Forum home› Mountain biking forum› MTB buying advice

Which flat pedal?

BleedproofBleedproof Posts: 107
edited May 2008 in MTB buying advice
I've been riding my 08 Giant XTC 1 for about 4 months now and for a number of reasons, including work and large feet I haven't got round to getting a pair of shoes for the stock SPD pedals that came with it.

I've now decided that being clipped in on my daily commute may be rather dangerous. After a near wipeout after my chain snapped last week while riding my daily commute and twice being 'cut up by lorry drivers, it was only my quick reactions and the ability to dismount from the bike quickly that meant I wasn't killed (literally)

I know I'd be able to master un-clipping quickly with a little practice, but for the kind of on and off riding I'm doing at the moment I'm going to go with flats.

Now my question is: Which ones?

I'm partial to the look fo the Shimano MX30's but would like other suggestions and or opinions on the MX30's? Anything as good look, and sleek?

dx_plataforma.jpg

Ideally they need to be black, silver, grey to look right on the bike.

Cheers

Stu
«1

Posts

  • Surf-MattSurf-Matt Posts: 5,952
    Stopped using SPDs a while back.

    DMRs all the way - V8s usually do the trick but V12s usually last longer.
  • LarokLarok Posts: 577
    DMR v8 or v12's are good. The v12 has a catridge bearing against regular bearings on the v8's

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... 8%20Pedals

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... 2%20Pedals

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... m%20Pedals


    There are also similar wellgos to the DMR v8's.

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... e%20Pedals

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... e%20Pedals
    My Ride Stumpjumper Expert 2008
  • BeardedDaveBeardedDave Posts: 1,977
    The MX30's are great pedals, IMO. I've tried DMR V8, V12's, Wellgos and Crank Bros 50/50's and for me the Shimanos are the best. I have them on all three of my bikes, have used them for all sorts of riding in all sorts of weathers and can't fault them at all. Grip is good, bearing life is excellent and they stand up well to a bit of a battering too.
    East Anglia Biking Collective!
    http://www.easternbikemonkeys.co.uk/forum/
  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    Wellgo MG1. Nothing comes close for the money. Muich lighter than most pedals, can be got for 20 quid on ebay. Plus Wellgo make DMR!
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • NikBNikB Posts: 243
    Just looking at the pedal designs there are a few more pins on the DMR's - does this make a significant difference to the grip when compared to the Wellgo MG1's ?
    <a><img></a>
  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    Less pins can actually make for MORE grip - greater pressure on each one. Also depends on your shoe, and foot size.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • NikBNikB Posts: 243
    I'm size 8 and am thinking about getting some flats for north shore stuff etc. Was going to get the DMR's but if the Wellgo's are lighter and perform similarly then I'll get those. Was going to get some 510 shoes - is there anything cheaper that performs well?
    <a><img></a>
  • BlackSpurBlackSpur Posts: 4,228
    I like my V12s. Not the best VFM at all, but they were free so I'm not complaining! I would have bought MG1s is i had not been given my V12s without a doubt - I don't think anything can really compete for the £25 they cost!
    "Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling." ~James E. Starrs
  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    I'm a size 8, just use a flat soled trainer like a Reeboxk Classic.

    Don't see anyhting better for the money, nor cheaper - sealed bearings, and a weight of just 370g (lighter than many SPDs!) and a whopping 160g lighter than a V8 for the same or less money than one.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • MilkieMilkie Posts: 377
    I've got the Wellgo MG1's.

    I have size 10/11 feet and dont have any problems getting my feet/shoes to stay on the pedals. If anything I'm finding one my feet are on the pedals, I cannot reposition them unless I take my foot off again. At least they dont move around!
  • shin0rshin0r Posts: 555
    rusty_mtb on ebay are doing v12s for £35 delivered. My v8s are crunching like crunchy nut cornflakes now so I've just ordered a pair of these.
  • BeardedDaveBeardedDave Posts: 1,977
    Anyone got any thoughts on how durable the paint finish is on the Wellgo MG1s and how good the bearings are? I was looking at getting a lighter set of pedals for one of my bikes and the MG1's come up very light - almost 120g a pair lighter than the Shimano MX30 and only 22g heavier than the magnesium V12's with ti axle upgrade (which will cost you the best part of £100 all in!).
    East Anglia Biking Collective!
    http://www.easternbikemonkeys.co.uk/forum/
  • MilkieMilkie Posts: 377
    Anyone got any thoughts on how durable the paint finish is on the Wellgo MG1s and how good the bearings are?

    I had the gunmetal MG1's. The paint/finish is rubbing off after 8 months use where I slide my feet on to the pedals. The bearings haven't needed touching yet, so they last longer than my X-Type BB which was replaced a month ago.
  • BeardedDaveBeardedDave Posts: 1,977
    Cheers Milkie. I'm toying with the idea of getting the yellow ones as they'll clash horrendously with my matt green Cove! :lol:
    East Anglia Biking Collective!
    http://www.easternbikemonkeys.co.uk/forum/
  • 100%100% Posts: 236
    Hi,

    I had Gusset Slim Jim pedals on my bike for about a year, until I switched to SPDs and I really liked em. They seem hard wearing - some of the black finish came off but not much, and I've never done anything to the bearings etc. in terms of maintenance.

    The pedal itself is also quite slim, so marginally less chance of catching them on the ground. I don't know about the weight, but as I recall they were £29.99. Had a good review in MBUK at the time too.

    Cheers,
    Steve
  • BlackSpurBlackSpur Posts: 4,228
    The paint finish on DMR pedals is pretty atrocious. It started rubbing off on my V12s after the first ride. Realistically, this will happen on almost any pedal, so get silver if you're really that fussed. It doesn't really bother me - I like my bike to look used.
    "Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling." ~James E. Starrs
  • The Big CheeseThe Big Cheese Posts: 8,651 Forum Tart 2010
    I have had all manner of pedals (flat) but the Shim MX30s are by far my favourite but pricey.

    If you are going for a budget pedal (as supersonic says) you can't beat the wellgos
  • BleedproofBleedproof Posts: 107
    Thanks for all the suggestions guy.

    I've taken a good look at them all and while they are all great I still like the look of the MX30's. They are a bit more expensive than the others, but if you look around they can be had for the low £30 mark.
  • The Big CheeseThe Big Cheese Posts: 8,651 Forum Tart 2010
    Bleedproof wrote:
    Thanks for all the suggestions guy.

    I've taken a good look at them all and while they are all great I still like the look of the MX30's. They are a bit more expensive than the others, but if you look around they can be had for the low £30 mark.

    Good choice - lightweight too :wink:
  • LordBanksLordBanks Posts: 358
    DMR V8's are quite poor, i've got them on now, bought black, their now patchy silver/black, been stripped countless times and they still grind when it rains or they get wet, the inner BB seal keeps coming loose, try to inject grease into them, just splatters everywhere over the cage, pah, wouldn't touch them.


    For saleDMR V8's, hardly used, 50 quid.
  • Surf-MattSurf-Matt Posts: 5,952
    Well I have 3 sets of DMR V8s on three of our MTBs - one set has been on for 5 years and is fine.

    Yes the paint is pretty hopeless (both newer bikes have black V8s under 6 months old - much of the paint has gone, the old ones are silver so not an issue), but keep them clean and greased (spray grease from a can works better) and they last eons.
  • BlackSpurBlackSpur Posts: 4,228
    LordBanks wrote:
    DMR V8's are quite poor, i've got them on now, bought black, their now patchy silver/black, been stripped countless times and they still grind when it rains or they get wet, the inner BB seal keeps coming loose, try to inject grease into them, just splatters everywhere over the cage, pah, wouldn't touch them.


    For saleDMR V8's, hardly used, 50 quid.

    SOLD! I'll PM you my Paypal details. Call it £20 to cover postage?
    "Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling." ~James E. Starrs
  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    If on an ultra budget, and want tough, get some of these:

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=5207

    Would survive a nuclear warhead. Keep on eye on bearings though.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • BlackSpurBlackSpur Posts: 4,228
    I'm trying to persuade the manager to give me one of the sets of Beartraps or Shark Bites in the basements - they'll never be sold and we have then in ano purple! I'd probably never use them but I love how the Shark Bites look!
    "Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling." ~James E. Starrs
  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    I nearly got mine in ano blue, but the bearings were as rough as a badgers, so went for the black!
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • firetripperfiretripper Posts: 28
    No-one recommend Crank Bros 50-50's?????
  • s.h.r.e.ds.h.r.e.d Posts: 33
    Shim DX30 are THE flat pedal. Lightweight, tons of grip with the longer pins, and look awesome. Firetripper, the CB are way overpriced, heavy and the grip is frankly rubbish in the wet, howevever they do look awesome!
  • mrxcmrxc Posts: 63
    I bought some white DMRs and have to say the grip is fantastic and a big spaced pedal too - good value.
    mp
  • NikBNikB Posts: 243
    I've now managed to find Wellgo MG-1's on Ebay for £20 from Australia.
    <a><img></a>
  • Chaka PingChaka Ping Posts: 1,451
    What's the obsession with paint coming off pedals? They look better with a few chips and scrapes.

    If you've got pristine pedals, it makes it look like you're not trying hard enough.

    Another vote for the Wellgo MG-1 here, as usual.
Sign In or Register to comment.