Submitted by
Mark
a
from Canada Date Reviewed: April 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Gravity Gultch
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
Easy in, easy out. Shed mud well. Durable.
Weaknesses:
None found. Maybe a little heavy
Similar Products Used:
Wellgo, Coda, other Shimano
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Vertex with XTR and Raceface. Mavic Crossride wheelset.
Bottom Line:
This will be my 4th season on these pedals and I have nothing bad to say about them. There are lots of interesting new pedals out there, but I have no reason to change them. I put on quite a few miles every season (I ride 24 hour solo races) and there has never been a time I wished I had a different pedal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe gore
a Cross Country Rider
from state college Date Reviewed: November 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
john wert
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
did what it said it would shed mud
Weaknesses:
will evnetually fail and bend
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
litespeed ti xt/xtr
Bottom Line:
these pedals lasted for 2500 miles in one season. the rocks of central pa were tough on my bike but i did not replace these pedals until the very end of the season. As a beginer rider I never onced worried about my pedals until late into the season ans a extended season it was many difficult crashes and tons of hits on the rocks. worked well until I began to out grow them.
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Submitted by
Smokey Strodtman
a Weekend Warrior
from Gilliam, MO USA Date Reviewed: September 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
lots of 'em
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
Price Point on-line store
Strengths:
Ease of clipping in and out, has tension adjustment, good mud performance, enough platform to get you by until you get clipped in when in a technical spot or stopped on a hill.
Weaknesses:
Body bolts loosen and fall out. Weight, if you are a gram counter (I'm not).
Similar Products Used:
Time ATACs, Shimano 515s, Shimano clones, Eggbeaters.
Bike Setup:
Fisher hardtail with SRAM 9.0 drivetrain and other upgrades.
Bottom Line:
There are a lot of good MTB pedals on the market today and I've owned some of them. The Time ATACs I really liked until I got hung up in one and broke my ankle (and I had the shaved cleat). Eggbeaters are great until you get hung up in a tight spot and need to have a platform to pedal on. Wellgos clog with mud, as do the Shimano 515s. The 536s seem to be the best compromise I've found so far. They have the easiest clipping action of any of the pedals I've tried and will handle any muddy conditions where you should be out riding. I'm not a racer so if it gets too muddy I stay off the trails to avoid damaging them. The main problem I've had with them is that the body bolts fall out. I lost two and had to get bolts from the hardware store that didn't match the originals. If you get the 536s, loctite these bolts before you put them on your bike. The 536 has been superceded by the 520 which, judging by its' ratings, is a great pedal. If you find some of the 536s on closeout at a bargain price, I would say go for it. Just don't forget that Loctite!
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Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlington, VT Date Reviewed: July 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Thunder Mtn., Porcupine, Barttlet Wash
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
QBP
Strengths:
see below
Weaknesses:
see below
Similar Products Used:
515
Bike Setup:
Does it really matter?
Bottom Line:
Like everything out there, there are those products that out perform your expectations, and then there are your lemons. Bike components are no exception. Fortunately, the set of 536 pedals I purchased have turned out to be the former. If you like the SPD concept, then you will like these. I have had no problems with bolts, or any other part for that matter, coming loose on me. The bearings have always been very smooth and have never loosened. I have ridden these now for two years and average 3 to 4 rides a week (when the trails are dry). Having lived in Utah where mud is virtually non-existent, there was never a release issue for me. They never even knew sand was there. Having moved to Vermont where mud seems to be ubiquitous, they do seize up quite a bit making it rather difficult to get in and out (a little squirt of water often helps). They do tend to release a bit better in wet muddy conditions that the ever popular 515. The cage built around the mechanism serves as both a small platform for those times when you can not get clipped in fast enough, as well as protect the pedal from head-on collisions with rocks. I have (almost) always come out of this pedal when I wanted to, and I have (almost) always been able to clip in when I wanted to. Those “almost” times were never the fault of the pedal, only the rider. There are probably better mud shedding pedals that I have yet to try (Egg Beaters, Times, Look 4X4s). However, for the recreational rider, who may ride often and very technical trails, this is a great pedal for the money. It is also a great pedal to learn clippless. If you are concerned about weight, get foldable tires, that is where the real weight savings comes into play. I would have given these pedals three chilies only because of MY experience with them in muddy conditions, but overall, I really like them.
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Submitted by
Eddy Pyl
a Weekend Warrior
from Antown Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Van Eyck Aalst
Strengths:
véééry easy clip-in/out
Weaknesses:
weight maybe?
Similar Products Used:
first clipless, toe strap before
Bike Setup:
Thompson (Belgian Power), Deore/XT, Judy TT (I'll get there some time, the virus just stroke me down recently)
Bottom Line:
OK, I can't really tell you that after only one day of try-out my opinion is worth gold but the transition from toe strap to my first clipless pedals was as a new born child who sees daylight for the first time. Everybody was warning me about the hard it would get to get used to them clipless, but also that once you tasted them you would never want to trade them again...guess what, they were absolutely right. I have to say they're a million times easier to get in and out then toe straps. Perfect for a beginner (first (really first) impression.
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Submitted by
dave
a Cross Country Rider
from atlanta, ga Date Reviewed: July 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
atlanta at night
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
it's fresh out of the box, easy release to avoid locked in feeling. (keeps on ticking thou it seems to be falling apart-bearings and small posts.
Weaknesses:
it's pretty much crap, but for a beginner set, I think these are ideal for 40 or 50 bucks, total and complete crap in sand and mud!!
Similar Products Used:
I am trying to decide between the 959's, time atac, and eggbeaters, thou I have not had the opportunity to try them directly
Bike Setup:
gt timberline 98 w/marzocchi mx comp eta 03, chris king headset, thompson stem, race face air alloy bar, odi yeti grips, hans rey downhill maxxis, serfas deep groove design "male" seat, shimano deore rear v caliper with kool stops.
Bottom Line:
If you can get new for about 40.00, then they'll maybe last a while for ya', if your agressive and abuse in your ride and sometimes need your wheels trued-up, and you sometimes check you headset/fork housing area for cracks, then, DON'T GET THESE CRANKS. (If you play nice, you'll love these things. (I can't baby my bike, life's too rough). thnx. good luck.
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Submitted by
Ryan
a
from Salem, OR Date Reviewed: June 26, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
excellent beginner’s pedal
Weaknesses:
a little heavy
Bottom Line:
This is my first pair of clipless pedals, and i have to say i'm thoroughly impressed. After a few crashes learning how to ride clipless they are like second nature. Easy to get in and out of. Definitely recommend.
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Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Geelong, Vic, Australia Date Reviewed: June 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere with dirt!!!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Marshall Cycles
Strengths:
Once again, I am lost as to where to start; the pedels are easy to clip into and out of, solid, look cool....What more can I say?
Weaknesses:
None really, A bigger platform would be nice, and maybe put it on a diet too.lol.
A great pedal for beginners and pros' alike, easy to get into, and out off...Those that are BS'ing bout not being able to get out of the pedals, should learn how to ajust them.lol. An allround great pedal!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
louis edwards
a Weekend Warrior
from USA Date Reviewed: April 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
lot of them
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint on the internet
Strengths:
very easy entry and exit. adjustable tension. works well in mud, compared to other SPDs. good comfortable platform that supports well when clipped in and can be used unclipped in a pinch. reasonable price. good cleat life.
Weaknesses:
none so far, but i have kept an eye on the bolts mentioned in several other posts here.
Similar Products Used:
shimano 515, time ATAC, eggbeaters, wellgo SPDs.
Bike Setup:
fisher hardtail with thudbuster and full SRAM 9.0 and halfpipes. panaracer trailblasters for all-around conditions, michelin sprints for dry and packed.
Bottom Line:
very good recreational pedal. i especially like the ease of entry and exit, better than the other pedals i've tried. some don't care for the weight, but with my (ahem) beer muscles, it's silly to worry about a few ounces on the bike. i still prefer the adjustability of spuds over pedals like the times and eggbeaters, although they have many good qualities, too. if i rode in mud or sand all the time, they might be my first choice. my eggbeaters are on my road bike now, where they work great. there are good buys on these pedals right now, with prices competitive to many of the shimano copies. if you're a trail rider (not racer), you should give them serious consideration.
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Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Bloomfield Hills, Mi, USA Date Reviewed: January 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
PLRA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
great entry pedal for someone new to the whole concept of loosing the platform. easy to use, solid design.
Weaknesses:
a tad on the hefty side, but if weight was really that big of an issue to you. chances are you'd be buying an actual racing pedal, not this one or another lower end one, then complaining about it.
Similar Products Used:
time's, welgos.
Bike Setup:
trek 4500 with nothing stock.
Bottom Line:
i like em. easy to get used to, easy to maintain. lots of people say bolts fall out, i ride as hard as anyone else, and with regular pre/post ride checks, i've never had a problem with them. i come outta them when i fall, and stay in them on a jump. they are a nice pedal and work well with the shimano mo82 shoes too.
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Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from tucson Date Reviewed: January 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
full cycle
Strengths:
looks good, price variable, I paid too much
Weaknesses:
platform bolts are weak
Bike Setup:
fisher sugar 4
Bottom Line:
I liked them at first, then noticed three of the platform bolts were loose and wiggling in place, and couldn't be re-tightened because the threads were stripped. A fourth bolt was missing. A month later, Shimano still hadn't made good on the warranty. The shop allowed me to upgrade to 545"s for $20. I would not buy these pedals again because of the poor design, and poor service.
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Submitted by
ron finck
a
from stratford, ontario, canada Date Reviewed: December 20, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
Wheel Goods (LBS)
Strengths:
Good mud clearance. Pedal platform is usefull but not downhill bulky or agressive. Weight is acceptable for platform area.
Weaknesses:
None for the price.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 515, 525, 325. Early Ritcheys.
Bike Setup:
Rockey Mountain Blizzard. Mostly stock.
Bottom Line:
Does everything advertised. It has supperior mud clearance to previous Shimano or Ritchey products I have used. Pedal platform is usefull compared to many minimalist designs. Weight is acceptable. Great value for the money and ideally suited to the mixed trail riding I do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Katy, TX Date Reviewed: December 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Hill Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Easy to get in and out Lots of support under foot Clears mud well
Very good value for the money. I had trouble getting out of the Times when I needed to resulting in a couple of embarrasing moments and an ankle injury. The Ritcheys have mud clearing problems and an annoying habit of releasing to soon even when tension is cranked up. I'm very pleased with this pedal overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CL
a Weekend Warrior
from Irvine, CA Date Reviewed: November 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$49.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Very easy to clip in, the clip find the way itself everytime. good tension adjustment, relatively large area to step on when uncliped. competitive price for Shimano brand name.
Weaknesses:
Not as good as platform when uncliped.
Similar Products Used:
Egg beater, wellgo 800
Bottom Line:
I was hesitate to get into clipless afetr tried out egg beater and Wellgo, but this one is so sweet to get in and out without even trying, it seems slip your clip in by itself. Highly recommanded for anyone new to clipless. My friend switch his Wellgo right away after trying mine. Don't expect to stand on the pedal all the time when uncliped, it's not as stable as platform, but good enough for a short downhill occasionally.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Cook
a Cross Country Rider
from Holland Date Reviewed: November 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Cannonsburg, MI
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Local Store
Strengths:
Good Product for Training and bashing
Weaknesses:
Weight, Springs not Consistent, Life of Product
Similar Products Used:
NONE FIRST PAIR.
Bike Setup:
Stump Jumper COMP.
Bottom Line:
300 Miles on my bike and 2 months and there wearing out. I lube normal and they seam to creak. The springs are not always tight and for some darn reason I tend to come out of them every now and then. Yes I tightened the tensioners.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Newport, KY USA Date Reviewed: October 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Coopers Rock (WV)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$37.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Durable. Easy to get used to...great for first-timers. Good mud-shedding. Easy in and out, most of the time...see below. Like the flat platform for unclipped riding in tech sections. Decent amount of float and easy adjustment.
Weaknesses:
While the "hollow" mud-shedding design works well most of the time, you may have problems if your local soil includes small pebbles. They'll get stuck under the bindings and gum things up.
Similar Products Used:
Toe clips, ancient Look road clipless, Time ATAC (sort of)
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Fusion, stock except for pedals, Maxxis Mobsters, Rock Shox Judy Race fork, WTB trail grips and WTB Laser V saddle.
Bottom Line:
These really are good pedals, especially for the price. They're easy to get used to, and the platform shape is good for "cheating" until you get the hang of it. Clipping in and out is very predictable and easy, and the bindings give you a good amount of float at the lighter spring settings. Even at the lightest settings, you don't have to worry about accidentally disengaging. But you can count on them to let go when your body is hurled off the bike.
The mud shedding has worked well for me. But like I said, small pebbles can cause problems when they get pushed under the bindings, and you'll have to stop and dig them out with a stick.
If you're still not sold, consider this. I routinely ride with guys who are using Egg Beaters and 959s, purchased at more than twice what I paid. On an especially muddy ride recently, I was the only rider in our group who didn't have pedal problems.
If you're a "Joe Bag-o-doughnuts" rider like me, these pedals are hard to beat. Great value. Reliable performance. Durable. Comfortable. There are much worse things you could spend $35 on! "5" for value, "4" overall, because only Time ATACs get a "5".
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee Date Reviewed: September 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Kettle Morine
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
I have not changed factory setting, They seem to be set up just right for me. I can clip out with no problem, They have just the right amount of float for me.
Weaknesses:
Some times hard to clip in
Similar Products Used:
PD-M515
Bike Setup:
Fuel 90 disc
Bottom Line:
My bike came with PD-M515 which I don't like (too stiff, no float). I am pleased with these pedals. They operate every time full of mud and grass. I would reccomend them as good entry level pedals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keiran
a Cross Country Rider
from Midland, MI Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
veinpopper
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Easy in and out and easy to adjust. Durable.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Time ATAC
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC SE2
Bottom Line:
I haven't had a problem with these pedals in two years of use and I have put them through a lot. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. As far as people having a hard time getting in and out of them.....read the directions to learn how to adjust them!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne
a
from Hilo, Hawaii USA Date Reviewed: September 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Looks nice when it is new.
Weaknesses:
The shoe supporting bolts (like some of the other reviewers) fell off after two months. 3 fell out within in a couple days. When they fall out, it is almost impossible to unclip the your shoe from the pedal. I fell over because I didn't know the bolt came out and I couldn't get my shoe off the pedal. I sprained my thumb and got a little bruised because of the unexpected fall. I agree with some of the other reviewers of poor design. I can't understand why Shimano has bolts to stablize the shoe on the pedals. I use SPD-R (yeah I know it can be dangerous) on my road bike and they are better designed and more predictable because they don't have bolts to stabilize the shoe.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano SPD-R
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper
Bottom Line:
It was great for the first month or so. But because of its poor design, expect the bolts to fall out (unless you keep tightening them up meticulously). And when they fall out, good luck.
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Submitted by
scott mclean
a
from tarzana california Date Reviewed: August 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
I love them all like my own children
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
wheelworld in woodland hills
Strengths:
open design helps shed mud
Weaknesses:
bolt on pedal body that supports cleat on shoe falls out in less then 2 months
Similar Products Used:
535
Bike Setup:
heckler set up for trail riding
Bottom Line:
after waiting one month I got new pedals back from shi(t)mano warrenty dept... used them a half a dozen times (had 'em for 3 weeks maybe) and they fell apart again. the same bolt that failed last time failed again. I found a little shop across town still selling 535s... so I bought a pair of them. I'll send the 536s back in for warrenty replacement. When shi(t)mano sends me a new set, I'll see if Wheelworld will take them back and give me store credit.
STAY AWAY FROM THESE PEDALS! THEY'RE DESIGNED POORLY... THEY SAY THEY'RE CONSTRUCTED OF ALUMINUM BUT MY GUESS IS THEY'RE REALLY MADE OF SOME KIND OF PAPER MACHE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kboypow
a Cross Country Rider
from Finland Date Reviewed: August 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Cheap, easy to install, works great in xc style riding. Has taken alot of abuse and still going strong! Holds tight when needed but easy to unlock in case of falling.
Weaknesses:
They're not the lightest pair of pedals.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Scott FX-1 frame, Marzocchi MXR front, RS SID XC rear.
Bottom Line:
Excellent pedals for the price, especially if you're a xc style rider these babies will serve you well. I've taken them through from xc to a light downhill and they've worked great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: August 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
T & T
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Pedals came on bike. Purchased at Muskoka Bicycle Pro Shop Huntsville Ontario
Strengths:
Easy in and out. Only release when you want them to. Lots of float. Good mud clearance.
Weaknesses:
A little heavey
Similar Products Used:
Time, frog, various shimano, coda, wellgo
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Vertex - stock
Bottom Line:
When it comes to pedals, I am usually difficult to please. The Shimano 536's however, perform better than I could have ever hoped.
I ride through very rocky terrain in Muskoka, and these pedals have held up very well. Mud is never an issue, and clipping in and out could not be easier.
No pedals will please everyone, but if you have liked Shimano pedals in the past, I'm sure you'll love these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott
a Weekend Warrior
from tarzana california Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
wheelworld in woodland hills
Strengths:
easy in and out... not very expensive... they work great when new...
Weaknesses:
parts started falling off after 2 months... heavy...
Similar Products Used:
535
Bike Setup:
Heckler with 105mm x-vert and coil over fox vanilla rc
Bottom Line:
this would be a great pedal if it stayed in one piece. after 2 months one of the bolts that supports your cleats fell off and two of the remaining seven were loose. I'm not even sure if these are actually bolts that screw in or rivits (they are shaped like bolts)... regardless, the assembly or possibly the design is flawed IMHO. pedals should not fall apart after two months and a few dozen rides. shimano did send me a new set free... after making me wait 4 weeks! I am downgrading my earlier review to reflect these developements. - scott p.s. oh yeah... I almost forgot to tell you, they weigh 450gm or 16.25oz (over a pound!) not the advertised 430gm or 15.3oz. I know, I know a bike or component company fibbing about product weight... big surprise. I just threw that in 'cause I needed to vent.
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Submitted by
Brendan Cooper
a Weekend Warrior
from Texas Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
North Shore
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
The M536 is inexpensive. It would be misleading to attribute this product with strengths beyond the minimal dollars required to purchase it.
Weaknesses:
The M536 lasted about 2 weeks before a small bolt (on either side of the front entry point) was sheered off while riding. Given the weight of the product I expected a durable piece of equipment. Unfortunately, other bolts have sheered off making the fit loose and dangerous. When these stabilizing bolts are missing on one side it is difficult to ascertain which side of the pedal you have clipped into - the one missing a bolt or the whole one. The upshot is that the bolts appear to sheer off with ease and it won't be long before you have a heavy, cheap, pedal that doesn't retain your foot in either pedal very well.
Similar Products Used:
Time ATAC, Specialized
Bike Setup:
2001 Stumpjumper Comp
Bottom Line:
If you think you are getting a heavy duty pedal because of the weight of the pedal you should reconsider your purchase - notwithstanding the price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
anthony lauro
a Weekend Warrior
from stirling, nj 07980 Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
whitehouse area
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
great pedal!!! not a lot of places for mud...easy in and out....nice size platform..they are black
Weaknesses:
could have gotten cheaper...but lbs put them on my bike and mounted the clips to my shoes
Similar Products Used:
ritchey v2 comp? worst pedal i have seen...had to disassemble to get out of the pedal...
Bike Setup:
95 gary fisher hoo-koo-e-koo w/ rockshox mag21 small frame 15.5" for a 5'-9 guy..but it reminds me of the good ol' bmx days
Bottom Line:
great pedal with the brand name quality!!! this pedal makes it easy to forget about platforms
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Racer
from Suthern NH Date Reviewed: July 21, 2002
$ 55.00
Overall Rating:
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