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Composite vs. Aluminium pedals

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Composite vs. Aluminium pedals

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flag mr-fabio
Posted: May 10, 2022 at 6:22 Quote
Whats up PB?!

I'm currently using an old set of Straitline Defacto pedals. Since my pedals are at least 10 y.o. and have been thought many rebuilds I decided it is time for a new one. I was going to buy another set of Straitlines, but I discovered that sadly they are going out of business.
So I'm on the hunt for new pedals. I'm considering lots of brands and designs, but I still do not have a clear picture on the balance of pros and cons of Composite vs. Aluminum pedals. I've been using aluminum pedals for my whole life, and my view is biased since I had such a good experience with it. But I'm also keen on trying something new.

If anyone could shed some light on that topic I'll be glad. No mkt bullshit, I would like input from real world situations.
E.g.
Durability
Reliability
Ease of service (broken pins, broken platform, etc)
Cost vs. benefit (does a 2x $ pedal outlast a X $ pedal at least 2 times?)
Stress situations (pedal strikes mainly but I would like to know other situations as well)
Shoe Grip
Wet Situations
Muddy Situations
Weight (least of my concerns, but worth knowing)

and so on

Thanks
flag AlexBroach
FL
Posted: May 10, 2022 at 6:34 Quote
I don't understand why aluminum pedals are as popular as they are. A fresh set of metal pedals definitely has some bling factor but I feel like that's all they have going for them. Composite pedals are usually at least half the price, lighter, and don't show scratches from inevitable pedal strikes.

I have a pair of composite crank brothers stamp pedals that suffered through me adjusting to a new bike with a low bb and they had no issue eating a ton of pedal strikes. Can only see the worn material when you get up close- best part is that you can get them for $35 online right now..
flag BenLow2019
Posted: May 10, 2022 at 6:52 Quote
mr-fabio wrote:
Whats up PB?!

I'm currently using an old set of Straitline Defacto pedals. Since my pedals are at least 10 y.o. and have been thought many rebuilds I decided it is time for a new one. I was going to buy another set of Straitlines, but I discovered that sadly they are going out of business.
So I'm on the hunt for new pedals. I'm considering lots of brands and designs, but I still do not have a clear picture on the balance of pros and cons of Composite vs. Aluminum pedals. I've been using aluminum pedals for my whole life, and my view is biased since I had such a good experience with it. But I'm also keen on trying something new.

If anyone could shed some light on that topic I'll be glad. No mkt bullshit, I would like input from real world situations.

Thanks

Durability is probably the biggest factor. Aluminum is a better choice for long lasting performance. They also tend to be thinner which may avoid rock strikes. That and the bling factor - a pair of Yoshimura's look so sweet on a good bike. Only downside is after aluminum pedals have been battered they can look pretty ratty.

Composite pedals nowadays are really good though and if you get a decent pair with replaceable pins you'll be riding fine. I'd have no problem riding on a pair of something like Race Face Chesters or Crankbrothers Stamp 1 or similar. They are serviceable and work great. You'd save some money and ride just the same.
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