Pedal, Pedals, Spank, Spike - August 21, 2013

Review: Spank Spike Flat Pedals

Update: August 20.

We’ve been using the the Spank Spike pedals for almost a year now and figured it’s a good time for a long-term update.

The pedals are as good now as the day we installed them. In fact, they’re working a little better now since they spin more freely as the bearings and bushings have broken in. They’re not the most free-spinning flats out there but they are well suited for trail and all-mountain riding.

The pedals have taken several hits but they still look good, as rock blows are deflected off by the beveled edges. Also, there’s not much paint on the exposed areas so there’s not much to scratch off. The pins are still straight and not deformed as with other pedals.

Also, spinning pedals, it still spins dead-on true exhibiting with no bend in the axle at all. It is surprising to see our other brand flat pedals have a slight bend in them right near the crank.

And finally, this pedal just looks good and works well on a variety of bikes. It works well on our dirt jumper and the variety of trail and all-mountain bikes in the stable.

Have you tried them? How’s it working out and how does it compare to other flat pedals you’ve tried?

The Spank Spike pedal is part of a new generation of flat pedals we’ve been seeing lately. The new trend is growing towards flatter, wider, prettier pedals that are ready to meet the increasing demands of riders.

Riders want pedals that are low-profile and thin to aid in handling for low CG. Also, they are less likely to get in the way and hit rocks if they are lower profile. Spank accomplishes this with a 12mm pedal height not including the pins. At the same time, strength can not be compromised as this kind of pedal will be subject to a severe beating throughout its lifespan. The body itself is cold-forged for strength. Cold forging has proven itself over the years as the best way to mold metal into a shape that flexes the least and exhibits the most durability.

The pedal body is beveled and polished toward the edges to give a nice look and to provide a finish that will survive the countless rock hits that it will encounter. Most pedals with an anodized finish look like a war zone of color and bare metal after just one season of riding. The outer edge of the pedal is chamfered as well so there is no 90 degree outer corner that will hit a rock obstacle head on. The angle of the outside edge helps deflect the blow away from the bike. Now it still is a big pedal at 90 sqcm of surface area. This will help the rider avoid shoe hotspots and the dreaded ‘pedal flip’ when the foot is not in the ideal position upon landing or impact.

There’s an inboard sealed bearing and a larger standard bearing as the 12mm body flares out to the axle. The body encases the axle all the way to the crank arm and we found this a bit bothersome as it always required a washer and sometimes two washers on each side to avoid locking up against the crank arm. But further use of the pedals showed us there is almost no thin axle exposed between the pedal and the crank. This is usually a weak spot and susceptible to bending for heavier or more active riders.

There are 20 pins per pedal to hold the shoe in place. These pins seem to be made of high quality material and they are shaped on the ends to give the best grip possible without being overly sharp.

Q-Factor on these pedals is low as it allows the rider to position his/her shoes close to the cranks comfortable. This improves pedaling efficiency as the legs are not bowed out.

At the end of the day, we have to give these pedals our highest recommendation. They are light, low profile, durable and efficient pedalers. Plus they offer good value at $125.

Overall Rating:
5 Flamin’ Chili Peppers