One of the more interesting developments in pedals from Sea Otter wasn’t a new clipless platform, or flat. Instead, it was a new take on Q-Factor from Xpedo. Called the Thrust Aero, the pedal offers adjustable q-factor which could either be used for fitting or for actual use on the road.
Starting with a narrow base Q-Factor of 53mm, Q-Factor can go as wide as 61mm. Adjustments are made by loosening the center clamp which allows the whole pedal body to float in either direction. This seems like it would be a great tool for fitters to quickly dial in Q-Factor adjustments, though Xpedo says the system is strong enough to ride on a regular basis. Weights are said to be around 180g per pedal with a Ti spindle, or 260-270g for a chromoly spindle with prices set at $239-$289, and they’ll be available later this year. As usual, the pedal is Look Keo compatible though they’ll include their own cleats.
In other Xpedo news, the GFX Neo is a new addition to the line up that drops the price with a polymer cage and the lack of their Latitude spring loaded entry system. The resulting pedal is around 468g, and will sell for $119 a set.
The Ambit is a flip flop pedal with a platform on one side and SPD compatible clip on the other. Using a three bearing system like the GFX, the pedals should come in at 400g per set and will sell for $89 including cleats.
Adding to their list of colorful options, the Spry platform pedal will now be available in Oil Slick for $99.
Over at Look, their pedals line is getting larger – literally. Their new En-Rage and En-Rage Plus bridge the gap from trail to enduro with larger platforms and SPD compatible pedals.
Both pedals feature dual ball bearings at the end of the pedal, a guide bearing near the crank, and dual water resistant seals for durability, but the main difference is the size of the platform. The En-Rage measures in at 63mm wide, while the Plus version is 67mm and it adds two removable traction pins at the front of each pedal. We’ve had some time on the En-Rage Plus and can say that they’re very Shimano like – in a good way. In terms of SPD compatibility they’re the best non-Shimano pedal I’ve used with Shimano cleats and as long as they prove to be durable, they are a very attractive option for Trail/Enduro clipless pedals.
X-Track En-Rage Plus
- Enduro
- Shoe contact area width: 67mm
- 225g per pedal / 495g per pair + cleats
- 664 mm2 shoe contact surface area
- $129.99
X-Track En-Rage
- Trail
- Shoe contact area width: 63mm
- 210g per pedal / 465g per pair + cleats
- 545 mm2 shoe contact surface area
- $74.99
