Austrian pedal innovator Magped has released an alternative to two- and three-bolt clipless pedal systems – its Gravel and Road2 pedals.
Traditional clipless pedals use a mechanical binding mechanism common to road, gravel and mountain bike pedals. Magped employs high-power magnets made from neodymium, the world’s strongest permanent magnet, and metal plates instead of cleats to create a solid connection between your shoe and pedal.
Although it sounds like a simple system, Magped has cleverly built in both adjustment and tension to its designs. The magnet can be adjusted vertically and inserts into the pedal body to adjust the movement allowed.
The round magnets sit within a carbon-composite pedal body on both the Gravel and Road2 designs. The magnet itself can be adjusted up and down using two 2mm hex keys, and the magnet provides a maximum 18kg of pulling force.
Lots of free movement
That’s enough for a solid connection between shoe and pedal, yet because the magnet and plate are both circular, the Magped offers lots of rotational free movement. That should be useful if you suffer from knee pain or ankle issues.
Release involves moving your foot sideways, or in an emergency, pulling up sharply. Magped says its system is not a replacement for traditional clipless designs. Nor is it aimed at pro-level riders.
Magped says it is offering a safer, simpler system, which you can release from in any direction and you won’t run the risk of being stuck in the pedals in the event of a crash.
This is while offering much better efficiency and more grip than a standard flat pedal.
Easy to walk and hard-wearing
The simple plate and composite cover, instead of a cleat, make them easier to walk in and less prone to wear or accidental damage.
They are also a lightweight system, with the Magped Gravel weighing 108.7g each for the pedals and 38.9g per cleat (including two bolts). The larger-platformed Magped Road2 weighs in lighter at 107.7g each, with the cleats 41.1g each.
The pedals are constructed with carbon-composite bodies, titanium axles and a design with three inboard bearings to keep them spinning smoothly.
Magped offers a host of spares, from bearings to axles, and three choices of neodymium magnet: 100Nm, 150Nm and 200Nm. The 100Nm magnet is for riders weighing up to 65kg, 150Nm is for between 65kg and 90kg, and the 200Nm for 75kg riders and enduro mountain biking.
