Review: Wolf Tooth Components Ripsaw Aluminum Flat Pedals

Details

While the Waveform pedal is available in two sizes, the Ripsaw is one size only - it is 118mm long and 102mm wide. That's slightly longer and slightly narrower than OneUp Components Aluminum pedal (115mm x 105mm). I will compare and contrast the two pedals throughout this review as they are another notably convex option for those that subscribe to the mid-foot position.


The CNC machined aluminum body accommodates 12 replaceable, rear-loading pins per side. They have a 3mm Allen head and, in all but one case for the most inboard pin, the head is recessed into the pedal body where it is less vulnerable to damage. Unlike the pins on most modern flat pedals, they are threadless. I measure them at 4mm tall. No washers are supplied to shim down the height, but available separately are shorter 3mm pins that one might want to install for various reasons; perhaps along the front and rear edges to maximize the convex profile, or at the center in an attempt to reduce it.

At $199.95 US, the Wolf Tooth Components Ripsaw pedals are some of the most expensive flat pedals on the market that do not have titanium axle. Weighing in at 383 grams for the pair, they are also some of the lightest, heavily machined to give a competitively thin profile that may entice those who ride rock-strewn terrain and are prone to regular pedal strikes.



For those interested, the Ripsaw pedals are actually slightly thinner (7mm) than the OneUp pedals at the front and rear edges, which is arguably where it matters most. The difference is 1.3mm, though, so we are absolutely splitting hairs here.

Helping to keep the weight down is a stainless steel axle that does not run the full width of the pedal body. Internally, an Igus bushing and its carrier cartridge, three sealed bearings, a compression washer, and a lip seal keep the pedal body spinning on the axle. Every single component of the Ripsaw pedal is available as a replacement part.

Wolf Tooth pride themselves on that serviceability and the customer's right to repair. The process of completely refreshing the internals does require use of some non-standard tools, however. The refresh kit will set you back $22 USD, with the necessary bushing removal and install tools available for another $22 USD.


On Trail Performance

For context, my shoe size is a UK 5 (EU 37, US 7). I tested the Wolf Tooth Ripsaw pedals exclusively using my go-to shoes; the FiveTen Freerider Pro. With that combo, almost all pins see some action on the sole of the shoe, with only the more rearward inboard pin left out. Riders with smaller feet may want to consider a pedal with a narrower platform (like the Crankbrothers Stamp 1 Small). I get on well with them myself, but there's no hard and fast rule when it comes to pedal size.

The convex profile is clearly felt underfoot, with a raised bump discernible. The foot-pedal connection was a bit of a mixed bag, and I have some contrasting feelings about the Ripsaw. While the connection doesn't feel the most secure (I'm more accustomed to concave pedals), I actually had no issues with the connection over 3 days riding the Orbea Rise LT on dry, loose, chunky terrain. I got none of that frustrating foot creep - you know, when your foot edges forward on the pedal, millimeter by millimeter - and no discernible discomfort or 'clawing' sensation while riding the rough tracks.

Versus the OneUp Components Aluminum pedal, the Ripsaw would be my preference. That's largely because the Ripsaw lacks the massive inboard bearing bump that you can see on the OneUp pedal. My foot has a tendency to get hung up on that bump at the inboard edge, compromising the connection.


I can't fault the design for the comfort and level of grip it provides while descending, but I'm not a fan of the feel while climbing. My foot has a tendency to rock front to back while climbing on the Ripsaw pedal, pivoting about the central raised portion. Slight differences in how much my ankle is flexed throughout the pedal stroke can mean that I'm either pushing against the rearward half of the pedal, or the front half of the pedal. The raised central portion is most noticeable while climbing, possibly because one has fewer, and less exciting, distractions. I'm very aware of it, and I found it would bother me on longer rides, with slight discomfort developing under the ball of my foot.

Given that I found the profile less than ideal while climbing, the Wolf Tooth Ripsaw pedals are quite a long way off the top of my list of best flat pedals. They won't be replacing my go-to Crankbrothers Stamp 1 pedals any time soon - a concave, composite option that is notably more affordable at $59.99 USD.


Durability

I put in around ten rides on these pedals, on various enduro bikes and eMTBs, around half of which were in wet, muddy conditions. After seven rides, one of them developed a small, but nevertheless detectable, amount of play between the axle and body. It is less than 1mm, and I can't feel it while riding. A few rides later, the other pedal developed this play, too.

I opened up one of the pedals to inspect the internals. There's little evidence of grime getting past the seal, but a rusted outer race on one of the cartridge bearings demonstrates water ingress. The bearings are still spinning very smoothly, however. The bushing appears to be seated inside its carrier as intended. I reassembled the pedal, tightening the retainer nut onto the end of the axle, and the cartridge into the pedal body to the specified torque values. Checking for play once more, I can confirm it is still present.

On this issue, Wolf Tooth have stated that they are yet to experience any such issues with the Ripsaw pedals. We are told that if a customer were to experience this issue, Wolf Tooth Components would either issue them with a replacement set of pedals under warranty, or supply a refresh kit free of charge.

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Pinkbike's Take

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Reviews and Tech Reviews Pedals Wolf Tooth Ripsaw