Powerplay X-Play Platform Pedal

Advantages: Grippy, tough, long-lasting, good spares backup
Disadvantages: Poor paint, watch those pins, needs flat soled shoes

...The Company DMR started life in 1995. They focus on the extreme side of mountain biking. More BSX, slalom, 4X, jumping and freestyle than cross country. The company name stands for Design Make Ride, and are British, so you can feel all patriotic when you buy stuff from them. Why go for a Flattie? Flattie or platform pedals were another innovation by Shimano. Their DX pedal came out in the early/mid '90s, and Shimano still manufacture a version of it today. Originally the DX was intended to be used on BMX bikes, but rapidly found their way onto mountain bikes. Compared to standard rat trap or bear cage pedals, flatties provide a wide stable platform for the feet. They allow greater variation in foot position, and are usually better at taking knocks. Multiple pins in the pedal body ensure the pedal grips... Read review

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Advantages: Control, power transfer, efficiency etc
Disadvantages: You might fall off once or twice....

...If you're riding XC there is no other option, you should be riding clipless! Clipless pedals (so called because they do not require a toe clip & strap)improve bike control, power transfer, efficiency of pedal stroke (your foot is closer to center of spindle) & allow those that have trouble lifting the bike at the rear to cheat! Mainly used for XC not trials, downhill or duel, some platform types exist like the shimano m646's that can be good for all disciplines! There are two main players in the mtb emporium; these are Shimano who make the spd (shimano pedal dynamics) & Time who make the Atac. But I've seen loads of other makes I hear you cry - sure the list is endless, VP, Ritchey, Wellgo etc etc but at the end of the day they are all shimano copies & are usually adequate but not as good as the real thing! They are generally... Read review

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Advantages: Excellent reliability, shifting, and ease of setup
Disadvantages: Price, Price and Price

...I've had an X-7 on my hardtail now for 2 years of MTB riding. It was a doddle to fit. Remove old derailleur and chuck in bin, Bolt on shiny new X-7, set high limit screw, attach cable, pull tight with pliers, and do locknut up. Amazingly it changed perfectly without needing any further adjustment. Changing is extremely smooth. Downshifts while pedalling are impressively good. I hardly have to back off at all when changing down. This is a huge bonus on hills. Up shifts are good too, if a little slower than downshifts. Durability and reliabilty are impressive. I have bounced this thing off rocks, covered it in so much mud you couldn't even see it, washed it in rivers, and generally abused it, and still it keeps changing. I have been through 2 sets of jockey wheels, there is now play in the cage arm, and changes are not quite as smooth... Read review

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