Four seals protect the mechanics from dirt and moisture. In tests, the bearings have rotated reliably and smoothly so far. The magnesium used is recyclable and the ceramic coating is intended to increase the robustness and corrosion resistance of the expensive pedals. Magnesium is considered a brittle material compared to aluminium or steel. In the test, the rough surface of the pedal bodies showed a few small dents after just a few hours on the trails. This is not a problem, but it is a factor that leaves a somewhat uneasy feeling when it comes to durability in view of the price.

>> We have also tested the latest Leat clipless pedals for trail bikers.

The double-sided click system of the Leatt Ceramag Endurance 8.0 is compatible with classic Shimano SPD cleats and offers five degrees of freedom of movement and a release angle of 15 degrees. The entry and exit can be customised via the adjustable spring stiffness. This works excellently in practice. Leatt clipless pedals also offer reliable grip and good control on the trail. In extreme situations, it clicks in and out easily, as is usual with other SPD pedals. The power transmission is perfect and the Leatt pedals turn smoothly at all times. Functionally, we had absolutely nothing to complain about in the test. The question remains as to the relationship between price, weight and durability.

>> Wolftooth also recently unveiled new clipless pedals for racers.

Conclusion

The new Leatt Ceramag Endurance 8.0 work perfectly in all situations and remain reasonably light despite the metal pedal body. Riding behaviour and feel are also on point - what more could cross-country and marathon bikers want? Unfortunately, the price is pretty steep and the test leaves a small question mark over durability. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

Pro

• Lightweight and high-quality finish
• flawless function with SPD system

Contra

• expensive
• First signs of wear after a short test period