NEW Crankbrothers Mallet Trail Pedal Review | Can It Rival The Bombproof Shimano SPD?

Henry reviews Crankbrother's Mallet Trail pedal. How does it stack up against the bombproof Shimano SPD series and the other options in the Mallet pedal line.

Get unlimited access to all the best mountain biking trails by clicking the link above.

More Pinkbike videos:

We Made Our Bike From the Future Less Terrible | The Grim Donut Part 3

How To Make The Most Of Your Mexican MTB Adventure

4 At Home Winter Workout Routines From MTB Pros

Subscribe for more content from the pulse of mountain biking.

[CantTalkImRiding]

Henry, please dive into more products like this. This pedal review is super helpful with all the details and explanations.

[nv]

I’m running the mallet DH on my enduro and DH bike. Absolutely love them.

[ferencvarju]

Nice to see this type of review on Pinkbike!
And I like how long and thorough it is, good job :) I also like that it contains Henry’s personal preferences, even though they are not the same as mine - It’s just something we can calibrate to as we watch the video and form our own opinions.
For me it’s Shimano XT - trail on my Trail bike, XC on my XC bike. Not because there are no better options, just because SPD was the first system I learned to use, and I see no reason to change as I’m pretty much fully statisfied with the feel and durability.
Keep these videos coming pls :)

[Andy-copn]

The Shimano Pd-m520 is one of the greatest mtb products of all time. Super cheap, mega reliable and absolutely bombproof !

[JoshuaMarcAragon]

I haven't used Crank Brothers in years. I gave up on them around 2008 because they release on rock strikes, snapped the egg beater mechanism on a set of candies, and snapped the axle on a set of mallets. Meanwhile, I have had the same pair of Shimano XT pedals on one bike for 15 years and another set of XT pedals with a larger platform on my my enduro bike that is about 5 years old. Shimano are cheaper and better.

[johnm]

I agree with most of this and love the mallets for enduro. I use the candys for trail and get on fine with them. My biggest gripe is how soft the metal of the cleat is - if you do any track walking where there are rocks they wear away very fast. Please someone bring out some steel aftermarket ones!

[jackso]

Something to consider with crank bros. The way the spring is designed, you can get unclipped from a super light pedal strike, where as shimano has separate mechanisms for each side, so that doesn't happen. Just my experience living in New England, where pedal strikes are really common.

[Likelybiking]

Super glad to see you on the screen again! You were definitely my fav presenter on GMBN!

[weathdone]

Thanx again for another amazingly informative and straight forward info and opinion... your the man.. keep up the great content as always... Cheers/Kudos

[JamesRoth]

My problem with Crankbrothers is the variability in force required to unclip. Sometimes it's easy and other times it doesn't want to let go. Not something I've seen with Shimano.

[SteveKimbo]

So at the risk of starting something, every single Crank Bros pedal I've ever used has ended up with a bent axle. Stopped using them years ago. Not had any bent axles with Shimano, Burgtec or Hope pedals.

[simonpage]

Excellent video Henry!! I've never really considered clipless on either my EMTB or Gravel After watching this I am Thanks for the dilemma 😂😂👊

[techdeezout]

I got a set of mallet trails and I love them. I did a review on them a while back when they first came out. I used to use the crank brothers candy pedals on my mountain bike as my main pedals and still have them as a back up. I never had to replace my mallet trails, just my cleats as they wear down.

[ribbitrocks]

one of the best videos ever / so informative and well said. thank you !!!

[alhypo]

I too was once SPD positive. But I got over it with a dose of One-Up flats.

There are times I miss being clipped in such as bombing through a really chattery rock garden. But I actually think I get a net benefit from flats. The thing is, if you bomb through a rock garden with clips, you aren't expecting your feet to lose the pedals. So when it does happen, it's pretty catastrophic. Whereas on flats, I'm fully aware that my feet can come off so I'm ready for it. And my feet don't come off anyway because I focus on keeping them on.

Even so, your description of the Mallet characteristics does intrigue me. I had the SPD downhill pedals because I wanted more support but I don't think they provided any while clipped in. Which is probably why I went to flats and haven't thought about going back. There is just such a large barrier to entry to test out any clipless pedal system. So even though I'm interested, it's probably not going to happen.

[burbageadmtb]

I’m using the new Hope Union Gravity pedals and really like them. Great platform for support, loads of pin options and definitive engagement/release. Worth a look if you’re in the market for new clipless pedals

[andyamos]

I got a pair of Candy pedals with a bike purchase in 2009. Still use them and love them. I use regular cheap SPD compatable style shoes with the pedals on all models of bike! Terrific!!

[Leo_Inclan]

I've run Mallet Enduro for a while. Bought a new pair for my trail bike a few days ago. When I saw these had been launched, I had a moment of regret... then I saw them and I thought "woh. they're Candies with 4 pins that don't touch, hard pass lol", which was further reinforced by what was said here.
Good review, thanks!

[slimdog]

Glad to hear your enjoying the best coast.

[ddiddly]

I've used both and went back to Shimano after bending the egg beater mechanism on my Candies with a rock strike, and not really liking the variable release of the Candy 2s that I replaced them with. Went back to XT trail on one bike and the Look X-Track carbon on my other. The Look uses the SPD cleat, so I don't have to change shoes, and I got to say, I think I like the Look better than the Shimanos. Now, if Speedplay would only start making the Frog again...