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Looking for a clipless pedal with a proper platform with decent grip that isn't CB. What do you like?
A friend swears by TIME [url= http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/components/pedals/product/review-time-x-roc-s-45113/ ]X-roc-s[/url]
What's wrong with the Mallet? I know the bearings can be a worry, but they seem okay if you grease them every few months and they are simple to rebuild. I've got a couple of pairs of original Mallets that have been going for years.
What's wrong with the Mallet?
The usual internet answers are;the bearings are rubbish, they break, they are massively overpriced bling, not adjustable, they are made by Crank Brothers so are crap etc etc.
For me it's the hideously badly designed and made brass cleats that wear out in no time and can lead to dangerous involuntary unclipping. Along with the clip in mechanism that bends at the slightest hint of a rock.
Anyway to answer the original question [url] http://www.ht-components.com/ht_portal/product/list?cname=pedal ][/url] the X1 seems to have all the best features of the Mallet but with the added bonus of all the things the Mallet forgot and Aaron Gwin raving about/helping to design them.
Agree that the previous Mallet's didn't have a long life expectancy (I went through 3 pairs), but got the new Mallet DH's and they've been fantastic with no bearing issues at all.
What's wrong with the Mallet?
I wouldn't know, I've never tried them. Just want to get a better idea of what's out there in the same segment before making a decision. 🙂
Thanks for the suggestions so far. Time have got more options that looks interesting, like the MX2/MX4/MX6, but what I remember from the little experience I have with them (Time Z IIRC, which was my first clipless pedal) they're a little harder to unclip from then I like. Comments?
How are Shimano's offerings, like the M647 or M424? Any benefit to the cage on those while being clipped in (I'm not really bothered by grip or support when unclipped)?
For me it's the hideously badly designed and made brass cleats that wear out in no time and can lead to dangerous involuntary unclipping. Along with the clip in mechanism that bends at the slightest hint of a rock.
Never had either of those problems myself, so we must be doing something differently. Only issue I've ever had is a bearing let go on a pair of early Candy pedals. Replaced them with Mallets and started keeping a closer eye on the bearings and no problems since. I also hear that the latest DH/Race version has an improved bearing setup, so I'm going to give those a go on my new trail bike. I really do like both the platform and clip in mech. I never did get on with the Shimano clipless system.
Check out Time Z Control too.
Never had either of those problems myself, so we must be doing something differently.
I used to live up in the north of Scotland with lot's of massive mountain days and lot's of hike-a-bike so that was probably a factor. With a low bottom bracket it can be easy to clip a pedal on a rock, up and down and I found the mechanism bent pretty easily.
That said Shimano cleats last a massively long time even if you do whack them occasionally and have to carry your bike sometimes on big mountain days.
So maybe the difference is terrain, type of bike or riding style? The soft brass cleats are a well documented and known factor with the Mallets.
I really do love how the Mallet DHs feel with a DH shoe and some pin exposed, but cleats for me are lasting 1-2 months, no more. That's a bit of a deal breaker.
I'm ordering some HT Components X1s as soon as the other colours are available to buy. Similar sized platform, similar weight, pins, a locked in feel and steel cleats. Win!
EDIT- If you do buy some Mallet DHs then strip them down before you fit them and completely pack them with grease. The bearings are still running sweet after about 500 miles on mine. Then re-grease fairly regularly.
Shimano DX or the cheaper version. Both have a resin platform but the DX is a bit tougher. They last for ever and the SPD is ever reliable. VP do one, Funn do one, HT have the one Aaron Gwin uses.