Burgtec Penthouse Mk4 Pedals - Review

Dec 29, 2015
by Olly Forster  
Burgtec Penthouse Mk4 pedals review


Steeped in World Cup racing history, UK brand Burgtec have become synonymous with their herculean flat pedals. Now, after a decade of refinement, what was once a huge and bulky offering aimed squarely at the hardcore gravity rider, is now slimmer, lighter weight, and more applicable to a larger audience of riders. The latest iteration of their legendary Penthouse Flat pedal, the MK4, still packs a punch, but it boasts weights and styling that wouldn’t look amiss on your trail bike.


Penthouse MK4 Details:
• Intended use: all-mountain / downhill
• Large 102 x 105mm platform
• 16mm profile with 1mm of concavity
• Easy to remove, bottom-loading pins
• Double-bushing and single-bearing internals
• Weight: Titanium axle: 371g, Steel axle: 446g
• MSRP: $149 Steel / $224.99 Ti USD
• www.burgtec.co.uk and www.bti-usa.com

Burgtec Penthouse Mk4 pedals review
The huge platform provides a level of grip and support that could be too much for less confident riders.
Burgtec Penthouse Mk4 pedals review
The always imposing silhouette of a Burgtec pedal, the Mk4's are as tough and as ready for anything as their overbuilt predecessors ever were.


Pinkbike’s Take:
bigquotesWith a huge and nicely concaved platform, packing eight imposing pins on either side, the grip is an element that the MK4's have in droves. So much so, that they can at times, impede your ability to shift your weight or readjust your position in the heat of the moment, especially after a quick dab, which can be annoying. This level of grip will certainly be a bonus for those of you who ride by the seat of your pants and focus on the trail and nothing else. But, if you like to move around on your pedals or hate that 'locked-in' feel, the MK4's could be too much, especially with all the super soft soled shoes such as Five Ten's popular Impact VXi's.

Internally, the double-bushing and single-bearing design is as simple as it is effective, with zero issues over the past few months. They were a little tight to begin with and one did run dry after a few months, but I'm clutching at straws here to find a fault with their reliability. The toughness that Burgtec is renowned for is thankfully retained, having shrugged off more than a few rock strikes that would have killed lesser pedals. Even the pins are tough!

Delivering DH like performance at all-mountain weight is becoming increasingly common and it's a trait that's great to see with the new MK4's, making them a viable option for any flat pedal fan with a need for unsurpassed grip and a penchant for riding wild terrain at speed. Another notable point about the MK4's is their price, which is considerably cheaper than their predecessors' and well within the ballpark of other premium flat pedals. With more grip than you can shake a stick at, Burgtec's latest Penthouse Flats are as tough and reliable as they've ever been, while lacking the bulk and price that may have previously deterred some from buying into this iconic brand. - Olly Forster

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MENTIONS: @Burgtec2004


Posted In:
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132 Comments
  • 67 4
 $224.99 USD for the Ti pedals eh, must be like $2,000 in Canadian. What a bargain.
  • 28 8
 No doubt. Flat pedals are a dime a dozen. No need to break the bank on these
  • 11 46
flag racecase (Dec 28, 2015 at 21:54) (Below Threshold)
 I say "over" you say "rated" OVER!
  • 8 0
 seems about in line with everything else that has a ti spindle and a machined body.
  • 7 2
 Who are the spandex wearers paying that much more money to save 75 grams? Maybe go to the washroom instead.
  • 15 4
 "lighter on the wallet" if you mean less bills in my wallet, then I would agree!

Check out the VP harrier pedal. Bigger, lighter, cheaper, might be stronger too...and all the other things this pedal offers in a package I would easily call "preferable from any perspective"

$85~
  • 11 2
 @Kramz what am i going to do in the washroom - wash the mud off my hands? I would rather go to the toilet (shitter, crapper, loo) and lose some real weight. You North American types don't need to be so sensitive, you're amoungst fellow dirtbags here on Pinkbike.
  • 58 11
 Hitting the shower to shave weight... 75g of dick cheeze is a good harvest - Christmas Fondue is saved
  • 6 0
 That'ssss a lotttta cheeeeeeese, there Waki!
  • 4 11
flag bigburd (Dec 29, 2015 at 1:23) (Below Threshold)
 Gotta love that leading edge waiting to get hung up on rocks
  • 7 3
 A magnesim wellgo weigh lesser price lesser and not even ti.
  • 6 4
 And they'll be destroyed after one decent hit on a rock
  • 7 1
 Waki = Peter North
  • 3 2
 +1 for the Harrier, especially if you have big feet.
  • 5 0
 +1 waki you made me spit my drink out
  • 1 1
 @chyu I just got those magnesium Wellago MG-5's for my DJ - $39.95 USD with shipping from Amazon. They are very light at 300g for the price
  • 3 1
 I had the MG-1s for five years, bashed them on rocks in DH and enduro, still fine.
  • 4 0
 The Wellgos are a nice pedal, but not as low profile and not as big of a platform I believe. Why all the outrage at the price? $149 is in line or less than HT, Straitline, Spank, Azonic etc. for thier DH. low pro and wide platfoem pedals.
Howerver, if you want light as shit, wide and low pro at around $50-60 look at Nukeproof's nylon pedals. They seem to hold up very well for me.
  • 1 0
 I have the Diety versions, and they're dank. They are made by HT I presume.
  • 1 0
 311.20 CDN. Dec 29 2015
  • 1 0
 Wellgo under 30€
  • 1 1
 Pay more for the worst designs is the new trend in mtb.
  • 1 0
 311.69 CDN. Jan 2 2016
  • 76 17
 This has inspired me.. To start a bar and grill called BurgerTech. "Tactical burgers" will be our motto. Pick and shoot the animals you'd like to eat, right in our back lot. Here ya go, here's an Armalite AR-15 in .300 AAC caliber, go kill yourself a cow. Oh, you wanted bacon in place of a bun? Here's a .45 1911, go off that there pig.

BurgerTech. Yeah, we serve beer in canteens. Deal with it. No gun, no service.
  • 24 3
 Wut?
  • 74 7
 It's art, bro. Pinkbike is my art, the comments section my canvas.
  • 61 5
 Sort of epitomizes why the rest of the world hates us.
  • 8 1
 Ahahahahahahaa. Made me laugh. Emerson knives to cut the meat???
  • 13 16
 @NoDHinKentucky it's because they're jealous!
  • 1 1
 @Oldfut indeed!
  • 37 5
 times like this i'm really glad i'm canadian
  • 4 0
 the realturducken strikes again!
  • 2 1
 What will the childrens' play center look like?
  • 10 1
 And I just started watching Team America as I'm reading this.
  • 8 6
 Aids!
  • 3 4
 but then it would be BurgerTac. Sweet idea tho I'm in
  • 7 3
 You kill it we grill it
  • 12 0
 Children's play area? you mean the gladiatorial fighting pits! now with real knives!
  • 5 2
 I'd rather it be an AR-10 in 300 Win mag.
  • 7 1
 The rest of the world likes American...they just hate 'Mericans.
  • 1 3
 LMFAO @sterlingmagnum I am glad I am not the only one.
Would the realterduckin Please Stand Up.
  • 19 0
 Ace to see a review on here for the burgtec bandits.I own 3 pairs of these bad boys & they literally will not die. Quality British engineering!
#flatpedalthunder
  • 4 0
 Same here, they are the only pedals I have ever owned that I haven't bent within a year. They are awesome.
  • 2 0
 ditto, put mine on June 2014 and ive not had to touch them since. amazing grip best pedals ive ever bought.
  • 2 0
 Same, been running mine since August 2014 and haven't touched them. Still running like new.
  • 4 0
 Pedals SHOULD last over a year. I think it is a sad sign of the times that people think it is reasonable for a pedal that costs well over £100 to give up the ghost after less than a year.
  • 1 9
flag jordache-keepers (Dec 29, 2015 at 10:19) (Below Threshold)
 Of course the Brits are going to praise their products. Well as a Canadian I'll say Straitline pedals are way better Wink
  • 5 0
 Actually they are not
  • 14 1
 Deity Bladerunner = $125 / 370g
Ti Penthouse = $225 / 370g
I'm all for choices, but the $$/grams seems off here. Just my view.
  • 6 0
 Xpedo Spry. $65. 260g. 11mm
  • 5 3
 Would you really buy Xpedo anything! Marketing fail! Instead of Lycra I imagine guys using Xpedo branded stuff wearing speedo swimming trunks clutching bags of sweets!
  • 4 1
 I just picked up a pair of Deity-T-Mac-Pedals on sale. By far the best pedal I ever placed my feet on. A concave profile that is noticeably deeper than any other pedal and the whole symmetrical shape of the pedal just works out to be an outstanding pedal.
  • 4 2
 So this is the math u use to decide which componets to get?! Something's wrong man..
  • 1 8
flag deadtime (Dec 29, 2015 at 12:03) (Below Threshold)
 @thebikings well, yeah. But if I lived in Greece and didn't have to pay taxes like your countrymen don't think they are obligated to do I might have enough money to buy $200 pedals. Pay your taxes dude, and quit buying shit you can't afford.
  • 3 2
 @deadtime you should really change the channel u' re watching dude, cause it seems u don't know shit about what's going on here... Keep in mind that the taxes we pay here are more than u could imagine, despite what ur TV says.

p.s: Shit we can't afford as greeks are the ''peace'' spreading weapons ur country force us to buy-not a pair of high quality mtb pedals..
  • 2 7
flag deadtime (Dec 30, 2015 at 6:13) (Below Threshold)
 @thebikings Whoa, put the sheep down for a second, I didn't say your taxes weren't high, I said you don't WANT to pay taxes and your country likes to buy and pay for shit it can't afford, you know, like Olympics and unfunded pensions, and pedals that cost $200 when there are other options. The Burgtecs are expensive and I was showing an alternative that allowed me to afford other more important things, a lesson you sheep-lovers would do well to emulate.
  • 5 2
 Go have a burger boy. Ur not ready to give lessons yet..

p.s: we prefer ur mom over sheeps anytime
  • 9 2
 While the build quality on these pedals is superb, the pin layout and concave are awesome, they run so crazy close to the crank arm that the pedals feel way smaller than the listed platform width. Also the bearings are ridiculously tight out of the box, which is fine for DH not so great for everything else.
  • 4 3
 Wow just noticed how close the pedal is to the arm, why would they do that ?
  • 2 1
 ^ this. I have size 13 feet and physically can't stand on them. I've desperately searched for an alternative to vaults for crank clearance, narrowness and platform size but these push my feet off the ends. Waiting for a set of the new Gamut Podiums instead. Burgtec, please make a longer axle option, it doesn't have to be this way!
  • 3 1
 Try a set of e13 LG1s if the Podiums don't work out. decent axle length, massive platform, loads of concave.
  • 2 0
 bigburd, I believe the point is to reduce flex in the spindle and increase strength. I can tell you from riding any of the pedals that have the inboard bearings (like a Spank Spike, and my current pair the MK4's) that they feel a lot more solid underfoot when you mash. I tend to ride the pins on the outside of the pedal so I don't really notice the crank even with the lack of spindle length.
  • 13 2
 what the actual f*ck is PB smoking? 150 light on the wallet?
  • 7 2
 Yes compared to their previous versions which retailed for £150 for the steel pedals. I had some MK3s and they were awesome albeit a bit heavy. MK4 with ti would be top of my list.
  • 5 1
 Had these for a year with no issues other than a re-grease of the axle ( to be expected considering the conditions I ride in) other that a bent pin which is easily replaced and some wearing on the anodizing these look and feel as new. Speaks for itself considering I destroyed a set of magnesium dmr v12's in 3 rides. I also got the ltd edition pedals with my name custom engraved on them so look sick!
  • 9 3
 I would have thought that flat pedals would be sorted by now. Nice to see a variety of companies making them. What confuses me is the pricing. $149 USD? Really?
  • 12 2
 extruded and machined body vs cast body is where the cost comes from. This a quality pedal made in a first world country.
  • 4 1
 Been running these for a while now (switched back to spd's recently) and mightily impressed. Build quality is far beyond anything I've ridden. Biggest difference is they are tough as. Had a set of MagTi Vaults, lasted 2 weeks before the spindles were rattling in the pedal bodies. These have warded off strikes that left me thinking the worst, even the pins are all still intact! Buy cheap buy twice people.
  • 7 1
 Cheshire pride #flatpedalthunder
  • 5 1
 Best quality pedals out there, and iv tried loads. Definitely worth the cash. You get what you pay for. Also the aftersale if you have any problem is amazing.
  • 4 1
 You love burgtec Howie.
  • 2 5
 Really? I snapped a spindle, asked for some help from Burgtec and got ZERO out of them.
  • 1 0
 Mine developed a bit of play, said to them, sent em back within a week they had new everything, spindle, bearings, even the 2 pins I'd snapped! I can't fault them.
  • 3 1
 Did you guys even try riding them without five tens on? Maybe it is not too much grip, you just wore the wrong shoes. I am not a fan of five tens locked in feel, and I ride flats without any fancy shoes besides vans. Whoa, what a concept, not wearing five tens on flats....pfffft, blasphemy. Seriously though, people do it, and I suggest trying this pedal and saving money by not having cycling specific climbing shoes... These pedals look nice but heavy still.
  • 2 0
 My shins are already screaming lol These pedals might not be the cleanest looking compared to the competition but knowing Burgtec these will be bombproof and will last a lifetime!
  • 7 2
 R.I.P., shins.
  • 22 0
 And Lemmy
  • 1 1
 Yes but there are plenty of pedals that function perfectly, price is good and weight is right on. If something does not look aesthetically pleasing to the eye I am not putting it on my bike. I don't mind spending a few extra dollars
  • 1 1
 Got some used superstar nanos off ebay for £11 a couple of years ago. Still going strong. Zero maintenance.
That said, new ones are only around £50.
Paying for the name......which is nice but with the price of Maxxis tyres at the mo, I know where Id rather redirect my finances.
  • 3 3
 Shimano Saint Pedals are easily one of the best ones out there, strong, nice, comfortable and reliable, cost $50

How is $149 for a pair of flat pedals light on the wallet ? This is ridiculous.
  • 6 1
 Because saints are heavy and shit, crappy bearings mean if you ride them hard you'll be forever replacing them. A pair of these mk 4's weight less than one Saint, when you consider how much it costs to save weight these days theses offer good bang for your buck. Just my opinion but I'm sure many would agree.
  • 1 0
 Thats so expensive, but I must say. I spent more than i was comfortable with on my DMR vault pedals and they have been an absolute dream.
  • 5 3
 Since when is $225 easy on your wallet?! even the cheaper version is facking expensive!
  • 2 1
 So nice to to see high quality stuff. I ride chunked (australian made ) flat pedals but if I didn't this is what I'd run. They are a scmick bit of gear.
  • 4 2
 Ligther on the wallet? What kind of budget do you guys think people have? Wth is going on.
  • 1 1
 haha!!!
  • 2 0
 been running kona wah wah pedals for 4 years cost me $60 and the bearings are still perfect concave thin and full ali with sealed bearings. I really dont see what I get if I pay more
  • 1 0
 Have had those before. Great value for their cost. Basically the same as some elgallo pedals i used to sell in my shop before. Good price, good grip and durability. And with steel pins. Have had some expensive pedals lately with alloy pins. Total garbage. One rock and the pin is gone. Never buying low weigth pedals again. Broke my leg last year due to me slipping of the pedal. After inspecting the pedal. There where lots of pins missing. And i replaced all before hitting the trails that day in the bikepark. Pedal hit the ground plenty of times that day. Sooo. Yeah.
  • 1 0
 Race face makes sub 400 gram pedals for 60$
They are plastic. When my pedals finally fail ill get the Race Face pedals.
The title of this post is very misleading!
  • 3 2
 Wait What?!?! How is that a break on your wallet? More like a broken wallet, and a trip to the ward.
  • 3 1
 I love these pedals, fking invincible!
  • 3 1
 Would it be wrong to say that these pedals are attractive?
  • 5 3
 Nukeproof Electron: 350g, $45

That's what I call light on the wallet
  • 3 6
 Funny. Thats what i call light in the head
  • 2 1
 I had an original pair and they were the best pedals I've ever owned. Shame the bike was stolen.
  • 4 3
 "With a huge and nicely concaved platform"

Doesn't look very concave to me...
  • 1 2
 I thought the same thing. I think they are talking about where the axle is under foot is concave. Kind of like dmr vaults.
  • 2 3
 Vaults have quite a hefty front to back concave. Nothing going on left to right tho. These Burgtechs on the other hand are fattest at the axle, with the front and back of the pedal lower. They are convex. But advertised as concave as it seems you can just outright lie in ads these days...
  • 1 0
 @gabriel-mission9: No, they aren't.
  • 1 0
 @isolationismdivision: Do you have eyes? Have you looked at the pics?
  • 1 0
 @gabriel-mission9: I run these pedals. The platform is slightly concaved, in five places, each side, especially the centre part, inside of those raised bits, where the axle is.
  • 1 1
 The pedal seems too close to the crank arm. A little more space apart would be preferred as it keeps you from rubbing your shoes against the arm all the time.
  • 2 0
 Deity T-macs best pedal ever for any foot! Deity FTW!!!!
  • 1 0
 Those don't look like they have much concave to them at all. I'd rather pick up the Diety TMAC's for dough like that.
  • 1 0
 Went from Penthouse to Vault then back to Penthouse. Never slipped a pedal on them!
  • 1 0
 I wish my Burgtec's came back from servicing. its been 3 years and nothing, quite a waste of CDN money FK.
  • 2 1
 That is a badass pair of pedals.
  • 2 1
 To much grip just wind the pins down at touch. Not rocket science
  • 3 4
 They look decent but since my burgtec stem snapped for absolutely no reason (I was riding round the car park, bolts were torqued correctly) I won't touch their stuff.
  • 2 1
 Saving my money for the electronic carbon fat peddle!
  • 1 2
 How are these so heavy and so expensive? Saint pedals @ $50 and ~490g is the benchmark. If you're going to charge 3-4x as much, at least get the weight down more than 50g.
  • 1 1
 these look bad, pedal body way to close to crank arm, you need some clearance!
  • 1 0
 Wow. PB is one tough crowd.
  • 2 2
 Burgtec guy who named the company A+ for effort
  • 1 1
 Still waiting on the Gamut Podiums to be available~
  • 2 2
 Or u could just get a reliable Wellgo mg1 for usd30
  • 2 2
 I'd like to see a review of Deity Tmacs. They meant to be pretty good!
  • 3 1
 Have a set and they are great. Best pedal I've ever had. 2.5mm concave just cradles your foot. They take a bashing also!
  • 1 1
 Nice one man! I'm still waiting for them to be available in UK. It's fairly fresh pedal so any real life review is great.
  • 1 2
 You want immensely strong, super grippy and huge platform. . Try Chunked Pedals... Won't let you down.
  • 2 3
 That was a gripping review.
  • 2 3
 It left me a bit FLAT being honest
  • 1 1
 Badum tscccch!
  • 1 3
 The term you're looking for is "grasping at straws".
  • 3 5
 These pedals are ugly as hell
  • 2 1
 Function > Form
  • 2 1
 Yes but there are plenty of pedals that function perfectly, price is good and weight is right on. If something does not look aesthetically pleasing to the eye I am not putting it on my bike. I don't mind spending a few extra dollars
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