Spank Spike Pedals - Previewed

What they are: Pedals are always a hot topic with riders and the new Spike pedals from Spank are sure to get people talking due to their interesting design and distinctive looks. Spank has gone out of their way to design a pedal that is thin, at just 12mm (not including pin height), but still uses a large and reliable inboard full compliment sealed bearing that is paired up with an outboard Igus bushing. Each pedal features an array of 19 menacing looking pins to keep your feet firmly in place. A set of the new Spike pedals weighs in at under 400 grams, a respectable weight that is lighter than some other options out there. At $125 USD for a set, they are certainly not inexpensive, although one can spend a lot more money on pedals without trying too hard. Given their weight and promising design, they certainly compare favorably to other pedals of similar price.



The details: The Spike pedals have a number of interesting features, but the most obvious would be their noteworthy, and quite thin, body shape. Spank is able to use such a slim profile by designing the Spike pedals to spin on a thin Igus bushing at the end of the pedal axle, while using a much larger than usual full compliment inboard sealed bearing. The thin 12mm body flares out close to the crank arm in order to accept the larger than standard bearing, which also helps to reduce the pedal's Q-factor. Although the extra ground clearance afforded by using slim pedals is no doubt an advantage, you'll also benefit from a more efficient pedal stroke due to your feet being slightly closer to the pedal axle's center line, and a lower center of gravity. The pedal body also sports chamfered leading and side edges for a touch more ground clearance, as well as to limit the amount of damage when that inevitable pedal strike does occur. They also have a slightly longer profile, 90 sqcm in total, to help reduce that chance of "pedal flip" on rough ground or when your feet are not in the ideal position. The body is also not extruded like the majority of pedals, but instead cold forged. Spank says that this allows them to achieve a smaller and more consistent grain size in the alloy and better grain orientation than extruding, thus a better strength to weight ratio. The tapered and hollow scandium enriched alloy steel axle itself goes through a complex heat treatment process that Spank as well that increases strength and stiffness.

The Spike's sport 19 pins per pedal and each one's position has been chosen carefully in an effort to provide a high amount of grip between the pedals and your shoes. Seventeen of these pins use sturdy full size hex heads that thread in from the opposite side, which should stand up to hits better, resist stripping, and make them easier to replace when the time does come. The two center pins are "grub screws" which thread all the way through the pedal body. These are optional to the rider depending on the intended discipline and required level of grip and adjustability on the fly.



First impressions:


Visit the Spank website to see their entire lineup.


Stay tuned for the results of my long-term test after we put them through a wet and muddy Spring riding season here in B.C. In the meantime, let's hear what you make of the new Spike pedals from Spank - are you a fan of the Spike's distinctive design?

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Reviews and Tech First Looks Pedals Spank Industries