Where else but Bike Nashbar can you find a dual sided clipless pedal for under 25 bucks! This pedal has sealed bearings, 4 degrees of float, CR-MO axle, adjustable release tension on both sides and weighs in at a featherweight 345 grams a pair. At this price there is no reason not to go clipless.
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
nashbar.com
Strengths:
Cheap.
Lasted over a year and about 6000 miles. Still have some miles left in them but I think the cleats are wearing out. A great way to see whether you want to go clipless without spending lots of cash. If only shoes were this cheap.
Difficulty in unclipping improves your track-stand skills.
Weaknesses:
Cheap.
Clipping out is really inconsistent. Sometimes easy, sometimes not. Once in awhile I think I'm unclipped but the cleat gets caught on something and won't let go. You really need to plan ahead to get your feet out. I would not recommend these for mountain biking up hills where you might need to bail, or for really hairy traffic.
There are adjustment screws but mine are as loose as they can go. Any tighter and it's impossible to unclip.
Apparently the cleats are not standard. I think mine are wearing out since I'm starting to unclip on the upstroke. I'll buy a better pair of pedals instead of new cleats.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Hardtail mountain bike with urban slicks, commuter rack & trunk bag.
Bottom Line:
A good entry level clipless pedal. The difficulty unclipping might actually be a good thing as it forces you to concentrate on onclipping when coming to a stop. Not so good for panic situations though.
I've used these on my commute bike and have generally been happy with them. They've only seen paved roads.
I would not recommend these for hardcore mountain biking. The inconsistency in unclipping is not something you want to worry about when bike handling skills are needed most.
I'm giving it 4 flaming poos for value since they're so cheap, but 2 overall because you're still just getting what you pay for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from STL, Mo. USA Date Reviewed: March 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Klondike
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Low priced clipless pedal.
Weaknesses:
Not SPD Compatible. Need to be worked on in order to function OK due to some design and manufacturing issues.
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey V3 and V4 SPD clipless pedals.
Bike Setup:
Put these on a road bike where they are not subject to as much abuse as a mountain bike.
Bottom Line:
Bought these as a low priced pedal for a road bike, even after reading the reviews of problems people have had with them. They are too hard to clip in and out of, and the bearings were too tight, as other reviewers have said. Re-adjusted the bearings and then tried to figure out why they clip in and out so hard. The shoe cleat is different than an SPD cleat. It is shorter, and has a bigger locking lug on the rear than SPDs. This is the lug that has to release from the pedal, and its square shape is what makes un-clipping so hard. I rounded this lug off with a file until it would release smoothly by twisting the heal outward. A little work, but now the pedals feel closer to my SPD's. Will see how long they hold up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RK
a Weekend Warrior
from New York Date Reviewed: August 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
nashbar.com
Strengths:
Cheap, looked decent.
Weaknesses:
I was unable to consistantly get out of the pedals. Sometimes they would release easy and sometimes they would lock up not allowing me to unclip.
Bottom Line:
I would not recommend these pedals, they are cheap in price but I dont think they will consistantly perform.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Austin
a Weekend Warrior
from Logan, UT, USA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Sorta good deal. Strong clips. Just spend the extra cash and get the clipless ATB!!
Weaknesses:
Bearings quickly worn down (15 miles and there was play in the bearings)Weird to release. . most pedals you flip your ankle out to get out, this one was out and in. . . which was impossible on hills. The only thing good from that was in climbing I was committed to my line and couldn't stop until I got to the top!
Similar Products Used:
Nashbar clipless ATB
Bike Setup:
I have a few. . .
Bottom Line:
Spend the extra cash and upgrade to the Nashbar clipless ATB, the durability and quality are worth it. I 'experimented' with the Specials. . and was not impressed. . yeah I am still running them but they don't perform like their cousins that area few $ more. Wait for a sale, Nashbar always has a sale on these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a
from Upstate, NY, USA Date Reviewed: November 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar.com
Strengths:
*** "Tennis Shoe Adapter" *** sold for $4-$7 at Nashbar lets you use these for quick trips to the store when you don't feel like changing shoes or swapping pedals. * Cheap Entry into Clipless Pedals * Functional
Weaknesses:
1) Bearings are very poor quality. They are set tight from the factory, so the pedals don't spin very smoothly. Not noticeable while riding, but they probably sap a tiny amount of efficiency. 2) I got the silver ones. You should do the same. The paint on the black ones rubs off easily.
Similar Products Used:
Toe-clips and straps. PowerGrips.
Bike Setup:
Hardtail mountain bike. Old-school touring bike.
Bottom Line:
4 Month, 500-mile update: Pedals are still going strong and fully functional. These definitely got me into clipless pedals for only $20. HOWEVER, the fact that the bearings are so rough 'mentally' irks me when I think about them. I'm sure it saps less than 0.001% of my pedaling force, and it is imperceptable when pedaling, but if I had to do it over I'd spend $20 more on some smooth spinning pedals. This would be purely for peace-of-mind - knowing that I'm running at 100% efficiency when on the road bike (matters less on the MTB). Discovering the "Tennis Shoe Adapter" for only $4-$7 from Nashbar increases the utility of these pedals for quick trips in normal shoes - I wouldn't use the adapters for long rides though.
5 Chilis for VALUE. 3 Chilis for overall quality (dropped from my last review) due to the rough bearings.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Upstate, NY, USA Date Reviewed: August 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar.com
Strengths:
Cheap. Sturdy. Functional. Great first clipless pedals for a mountain bike or road bike (I use them on both of my bikes).
Weaknesses:
In order to sell these things at 20 bucks Nashbar had to cut corners somewhere - in this case it was in the quality of the ball bearings. When you spin these pedals (while off the bike), you will notice some resistance compared to more expensive models, which seem almost frictionless. You won't notice this while riding.
They require a 4 mm hex wrench to adjust the tension. You *will* want to adjust them as they are set way very high by default. Set the tension low to gain confidence if you are new to clipless pedals. Just make sure you leave a few threads showing on the adjustment screw so it doesn't come out (I'm guess that's what happened to an earlier reviewer who complained that a screw came out. This will not happen if they are adjusted within a reasonable range.
Similar Products Used:
Platform pedals, toe clips and straps, Power Grips straps.
Bike Setup:
Mountain Bike: Standard hardtail Road Bike: Old-school touring bike
Bottom Line:
These pedals are great for the money. I had resisted clipless for so long (using Power Grips on my Mountain Bike and toe clips w/ straps on my Road Bike). I'm so glad I made the switch. Learning time on these is only a few minutes if you adjust the tension to very low from the start. Seriously, set the tension low to start and you will gain confidence in them immediately.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Burke VA Date Reviewed: August 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Inexpensive and pretty tough. I've bashed them on a bunch of rocks now and the clipping mechanisms seem to be holding up well.
Weaknesses:
Not much float. Tricky to get out of. Also, one pedal developed an annoying "click" that I could feel through my foot. Was able to fix it be disassembling it, regreasing, and setting the bearing preload MUCH higher than I normally would do. Bearing adjustment is difficult, as the keyed washer between the adjustment nut and the lock nut turns too much. But it did cure the clicking.
Bottom Line:
Bought these cheapies on sale at Nashbar as my first clipless pedals. They took me a long time to get used to and had wayyyy too many crashes trying to get my feet unclipped fast enough. Fortunately, that's no longer a problem now that I've had them a few months. The bigger thing is to learn to unclip when you even think you might need to, or your feet will be locked in when you need that foot on the ground. Would much prefer a combo pedal that has some platform on it (CrankBro. Candy or Mallet, several Shimanos) because these Nashbars don't work so well riding without being clipped in. With 20/20 hindsight, would have bought a combo platform/clip instead. On the other hand, I've gotten used to the Nashbars, they were dirt cheap, and they have taken a ton of abuse. So good value, but consider those combo pedals if this is your first clipless pedal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lilian
a Weekend Warrior
from Arlington, VA Date Reviewed: June 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar website
Strengths:
cheap...especially if you are just trying clipless out.
Weaknesses:
they do scratch easily, but who really cares. Now they match the rest of my bike. They are heavy, but I haven't had light pedals so it doesn't bother me much.
Bike Setup:
Trek 2005 6500 15.5in
Bottom Line:
Definitely a good buy...i got them on sale. They are a little tight and it took some falls to finally get the right tension, but i am happy with them most definintely. I switched from one sided clipless to double sided clipless and it was a good choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken McDaniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Ellenwood, GA Date Reviewed: January 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Nashbar.com
Strengths:
Cheap, reliable, works. Did I say cheap?
Weaknesses:
Cheap, not light, doesn't possess the most confident entry around.
Similar Products Used:
Eggbeater, TIME
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper, Marzocchi Z2 Atom Bomb, '98 Deore XT 8-speed
Bottom Line:
I built this built this bike as a CC racer way back in '99 and threw on the Nashbars as a last minute replacement for some broke Shimanos. They came free with a pair of shoes and they've never come off the bike. They are the right comination of 'good-enough' and 'supercheap' that it has made it hard to justify replacing them especially now that the bike as gone to a back up role. For anyone looking to just try out clipless or acquire a back up pedal should seriously consider hooking these up just for the tryout.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A L
a Weekend Warrior
from New York Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar.com
Strengths:
They work, what more do you need from a clippless pedal.
There's plenty of float and the adjustability of the release tension is simple.
Weaknesses:
The finsh scratches easily but it's a pedal after all so who really cares?
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Trek 4500
Bottom Line:
Would highly recommend these to anyone who would like to try riding cliplesss pedals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from St. Louis, MO, USA Date Reviewed: August 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Lost Valley
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
CHEAP! Keep your feet clipped in.
Weaknesses:
High spinning friction. Easily scratched up. Very tight.
Similar Products Used:
Toe clips.
Bike Setup:
04 Specialized Rockhoper with SPDs.
Bottom Line:
These are great for anyone wanting to go clipless. They keep your feet in, which is all they need to do. I recommend that anyone starting out loosen these all the way initially, as they seem to have pretty tight springs. Even when loose, I have to really stomp to get my feet in and still have falls where I can't my feet out. You really have to remember to lube the axle cause there's a lot of spinning friction. For the price, you can't beat these!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stu
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Ca Date Reviewed: June 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
San Clemente
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Good strong pedal
Weaknesses:
Started to fall apart after 4000 miles of abuse
Similar Products Used:
Time Atac
Bike Setup:
Full suspension
Bottom Line:
Great pedal. yeah one of the pedals started to loose a screw and become useless after 4000+ miles of abuse. Thats not bad It has been through salt water, mud, deep water, tons of dust and general neglect and has severed me well for many happy miles. No complaints. I have an Atac now to replace it. That was a mistake. I am going back to the SPD for cheap and if I get 3500 happy miles I am a happy biker
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marty Farty
a Weekend Warrior
from Northwestern Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
I'm on slicks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Dirt cheap. Appear to be as well built as any other "entry level" clipless pedal I've looked at.
Weaknesses:
Definitely not eye candy
Similar Products Used:
Just clips and straps.
Bike Setup:
2003 GT Avalanche 1.0. Small frame with a looong seatpost, Specialized Numbus 26x1.5" slicks and Nashbar clipless pedals. I bought it to get in shape this year and I'll upgrade it into a half-decent trail beater over the winter.
Bottom Line:
I bought them on impulse when I ordered a pair of Lake MX101 wide -EE- shoes (I have duck feet). In their ad copy they state, "you have no reason not to go clipless". I agree. I practiced clipping in and out in the apartment for ~5 minutes. I find pointing my foot downward and letting gravity guide the cleat in works well for me. Then I went on my regular "cardio" ride having never used clipless peadls before. No surprises, wipe-outs, face plants or close calls to report. They allow a LOT of float but feel reasonably secure, even on the loosest setting. How will they hold up? Who cares! :) I'll replace them with better pedals when they do eventually crap out. I give them a middle of the road overall rating due to my lack of clipless experience. But for value, IMO 5 chilis isn't quite enough.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron McGraw
a
from Oil City PA Date Reviewed: July 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Sandy Creek Trail, Venango County, PA
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar, where else?
Strengths:
Works. Solid engagement from the mechanism, nice EASY rotation, bearings WORK JUST FINE.
Weaknesses:
Well, they seem to scratch up kinda easily....the caps on the outboard portion of the pedal body are easily marred as well (they're plastic)...if any of this is actually an issue.
Similar Products Used:
Look S2L, Original LOOK MTB clipless pedal (had the big LOOK cleat on one side and a pathetic attempt at a non-slip--and very tiny--pedalling surface on the other)
Bike Setup:
It matters. It's all about the bike (my apologies to Lance). I have these buggers on two of my steeds. Both are aluminum. Both use Gripshift with Derailleurs coming from Shimano's high-end and mid-level groups. Both have alloy cranks with alloy rings (Truvativ and Specialized if you have to know).
Bottom Line:
I love these alleged "experts"...heh heh. They WORK. Pure and simple. Not the lightest, but if you aren't a racer, who gives a hoot? They are a bargain and if you do waste them, they are cheap enough to easily replace.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: June 19, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar.com
Strengths:
VERY easy entry/exit. Inexpensive, durable, easy to ride
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 515, Shimano 424
Bike Setup:
Single speed road bike commuter
Bottom Line:
I had major problems with my Shimano 515's. One side had vertical play, the other was always too tight. I got the 424's and they are impossible to clip into/out of with my casual biking shoes, even with the loosest tension. The Nashbar pedals (Nashbar Clipless ATB Pedal is what they're called on the web site - slightly different than what's on this page) are awesome. They are a dream to get into and out of. I have them pretty loose for commuting in San Francisco for the constant stop signs/lights/errant motorists. They stand up great to the strain of a 44/17 gear setup on my bike. I hate the Shimano's, love the Nashbar's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville, TN Date Reviewed: May 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Price
Weaknesses:
LOTS of rotational resistance. Entry/exit not too smooth.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 747, Time ATAC
Bike Setup:
Doesn't matter
Bottom Line:
A great pedal if you want to try clipless but aren't sure if you'll like it. The price is incredible, and for 20 bucks they work pretty well. If you're thinking about racing, don't even consider these, but they're perfect for first-timers.
5 for value, 3 overall. If you can't get these for $25 or less forget it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nebojsa Cabrilo
a Cross Country Rider
from Lawrence, KS Date Reviewed: May 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lawrence Levy
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
$30.00
Strengths:
It's cheap and easy to clip into. Great realise for beginers.
Weaknesses:
Slightly heavy, but haven't had any problems with them
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
giant boulder
Bottom Line:
These were my first pair. They are a great bargain. If you are beginer these are great to save money on
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
roy
a
from texas Date Reviewed: March 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
cheap
Weaknesses:
cheap
Bottom Line:
I bought them because they were my first set of clipless pedals, and didnt want to commit to much money into it. They have worked fine for over six months, untill a few days ago. All the sudden, they becamse difficult to clip into. Then one of my cleats fell of. I got over this by telling myself that I probably should have check the tightness on the screws. Then the on of the bolts on the left pedal worked its way loose, and now a peice of that pedal fell off. Needless to say I was a little dissapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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