The Gusset Slim Jim Nylon pedal is another composite flat pedal that proves you don’t need the latest CNC flats to get rowdy off-road.
I remember buying my first ‘proper’ mountain bike. It was a Giant Boulder and I was pretty chuffed with it. I worked 3 paper rounds and saved my birthday money to buy that bike, and remember to this day pointing out the externally butted steel front triangle to my mates. They didn’t care, but I did, I also cared about those cheap nylon pedals that came with it. You know the type, thin plastic jobs that offered zero grip and would break in a matter of days. What I wanted was a pair of grippy metal pedals, but I had to wait and save up for them.
Had the current generation of nylon flat pedals been available at the time of that Giant purchase, however, I would have been enjoying some quality foot and pedal interaction much sooner.
Gusset Slim Jim Nylon Pedals
The idea of quality nylon or composite pedals has been gaining in popularity for a few years now, but has really taken off with brands adapting their high-end metal platforms and making them from the more affordable and lighter weight material.
This is what we have with the new Gusset Slim Jim nylon pedal. These bright orange pedals are based on the design of the CNC machined Slim Jim but at £39.99, they’re almost half the price of the alloy versions. They also manage to weigh in at 40g less than the metal model, yet still retain the same level of grip thanks to the 10 removable metal pins in each side.
In terms of the design and look, there isn’t much difference between the alloy and nylon versions. They both share the same low-profile concave design, and that classic ‘DX’ look. Each pedal spins on a machined Cro-mo axle, and each spins freely on a mix of LSL bushings and sealed bearings.
Visually the only issue I have with them is that it appears only a ‘you’ve been Tango’d’ Orange or bright Yellow colour option is available, whereas the CNC versions get a more subtle black finish. If you can live with the bright colours, though you’ll be rewarded with a very grippy pedal.
I tested the Gusset Slim Jim at the same time as testing the Fizik Gravita Tensor and Crankbrothers Stamp flat shoes and found traction and level of feel to be exceptional. In fact, the £30 saving on the nylon pedal would mean I could afford to splurge on a pair of those pricey shoes, and In my opinion that makes much more sense than expensive pedals combined with cheap shoes.
Compared to similar nylon pedals I would rate the Gusset higher than Crankbrothers composite option and even above the Burgtec Penthouse composite pedal which I really like. The Gusset design doesn’t have the awkward raised area in the centre like the Crankbrothers pedal, and I felt a better level of mechanical grip from the Gusset compared to the Burgtec.
Things I would change
- I would like a black option, or just something a little more subtle. UPDATE: Gusset have been in touch and a black option will be available!
Things I loved
- Same great features as the CNC version.
- Great level of grip.
- Affordable.
Gusset Slim Jim Nylon Pedals Review – Overall
Affordable, smooth spinning and very grippy trail, enduro, gravity pedals. Sure they’re only available in bright colours but the money you save can be spent on a quality pair of shoes to cover them up.
Review Info
| Brand: | Gusset |
| Product: | Slim Jim Nylon |
| From: | Gusset Components |
| Price: | £39.98 |
| Tested: | by Andi Sykes for 4 weeks |