The products mentioned in this article are selected or reviewed independently by our journalists. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission, but this never influences our opinion.

Gusset Slim Jim CNC flat pedals review

The redesigned Slim Jim CNC pedals unlock affordable performance

Our rating

4.5

70.00

Ian Linton / Our Media

Published: March 13, 2022 at 8:06 am

Our review
A budget alloy performer with immense traction thanks to pin shape and placement

Pros:

Immensely grippy; concave platform; affordable

Cons:

Platform could be bigger

This is the newest version of the Gusset Slim Jim CNC flat pedal.

It receives performance-enhancing updates over the old model thanks to a new shape and look.

The body is made from machined 6061 aluminium and runs on an LSL bushing and sealed cartridge bearing with a chromoly steel axle.

Gusset Slim Jim CNC details and specifications

The latest Slim Jim CNC pedal has a 101(W)x95mm(L) body at its widest points. Its trailing and leading edges are chamfered, measuring 18mm deep.

At its narrowest, the central axle housing is 14mm thick, but has 16mm bulges on both the inboard and outboard ends. This gives the platform an overall concave shape, even if it’s only slight.

Gusset Slim Jim CNC mountain bike flat pedals
The concave platform offered great grip. - Ian Linton / Our Media

They have 10 replaceable back-loading pins around the pedal’s perimeter, each protruding by 3.5mm.

Eight spare pins are supplied, along with the Allen key to install them. My pair of test pedals weighed 398g.

Gusset Slim Jim CNC performance

Despite the platform not feeling huge underfoot, it wasn’t so cramped that I ended up pushing my feet hard against the cranks or overlapping the pedal’s edges.

This meant my feet were stable and supported with clawing limited, helping improve control and reduce fatigue.

Gusset Slim Jim CNC mountain bike flat pedals
Sharp pins and chamfered edges are great touches to increase performance. - Ian Linton / Our Media

Despite the inboard and outboard bearing bulges sitting just 2mm lower than the front and rear edges, I couldn’t feel them through my feet.

Instead, my foot’s pressure was driven firmly into the sharp, well-positioned pins.

The pins penetrated my shoes, providing immense grip and stopping all foot twist, even on rough terrain.

How we tested

We've tested 13 flat pedals for mountain bikes in some of the harshest conditions on a host of terrain types – from bumpy on-the-gas sections through to flat-out rough and worn downhill tracks – to see how much grip they offer and help you find the perfect companion.

You can also find our top-rated reviews in BikeRadar's guide to the best mountain bike pedals.

Also on test:

Gusset Slim Jim CNC bottom line

The Slim Jim CNC was a bit of a surprise performer, given its compact size and marginally concave shape.

Pin location and size, combined with the platform’s profile, gave impressive performance.

Furthermore, the modest asking price is tricky to ignore, putting it closer to composite pedals than alloy ones.

To improve performance further, I’d love to see the same design with a larger platform at a similar price, but this version is definitely worth your cash.

Product

Brandgusset
Price70.00 GBP
Weight398.0000, GRAM (101(W)x95(L)x18(D)mm) - as tested

Features

FeaturesBody material: 6061 Aluminium CNC Machined
Axle material: CNC machined Cro-mo
Pins: 20 per pedal (10 per side)