Crankbrothers Mallet E Pedals - Review

Jan 29, 2016 at 16:33
by Mike Kazimer  
Crankbrothers Mallet E review

Crankbrothers' Mallet DH pedals are a familiar sight on the World Cup circuit, and now the company is hoping to make their mark on the enduro race scene with the release of the Mallet E.

The new pedals use the same 4-sided clip-in mechanism as the Mallet DH, but they have a 12% smaller profile and are 50 grams lighter. They also have a lower q-factor of 52mm versus the 57mm of the Mallet DH, which keeps the outboard portion of the pedal a little farther away from rocks and other trail menaces. Six removable pins are found on each side for extra grip, along with two removable polyurethane traction pads that are available in different thicknesses to allow riders to fine tune the interface between the pedal and shoe.


Crankbrothers Mallet E Details

• 6 adjustable pins per side
• Aluminum body, chromoly spindle
• 52mm q-factor
• Replaceable traction pads
• Internals: cartridge bearing, bushing
• 5-year warranty
• Weight: 425 grams
• MSRP: $165 USD
www.crankbrothers.com

In between the Mallet E's aluminum body and the chromoly spindle is an Enduro cartridge bearing and an Igus bushing that was developed specifically for Crankbrothers. A new double lip internal seal system is in place to keep water and other contaminants at bay, and there's another external seal to add further weatherproofing. The Mallet E pedals have 6 degrees of float, and the supplied brass cleats can be set at either a 15° or 20° release angle. 5 year warranty. Weight: 425 grams. MSRP: $165 USD.

Crankbrothers Mallet E review
Crankbrothers Mallet E review


On the Trail

For riders accustomed to the feel of Shimano's SPD pedals, there's a distinct difference in how the Mallet E pedals feel underfoot. Where Shimano's clipless pedals have a crisp 'click' upon entry and exit, the Mallet's are a little less distinct, especially when clipping out. They also have six degrees of float compared to Shimano's four, which may not seem like much, but it's instantly noticeable. It's a matter of personal preference, but I came to appreciate the extra float – the additional freedom of movement makes using the Mallets feel more like riding with flat pedals, allowing for more possible foot positions, which can be helpful when extra body language is required to wiggle through a tricky section of trail. The platform width felt spot on, providing plenty of real estate for placing my feet during those half clipped in / half clipped out situations. The design of the clip-in mechanism is also well suited to muddy conditions, and I never had any trouble getting in or out even when the ground was covered with a few inches of greasy slime.

There's no way to adjust the release tension of the Mallets, but their design means it's virtually impossible to release upwards, and I never experienced any unwanted releases during my time on them. The actual angle at which the cleats disengage can be adjusted between 15° or 20° depending on how the brass cleats are oriented, and after trying both options, 15° ended up being my preferred setting. In the 20° setting it felt like it took too much motion to escape, and tipping over while still clipped in is pretty high up on my list of things I'd rather avoid.

Crankbrothers Mallet E
One of the spindles developed a ring of corrosion, although the pedal was still spinning smoothly.
Crankbrothers Mallet E review
While the other spindle made it through the test period without a mark.

Durability

I've been aboard the Mallet E pedals for nearly five months now, and during that time they've been through rain, snow, mud, dust, and pretty much every other possible trail condition. The aluminum bodies have their fair share of scrapes and scratches from being bashed into rocks and roots, but that comes with the territory, and somehow all of the pins have survived. There is a very slight amount of vertical play, but it's not noticeable on the bike, and both pedals are still spinning very smoothly, although when I pulled them apart I did find that one spindle had developed a fair bit of corrosion. The other spindle was corrosion free, but I'd recommend that riders in wet climates check and re-grease the internals more often than I did. It's a quick procedure, and can be performed with the pedals still on the bike.

When asked about this issue, Jason Schiers, Crankbrothers' head of research and development, said, "In the creation of these new pedals we took into account varying conditions, from the wet and mud to pressure washing. The result of these different demands was the proprietary self lubricating Igus ll-glide bearing. It proved to continue to work regardless of any environmental changes that were introduced. The new double seal greatly reduces environmental contamination, but we designed the new bearing system to work flawlessly even without it."



Pinkbike's Take
bigquotesThe Mallet E pedals have earned their keep over the last few months, and considering how many hours of inclement weather they've been exposed to they fared reasonably well. Of course, that axle corrosion isn't ideal, and I'd say Shimano still has the edge as far as withstanding the elements, but otherwise the Mallets are a worthy alternative for riders looking for a pedal with more float, a nice wide platform, and a mud-shedding clip-in mechanism. - Mike Kazimer



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Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,719 articles

153 Comments
  • 110 13
 I've had shimano spd (m520) pedals for 6 years and done of 8000kms in them at muddy Welsh trail centres, salty grit-covered roads in london and now 2 years through dusty and dry south african trails. I don't service them. Ever. There is no play or corrosion. They continue to work as they did the day I bought them. Cheers.
  • 118 8
 I have 6 year old mallets. The axle is in 6 pieces
  • 67 11
 If you've never serviced them, how do you know what they look like inside? The Mallet ones here were working perfectly and the corrosion was only noticed when they were taken apart. Don't get me wrong though, Shimano pedals are bulletproof
  • 5 2
 I've had similar experiences but I purchased a second pair, only because I lost a cleat and the new pedals come with the cleat. So instead of paying $14 for just the cleat, I got pedals and cleats for $25. And they just work. Plain and simple.
  • 6 2
 I bought a set of Mallet E's last week. I normally ride Time pedals, so I'm familer with how the CB feel. I've only had 4 rides on them, but I'm having a bit of a hard time getting use to the super short axles. You foot sits super close to the crank arm making getting out of your back pedal difficult when your cranks are level. Not to mention a lot of rub on the cranks. The pedals are nicely put together and engage nicely, my question is will there be an option for a longer axle?
  • 13 7
 Said it had some vertical play in the review.

Have essentially a 100% failure rate of crank bro's bearings on mallets. Every pair I've sold have had bearing difficulties. I am riding a pair of of those super shitty urban a530 pedals that I took of my commuter after 3 years of daily summer and winter comuting and then for the last two years they've been on my mountain bike as I lost my xt's somewhere. Bodies are destroyed. I've peened them for more traction, tried to saw some grooves in them. Have smashed more curbs and rocks most of the paint is gone. Bearing spins new and has no play. How these guys can charge so much money for such a terrible product is ridiculous.
  • 12 2
 I cannot kill my M520's. A couple of seasons on the mountain bike, then swapped them to my cyclocross bike and have done about 6000+ miles on them since, year round NW wet riding. Still spin like brand new. CB are intriguing, but I cannot get my shimanos to die!
  • 21 1
 It is rumored m520's outlive most bikes and their owners. Mine are still young at 8yrs of use.
  • 4 1
 @malexan Fair point.
  • 3 1
 I second bonfire's opinion of the bottom-line shimano pedals - 8 years old and still trucking. No maintenance. I did however go through two paris of candy IIs in that 8 year period so maybe that's why the shimanos are still trucking!
  • 8 10
 I hated my Shimano M520. Had to put the tension nearly at its highest before my feet stopped clipping every single ride out while pulling up. The more you tension them the less float they have. At the tension I had to run mine they didn't have any float at all. A tiny inaccuracy in my cleat alignment was enough to ruin my left knee ligament, which made me had to totally stop cycling for 5 months. Now it is 10 months later and I'm still in the revalidation process where I can't give my full 110% yet, else I feel that my knee doesn't like it.

The funny thing is that the M540s on my other bike were perfect. Ran them nearly at its loosest option and never unclipped while pulling vertically. I rode the same shoes on both bikes.

Thereby my personal experience is to invest that €10-20 extra for the M540s and dont risk ruining your knees like I did on the POS M520s.
  • 4 1
 XTR trail I get maybe 6months before they go bang that's around 1400/1600miles of abuse
  • 13 0
 @Mattin

sounds like a problem with either your 520 pedals or cleats?

the pedal tension has no effect on float, the float is derived from the shape of the cleat relative to the shape of the pedal mechanism.

increasing pedal tension just increases the force needed to enter or exit the pedal, your cleat still rotates inside the pedal mechanism with the same rotation until it hits the stop and will then push against the release spring tension

poor setup is to blame for your painful knee experience; I work as a professional bike fitter and can vouch for poor cleat setup causing a chain reaction of problems for a rider.

1000's of riders have used SPD-520 without issue. I have just retired a 5 year old set because the bearings had gone rough...
  • 7 3
 When looking at a crank brothers review the only thing valid is the T.U.B. Time Until Broke
  • 2 5
 @hampsteadbandit : the tighter I put the tension on my pedals, the less the float got. Near its tightest they haven't got any float. I agree this is a bad thing.

The reason why I blame the pedals is because my other bike had a set of M540s, and I could run those nearly at its loosest tension without ever clipping out by pulling upwards. With the same shoes and the same cleats.


If I would ever ride SPDs I would ride Crank Brothers for sure. Why? Because they have more float, which is good. As well for their design: if you pull your foot up, the pedals will only grip to your clear with even more force because of this clever design. Thereby I think you should be able to run them loosely, as well as I think tensioning the pedal should not have any effect on the float on CB, where sadly it does on Shimano.

I feel like Shimano comes closer to ski binders design wise. Which is not a good thing for cycling, even though they made it work on their higher end spd pedals.

I just really recommend not to buy their M520s. Their higher end pedals are good though.

Al though theoretically Crank Brothers have a better design in my opinion (never tried them yet so no personal experience on these)
  • 7 0
 Shimano feel better but I think they had a hand in fucking one of my knees. CB feel very vague to me, but my knee doesn't hurt at all now and I've had my mallet dhs for two years now. Only an hour a week use, but still trucking.
  • 4 0
 My 520's were set up wrong and I used to get knee pain. A quick trip to my LBS and half hour late my riding position evaluated and cleats adjusted a little. a couple of months of taking it easy and my knee was back to full strength. That was over a year ago and no sigh of any knee problems since!
  • 2 0
 @theedon If is in a DH or Enduro bike try to move the cleats to the outside and back. I have a 46 (11) five teen and there is perfect position to all shoes...For me the best thing is no more unwanted unclipped events. CBros pedals are less aggressive to the knees and ankles than other pedals,if you try this one is really tough to get back to a no float pedal like shimano.
  • 3 1
 Shimano's durability (not just in pedals) is very hard to beat. That said i'd really like to try these for the xtra platform and float, the worry there though is not being able to get out quick enough, when a "foot down" situation arose. That said it might be a situation where i just go back to flats for the hell of it.
  • 1 0
 I've been trail riding with my shimanos DX M647 for 8years and still like new. Never serviced them! But I really wanted those Mallet E for those pins when unclipped cause theres no grip on Shimanos! I will need new shoes though, somethink like 5 ten with flat soles. I wanted the smaller platform and weight of the E but I don't know anymore with that Q-factor thing! Frown Then the 57mm Q-factor of the DH might be too wide for trail riding?! So maybe we can put a DH spindle on the Enduro platform to have that Q-factor?

Is that 5 years warranty good for spindle corrosion?

(by the way, MEC are selling the DH and E mallet for 165$ cad if someone want those... Would never pay 165$ US for it. That's about 215$cad +tx!!
  • 6 0
 Pretty sure I'm the only one who has never had an issue with their CB pedals. Eggbeaters (on road bike/trainer), Candys (sold with a bike) , Mallets (hardtail), and now Mallet E (FS), I've never had an issue, and never had to service...
  • 2 0
 @Mattin I had a similar problem with knee pain and ended up riding flats for two years because every time I would give SPDs a chance my knees would be hurting by the end of the ride. I picked up a pair of Times and haven't had a problem since, they have the float of CBs but reliability of SPDs
  • 2 2
 @scvkurt03: youre not the only one, some of the guys i ride with also never had any bad experiences with their CBs.
@shredthenoob: thanks for the advise Smile . Im back on flats now as well. If id ever go back to SPDs it would purely be on my bike during races. When I messed up my knees I did a lot of research about pedals and found that quite some websites were stating they don't recommend SPDs unless you're a pro rider, since a high amount of people messes up their knees with it. The more freedom you have in your movements, the better and healthier for your body.
  • 2 0
 For almost 20 years, the only clips I have ran are shimano. however, recently I have gone thru 2 sets of XT trail pedals. 1 bent spindle and 2 blown bearings. Not sure what is happening there now, but if this 3rd set gives up the ghost I may have to look for alternatives.
  • 4 0
 @theedon , @Konakado : Our Long Spindle Kit will be available soon to help riders like you who prefer a wider q-factor. The kit includes a set of 57mm spindles (same width as the Mallet DH, +5mm longer than the standard spindle of the Mallet E and all of our other pedals in our lineup). Look for them at your local shop this Spring!
  • 1 0
 There have been two variations of the cleat, one that has no left to right adjustability and one that does. Do you have the adjustable ones ( two piece)? If so slide them all the way in and then make sure to shave a little extra rubber off the sole.
  • 5 0
 But the shimanos have shit mud expoltion and just get colged up and dont work!
  • 3 1
 I just put the DH axles in my Mallet Enduros, far better now.
  • 3 0
 @Scotj009 we call SPD "shit packed dirt" over here Smile
  • 3 0
 my shimano saint flats had both float and vertical play from the factory. called em up and they sent out a second set. that set came with even more float and vertical play.....

my first gen mallets are still going strong and they are 10+ years old and 3 rebuilds in.
  • 2 7
flag SteveDekker (Feb 18, 2016 at 16:13) (Below Threshold)
 All you comparing shimano spd m520 to the Mallets are morons. Theres no comparison, they are two totally different types of pedals. MORONS!
  • 5 0
 57mm spindles available online. Fixes everything.
  • 6 1
 Including the problem of having too much money in your wallet
  • 4 1
 Some mallet E riders are buying the wider spindles and putting them in the E pedals. The upgrade costs anther $30 approx. The narrower Q-factor spindle wasn't a good idea.
  • 2 0
 @coffeeracer I'm sure there are plenty of smaller riders, ladies, kids and XC/roadie/cyclocross junkies who like it, possibly asked for it, etc.

Choices are good. Pinners are wiiners
  • 2 0
 $30 for the wider spindles!? They only cost me €8 for the pair!
  • 1 1
 @bizutch I'm 5'9" size 9 shoe. Pretty average sized guy. I would consider myself an advanced rider. The problem here is you can't actually get your rear foot to release from the pedal when your cranks are level. When you turn your foot to try and unclip, your toe touches the crank making it impossible to get out. I'm not sure what to do with these pedals now. I've used them for a week now, so returning them is not an option and I'm not super stoked on spending $40 US to get new axles whenever they're available. Now what?
  • 3 0
 Call @crankbrothers . fantastic company who can work something out with you if you are patient. Have done business with them for many years and they don't disappoint.
  • 1 1
 @enduroFactory: Yup the body blew right of the axle, luckily only a bit of blood. Also the platform on the trail models is absolutely useless if you do pop out.
  • 48 6
 I only buy stuff that is marketed as "Enduro" cause it helps me the most while I'm enduroing. "E" for "Enduro" will suffice though I think.
  • 9 3
 I thought E was for those awful electric "non"bikes.
  • 2 1
 I was beginning to wonder what E was for. Thanks.
  • 9 13
flag WAKIdesigns (Feb 18, 2016 at 0:54) (Below Threshold)
 It's for E-bikes.
  • 11 2
 Clipless pedals on e-bikes. Talk about pedalling efficiency!
  • 6 0
 I prefer X in my marketing terminology.
  • 4 1
 You must be a sucker for SRAM then Smile
  • 3 0
 E-Turds what poo
  • 2 4
 properp - I am not sure I would like to live in the same town with you. Or maybe... just in case lynch becomes legal I want to know where you're at so I'm not close... I wonder what sht you are projecting at E-bikes.
  • 2 0
 @WAKIdesigns I live in worlds famous Daytona Beach FL. Should be easy for you to fiend as smart as you are. I invite you any day. Bring your big boy pants.

E-bikes are for the lazy people who can't get it on their own.
  • 42 6
 Spindle flew right off my NEW CB egg beater 2 the other day. Not fun searching for a spindle in the pitch dark. Didn't find a spindle but ran into a mountain lion. Good times!
  • 15 2
 Haha, I used to ride Aliso before work. once I was changing a tube early in the morning and looked up to find a smaller Mt lion smelling my bike like 10ft away from me. Never heard the fucker coming.
  • 81 2
 Point taken, Don't buy CB pedals or will run into Mtn Lions..sticking with my shimanos
  • 8 1
 That is a very valid point.
  • 16 2
 I have always ridden using shimano cleats here in the uk and have had zero problems with mountain lions. So on that basis your hypothesis checks out.
  • 15 2
 Thanks to CB you now have great stories to tell your grandkids. Else you'll just bore your grandkids to death by saying "I once bought reliable pedals and everything was okay"
  • 1 0
 Perfectly normal, CB (and other manufacturer also) should have used an left hand thread on one of the pedal (like threads on the crank) to avoid un-threading under load.
But they prefer simple nylstop nut which comes loose quite fast under load...
  • 1 0
 And where was this mt lion?
  • 25 1
 I'm here for the meh comments
  • 32 2
 Corroded axles and play after only 5 months on $165 pedals ?...... Meh. Happy now?
  • 11 0
 U just made my day
  • 4 2
 I had a set of crank brothers peddals once... Meh
  • 3 2
 I had a set of candies once, were a bit meh for about 2 months and then developed play and then fell apart a week later. If i had to put my experiences in one word it would be: meh.
  • 2 1
 Meh..looks like we found a synonymous for junk
  • 23 2
 When asked about this issue, Jason Schiers, Crankbrothers' head of research and development, said nothing of worth.
  • 5 3
 That coincides with all of their products and their quality - "Nothing of worth".
  • 12 0
 crankbrothers, im looking to get clips after a few years of flats riding. the extra float of the mallets and pins on the flat platform is pushing me that way. I am curious as to what the 5 year warranty covers because for it to take only 5 months for the above problems to happen, id want to know you guys will stand behind your product.
  • 9 1
 Buy the ones Gwin rides hes faster then the guys that ride mallets, so you will be too
  • 4 2
 Most of their pedals have a rebuild kit that you can buy to replace the bearings seals, etc to get them running like new again for a really good price (I forget how much exactly). I ran their acid pedals for so long that when I decided to buy the rebuild kit, the kit was discontinued. So they gave me brand new pedals of my choice (I got Mallet 2, very similar to these pedals) for around $40. These pedals(and the acid pedals) interface really well with 5-10 skate type shoes and not so well with the cross country mtb nerd type shoes I had before. The skate type shoes work so well with these type of platform spd hybrids that I see no reason to use the pins and I took all of mine out. They seem to me like they would make it harder to clip in and maybe even harder to get out in a pinch. They work half decent when you're unclipped for a dab or a sketchy section and then they are super easy to clip back in when it's time. I have tried both and I prefer crank brothers over shimano and shimano clones.

PS. You can adjust them to release even sooner if you want by mounting the cleats on an angle in the shoe. I felt like I had to swing my heels a bit too wide to release but after adjusting the way I mounted the cleats it feels much more natural now.
  • 13 2
 Why should you have to buy a bearing kit when competitors pedals don't need them?

Our product blows so we discontinued it, so out of the goodness of our hearts we'll give you whatever pedals you want...but in case that one sucks you can buy a rebuild kit.
  • 6 0
 Bearings are wearing parts,eventually all bearings will start to show signs of wear no matter how well sealed they are. Having a rebuild kit is a smart move for when the pedals internals have reached their end and instead of having to buy new pedals you can just replace the guts. Thats why Iove my raceface atlas pedals, can run them for a couple years and when they start feeling rough ill rebuild them to feel brand new for a fraction of what new pedals would cost. Of course if the pedals have to be rebuilt every 5 months thats a bit much.
  • 1 1
 Just buy the shimano m530 trail spds. They are tension adjustable and I have pondered the float question for years and decided that if I was on flat, I dont want my feet moving (think 5.10s and grippy pedals). In spuds, I am happy to get that slight degree of movement but I like positive disengagement. Therefore wishy washy feet are not for me.
M520s are legend. M530s are even better and I have absolutly zero desire to upgrade to XTs. On top of which they are currently £17 and £20 respectivly at Chain Reaction!
My dad still runs my original 520s on his road bike.
  • 3 0
 My mate is still using DX636 pedals which he must have bought in about 1995. No red paint left but they still work.
  • 1 0
 I tried CB pedals from flats and extra float makes it harder to clip out of. I'm back on flats.
  • 2 1
 They do a complete rebuild after warranty for like 35 bucks. They often offer upgrades too if your pedals are too thrashed they sell you a new pair at dealer cost. I sent in a 5 year old set of candy ti (in pieces) that I bought at discount, had rebuilt twice. They sold me a pair of candy 11's for like $165.00 or so.
All pedals fail. At lease CB supports them. Shimano your shit out of luck.
  • 3 2
 But they don't fail!
  • 3 0
 @ibishreddin we stand behind our products. Our warranty covers crankbrothers pedals to be free of material and or workmanship defects for the period specified (5 years for the Mallet E). This covers product failure due to faulty factory assembly, construction and/or production of crankbrothers products. This does not include wear and tear parts like bushings, bearings, seals or o-rings; we have Refresh Kits available for those parts. Specifically related to the (unusual) issue of corrosion on the spindle noted in the review, this would be covered by factory warranty as we believe this was a production anomaly. As noted in the review, the pedals were still spinning smoothly, and we'd expect them to continue to do so for the life of the pedal as the new self lubricating igus ll-glide bearing is designed to polish that surface and perform flawlessly regardless of the environmental conditions.
  • 2 0
 Thanks dude. Mallet dh are in my future Smile
  • 10 0
 Good looking pedals! Crankbro's know how to make a good clipless system. Got two sets of the Mallet DH and they've been amazing. Won't be jumping on the enduro bandwagon here tho just because these are the E rated and lighter!
  • 2 5
 Hey look - a unicorn!
  • 13 1
 Wait. "Crankbrothers" and "work flawlessly" don't go in the same sentence. Could this be a step in the right direction?
  • 2 1
 Well, my mallets are about 4 years old and now on third bike going strong. I've used one rebuild kit thus far. I'm based out of orange co so it's mainly coastal desert riding.
  • 9 1
 Time Z - it's impossible to kill those pedals. My are few years old and still spin very smooth after just one service and greasing threw all these years of riding.
  • 4 1
 Time platform pedals have a very similar feel are more durable bordering on indestructible. The MX (4,6,Cool series weigh the same or less and can be purchased for generally less too. I have ridden assorted Time pedals since '96 and the first set of ATAC's I bought still work...with ZERO maintenance. I would love for Time to add pins along the same lines as the Mallet E, but otherwise they are about perfect.
  • 3 1
 got my first set of Time pedals a few months ago (Mavic re-brands) and cant be happier with no knee pain and zero concerns of reliability.
  • 2 0
 +1 for the Time pedals,Shimano durability with loads of float like the Mallets.
  • 5 0
 I have tried this new Mallet E pedals but i still prefer the wider 57mm Q-factor axle on the Mallet DH which provide better stability for my riding style. You can actually buy the 57mm axle individually and also the Rebuild Kit for Mallet DH. I am wondering when Crank Brothers will sell the Rebuid Kit for this new Mallet E Pedals.
  • 2 0
 There was a story around saying they were going to move to 57mm like the DH Malletts...........I've been waiting for them....are they not coming @mikekazimer ?
  • 1 0
 I have used a couple of pedal washers to push it out a little further although the wider axle would be a better option.
  • 1 0
 But washers could be a good idea if you want something in the middle... On a review I once read, they thought 57mm was too wide. Good for DH but maybe not for my trail riding style? What do you think? Any inconvenience of a wider axle?


I would need the smaller platform size and weight of the E but maybe with the 57mm axle if washers not too good. But $$$
  • 7 1
 Hey guys, the Long Spindle Kit will be available this Spring, and the new Refresh Kit works on every model of Eggbeater, Candy, Mallet, and 5050 produced since ~2010 and includes the 2016 Igus bearing, Enduro cartridge bearing, and double seal system.
  • 1 0
 Good stuff! Cool to have a fit for the larger and smaller riders!
  • 1 1
 The plastic end cap cover for the Mallet DH is so fragile, I broke it while trying to remove it for servicing and could not unscrew it out. Crank Brothers should never use such a cheap material for a product that cost more than $100.
  • 1 1
 The plastic end cap cover for the Mallet DH is so fragile, I broke it while trying to remove it for servicing and could not unscrew it out. Crank Brothers should never use such a cheap material for a product that cost more than $100.
  • 1 0
 @jeremyboon all 2016 Mallet pedals are now outfitted with a hex alloy endcap. The Refresh Kit include the hex alloy endcap along with the new premium internal components; enduro cartridge bearing, igus ll-glide bearing, and double seal system. Refresh Kits are compatible with all crankbrothers pedals from 2010 to present.
  • 6 0
 Tbh I thought the cut edge was actually just ground down from a fall on concrete... Especially like mine that are missing a corner.
  • 12 4
 No thanks. Bushings are dumb. I'll stick with bearings.
  • 4 0
 I have these coming off the Mallet DH. I definitely notice the narrow spindle...but you can get wider spindles. Luckily, I live close to CB HQ and got to test ride them with Curtis Keene. He runs the wider spindles...which I did not realize was a factor until I heard the narrowness as a "feature". CB offered to swap spindles for free. They also offered to upgrade the bearings on my DH pedals for free, too. That said, my DH pedals did seize at one point. First time in 5 years, but super easy to fix (10 minutes). Finally, I live in drought country so my pedals see very little water when in action.
  • 5 2
 Brought to you by the company that has been thinking about getting the bearings in their pedals to work since 2001 and is not quite there yet 15 years later. Designed by the same award-winning team that gave us the Kronolog dropper post.

Contrary to a lot of other people, I do like the brass cleats. Beats having to dry-lube Shimano cleats/pedals to keep them quiet, even if the brass ones do wear out faster.
  • 2 0
 Love the look of these but after trying I didn't like the short spindles (why should I spend another 20 on longer ones, they should come free as extras at this price) and after many years on shimano I also didn't get on with the amount of twist needed for release.
  • 6 1
 enough with the "save 50 grams" stuff. bulk them up so they dont fail in 5 months.
  • 7 2
 Have a pair of 50/50s that blew apart after like 5 rides. Since switched to straightlines. No more problems.
  • 5 1
 My mallet 2s are tight as f*ck 3 years running strong great support work best with 5-10s or similar flat style shoes (hence the pins)
  • 3 1
 Hah! Talking reliability and durability my Shimano 636's from the late 90's are still going strong, like brand new in fact, with only a periodic greasing of the tension springs. I dare anyone to find a more durable and reliable clipless pedal (or a heavier one for that matter... lol ).
  • 2 0
 Haven't seen a set of these in person but my only concern is are they one piece or two parts bolted together. Which seems a mental design flaw on something that's meant to be solid. My old mallet ones still work fine and are made from one piece of metal . I do prefer the cb cleat system over shimano though as do my knees
  • 1 0
 They certainly appear to be a single piece body. They're not like the awful 50/50.
  • 2 0
 My only qualm with Crank Bros pedals is that if you happen to hit the underside of the mechanism on a rock, root, etc... they will open up, causing your foot to disengage. It's happens pretty rarely, as I'm pretty mindful of my crank position, but when it does, it's usually a "compounding problem" situation, I've just used my pedal as a faux kick stand and now I'm unclipped to boot!
  • 2 0
 My Mallet 3s took a beating the past two years, zero maintenance and are still alive and kicking. Pins need to be replaced and I need new cleats but so far, so good. I love the platform and float. I tried the shimano trail pedals and the support isn't anywhere near as good... in fact it's likely your shoe isn't even contacting the platform at all! I've heard the horror stories, seen the posts... it's unfortunate and no doubt a turn off for many. I rolled the dice and won.. so much so that I'm getting a pair of Enduros so I don't have to keep swapping pedals between my trail bike and fatty. Super lazy, sure, but hey... I got the cabbage. Plus they are just soooooo ENDURO.
  • 1 0
 Im definitely an outlier, I've snapped the axle in a set of xtr race pedals but never snapped a CB axle, although I bent a lot of them in the years when they had axles made of butter. The biggest issue for me was the un-intended clipping out, initially the cleats were a little tight when fresh, after a month or so they wore a little to be just right, after 5 months I was randomly unclipping. Not cool
  • 3 1
 My only complaint is the narrow q-factor. Puts my shoes real close to the pedal even with the cleat maxed out inboard. Added a pedal washer and that helped just enough. Other than that these pedals are amazing.
  • 6 0
 Buy the Mallet Dh then. Problem sorted.
  • 2 0
 I love em.....and they work well as long as you maintain them which, I admit, is a bit of a pain compared to Shimano. But, the float and feel is awesome. Pedals are a real personal preference......bit like tyres
  • 2 1
 This is a road based story, but hear me out... A friend of mine did the 1 day Etape in france a few years ago & mid way through the alps the pedal body on his Crank Brothers road pedals came away from the axle & wasnt repairable. Any sane person would have calls it quits, but Brian had a motive. Determined to continue he bodge-attached his carbon road shoe to the bare axle & continued over the alpine mountain passes to the finish line, where he proposed to his, now wife, Orta.

3 years ago did a trip to Les Arcs. 1 of the tour guides used to work for the crank brothers distributor in the UK, so he could get their pedals exceptionally cheap. he was riding shimano 636 pedals.
  • 1 0
 I have the mallet DH and ran them for a full season, toward the end of which I started becoming unclipped way too easily. I don't know if it is that the cleats are worn or if the spring tension in the pedals is worn. anyone else have this issue?
  • 1 0
 To those tho have ridden the Mallet DH and Mallet E (long spindle) - Is the smaller size and different shape of the Mallet E an issue? Is it worth the weight savings and potentially fewer pedal strikes to have less shoe on the pedal??

Thanks!!
  • 6 2
 not to mention they look badass!
  • 5 2
 If the whole bike industry put out stuff as unreliable as most Crank Bros stuff, our sport would have died long ago...
  • 4 2
 Let's see. M530 Shimanos at $31.00, CB at $165.00. Hmmm 31 divided into 165 says I can buy 5.322 Shimanos. At 4 years per set of pedals, I'm good till 2036. hmmm
  • 1 1
 hahahahaha so true .. Smile
  • 4 0
 Enduro bearings?
Of course they're Enduro bearings...
  • 2 4
 It's an old company that makes bearings. Been around a while.
  • 1 1
 They are good pedals but there's just as good options out there. It seems you can take a normal priced pedal add enduro to the name and charge much more.... I found the DH versions a pig to clip into the XTs and Time are mint
  • 3 0
 The only things on my bike that haven't broken yet are my bars, stem, cranks, and mallet DH pedals.
  • 2 1
 Dig my DX pedals. Bomb proof and so easy to service. Must be a reason why so many WC DH riders use Mallets though (other than the obvious)?
  • 3 0
 $$$. Did you see the influx of Instagram posts of pro's promoting the new Stamp pedals? Classless. That being said, these pedals look great. I'm half tempted to try a set.
  • 1 4
 sponsorship is the only reason cb is in the wc circuit ... certainmy not fot their """quality"""
  • 2 1
 Every time I see someone on the trail with a broken pedal its all ways a crank bros. So Iv never tried them. I bought a pair for my son. They broke in the second month.
  • 1 0
 Hey @mikekazimer .... How big is the platform (dim in mm)? how does that compare to the Mallet 3? (and/or DH?)

That would be helpful info.
  • 1 0
 In regards to the differences in pedal corrosion maybe the tester puts down alot more english on the driveside pedal?
  • 3 1
 Just getting in first with the "flat pedals 4life bro"
  • 2 1
 Bit slow - needed to be the first comment. Then again SPDs are quicker :-)
  • 1 0
 While they may be quicker I don't think my knees could take the twist that ensues after a crash and still being attached to the bike.flat vs clips is age old boring argument.Stick with what works for you.
  • 3 2
 I cant believe no one is suggesting Time pedals.. Same amount of float, better design which is actually reliable
  • 2 2
 Look above. I've ridden them for 20 years and see no reason to ride anything else.
  • 1 2
 Will not, Shouldnot ride a crankbros pedal!!

The ring of rust/corrosion usually ends up with a axel break. not worth the crash. Shimano Xt trail Or XTR trail forever!!!
  • 4 6
 Step 1 - don't buy Mallets. Those goddamn spindles seize right off the bat, caused me one of my severe "intimate with the ground" moments

Step 2 - buy Shimano PD-M647s. Live happily ever after.
  • 3 2
 Let the puns commence, I'm a bit 50/50 on these Smile
  • 4 2
 Is it still a pun if you have to introduce it?
  • 1 0
 Mallet DH is cheaper. So, no point buying this one!
  • 1 0
 Mmmm they're exactly the same price around here....
  • 1 0
 Mallet DH 99$, Mallet E 134$ at jenson usa. Maybe it is just there. I used it as a reference.
  • 3 1
 Love these pedals!
  • 2 1
 no thanks ill stick with mu trusty " XT Shimano "
  • 1 2
 shimano's so good
  • 2 2
 I thought that flat pedals are for DH. Isn't it so?
  • 1 1
 crankbrothers,.......meh!
  • 1 1
 HT x1's are my go too. Pretty decent pedal
  • 1 2
 ... Time ATAC ... 10 years, 8 bikes, and over 30,0000 km, still spinning strong
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