3 Brands Taking On The Flat Pedal Market: Northwave, Ion and Vaude | Road Bike Clipless Pedals

And so it continues. Some of our younger contingent espy a minor double, which wouldn’t be a problem but for the sharp corner leading into it; a startling display of high-speed direction changing and jump-smashing then ensues, as do a couple of more wince-inducing displays of full-scale jump-casing. I decide to take a lead out of Douglas Adam’s book – if discretion is the better part of valour, and cowardice is the better part of discretion, then I valiantly decline to embarrass myself with a display of my abilities. It simply wouldn’t be sporting.

Bournemouth University student becomes fourth fastest woman – and the youngest – to cycle round the world

coffeeaddikt – I just realised I mistyped that I’ve always run flats, when I’ve always run clip-in pedals. Sorry about that! Fixed now.

Not only the lightest on test, the X2s are the thinnest too at just 15.5mm. Combined with the low-profile mechanism, ground clearance is exceptional, and they provide a more natural feel throughout the pedal stroke compared to thicker pedals. The large 85mm x 95mm body and concave profile allows your shoes to sink into the platform, while flat side sections minimise rocking. Traction is bolstered by five steel pins on each side, though we’d recommend adding a dab of Loctite on the threads. We’ve lost a few.

The low weight is achieved by the use of every lightweight material you can think of: carbon-reinforced thermoplastic bodies; ceramic bearings; titanium axles; titanium bolts; and aluminium top plates. The cleats have been lightened too with carbon fiber replacing the plastic and aluminium fasteners instead of steel. They’re bonkers expensive, but you have to admire the fanaticism.

“We decided from the beginning we’d be a good, community-minded shop and give people reasons to stay local,” Fischer said, “and have faith that I serve a high-enough percentage of people who are willing to pay the tax if that’s what’s needed to keep something like this as an asset in their community.”

With basic setup markings, the cleat attaches with Shimano’s typical four-hole cleat plate, allowing plenty of fore-aft adjustment. The cleat is protected with a two-compound rubber tread, with a more durable material used at the pedals’ contact point. Just past this, the tread is separated, allowing a more natural step instead of the usual flat-foot stomp of performance shoes. The tread height is generous enough to allow near-silent walking on a hard surface, whereas racier shoes often leave the cleat slightly exposed.

This post checks all the boxes. It’s easy to install and competitively priced. Through six months of riding in winter much and summer dust, the Tellis has been flawlessly reliable. SDG’s first dropper post has spent much of that six months on a hardtail, without the benefit of suspension to buff out the trail. The lever has an effortlessly light feel that is the only one I’ve tried to come close to Wolf Tooth’s benchmark ReMote LA. Read the full review of the SDG Tellis dropper post. Read the full review.

There are four grub-screw-style traction pins per side, which sit around 4mm off the platform. Once clipped in, I found that the height of the mechanism made the front pins somewhat redundant.

• Half of the bikes I’ve observed, especially before winter’s rain began, have been e-bikes.

“I’ve been toying with the idea of switching to Time, but still currently prefer Shimano. Time offer smoother float and a lower weight. And the cheap Time pedals are pretty damned good. But I’m not switching until I know the bearings are sufficiently durable.”

Angel Mendoza, a Republic social media and breaking-news producer, had by far the most entertaining experience, for everyone but him.