The new 5050 flat pedal is a completely redesigned version of the original 5050. A bigger platform, thinner profile and better sealing on the bearing system are the big news here.
The 5050 2 spins on a bushing on the inward side of the pedal and a cartridge bearing on the outward side, while the up-specced 5050 3 replaces the bushing for a needle roller bearing.
The sealing improvements are the big deal – the old pedals needed more maintenance time than riding time, but the issues have been well and truly sorted now.
The large, thin platform gives tons of grip once the traction pins have been wound to a sensible height, and there’s a noticeable concave in the platform that helps you keep your feet planted where they should be.
In heavy mud, the ridged polycarbonate inner section of the pedal and the large flat area on the outer metal part of the pedal (which has cutouts for clearing mud on the 5050 3 model) proved pretty attractive to the brown stuff, becoming badly clogged and effecting the amount of grip on offer.
This article was originally published in Mountain Biking UK magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.