The Lab: Crankbrothers Mallet E LS Pedals Review
For many years Q-factor, the width between the pedals, was an important factor of bike fitting. Learning from the lycra clad world of road, we all tried to shrink the Q-factor as low as possible, rubbing all the paint from our chainstays and crank arms. However, for aggressive riding, a wider stance can be beneficial for hard cornering. Crankbrothers listened to feedback from the gravity crowd, and the Mallet E is now available in a wider 57 mm spindle LS version –- up from 52 mm. The extra 5 mm a side does not sound like much, but provides more shoe clearance and a wider stance that’s perfect for aggressive riding.
Our UK Editor Trev has fallen in love with the easy entry and distinctive comfortable float of the Mallet E LS pedals –- now his go-to pedal for aggressive riding. They’re not perfect, the cleats wear faster than we had hoped, and they unclip if you hit them hard from underneath, but that’s a pretty rare occurrence unless you ride somewhere super rocky. But, even after a winter of abuse, the all-important bearings are still super smooth with no play at all, it looks like Crankbrothers have finally laid that demon to rest. After extensive back to back testing, Trev prefers the lighter Mallet E LS to the Mallet DH as he finds the 2 rear pins of the Mallet E are compatible with more trail shoes than the super aggressive 4 pins of the Mallet DH. Be warned though, on long XC rides some of our testers have experienced knee pain on the wider spindles so may not be for everyone.
Strengths
- Great performance
- Wider stance for more heel clearance
Weaknesses
- Unclip if hit underneath
- Fast cleat wear
Tester: Trev
Length of testing: Five months
More info: crankbrothers.com
Price: € 165
Weight: Approx 396 g
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