Forum menu
Flat Pedals
 

[Closed] Flat Pedals

Posts: 21643
Full Member
Topic starter
 
[#856701]

After all the conversations on here about the advantages of riding flats every once in a while, I thought I'd give it a go. What do people think to eith the Shimano DX30 (Shimano stuff just seems to work) or I did see some NC-17 III things that looked rather nice.

Anything else in the £40 ~ £60 bracket worth a punt?


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 2:11 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I'm very happy with my Superstar Nano Tech Flats. They look nice, they are thin and not too heavy, plus very grippy.


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 2:12 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Crank bros 50/50's for this fat boy!


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 2:13 pm
Posts: 6382
Free Member
 

I've got a new pair of [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=79&ModelID=17620 ]these [/url]for sale - £25, less than half price


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 2:15 pm
 b17
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I didn't get on at all with the 50/50s despite good shoes and all the good opinions of the pedals.

Classic DMR V12s for me.


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 2:17 pm
Posts: 177
Free Member
 

easton flatboys

or 50/50xx with long pins


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 2:19 pm
Posts: 30656
Free Member
 

DMR v12s for about 2 years now with only one service.

YMMV tho.


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 2:19 pm
Posts: 2909
Full Member
 

shimanos are good but put the longer pins in.

i run gusset slim jims with longer pins. cheap and chearful for me every time.

avoid DMR if you have big/wide feet - the platform is small.

wellgo mg1`s will be my next pedal purchase.


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 2:22 pm
Posts: 3
Free Member
 

Went for the DX's when I moved from SPD to flats about 3 months ago. Heard so many negative things about various types, I went with Shimano because they are a good size, OK thickness, and especially because I don't want to have to maintain them. Very happy with them, paired with 5-10 Freerider shoes


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 2:30 pm
 b17
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I've got big and wide feet.... wouldn't call the DMRs too small. I'd expect to be clouting any bigger pedals off the ground even more.

I must say I do like the look of the super narrow Canfield ones in the eurobike reviews.


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 2:30 pm
Posts: 41848
Free Member
 

DMR's are tiny!

Burgtechs, insane price, not light, but ohhhhhhhh so grippy, indestructable and smooth.


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 2:39 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

wellgo mg1`s all the way!


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 2:41 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Yes, I have the Shimano ones and they are absolutely fine. You may fine when you're a flat pedal "expert", that you want something else - well go buy them when you know what you want. In the meantime, the Simano ones are trouble free, grippy and big enough to put your foot on.


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 2:43 pm
Posts: 1014
Free Member
 

wellgo mg1 ftw.

lighter than m520 spd. dmr waay to small.


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 2:44 pm
 sv
Posts: 2815
Free Member
 

Slim Jims here to.


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 2:45 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

The SS ones are hard to beat to be honest.

I have tried, V8/V12 (too small if you have feet over size 10, and will give you cramp), Straitlines (very nice, but very expensive and sqweak), AtomLabs TrailKings (axle falls off), Wellgo B54 (crap bearings, which go crunchy in weeks), Azonic Mag thingies (which were shit).


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 2:57 pm
Posts: 5655
Full Member
 

Straitlines here but I doubt I would have paid RRP for them. Rich, you can shut them up dead easily, just pop the circlips off the end, slide the axle out, give it a clean and a grease and that's it. 5 minute job if that.

Kona Wah Wahs seem to get a lot of love round these parts.


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 3:01 pm
Posts: 3422
Free Member
 

I have/had:

Old Azonic A-Frames x2: Can't fault em
DMR V12 - Too Small
DMR V8 - Likewise
Gusset Slim Jims - Need longer pins, but good
Wellgo B-54's - Seem good but time will tell on the bearing front.


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 3:01 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I got all nostalgic and really wanted some Shimano DX like I once had on my BMX 20 years back but the new DX are far too heavy. There are cheaper and lighter alternatives already mentioned, but may I suggest you go for a pair of NS Bikes Ariel flats. 😀


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 3:03 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

The squeaking on mine seems to be when the o-ring slackens off a bit. I have a stash of them now, so I replace them as soon as they start squeaking.


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 3:04 pm
 b17
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

where are you people trying to put your feet then if V12s are 'too small'?


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 3:06 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

They are too small, as the edge of your foot rolls over the side and after a while gives you foot cramp. The platform needs to be wider to support your foot and stop this arching.


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 3:08 pm
 b17
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

still a bit dubious... maybe I'm blessed with a very straight foot position, but I reckon you'd have to be quite bandy legged and/or not have stiff soled shoes to suffer.


 
Posted : 10/09/2009 3:25 pm
Posts: 21643
Full Member
Topic starter
 

I'm now torn between the DX-30 and the MG1 having seen them both in the flesh. The NC-17 sudpro III keeps calling to me and I'm really not sure why. Doesn't seem that anyone else has ever bothered with them.


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 2:20 pm
Posts: 17843
 

These Straitlines - no sealed bearings is there? For £90 I would expect them to have.

But ... lots of people are recommending them so are there any shops in the South where I can actually look at them please? In fact I could be really geeky and take my pedals with me to compare 🙄


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 2:24 pm
Posts: 0
Full Member
 

straitlines here, but they are big.

nc17's quite a bit smaller but also good, as are easton flatboys.

shimano dx's need longer pins.


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 2:32 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

MG1's are light, last ages, are a classic design, grip and you can have them delivered for £27 from ebay!


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 2:46 pm
Posts: 11937
Free Member
 

I did 103 miles on "too small" Wellgo V8 copies last weekend. I was wearing "too flexy" Inov-8 fell running trainers.

🙄


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 2:47 pm
Posts: 5655
Full Member
 

These Straitlines - no sealed bearings is there?

No, they run on bushings, which makes them a total doddle to service. They are a bit draggier than bearings and they can go stiff and seize, so they're not maintenance free, but they seem pretty bombproof compared to previous pedals I've had (Crank Brothers Mallets, V8s, and some Specialized Mags that ate themselves after the bearings seized).


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 2:53 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5199

One set three years old and no problems. Second set 1.5 years old and no problems. Been bashed and thumped on uplifts, The Alps and Canada. Been great pedals for the price. 50/50 were guff I though.


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 3:14 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I went for these instead:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=19213

Lighter than the B54's. Done me proud for about 1.5 yrs, but have now switched to SPD's.


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 3:20 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

As Mr A said, the straitlines use bushings, with very tight tolerances (so grit/shit can't get in).

nice pedals, stupid grippy and very strong/tough, but pricey.


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 3:20 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

@miketually

Is this the secret to your (un)success? If I use such a combination am I guaranteed to become a development rider for a small British bike designer (not that Brant is small or designs small bikes, but you know what I mean)?


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 3:34 pm
Posts: 11937
Free Member
 

Is this the secret to your (un)success? If I use such a combination am I guaranteed to become a development rider for a small British bike designer (not that Brant is small or designs small bikes, but you know what I mean)?

A wonky right foot means no SPDs. Trail running shoes are light and dry fast.


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 3:37 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

How about Azonic Accelerators?

Had them since 2006 and they have been problem free.


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 3:37 pm
Posts: 1193
Free Member
 

the 'too small' comments are all personal preference. For what its worth i used v8s before and until i tried 50/50s didnt realise how much difference a bit of extra width could make 😯

They are much more supportive and give a bigger platform to stand on.

I guess it also depends on the size of your feet and stiffness of shoe.


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 3:39 pm
Posts: 11937
Free Member
 

I guess it also depends on the size of your feet and stiffness of shoe.

Oh, forgot to mention my size 12 feet.


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 3:41 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

have you tried wider pedals then Mike? as you might see what people are on about if you do. Then again you might not 😉


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 3:44 pm
Posts: 1075
Free Member
 

Using the Straitlines currently but the internals have not lasted at all well. Had to buy the service kit of replacement parts which costs more than some V8s!
Very grippy until you eventually slip. Several scars below my calf as evidence now.

Shimanos are ok but i could'nt remove the (way too) short pins to swap out for longer ones, bearing in mind there are 40 in total.

NC17s or Superstar Nanos look good though


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 3:47 pm
Posts: 11937
Free Member
 

have you tried wider pedals then Mike? as you might see what people are on about if you do. Then again you might not

The Planet-X pedals I had before were wider; can't say I notice any difference. I've not had foot cramp on my MTB, but have on my Mundo, which has very narrow pedals.

I'm convinced that your feet get used to taking your weight on narrower pedals, so you don't get problems. Anyone switching to narrower pedals suddenly will probably have problems, but if your feet are used to the narrower epdals, you won't.


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 3:52 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

may'be. I went from SPD's to V8's with trainers, and the cramp was crippling after a few hours riding. I switched to some wider pedals (same shoes) and it went away, hence why I think they are too narrow for my feet (size 11)


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 3:54 pm
Posts: 21643
Full Member
Topic starter
 

That makes sense, I'll be moving from Shimano 181 shoes to a pair of size 9 5.10 impact low shoes. Do I need to find a pedal as wide as the shoes then? How far in do people normally place their feet?


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 4:59 pm
Posts: 66111
Full Member
 

Wellgo MG1s here, they're like V12s only better really (people call them "V8 copies", but as Wellgo make the V8s and V12s too, that's a bit of a nonsense- these are cheaper and better, they just lack a cool name)


 
Posted : 11/09/2009 7:04 pm
Posts: 17843
 

Polite request - any chance of someone with Straitlines measuring them please? Would be interested to know how they compare size-wise with my Funn Soljams. Thank you so much.


 
Posted : 12/09/2009 9:34 pm
Posts: 6886
Free Member
 

ah normally CG I'd be out causing mischief with alcohol and girls but seeing as I have used my face as a brake I'm in so can give you the lo-down.

Straitline have a ruff platform size 100mm x 100mm not including the axle, just platform.

[url= http://straitline.blogspot.com/2008/11/we-piss-excellence.html ]Here is a service video to straitline pedals[/url]

[url= http://www.sicklines.com/reviews/straitline_pedals/ ]Here is a good honest review of the pedals the design has changed a bit[/url]

My view DMR type pedals are decent maybe a little small but you adjust to this or don't notice it, their pedals are copied for a reason. I now own straitlines the platform is bigger meaning you can move your foot around more this is both positive and negative. The most noticeable difference is they grip so much more than DMR even with a basic shoe, slipping a pedal means blood but also a very rare occurrence.

what i would say is i paid a believe 70 or 80 quid, normal price i think is a round 1ner, alot to spend but remember this is your hobby/passion so money should be spent on it. If I were you I would hang on, from my internet trawling at eurobike. acros master of bearings I'm led to believe brought out a pedal it looks top notch, also so did NC17 again light and looked good and last but not least canfield have a super thin pedal out which I'll wait to see what dirt mag say but I reckon straitlines days as King of Pedal may be over.

One more point most colours straitline make are anodized so look good longer


 
Posted : 12/09/2009 10:06 pm
Page 1 / 2