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Part of the weekClick pedal with large platform

Stefan Frey

 · 05.07.2017

Part of the week: Click pedal with large platformPhoto: Stefan Frey
Part of the week: Click pedal with large platform
Large platform, click mechanism and a wide range of tuning options - the DMR V-Twin aims to be the ideal pedal for all-mountain and enduro bikers. We test whether the V-Twin keeps its promise.

If you don't know DMR, you probably don't ride flat pedals. Mountain bikes and components have been produced in the centre of the British province for over 20 years. Classics like the V12 stand for durability and reliable function. With the V-Twin, DMR now also has a pedal with a large cage and SPD-compatible click mechanism in its programme. The special feature: screwed-on nylon plates and additional metal shims not only optimise the contact surface with the shoe, but additional pins should also provide even better grip on the trail.

Although DMR supplies its own cleats, the V-Twin pedals are SPD-compatible.Photo: Stefan FreyAlthough DMR supplies its own cleats, the V-Twin pedals are SPD-compatible.

DMR V-Twin: technical data

  • Weight: 610 grammes
  • SPD-compatible
  • Large aluminium platform
  • Sturdy axle made from 4140 Cro.Mo steel
  • Height-adjustable nylon bumper
  • 7 optional pins per side
  • 28 pins included in the scope of delivery
  • Adjustable spring stiffness
  • Cleats with 5° freedom of movement included
  • available in 8 colours

Price: 179,99 Euro

Plenty of accessories: the V-Twin can be customised using shims and pins.Photo: Stefan FreyPlenty of accessories: the V-Twin can be customised using shims and pins.

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DMR V-Twin - The right setting

DMR supplies its own cleats. However, the V-Twin is also SPD-compatible.Photo: Stefan FreyDMR supplies its own cleats. However, the V-Twin is also SPD-compatible.
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Fitting the DMR cleats is no different from classic SPD cleats and is extremely simple. Simply screw on, find the right position and tighten with a 4-millimetre Allen key. You should take a little more time for the pedals themselves. The plastic attachments, shims, pins and adjustable release hardness mean that there are numerous parameters that can be changed here. It can take a few test drives to find the optimum setting. To get an overview, we mounted four different setups on one side of the pedal each for an initial test ride.

V-Twin pedal with nylon bumper, without pins

Room for improvement: only with the nylon bumpers does the sole not touch the pedal.Photo: Stefan FreyRoom for improvement: only with the nylon bumpers does the sole not touch the pedal.

V-Twin pedal with nylon bumper and shim, without pins

Even with the aluminium shims, the sole does not rest on the pedals when stationary.Photo: Stefan FreyEven with the aluminium shims, the sole does not rest on the pedals when stationary.

V-Twin pedal with nylon bumper and pins

With the pins screwed on, the connection to the pedal is somewhat more stable.Photo: Stefan FreyWith the pins screwed on, the connection to the pedal is somewhat more stable.

V-Twin pedal with nylon bumper and shim, with pins

With shims and pins, you stand on the pedal as if it were cast in concrete.Photo: Stefan FreyWith shims and pins, you stand on the pedal as if it were cast in concrete.

DMR V-Twin - on the trail

The difference between the various settings quickly becomes clear. While the pedal side without shims and pins is easy to click into and out of the pedal, the other side with shims is a little more difficult. However, without the shims, the sole of the shoe does not actually rest on the pedal cage at all, but only on the click mechanism. Accordingly, the freedom of movement on this side of the pedal is good, but you could do without the cage.

With heavily profiled shoes like the Specialized Rime Expert, it is difficult to use the platform.Photo: Stefan FreyWith heavily profiled shoes like the Specialized Rime Expert, it is difficult to use the platform.

With the additional shims, the connection to the pedal is more direct and the support is noticeably more stable, but the foot can still move easily on the trail. We switch sides: with pins and the thin aluminium plates, it's difficult to get into the pedal and you have to press hard for the click mechanism to release. The shoe no longer slips into the pedal so intuitively and feels more like it's stuck to the pins. On the other hand, you are now really firmly attached to the platform. Even when things get really bumpy, you remain stable and in control of the bike. We have significantly reduced the spring stiffness in this setup. This makes it easier to get on and the grip is still sufficient.

A spring in the pedal axle pretensions the click mechanism. This makes it easy to get on.Photo: Stefan FreyA spring in the pedal axle pretensions the click mechanism. This makes it easy to get on.When clicked in, the click mechanism aligns itself horizontally.Photo: Stefan FreyWhen clicked in, the click mechanism aligns itself horizontally.

The click mechanism has another special feature. It is preloaded via a spring in the axle and protrudes slightly upwards at the front of the pedal when not clicked in. This makes it easier for the cleat to find its way into the pedal. When clicked in, the mechanism aligns itself horizontally. The idea is clever and works well in practice.

DMR V-Twin - not every shoe fits

bike/M4019151Photo: Stefan Frey

Due to its design, the V-Twin is not necessarily suitable for every type of shoe. We mainly rode the pedal with ION Rascal, Five Ten Kestrel Lace and Shimano's ME7. Due to the flat and low-profile soles, the platform of the pedal can be used well with the first two models with the right combination of nylon bumpers and washers. This provides additional support, especially with softer soles. On models with stiffer, curved and more heavily profiled soles, such as the ME7, it is more difficult to adapt the platform of the pedal to the shoe. With shims on both sides and two pins each at the front and rear, we have found the optimum setting for us. Easy entry, reliable exit and a little extra grip on the pedal. Perfect.

Conclusion

With the V-Twin, DMR delivers a robust pedal with a well-functioning click mechanism. With the right shoe, you can noticeably improve your footing on the pedal and thus increase your control over the bike. Anyone looking for the optimum connection between shoe and pedal on the downhill will enjoy the various adjustment options. However, the V-Twin offers little additional benefit for racers or generally for shoes with a stiffer and more pre-curved sole and probably fails due to its high weight alone.

Pro

  • Many setting options
  • Well-functioning click mechanism
  • Particularly supports shoes with flat and soft soles

Contra

  • Not compatible with all shoes
  • Expensive and heavy
Stefan Frey

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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