Submitted by
Metanoia
a Downhiller
from Philippines Date Reviewed: August 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Tagaytay/Maarat/Patiis
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Cartimar
Strengths:
Wide platform, virtually will not pack with mud, FLOAT for bum knees is a big plus!!!
Weaknesses:
Couldn't get a consistent clip in/clip out
Similar Products Used:
Shimano PD-M545
Bike Setup:
Intense Uzzi VPX large
Marz 66rc2x 2007
Fox DHX Air 5.0
Bottom Line:
Switched back to SPDs because I couldn't get a consistent clip in/out on my left foot; but this might be due to my body's "geometry" more than anything else but I did ask some people and they did notice that they don't have a consistent clip in / clip out. A joy to use in muddy trails because they don't gunk up because of the pedal's design.
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Submitted by
pgkris
a Weekend Warrior
from Littleton, CO Date Reviewed: August 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Apex, White Ranch
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Simple design, durable, versatile, very easy entry and exit
Weaknesses:
bit heavy but it's worth it
Similar Products Used:
Crank Bros Candy
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575, Manitou Minute 1, XT drive train, Thopson seat and stem, Easton Monkey bar
Bottom Line:
I started with Crank Bros Candy 5 years ago in Chicago, then I moved to Colorado and considering the terrain I quickly decided that I would need something with platform so I can ride unclipped on scatchy sections and bought those. I've been riding them for over 3 years without a single problem, even though I've beaten them big time over the rock on multiple occasions. I strongly recommend them. I haven't ridden Shimano pedals ever, but they look too complicated for me. Cheers!
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Submitted by
Nasty610
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia, SC, USA Date Reviewed: August 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anything
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
wide platform, easy to clip in/out, haven't been serviced in 2 years still work like new
Weaknesses:
paints scratched off but that's to be expected with anything that hits the ground
Similar Products Used:
nothing this is my first clip in
Bike Setup:
Weyless 67 spec'd for light freeride/all mountain. Weight in 40-45lbs range
Bottom Line:
bought these to try out clip ins and have ridden them in everything from sand and mud in south carolina to rocks and drops in south korea. i'm really not sure why everyone is complaining about durability, I put these on my bike and haven't done anything to them since this includes servicing or cleaning. every platform pedal i've used, and they include some high end dh specific models, have gotten bent spindles in the first couple of rides. i'm not a light guy at 210 lbs and was 240 when i bought these and they have put up with everything i have been able to put them through. i'm really not too sure what everyone is saying about the cleats either. i routinely ride my bike into town, lock it up and walk around shopping. i'm still on my first set of cleats and aside from scratches and normal wear aren't showing any signs of needing to be replaced.
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Submitted by
Qatarbhoy
a Weekend Warrior
from Qatar Date Reviewed: June 16, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Versatile platform/clip design
Look great
Built like tanks
Great paintjob when new
Easy for clipless newbies like me to get used to
Excellent value at this price
Made me a better rider
Aesthetically pleasing packaging and thourtful design all round
Cleats have lasted longer than expected
Weaknesses:
Paint wears off after a few rides - metal on metal will do that
Heavy platform
Replacement cleats are expensive
Similar Products Used:
Nylon flats (ugh)
Cages and toeclips (deadly and useless)
Smartys (good, light clip/platform compromise but plastic platform a bit flimsy)
Bike Setup:
Trek 6500, stock at the moment except for these pedals
Bottom Line:
I highly recommend these as an introductory pedal for cyclists trying clipless for the first time, as well as for experienced riders looking for a tough and versatile design. when the trail gets sketchy you can quickly clip out and use the platforms - although the wings protrude slightly it's possible to shift a cleated shoe forward slightly and use the sole; flat soled shoes work great with the platform.
Once the cleats are worn in it is a breeze to clip in and out even in emergencies. (it is the cleats rather than the springs that need breaking in because my new Smartys were no problem from day one using my worn cleats.) in fact one of my two 'moments' in these pedals was because i came to a sudden halt and had forgotten i was clipped in - wrenching myself free as i fell slightly bent one of the 'armour' plates on the pedal but did no other damage to bike or rider. these pedals are strong but there is a weight penalty to pay if that bothers you. on the other hand, i found i was able to get a lot more power into my riding, especially uphill. i use Smartys on my other bike but might switch to standard eggbeaters on the 6500 simply to save weight and because they look so good. the Mallets are great if you have a bike that you ride on the trail but in town too so i will probably put them on my other bike which i use round town.
value rating is based on the price i paid. the cleats themselves are expensive to replace at about $18/pair (i bought the Smartys simply because i could get a spare set of cleats and pedals for $40) but i have ridden with mine for over 1000km so far and the cleats just get better and better.
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Submitted by
hammer
a Cross Country Rider
from OHIO Date Reviewed: June 7, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
nashbar.com
Strengths:
Durability, clipping in/out is easy. Sheds mud/dirt very well.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy.
Similar Products Used:
shimano entry level mtb pedals.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher '06 HKEK
Bottom Line:
Good pedal for the money. No problems and easy to unclip on trails. Easy to clean.
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Submitted by
Travis
a
from Auburn CA Date Reviewed: April 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
South Burma @ Annadel
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
cambria bicycle
Strengths:
coming from some Shimano M520's to Mallet C's ... the eggbeater was great to click in and out compared to the M520's and the pedal seemed to hold my cleat very stiffly, the platform was nice and boosted confidence on downhill sections because I could just feel more pedal there on the heavy corners and drops ..
Weaknesses:
Well my eggbeater cage broke on one of my pedals. I've been using these for very little time too, its a flaw in design over Shimano I guess. But Warranty is going to cover my pedal to be fixed. But that does not really help when I want to go riding today. The red paint wore off really fast too.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano M520's, crank bro 50/50 x, wellgo's that rip your shins up!
Bike Setup:
07 stumpy comp with a dee max in the back with kinda nevegals 2.35s, monkeylite sl bars, thomson layback post, yeti grips and mallet c's,
Bottom Line:
I think I am going to buy another pair of the pedals because they are 49$ and my LBS matches internet prices. They are great pedals when they aren't broken and crank brothers does have really good customer support. But! make sure you use the Shims, which have to be purchased separately, or shave some rubber off your cleats if they are rubbing the platform around the pedal, if you don't do this is could A) break your pedal and B) lead to severe knee problems.
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Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresh Meadows, NY, USA Date Reviewed: March 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Blue Mountain
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
blueskycycling.com
Strengths:
Good pedal for those coming over from platform pedals
Weaknesses:
Heavy, I guess?
Similar Products Used:
Platforms - some Shimano crap
Bike Setup:
Yeti ASX
Bottom Line:
Awesome pedals if you wanna learn.
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Submitted by
Jason Lithopoulos
a Downhiller
from Rancho San Diego, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
San Luis Obispo, CA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Solid, great product for the money, even at full price, easy to use, easy to clean
Weaknesses:
paint comes off easy, but that shouldn't matter unless you're one of those idiots that has a shiny bike with no dirt on it
Similar Products Used:
other platform pedals
Bike Setup:
2005 Haro X2, Avid BB7s, Manitou Nixon and Metel
Bottom Line:
If you are looking to go clipless, or if you have and are looking for a clipless pedal that can be ridden like a platform, this is the pedal. You don't have to BS with those little tiny pedals or ones that are double sided. This pedal can be ridden on both sides and the inner egg beater spins for easy entry. Great product
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Submitted by
corey
a Weekend Warrior
from se us Date Reviewed: February 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
one with dirt and rock
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
online superstore
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
weight
Similar Products Used:
platforms
Bottom Line:
This is my first clipless pedal system. I rode several years before I got the nerve to go clipless. Based on reviews here and elsewhere I bought these. They are built very well, were easy to learn, and are tough. I ride a lot of rocks and have been borderline abusive towards them. No problems yet. I like being able to unclip and move my foot forward a couple of inches and riding them like platforms for the real technical stuff. Been seeing them for 50 bucks lately, thats a steal. Unless your a weight weenie, these are great.
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Submitted by
Carlos
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA USA Date Reviewed: December 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any singletrack
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Excellent engagement/disengagement Grippy platform Durable Mud has no effect on cleat engagement
Weaknesses:
Heavy
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 545
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575
Bottom Line:
I purchased my Mallets after I started having problems with my Shimano 545s, especially in the mud. The Mallet has a grippy platform that is very useful when attempting to build up speed before clipping in. So far my Mallets have held up twice as long as my old 545s.
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Submitted by
Terry Reis
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham Date Reviewed: November 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Kirroughtree
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Wiggle
Strengths:
Great platform works well when clipped out. Emergency clipping out is easy.
Weaknesses:
Sometimes tricky clipping in but gets easier with use / practise.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Clipless and Time Z Attack
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575, RP23, Pace RC41 Fighter 20mm TA, Mavic Crossmax SX.
Bottom Line:
I have a love hate relationship with clipless pedals. When I'm bombing over rocks and drops I like the security, when something that stretches me appears I wish I wasn't. But on the whole I prefer to be clipped in. Tried Shimano was never happy with them. Tried Time Attack Z, better but still had some loss of confidence moments. Finally relented and bought a pair of Mallets. The most impressive thing for me is the ease of unclipping by far the easiest pedal I have used. This may be helped by the fact that I have used the Stainless Steel Shim (available as an accessory) under the cleats. Emergency clipping out is a doddle. Move your foot slightly forward of the spring and you have a perfectly usable platform. Drag it backwards to re-engage. I have not had any accidental unclipping and I have used them hard. My son who would never touch clipless pedals now has a pair as well and is getting on great with them. Guess I have found my pedalling nirvarna !!!
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Submitted by
Grady
a Weekend Warrior
from Elgin, IL, USA Date Reviewed: September 28, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
-Simple design -Sheds mud quickly -Easy entry and exit -Pretty!
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
Scott
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude with stuff
Bottom Line:
A brilliant design! Takes getting used to, and the springs must be broken in. Best of both worlds!
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Submitted by
Dan
a Downhiller
from Montreal, QC Date Reviewed: August 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
#7 bromont, QC
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
ABC
Strengths:
Easy clip in...easy clip out. Nice size platform for stability while riding.
Weaknesses:
I have broken the clip-in mechanism twice in two years simply by hitting it off a rock.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano spds used for 17 years....raced with them for five years and still using them on my commuter bike. IN-DE-STRUCT-ABLE.
Bike Setup:
Santacruz vp free, rockshok world cup, rubber tires, one shifter, etc, etc...
Bottom Line:
If you ride rocky downhill trails I would look for something more durable until crankbrothers can find a way to strengthen the metal piece that you clip into. Having has this piece break twice, it is annoying and somewhat dangerous.
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Submitted by
treefall
a Downhiller
from Brooklyn, NY, US Date Reviewed: August 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
CBO
Strengths:
The design for the interface is great, but the functionality of the axle and internal workings are very poor. Crank Brother's warranty is great because they know first hand of the poor design and having to replace so many parts on their poorly built pedals.
Weaknesses:
I broke 3 axles in less than 2 years. This product is very dangerous. Breaking a pedal while riding can result in serious injury. Riders be advised.
Similar Products Used:
Time Atac Z Pedals. Richtey SPD's, Shimano SPD's.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Chameleon, Marzocchi Z1 FR w/ Marzocchi Front 20mm Hub, Shimano XT all around, Mavic Rims, Avid BB7 185mm w/ levers, Azonic Shorty Stem w/ Double Wall Handlebar, Thompson seatpost, WTB Laser V Saddle, Time Atac Z Pedals.
Bottom Line:
Don't put yourself at risk. Pick up a pair of Time pedals. They have a better interface and are rock solid, as well as super smooth bearings.
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Submitted by
Adam B
a
from Syracuse NY Date Reviewed: July 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
EMS
Strengths:
Solid platform, wide base, stable
Weaknesses:
none so far
Bike Setup:
07 Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc
Bottom Line:
My first foray into riding clipless, and I've taken some good licks for sure, but the larger platform of these pedals makes it easier to clip in and out. They hold the cleat well, and release pretty quick (although not quick enough in some cases as my bruises atest too). You can add the included shims to your shoes to raise the cleat a bit, making releasing a bit easier. Overall a great, high quality product.
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Submitted by
Steve Weiss
a Weekend Warrior
from Johnson Creek, WI Date Reviewed: June 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Maah Daah Hey
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Dakota Cyclery Mountain Bike Adventures
Strengths:
Great construction, nice platform for use with oout clipless shoes. Rebuildable. Schweet looking!!
Crank Brothers makes awsome products. I fully support their products.
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Submitted by
Leland
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington, DC, USA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
What's a trail?
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Simple, durable, usable with regular non-cleated shoes, no adjustments to fuss over
Weaknesses:
No adjustments (if you're into that sort of thing), sometimes difficult to hear & feel the engagement
Similar Products Used:
None; closest thing would be toeclips that came on my last bike
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Bad Boy; '99 Schwinn Mesa GSX
Bottom Line:
I first got these for my new Cannondale, and have moved them to the Schwinn so that I have the same system on both bikes (hence the bike pair in "Bike Setup").
The C'dale cane with plain pedals from the shop, and I wanted to get pedals with toeclips like I had before. They suggested that I try going clipless this time around, so after much deliberation (and reading many reviews online), I decided to go with the Mallet for my first set.
They've lived up to my expectations. Their design is so simple, it makes me wonder why nobody else tried it before. There's just enough float to feel comfortable, but not so much that I feel loose. The big platform makes it easy to just stand up & take off on them in almost any shoe -- perfect for tooling around the city. If they don't clip in right away, all I need to do is wiggle my foot a bit and they'll engage within the next few strokes.
Disengagement is easy enough, and just gets better as the cleats get worn in. For whatever reason, when new, each side disengaged more easily in opposite directions -- my right foot popped out nicely by pivoting my heel outboard, but my left foot was easiest if I pivoted my heel inboard. It may be related to my own physiology, but at least they're getting easier with use, and the left side now mostly behaves just like the right.
My natural, preferred stroke has my feet pointed straight ahead, so their lack of adjustability doesn't affect me.
Oh, and the cleats? When off the bike, I almost don't think about them. One thing about clipless pedals I've never liked seeing has been how walking becomes terribly awkward because of lumpy cleats and flat-bottomed hard shoes with no heel tread. When I got these, I also got a pair of MTB-style shoes, and the cleats' stack height is so small that they don't touch the ground unless the shoe flexes (or I walk through gravel). I've ended up wearing these shoes for the rest of the day after riding home from work, and I don't think I would do the same if the cleats were bigger.
I liked the Crank Bros. system enough that I got a set of Quattros for the Bad Boy and removed the toeclip pedals from my Schwinn to make room for these Mallets. Highly recommended pedals for first-time clipless riders.
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Submitted by
Grant
a Downhiller
from Castro Valley, Ca. USA Date Reviewed: May 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
JM
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Friend
Strengths:
Platform, easy to clip in and out. Look sick, work even better
Weaknesses:
Dont shed mud as well as some other pedals. But no by much.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, and Platforms.
Bike Setup:
06 7point, super T, RS Pearl 3.1, CB Mallets
Bottom Line:
These pedals rock!!! If you cant clip in in a hurry you can always just use the platform. (Happened to me on a DH run) Super easy to clip in and out. I am having a problem with my right pedal the bearings are slowly deing on me. The pedals take hit like no others. Replaceable plates are sick. Buy them now! You can get the C versions for around 60 bucks right now. Best pedal I have ever rode. I will always ride CB from now on. I have mallets(dh bike), egg beaters (road bike). Really high quality pedals.
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Submitted by
Michael Chin
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendoram, California, USA Date Reviewed: April 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Jensonusa
Strengths:
platform and easy clip in and out
Weaknesses:
weight
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
07 stumpy fsr comp with xtr/xo drivetrain and mallet c pedals
Bottom Line:
Crankbrothers has awesome customer service and are very nice to talk to if there is a problem. I received responses to my e-mails within 3 hours each time. Only had problems with the screws holding the metal plates in. New ones were sent to me of no charge and I received them in 2 or 3 days!
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Submitted by
Chad Guyer
a Weekend Warrior
from Loveland, CO Date Reviewed: April 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
Easy engagement, disengagement, stylish looks
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano DX
Bike Setup:
6x6 AM
Bottom Line:
I love these pedals, the big platform really helps in the rocky conditions we have here. It helps to have a little more platform when moving around, shifting body weight. I won't ride w/o them anymore. The best part is the price has come way down so now they are an excellent value, too.
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Submitted by
Ray
a Weekend Warrior
from Puyallup, WA Date Reviewed: February 17, 2007
$ 100.00
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