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Crank Brothers - Mallet One
by cloverleaf
Posted: Oct 28, 2009
Clips, SPD's, Devil Pedals; call them what you will. Here we have the Crank Brothers Mallet 1's which have been on long term test since the start of the year.
Read on to find out how they did:
Read on to find out how they did:
Words: Alasdair MacLennan, Pics: Ian MacLennan
Having long been a fan of clips, I have run Crank Brothers for several years after struggling with Shimano's for downhill use due to their lack of float. When looking at downhill clipless pedals it's only fair to mention the old red Shimano DX (PDM636) pedals which popped onto the scene in '96. Where the only option previously had been tiny, XC orientated pedals that were a nightmare to get back into on a rough track, here were bright, wide platform pedals aimed at gravity riders. Things changed overnight. Now you could get the best of both worlds.
If you're unfamiliar with the world of clipless pedals then a bit of background is probably in order. SPD's may be the generic name but it actually stands for Shimano Pedalling Dynamics and is therefore a fiercely guarded trademark. SPD's and their copies use cleats which release equally in both directions and have tension adjustment on the pedal to set the amount of effort you need before the pedal disengages. Float however, which is a measure of how far your foot moves before releasing, is fixed. Move now to Crank Brothers (and Time too) which use sprung parallel bars and asymmetric cleats. Spring tension isn't adjustable on these but, by swapping cleats over from one side to the other, you can alter the release angle from 15deg to 20deg. The design of these pedals means that you can move your foot about a lot more on the pedal before being released which can feel more natural as a result than with SPD's where your feet are more rigidly fixed in place. Neither is the wrong way of doing things; as with anything, different riders will each prefer a different feel. I for one just can't get on with the Shimano's for downhill as they just feel too tight yet I prefer them for XC because of that same feature.
Crank Brothers initially stepped into the clipless pedal market a number of years ago now with their ultra minimalist Egg Beaters. Lightweight and simple whilst being impossible to clog with mud, they instantly found fans. Following on from them, the Mallet downhill pedal was introduced, aimed squarely at other platform based pedals and, in particular the Shimano DX. Initially the Mallet C was the only option, closely followed by the lighter, Magnesium bodied, Mallet M. The downside to these is that they weren't the most maintenance free of pedals. Whereas Shimano's will generally carry on for a long time before needing a service (one old pair of 747's we have must have done over 5000 miles without being touched), the original Mallets needed frequent bearing and bush replacements. Also, with Magnesium being softer, the pedal body was also susceptible to wear, both from shoes and from the central spindle that the sprung wings rotate on eating into the material. None of these were major as they would still work but, you really did need to keep on top of maintenance, especially as the sealing occasionally seemed to be beaten by the inclement British (read very wet) weather.
Thankfully, the new 1/2/3 pedals are now fully bushed rather than the bush/bearing arrangement used previously and, so far, they seem a lot better than the C/M predecessors in this regard. Where the originals would generally feel quite loose and rough within a matter of just a few months use, eight months on, these still feel in pretty good shape. I'd hesitate to say perfect but considering what they go through, their condition is certainly acceptable.
Feel is of course subjective. Some riders prefer the very sharp and defined, low movement Shimano's whilst others prefer the Crank Brothers with more opportunity to move your foot on the pedal without becoming unclipped. Also, thanks to the way the central wings spin around in the pedal cage, when you do need to unclip momentarily, they're possibly the easiest of all the pedals to get clipped back in to. Compared to other designs, the rotating steel wings which look at first to be pretty vulnerable, allow you to clip in by not only moving your foot forwards (pretty normal) but backwards and just stamping down from the top. And, should you be a rider who prefers to keep their options open, there are grub screws which can be used to provide additional grip for those occasions where you want (or have to) ride a section unclipped. As said, upon first glance, the steel wings look vulnerable to damage but they seem pretty resistant as I have yet to catastrophically break one and in over three years of constant use, only one has actually been replaced at a low cost.
The cleats themselves are perhaps the only real let down with these pedals now compared to Shimano. Where SPD based pedals all use steel cleats which seem to last forever, Crank Brothers among others use brass. This means that they wear, and quite quickly at that if you ride predominantly in the wet and mud. At £19 a pair, they're not exactly cheap either although if you're racing and riding regularly (i.e. every weekend and then some), you should need no more than two or three pairs over the course of 12 months. On the flip side to that, the 24 month warranty means that any issues which crop up should be quickly sorted as 2pure (the UK distributors) have been very efficient in the past when anything has needed done.
And finally, what's the difference between the three Mallet pedals which are on offer? The Mallet 1 tested here is the entry level version although, at £85, you would be hard pushed to describe them as the cheap option. Steel wings, Cr-Mo axle, an aluminum body, and a claimed weight of 540g. Next up are the 2 & 3. Gone is the magnesium bodied version; these all use aluminum. However, contrasting to the Mallet 1, the 2 & 3 have a body which is far more heavily reduced by the machining and so a claimed 68g is saved by that alone. For that, the Mallet 2 is £115. And then there is the top dog, the Mallet 3. The difference here to save further weight is the addition of 6al/4v titanium wings. And just how much do you save for your £95 increase? 32 claimed grams. I think it's fair to say that, unless you have a complete aversion to either black or green pedals, the Mallet 1 is definitely the pick of the bunch as the important ingredients are all there, the only difference between it and the more expensive versions are the two degrees of weight savings.
Prices
£85 or $110 USD – Mallet One (Black or Sage)
£115 or $140 USD – Mallet Two (Red or Silver)
£220 or $250 USD – Mallet Three (Gold)
£19 or $22 USD – Cleats
www.crankbrothers.com
www.2pure.co.uk
Having long been a fan of clips, I have run Crank Brothers for several years after struggling with Shimano's for downhill use due to their lack of float. When looking at downhill clipless pedals it's only fair to mention the old red Shimano DX (PDM636) pedals which popped onto the scene in '96. Where the only option previously had been tiny, XC orientated pedals that were a nightmare to get back into on a rough track, here were bright, wide platform pedals aimed at gravity riders. Things changed overnight. Now you could get the best of both worlds.
 |
| Mallet 1 |
If you're unfamiliar with the world of clipless pedals then a bit of background is probably in order. SPD's may be the generic name but it actually stands for Shimano Pedalling Dynamics and is therefore a fiercely guarded trademark. SPD's and their copies use cleats which release equally in both directions and have tension adjustment on the pedal to set the amount of effort you need before the pedal disengages. Float however, which is a measure of how far your foot moves before releasing, is fixed. Move now to Crank Brothers (and Time too) which use sprung parallel bars and asymmetric cleats. Spring tension isn't adjustable on these but, by swapping cleats over from one side to the other, you can alter the release angle from 15deg to 20deg. The design of these pedals means that you can move your foot about a lot more on the pedal before being released which can feel more natural as a result than with SPD's where your feet are more rigidly fixed in place. Neither is the wrong way of doing things; as with anything, different riders will each prefer a different feel. I for one just can't get on with the Shimano's for downhill as they just feel too tight yet I prefer them for XC because of that same feature.
 |
| All that's in the box |
Crank Brothers initially stepped into the clipless pedal market a number of years ago now with their ultra minimalist Egg Beaters. Lightweight and simple whilst being impossible to clog with mud, they instantly found fans. Following on from them, the Mallet downhill pedal was introduced, aimed squarely at other platform based pedals and, in particular the Shimano DX. Initially the Mallet C was the only option, closely followed by the lighter, Magnesium bodied, Mallet M. The downside to these is that they weren't the most maintenance free of pedals. Whereas Shimano's will generally carry on for a long time before needing a service (one old pair of 747's we have must have done over 5000 miles without being touched), the original Mallets needed frequent bearing and bush replacements. Also, with Magnesium being softer, the pedal body was also susceptible to wear, both from shoes and from the central spindle that the sprung wings rotate on eating into the material. None of these were major as they would still work but, you really did need to keep on top of maintenance, especially as the sealing occasionally seemed to be beaten by the inclement British (read very wet) weather.
 |
| Old v. New |
Thankfully, the new 1/2/3 pedals are now fully bushed rather than the bush/bearing arrangement used previously and, so far, they seem a lot better than the C/M predecessors in this regard. Where the originals would generally feel quite loose and rough within a matter of just a few months use, eight months on, these still feel in pretty good shape. I'd hesitate to say perfect but considering what they go through, their condition is certainly acceptable.
 |
| In Action |
Feel is of course subjective. Some riders prefer the very sharp and defined, low movement Shimano's whilst others prefer the Crank Brothers with more opportunity to move your foot on the pedal without becoming unclipped. Also, thanks to the way the central wings spin around in the pedal cage, when you do need to unclip momentarily, they're possibly the easiest of all the pedals to get clipped back in to. Compared to other designs, the rotating steel wings which look at first to be pretty vulnerable, allow you to clip in by not only moving your foot forwards (pretty normal) but backwards and just stamping down from the top. And, should you be a rider who prefers to keep their options open, there are grub screws which can be used to provide additional grip for those occasions where you want (or have to) ride a section unclipped. As said, upon first glance, the steel wings look vulnerable to damage but they seem pretty resistant as I have yet to catastrophically break one and in over three years of constant use, only one has actually been replaced at a low cost.
 |
| Battle scarred but still working well part one |
The cleats themselves are perhaps the only real let down with these pedals now compared to Shimano. Where SPD based pedals all use steel cleats which seem to last forever, Crank Brothers among others use brass. This means that they wear, and quite quickly at that if you ride predominantly in the wet and mud. At £19 a pair, they're not exactly cheap either although if you're racing and riding regularly (i.e. every weekend and then some), you should need no more than two or three pairs over the course of 12 months. On the flip side to that, the 24 month warranty means that any issues which crop up should be quickly sorted as 2pure (the UK distributors) have been very efficient in the past when anything has needed done.
 |
| Battle scarred but still working well part two |
And finally, what's the difference between the three Mallet pedals which are on offer? The Mallet 1 tested here is the entry level version although, at £85, you would be hard pushed to describe them as the cheap option. Steel wings, Cr-Mo axle, an aluminum body, and a claimed weight of 540g. Next up are the 2 & 3. Gone is the magnesium bodied version; these all use aluminum. However, contrasting to the Mallet 1, the 2 & 3 have a body which is far more heavily reduced by the machining and so a claimed 68g is saved by that alone. For that, the Mallet 2 is £115. And then there is the top dog, the Mallet 3. The difference here to save further weight is the addition of 6al/4v titanium wings. And just how much do you save for your £95 increase? 32 claimed grams. I think it's fair to say that, unless you have a complete aversion to either black or green pedals, the Mallet 1 is definitely the pick of the bunch as the important ingredients are all there, the only difference between it and the more expensive versions are the two degrees of weight savings.
£85 or $110 USD – Mallet One (Black or Sage)
£115 or $140 USD – Mallet Two (Red or Silver)
£220 or $250 USD – Mallet Three (Gold)
£19 or $22 USD – Cleats
www.crankbrothers.com
www.2pure.co.uk
83 Comments
- - 6
uncajohn
(Nov 2, 2009 at 0:45)
(Below Threshold) show comment
You failed to mention that mallets are a copy of TIME pedals, which still work better, last longer & cost way less.
Really?
Might have to look at theese TIME pedals, because i've been looking at buying mallets for a while but the price keeps putting me off.
Might have to look at theese TIME pedals, because i've been looking at buying mallets for a while but the price keeps putting me off.
The MALLETS are a copy of the TIME pedals... well all except the axle, body, mechanism, pedal height and colour. I think the bearings/bushes are different also.
Oh and the times don't have replaceable pins or bash plates and have next to no mud shedding in between the clip mechanism.
I think that about covers how similar they are.
http://www.sicbikes.com.au/contents/media/time-z-pedal-05.jpg
Oh and the times don't have replaceable pins or bash plates and have next to no mud shedding in between the clip mechanism.
I think that about covers how similar they are.
http://www.sicbikes.com.au/contents/media/time-z-pedal-05.jpg
only if you don't know how to use them. you can still ride spd's the same way you do with flats, but you get the added better pedaling with them.
smeckma: are you an idiot? spd's discourage bad technique! you cant rely on just bombing into a section completely out of control, drop you feet an just ride of with a tiny part of your foot on the pedal, they teach you to ride smooth an consistently.
Whatever works better for you! Dont slate something becasue you dont like it, especially with very limited knowledge.
then why has only one person ever won a world DH champ on flat pedals? do gee atherton, steve peat, greg minnar, and fabian barrel have bad technique?
i think all we can say is : its down to preferance , spd's will without a doubt increase confidence! but if youve always run flats , and cant get the hang on spd's why change! am i right or am i right?
Smeckma, if that is the case answer me this. When I put on Spds I became much smoother, more confident, was able to carry speed better, could concentrate better as I did not have to worry about my feet flying off the pedals, and all this resulted me in being a much faster and better rider. Explain how they encourage bad technique if that happened..?
Dr Sanchez: Whether you know how to use them or not, it is a fact you cannot ride in SPDs like your riding in flats. Most of the riders I've seen so far on them do lift the bike with their feet instead when they should be pulling from the bars.
Extremedhracer: What's with the language, may I ask? You say you cannot bomb into a DH section totally out of control, but who does? I still remember how difficult it was to keep my balance on rough terrain as I started riding my bike, back in the time, but all of this is down to practice. I cannot see how I can do my endos, rocking, zap-taps and stuff like that me being attached onto SPDs (sometimes I need to pull one of my feet out to regain my balance or simply to recover from a hard-line). I don't mind being criticized for what I am saying, but please do show the same care and respect I am showing to you now next time and contribute to the debate more with concepts and ideas.
Gritstone: I am not slating, but just expressing my opinion and ideas.
z-man: it makes sense for professional riders to use SPDs as they're already dialled and this is done with purpose; that is, to win a race.
edd-stevens-95: you are so accurate and well spoken I can hardly see how I could contribute or extend myself into what you have already said.
slipnot93dh: precisely, because of this, you should not rely on them. If you're not dialled, best thing to do is to gain some skill and then move on when the time is due. Riding on SPDs encourage bad technique in that it will discourage you to move out your comfort zone.
Cloverleaf: I could not agree more with you.
Extremedhracer: What's with the language, may I ask? You say you cannot bomb into a DH section totally out of control, but who does? I still remember how difficult it was to keep my balance on rough terrain as I started riding my bike, back in the time, but all of this is down to practice. I cannot see how I can do my endos, rocking, zap-taps and stuff like that me being attached onto SPDs (sometimes I need to pull one of my feet out to regain my balance or simply to recover from a hard-line). I don't mind being criticized for what I am saying, but please do show the same care and respect I am showing to you now next time and contribute to the debate more with concepts and ideas.
Gritstone: I am not slating, but just expressing my opinion and ideas.
z-man: it makes sense for professional riders to use SPDs as they're already dialled and this is done with purpose; that is, to win a race.
edd-stevens-95: you are so accurate and well spoken I can hardly see how I could contribute or extend myself into what you have already said.
slipnot93dh: precisely, because of this, you should not rely on them. If you're not dialled, best thing to do is to gain some skill and then move on when the time is due. Riding on SPDs encourage bad technique in that it will discourage you to move out your comfort zone.
Cloverleaf: I could not agree more with you.
Ohhhh smeckma, stop please, you are making me sick. The mallets are great and Crank Bros. service is outstanding. Riding SPDs or flats is about how well you fell with each kind. If riding with SPDs you fell like you can't handle it or it's too dangerous, you're just like everyone when they ride with 'em for the first time . I have friends that can't ride with SPDs and vice-versa. I'm not a pro and I ride both ways. It's all about practice. You gotta fell confident with 'em or it's not whorthed . Nobody can't say the you won't have that extra power with 'em other than Sam Hill. Hehe. Tkx.
lol... ya sure about that? why is it I can switch back and forth between flats and spd's and my style does not change? Like I said you ride the same way you'd ride flats - set your cleat back as far as possible, heels down in the steeps, use only your upper body when going off the lip of a jump. I don't even use 'em to bunny hop! Pedaling through rough or flatter sections is the only reason I use them. f*ck dude, I've tested this shit before you even knew what a bike was.
When I was about to buy my first downhill bike , I went to a store and the guy told me nobody would ride downhill with SPDs and I can see he better keep quiet.
DrSanchez: how can that be possible when it is the case I am in fact older than you? If you read my comments you will probably realize I do admit to the fact it is perhaps a good idea to clip in if you mean to win a race. All I am saying is that, if you ain't dialled yet, resorting to pedals does not seem to be a good idea as this will prevent you (discourage you) from further improving your riding skills. SDPs will give you for granted what others gain through pain and skill. As for whether or not I like them, this is my personal choice; but it is all based on my riding style. My pedalling would improve a lot if I just clipped in, but this would imply giving up on a bag of tricks. Can you imagine Danny MacAskill on SPDs?
Brazucasim: if, like you're saying, riding SPDs or flats is all down to how comfortable you feel with each kind, why is it I am making you sick? On another note, you are assuming I've never tested those, but I've got a pair of mallets in my toolbox: it is just that I don't use them.
Brazucasim: if, like you're saying, riding SPDs or flats is all down to how comfortable you feel with each kind, why is it I am making you sick? On another note, you are assuming I've never tested those, but I've got a pair of mallets in my toolbox: it is just that I don't use them.
Damn, I found someone older than me. Anyway yes you are right - you will gain skillz faster on flats riding the gnarl, but its a good idea to be proficient on both (unlike Sam Hill - haha) for when you encounter a course where being clipped in is an advantage (Worlds).
I mean to say "you got dialled" as in when you nail a trick down to the point where you know it by heart. If you got dialled you can do something standing on the top of your head.
[Reply]
might be a silly question , but here goes ... why do you need pins on SPDs if you are locking on with the cleat
they also ad to the feeling of stability when your riding because it doesnt feel like your just on a tiny mechanism like the eggbeater, you can feel the pins on the bottom of your shoes and gives a better and firmer base to stand on.
Also if you bomb out of them and just need to slam your foot back on for a rock section you know you have grip straight away, until you can clip it back on.
I'm still none the wiser. I've tested those in my Vans and they appear to me quite unstable just because of the clip in section, which sticks out and comes in the way, so those pins are pretty much in there for the eye. In fact, just if you come to think of it, you don't need the flats attached onto the egg-beater sections at all as you never touch your pedals when you're clipped in. And if this is the case, what do we need the weight penalty for?
BTW, does anybody want my pair of Mallets (they're in mint condition)?
BTW, does anybody want my pair of Mallets (they're in mint condition)?
Ok, given I have a few minutes free, here are my responses:
Uncajohn: The majority of products in this world are to all intents and purposes, slight copies of their competitors. Shimano's system has been copied many times over and Time's design is now similar to that of the Crank Brothers. Does that make them direct copies? No. The Mallet's as an example are vastly different to the Time offering. I've used the Time's too so I am placed to comment. They are more difficult to clip into than the Mallet's because the spring bars don't sit proud enough. The bodies are also fragile. Comparing the damage to the mallet photo's above, my Time's and those of many others failed to stand up to the abuse thrown at them on a downhill course. They do both share the same deficiencies of soft brass cleats but, in my eyes as a rider, racer and tester, the Mallet's win hands down. As has also been pointed out, despite the design of the bars, the Time's also clog quite readily in thick mud, something that the Mallet's seem more able to cope with.
Smeckma: Bad technique is all in the rider, not the pedal. Just because they use clips, Minnaar and Peaty don't have bad technique. I enjoy riding flats and I enjoy riding clips. If you learn to ride with clips and can't hop etc without them then yes, you should go out and practice those things with flats as it will help you no end. However, if you like using clips or feel you ride better with them then that is up to the individual concerned. At the end of the day, this is a review of the pedals, not whether clips or flats are better.
Bigburd: The pins are there as occasionally you will end up with your foot unclipped through a section and it's good to be able to keep a little grip there should that happen. If you've got your technique sorted then it's rarely an issue as you can get back in quickly but they are a nice addition to have should the need arise.
Uncajohn: The majority of products in this world are to all intents and purposes, slight copies of their competitors. Shimano's system has been copied many times over and Time's design is now similar to that of the Crank Brothers. Does that make them direct copies? No. The Mallet's as an example are vastly different to the Time offering. I've used the Time's too so I am placed to comment. They are more difficult to clip into than the Mallet's because the spring bars don't sit proud enough. The bodies are also fragile. Comparing the damage to the mallet photo's above, my Time's and those of many others failed to stand up to the abuse thrown at them on a downhill course. They do both share the same deficiencies of soft brass cleats but, in my eyes as a rider, racer and tester, the Mallet's win hands down. As has also been pointed out, despite the design of the bars, the Time's also clog quite readily in thick mud, something that the Mallet's seem more able to cope with.
Smeckma: Bad technique is all in the rider, not the pedal. Just because they use clips, Minnaar and Peaty don't have bad technique. I enjoy riding flats and I enjoy riding clips. If you learn to ride with clips and can't hop etc without them then yes, you should go out and practice those things with flats as it will help you no end. However, if you like using clips or feel you ride better with them then that is up to the individual concerned. At the end of the day, this is a review of the pedals, not whether clips or flats are better.
Bigburd: The pins are there as occasionally you will end up with your foot unclipped through a section and it's good to be able to keep a little grip there should that happen. If you've got your technique sorted then it's rarely an issue as you can get back in quickly but they are a nice addition to have should the need arise.
Wellll (to cloverleaf),
you're right of cource... the mechanisms have their differences, but.
-The article just failed to mention a good product that is available for a long time before those mallets.
-Yes, these mallets in the images seem rather.. rock machined, but if you compare them to my TIMES (platforms) which have been running for 8 years though our rocky trails (i live in Greece), you'll see that even the cheap version of TIMES stand perfectly as a oponent.
And
-I've seen too many mallets been totally destroyed into our trails. And fast enough (even from the first ride). The problem seems to occur when the springs that hold the shoe bracket hit upon a rock.
On the other hand the round proile of the TIME pedals springs and the fact that they're quite protected helps them last.
Last.
Of cource i am not claiming that these products (mallets) are for the bin, i just say that the wrighter owed to mention that there are some pretty decent products out there, offering the same advantages.
I'll try to share a photo with you of my pedals... it will be interesting. It's just that i may forget all about that when i'm back home...
you're right of cource... the mechanisms have their differences, but.
-The article just failed to mention a good product that is available for a long time before those mallets.
-Yes, these mallets in the images seem rather.. rock machined, but if you compare them to my TIMES (platforms) which have been running for 8 years though our rocky trails (i live in Greece), you'll see that even the cheap version of TIMES stand perfectly as a oponent.
And
-I've seen too many mallets been totally destroyed into our trails. And fast enough (even from the first ride). The problem seems to occur when the springs that hold the shoe bracket hit upon a rock.
On the other hand the round proile of the TIME pedals springs and the fact that they're quite protected helps them last.
Last.
Of cource i am not claiming that these products (mallets) are for the bin, i just say that the wrighter owed to mention that there are some pretty decent products out there, offering the same advantages.
I'll try to share a photo with you of my pedals... it will be interesting. It's just that i may forget all about that when i'm back home...
I must say that I agree 100 % with you! I've seen to many destroyed mallets to ever buy that pedal again. My Time DH pedals have outlasted and out performed the mallet many times! I found the mallets spring very annoying, whenever you smacked a rock by accident your shoe was unclipped. This hardly ever happens with the time pedal.
The time pedal may be heavy but damn good! The two mechanics at work have had their Time pedals for 8 years without doing any heavy overhaul to them. My mallets lasted a month before I was at them with the tools and grease.
The time pedal may be heavy but damn good! The two mechanics at work have had their Time pedals for 8 years without doing any heavy overhaul to them. My mallets lasted a month before I was at them with the tools and grease.
Cloverleaf: Excellent article - I really enjoyed reading that. Its good to see that you replied here as well, although I don't actually think you need to justify yourself as you've said everything that needed to be said in the review itself.
Your review was for one pedal - not a group test (otherwise I'm sure you'd have mentioned all the other ones).
I have ran the old mallets for about 3 years now, and previous to that Shimano (even the original DX SPDs of 1993!), so I was interested to see what these had to offer. Wow - you really gave them a pasting judging by the scratches - I proper test review.
Wrt to technique: Good riders learn to ride both. I think saying that SPDs encourage bad technique is ignorant. Refusing to ride SPDs is more about bad technique in my opinion and why some racers will never reach the top. That said, I do like to banter about SPDs/ Flats - its like going back to the school playground!
Keep up the good work.
Your review was for one pedal - not a group test (otherwise I'm sure you'd have mentioned all the other ones).
I have ran the old mallets for about 3 years now, and previous to that Shimano (even the original DX SPDs of 1993!), so I was interested to see what these had to offer. Wow - you really gave them a pasting judging by the scratches - I proper test review.
Wrt to technique: Good riders learn to ride both. I think saying that SPDs encourage bad technique is ignorant. Refusing to ride SPDs is more about bad technique in my opinion and why some racers will never reach the top. That said, I do like to banter about SPDs/ Flats - its like going back to the school playground!
Keep up the good work.
I'm shocked and appalled, a pinkbike comment thread that has thus far been mostly in depth and on topic debate, should I be packing gear for surviving the coming apocalypse?
its probably because all of the usual little scrots that post useless things on these news feeds arent interested in spuds.
haha
haha
[Reply]
Meh, I think it's pretty much hit or miss with these pedals. I went from DX's to these to see how I liked em and after one season I cant't stand them anymore. Both axles seized after 2 months of dry riding. The right wing snapped and rendered the clip essentially useless. Plus I found the tension to be way to soft after a month of riding and the cleat was worn in. I found myself popping out all over the place.
The only area that the mallets would win over the DX is in mud shedding. They are pretty supreme when it comes to that. Majority of my friends who ride any version of the Crank Bros pedals have never had any positive feedback on them.
However this all may be just bad experiences and personal opinion.
The only area that the mallets would win over the DX is in mud shedding. They are pretty supreme when it comes to that. Majority of my friends who ride any version of the Crank Bros pedals have never had any positive feedback on them.
However this all may be just bad experiences and personal opinion.
does any one no were i can get a replacement pin set for these i have some on mine and im missing quite a few pins
DMR/Funn pins are the same size but you're just as well going to a hardwear store and asking for some M3 grub screws that are 8mm long.
[Reply]
Do Mallets work with the Shimano dx shoes?
can you just change the cleats and go?
Or am I not that lucky?
can you just change the cleats and go?
Or am I not that lucky?
i dunno but it is like if u wanna make one thing better u got upgrade everything and u end up butnin through your wallet
any shoe that are SPD compatible will work with the mallets. its just that the CB cleats and shimano cleats are different. the mounting on the shoes are all the same. so you can use these mallets on any mtb shoe that accept SPD's.
depends, its all preference, those are nice but i dont clip in for downhill... btw i think steve peat uses these pedals, correct me if im wrong...
i think he uses whatever on whichever course. in one poster, when he is doing a whip, i saw him with mallets.. in another poster, i see him with 50/50's.. i guess it depends on the course..
I really enjoyed this write up. You used the product for a while and gave an honest and informative article. Thank you.
k first off i have the original mallet c's and still use them til this day.
Smeckma: you cannot honestly say it creates bad technique? as riders on flats tend to develop lazy habbits such as cornering with one foot off pedal. secondly, you cannot just flat out say they are useless, as posted many times before many DH'ers prefer clipless as it gives the rider more control, confidence and in my opinion BETTER riding habbits. so to be so ignorant just because you never took the time to learn about/how to ride with SPD's does not give you a right to bad-mouth them in any way. i have riden with both and switch between both SPD's and flats. but for the mallet's design which is DH, its safe to say most riders who take the time to understand them and learn to ride with SPD's preffered them.
Uncajohn: the mallet series pedal is not a copy of shimano's design, the mallet's are a completely different pedal on their own. the brand is rider's preference really. different companies designs offer differences, although sometimes minor are still changes so to say they are all the same is ignorant.
Smeckma: you cannot honestly say it creates bad technique? as riders on flats tend to develop lazy habbits such as cornering with one foot off pedal. secondly, you cannot just flat out say they are useless, as posted many times before many DH'ers prefer clipless as it gives the rider more control, confidence and in my opinion BETTER riding habbits. so to be so ignorant just because you never took the time to learn about/how to ride with SPD's does not give you a right to bad-mouth them in any way. i have riden with both and switch between both SPD's and flats. but for the mallet's design which is DH, its safe to say most riders who take the time to understand them and learn to ride with SPD's preffered them.
Uncajohn: the mallet series pedal is not a copy of shimano's design, the mallet's are a completely different pedal on their own. the brand is rider's preference really. different companies designs offer differences, although sometimes minor are still changes so to say they are all the same is ignorant.
Any rider who uses flats will always be faster on spd's - always.
As long as they can get in and out of course.
As long as they can get in and out of course.
Oh no dude, you just don't get it. I am not running them down, but just saying they're no use to me. As a matter of fact, I've got a pair of Mallets in my toolbox, but I don't use them. Just let me put it this way. If you got dialled, then maybe it is a good idea to resort to SPDs as this will give you the extra push you will need to, say, win a competition or just train, but if you ain't, then they're not as they will discourage you from moving out of your comfort zone; which is critical if you want to improve your riding skills.
You have your 'dialed' skills but then you have the ability to add to those skills by improving your pedaling rotation. Its really quite simple. You'd never be taking away from your abilities but adding to them. Then there are the guys who don't have the total DH skill package but can pedal their asses off. Remember Lopes at the worlds this year?
they do not stop you to move out of your comfort zone...if anything they give you more confidence...regardless of what your saying...the fact most DH'ers prefer them and i love them for DH...i do switch between flats and SPD all the time depending on where i am or what i feel like doing...but for DH, which is what the mallets where designed for, they are way better
This is all going over your head like you ain't getting it dude. Because of the fact they do boost your confidence up (you have already admited to this), you won't be willing to give up on them; and if this is the case, you'll find yourself stuck in your comfort zone for ages to come. On another note, could you possibly tell us how to do a pedal flip if you're attached onto your SPDs?
the whole point of the boosted confidence is to improve your skills...how that is not apparent to you or made clear yet i am not sure...and a pedal flip?
Do you mean they boost your confidence up like the Holy Spirit is paying you a visit or something? The whole point in taking drugs is to cheer you up, but only a few seem to be willing to have them because of their side effects. It is the same with SPDs. They just give you for granted what others gain through skill and years of practice.
PS. I mean "pedal flip" as in when you bunny-hop and then kick your pedals to set them into motion.
PS. I mean "pedal flip" as in when you bunny-hop and then kick your pedals to set them into motion.
SPD's are a tool for better, more efficient pedaling. That's it. Pedal flips? Yea that's a useful thing to base whether or not you want to downhill race with spd's. Smeckma, you are making broad assumptions that aren't backed up with anything useful. I can, for example, bunny hop just as high on flats as I can spd's. My feet also never bounces off riding rough shit when I'm on flats. By your logic, I should not be able to ride flats and not have the skills to pull it off.
Stay away from drugs kids.
Stay away from drugs kids.
I really don't feel like I want to struggle to be able to get this thing across anymore. To be perfectly honest with you, I just don't care whether you like SPDs or if you can bunny-hop just high on them. All I can say now is I do refuse to use them, but that it is all perfectly fine if you want to.
my advice to any DH'er is to try SPD's...you will find yourself with more confidence and boosted comfort zone...we are all not pro's (as much as we wish) but SPD will help any DH'er looking to improve times and to improve to a more fluid riding style
When my friend attached an inner tube round his skateboard, he said he became a better skater (he said this came to him as an all of a sudder realization), but we all know where the added skill is actually coming from.
hahaha! holy crap that is the worst comparison I have ever heard! Epic failure. A better one would be comparing a good skateboarder on a board with grip tape and on a board without. You are still using the same technique, but clearly one method will make you achieve better results.....always. If you have the skills, going to spd's will always be better for your speed.
Need any other tips or lessens in common sense? I'm here for ya.
Next on smeckma's list of retarded anecdotes: how using V-brakes will help you go faster.
Need any other tips or lessens in common sense? I'm here for ya.
Next on smeckma's list of retarded anecdotes: how using V-brakes will help you go faster.
Why are you being disrespectful to me just because I have a different point of view on the matter. I don't think you are a retard just because you don't agree with me. BTW, you keep banging on whether someone has the skill or not, but this is precisely what I have been going on about all the time.
I'm sorry I hurt your feelings. Clearly riding flats takes more skill. Everyone knows that. But a guy who can do both flats or spds will always be FASTER riding spds simply because you can pedal better. Nothing more nothing less.
It is OK mate. I am 41 now, so you can expect me to have sort of a long way in it. The reason why I don't ride SPDs is because my riding style wouldn’t allow me to. I am more into street like stuff, so in the end I had to make a decision on it and pick up what I thought was best for me as I couldn't aford to change my pedals every time I wanted to take my bike down the trails. And now that I've broken my beloved Slayer ride, what can I say, I really don't see the point in it. This is what I am riding now:
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/4115713/
Would you have SPD fitted on this one?
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/4115713/
Would you have SPD fitted on this one?
I'm talking dh racing (xc and road too for argument sake) where getting the most out of your pedalling means better results.
mtbiker991 .
Hmm, ok! They are NOT a direct copy of the TIME pedals (i never mentioned Shimano's SPDs), if that pleases you.
Yes, they do have differences...
But
Yep, they do share some similarity
And
My main concern was that the comparison was made along SPDs & mallets, like there are no other pedal systems out there.
Who can argue with the fact that the TIME pedals were there way before mallets, that last longer, perform if not better, the same and are way cheaper (with the cash you're.. investing upon a pair of mallets you'll get 3 pairs of TIMEs!)& of course they do offer a perfectly wide amount of float.
Of course everyone's opinion is based upon his/hers own experiences. So all i have to say is that i keep noting lots of mallets & eggbeaters been totally destroyed here, locally while our TIMES keep on going through.. time.
That's all.
Now if anyone is so emotionally attached upon those mallets, in such a way that he (or she) cannot accept that there are ALSO other good performing products out there, see TIME pedals,then there's nothing more to say (sorry write).
UncaJohn
Also,
if you're used to flat pedals,then i can see no reason why to start all over again & fight your way into SPDs, mallet or Times. Just practice & sharpen your technique.
The same goes for the SPD-Mallet-Time-ers. You're more comfortable with your pedals (me too!), then just go on with those.
Pay respect to the other discipline!
Hmm, ok! They are NOT a direct copy of the TIME pedals (i never mentioned Shimano's SPDs), if that pleases you.
Yes, they do have differences...
But
Yep, they do share some similarity
And
My main concern was that the comparison was made along SPDs & mallets, like there are no other pedal systems out there.
Who can argue with the fact that the TIME pedals were there way before mallets, that last longer, perform if not better, the same and are way cheaper (with the cash you're.. investing upon a pair of mallets you'll get 3 pairs of TIMEs!)& of course they do offer a perfectly wide amount of float.
Of course everyone's opinion is based upon his/hers own experiences. So all i have to say is that i keep noting lots of mallets & eggbeaters been totally destroyed here, locally while our TIMES keep on going through.. time.
That's all.
Now if anyone is so emotionally attached upon those mallets, in such a way that he (or she) cannot accept that there are ALSO other good performing products out there, see TIME pedals,then there's nothing more to say (sorry write).
UncaJohn
Also,
if you're used to flat pedals,then i can see no reason why to start all over again & fight your way into SPDs, mallet or Times. Just practice & sharpen your technique.
The same goes for the SPD-Mallet-Time-ers. You're more comfortable with your pedals (me too!), then just go on with those.
Pay respect to the other discipline!
you can say mallets are the only ones being destroyed...but truth is, is there one pedal out there that needs no maintenance? no...time shimano crank bros...they all need maintenace eventually but to right out bad-mouth the mallets?...i have the original mallet C's and yes they have needed maintenance but so will your time (im guessing you ride with)
"The mallets are great and Crank Bros service is outstanding."
Crank Bros service has to be outstanding mainly because of the shear volume of pedals that go wrong. Talk about products not being fit for their intended purpose...
Crank Bros service has to be outstanding mainly because of the shear volume of pedals that go wrong. Talk about products not being fit for their intended purpose...
As background for tests I always try to quantify the conditions in which a product has been tested as well as the reasons for the test. To me, a comparison should be made against a product which is the main rival so that at least people have a more likely base line from which they can compare their own experiences. In the UK I'm struggling to think of any serious racers who use the Time's. Of course when they came out, they were bought by a number of riders (in the UK at least) who were keen to try them both for the extra float and their improved mud shedding over the then PDM646 model of the DX. However, very quickly, people were knocking the poorly designed corners off the Time's and also struggling to get clipped back in thanks to their fixed mechanism positioning within the pedal body that didn't pop up like on the Shimano's or rotate as with the subsequent Mallet's which meant you could lose vital tenths trying to get clipped back in. And in racing, that's what counts: speed. The Time's may be perfectly suitable for you if you just ride trail centres or aren't desperate about speed but as a racer, I am, and as a reviewer, I have to base my reviews on what I do (back to the quantification of testing conditions). I did also point out that I feel there were issues with longevity in the past with the Mallet's but that also, thankfully, these are now a lot less prevalent than they were. It's worth remembering that I chose to use these pedals through experience and personal preference. If Time were to give me free pedals would I use them? No, as much as I enjoy testing products and writing about them, my main priority has to be to use products I feel comfortable with for racing.
Also, over the years I have used every iteration of the Shimano DX's (PDM 636, 646 & 647), the older PDM747 XT pedals, multiple pairs of Mallet's and both Time ATAC XC pedals and their Z-Freeride's (multiple pairs). So I have experienced the majority of the main pedals out there suitable for my riding. Why no mention of the Time's in the review? Well first of all their xc pedals are very, very good, but their platform versions just don't perform as well as I would like for my riding and thus weren't mentioned in the review as they are neither a particularly popular alternative (at least here in the UK) nor a better performing alternative. There seems little point in comparing one product against another product that riders are even less likely to have experience of, especially if it's with a view to quantifying a fact or opinion. At the end of it all, it's a single product review (not the mechanism in general) and the other common clipless pedal that a lot of riders use is the Shimano and so it makes the most sense to use them as the main benchmark.
Well now,
and how about that so desired lasting factor? I've knocked my TIMES (Z please) too many times, too hard on rocks and they still work perfectly well.
On the other hand i've seen too many eggbeaters & malets becoming... parts when they just touch those nice shiny marble rocks of our trails!
Yep, here you're right, you may feel like you're clippind-in faster when you've cemented your pedals with mud (all malleteers claim so) and i won't argue with you because i just don't race.
But,
I just have to say (again) that my experience (and i am ridding trails since 1990) the TIMES (Atac, Z etc) seem to last & last. On the other hand those newcommers (crank bros) seem to fail & fail.
So,
in order to keep this short, this is what i calim:
-TIMES were there before Mallets
-TIMES just .. refuse to fail when knocked upon rocks
-TIMES are cheap to buy
and
-Even the cheap models of the already cheap TIMES are performing so well that makes you wonder....
All the above, are of cource my personal opinion, formed by what i see....
All these have nothing to do with how you've evaluated these pedals, just that you mentioned only Shimano's & forgot all about TIMES.
UncaJohn
Great respect to those who manage with flats. This is difficult!
and how about that so desired lasting factor? I've knocked my TIMES (Z please) too many times, too hard on rocks and they still work perfectly well.
On the other hand i've seen too many eggbeaters & malets becoming... parts when they just touch those nice shiny marble rocks of our trails!
Yep, here you're right, you may feel like you're clippind-in faster when you've cemented your pedals with mud (all malleteers claim so) and i won't argue with you because i just don't race.
But,
I just have to say (again) that my experience (and i am ridding trails since 1990) the TIMES (Atac, Z etc) seem to last & last. On the other hand those newcommers (crank bros) seem to fail & fail.
So,
in order to keep this short, this is what i calim:
-TIMES were there before Mallets
-TIMES just .. refuse to fail when knocked upon rocks
-TIMES are cheap to buy
and
-Even the cheap models of the already cheap TIMES are performing so well that makes you wonder....
All the above, are of cource my personal opinion, formed by what i see....
All these have nothing to do with how you've evaluated these pedals, just that you mentioned only Shimano's & forgot all about TIMES.
UncaJohn
Great respect to those who manage with flats. This is difficult!
yes but you still can't get full pedal rotation with that set up. more power down with spd's....every time.
sick pedeals untill the right axle broke putting the hammer down on a climb, then the left axle broke when i barely cliped a rock i didnt get to use them more than 2 months its sucks becuase otherwise they were the best clipless pedels ive used, sucks because now im scared to use these pedals,the shimaino clipless i had for 3 seasons never had this problem
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