Review: Nukeproof Horizon Pro Flat Pedals

In Issue #113 of Singletrack Magazine, we tested 17 different pedals as part of our Flat Pedal Group Test.

Designed with Sam Hill and knocking around since late 2015, Nukeproof Horizon flats come in a plethora of options, ranging from very wallet-friendly plastic bodied editions in bright colours, to the ultra fancy Horizon Pro Ti edition with machined surfaces and lightweight axles (shedding almost 70 grams from the weight of the standard pair, which is 430g). We reviewed the mid-range Horizon Pro, with metal bodies and cromo axles.

All models run on the same innards of two cartridge bearings and one bushing per pedal. With the thickest points at 17mm the bodies are beefy, with plenty of internal space for those guts. The top is a nice, plain, very slightly concave surface for your feet. If you need the absolute thinnest pedals you can get, these probably aren’t for you, but if you ride with your shoes slammed in toward the cranks, and find the bulge around inboard bearings on some pedals bothersome, the lack of that on Horizons is a big plus.

In terms of spares, Nukeproof’s own bearing and bushing kits are commendably low priced, keeping the pedals cheap to run. These things are always worth checking before you buy a pair of pedals, as proprietary pins, bushings and bearings may give you that critical bit of extra performance, but possibly at a premium price every time you need to replace any.

They’re only available in one size, though 100mm x 100mm platforms suit many shoe sizes without poking out from under them, partly due to the angled corners. Along with those, the front, back and outer ends of the body are appropriately ramped to deflect impacts, and while cutouts in them create some scope to pick up mud, I found even in deepest winter muck it’s not too bad and they seem to shed well.

Grip is good, maybe a little less than some of the scoopier, more bowl shaped pedal bodies, but thanks to the relatively tall pins they’re well within the realm of enough for most riders. The pins nearest the centre of the bodies are M4 grub screws, but the more vulnerable ones at the front and back are M4 through pin socket caps. We found the grub screws can easily work their way loose and escape over a few months, though not the through pins. Perhaps that’s because, by default, they have little washers keeping them tightened down in a shortened position. If you want, you can remove the washers to lengthen the amount of exposed pin for more grip. We found we had no need, but it’s nice to have the option.

It’s also worth mentioning that these pedals are our very own Rob Crayons’ favourite. In addition to the few months I’ve put them through, Rob’s been running a pair for a year with no creaks or grittiness. They’ve been super tough, and have lost some pins, though that’s been from letting them work loose rather than them tearing out.

Overall

Cheap to run, durable all weather flats. They’re not the lightest, nor the cheapest, nor the fanciest on test, but the Horizons are a decidedly good flat pedal. In terms of good, solid all rounders, they’re definitely a contender.

Review Info