DMR has been the grandaddy when it comes to the best MTB flat pedals for decades now, and the V11 translates its classic Vault design into a nylon composite body for a slightly softer ride and less obvious scratch damage. It’s still seriously grippy when things get rowdy but not quite as planted as others in the wet. How do they stack up against the best mountain bike pedals? We've been testing these for the past several months and this is our definitive verdict.
Build quality
The V11 uses the same big 105 x 105mm platform as the alloy Vault, and it gets DMR’s signature slightly concave profile complete with molded logos on the center bar. The nylon construction means it needs to be 3mm thicker and around 10g heavier per pedal than the alloy Vault for comparable strength but it’s still relatively light and low in profile. The foot-centering shape is adorned with 11 replaceable/adjustable steel pins on each side, with a collection of longer ‘Moto’ pins front and rear for maximum grip.
The 4140 steel axle is the same as the Vault, as is the combination of the mini cartridge bearing on the outboard end and Delrin bushing at the fat end by the crank. They’ve spun fine throughout testing without developing any looseness, but if they do develop any play you can get a bearing rebuild kit for $21.95 (£20) - a spare set of pins is $21.59 (£15). In terms of fitment, there are no axle flats so the pedals require a long 6mm hex key. Make sure you grease the axles for easy removal.
Pedal performance
The best thing we can say about the V11s is that most riders will be hard-pressed to tell they’re on a plastic, rather than metal, footbed. Switching back-to-back on the same terrain there’s slightly less grip in the wet, but the more flexible construction can improve connection and reduce foot tiredness on relentlessly battering runs. They’re more controlled in terms of ricochet if you ground them when pedaling. The fact the plastic is the same color right through means they’re less cosmetically vulnerable if you clobber them on rocks and curbs, which makes them popular with street/trials riders or anyone who’s not kind on their pedals.
They aren’t quite as hunkered down and direct in feedback if you like to feel like you’re seamlessly at one with your bike. There’s more slither across the body than alloy pedals in wet or muddy conditions but they're impressive on the whole considering the plastic material used in the construction.
Verdict
The V11 gets impressively close to the benchmark performance of its alloy Vault ancestor for less than half the price and actually behaves better in some relentlessly rough situations. Serviceability and switchable pins add mechanical durability to the tough scar-shrugging composite body. There are cheaper and grippier composite sets available though.
Tech Specs: DMR V11 flat pedal
- Price: $64.95 / £55
- Weight: 442g
- Colors: Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Purple, Red, Turquoise, Yellow
- Size 105 x 105mm platform.
