Xpedo’s SPD-Compatible CXR Pedal Sheds Grams, Goes Pro | Road Bike Clipless Pedals

Crankbrothers takes a very unique approach toward their flat pedals. Rather than making a single pedal for everyone, they make them available in different sizes based on foot size. The large Stamp pedals that I tested are designed for US shoe sizes 10-15.

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It’s an issue also reported by James, and one that he has remedied in the past by changing to aftermarket cleats from Exustar.

 I raced for  some time at Cat 1 level, and for a couple of years did all my riding and racing on spds as I only needed one pair of shoes then. Used to get shit about it in the peloton, but it didn’t seem to affect my results. Only downside is if you have dodgy knees, as spd’s have less lateral support.

The main difference where flat shoes are concerned is in the grippiness of the sole and the lack of cleat recess of course! This varies from manufacturer to manufacturer with the gold star award usually going to FiveTen. The soles are generally more flexible and allow more ‘feel’ on the pedals but not so much that they offer less support or are uncomfortable to wear for long periods. Some riders so say that it is possible to have a shoe that is too grippy, meaning they can’t move about on the pedals if they need to mid trail. We like a pair of FiveTens with these HT PA03 or Bontrager Line Pro pedals best.

There isn’t a triple option for EPS. In fact I don’t think there’s a triple option for any e-shifting system.

In Issue #113 of Singletrack Magazine, we tested 17 different pedals as part of our Flat Pedal Group Test

Apparently, not all my fellow cyclists share my affinity for the ambient delights of the great outdoors. In fact, a fair number of them seem to feel that a mountain bike ride is not complete without some sort of musical accompaniment. To that end, they score their outings by means of a playlist and any one of the various Bluetooth handlebar-mounted speakers currently available on the market.

Tension is adjustable, though accessing the 3mm hex bolt is awkward. The level varies from tight, to really-friggin-tight. I certainly wouldn’t put a new rider on these pedals, because their tenacious hold can be intimidating. As the cleats wore in and I got used to them though, I steadily increased the tension to about halfway. Any more than that and you might dislocate your knee trying to unclip.

"I think many of us have seen those kids that were started on clipless pedals too young," said Dan Maier, QBP’s BMX product manager. "I don’t see it as much anymore but have seen more than a few younger racers fall at the track and still be completely stuck to their bikes. They were either not strong enough to unclip or their pedals were way too tight. Both are safety issues."

It adds Bluetooth/Ant+, but I really like the display so that you can easily see what gear you’re currently in and whether you’re in semi/full synchro mode and also a battery level indicator.