Race Face has released a newly redesigned version of its popular Chester Pedal. This time around, the new pedal features more grip, more sizes, and now sports a lifetime warranty. Seems like some nice changes to a staple in the Race Face line of components.
The new Chester Pedal is still made with the same tough composite build and still carries a price tag that any rider can get behind. It has fully serviceable internals, comes in eight colors, and carries a lifetime warranty that is inclusive of crashes.
Refreshing an Icon
Race Face’s Chester pedals have been a staple in the Race Face lineup with a leading reputation as the high quality, composite pedal at a reasonable price. After years of being the pedal choice for riders of all levels, Chester was ready for an update.
The feedback from their community of riders told them that they wanted a pedal with a more concave feel and improved grip. The riders also said they wanted the pedal available in multiple sizes… Race Face listened.
They addressed these pain points and made additional improvements by considering the following factors; pedal shape, platform size, pins, and Q-factor. The result? “The best darn composite pedal ever made by Race Face”.
What’s New with Chester?
Pedal Shape:
“Our previous iteration had a bulge in the center of the pedal platform to house the pedal spindle. Many composite pedals need more material in this area to achieve the desired strength (aluminum is stronger and requires less metal to achieve the same strength). The drawback of the bulge is an insecure, convex feel. With the new Chester, we slimmed down the spindle housing without compromising strength, almost eliminating the bulge entirely and resulting in a more concave and secure feel.”
Platform Size:
“We made the new Chester in two sizes, Small (105 x 100mm) and Large (115 x 110mm) to better suit the needs of all riders. Platform size is largely a matter of rider preference, but we found a rough correlation to shoe size.”
Pin Placement, Size and Quantity:
“Chester now has nine metal pins and two molded plastic pins for a total of 11 pins per pedal side (three more than the previous model). The pins were strategically placed for a more consistent grip around the entire pedal circumference and a more concave feel. The metal pins also have smaller, threadless tips, which improve grip and let riders reposition their feet as needed. Threadless pin tips also make pin removal easier for when riders inevitably replace them, as well as making the pins less damaging to the skin in the event of a “shinner.”
Q-Factor:
“We eliminated the wrench flats from the pedal spindle to reduce Q-factor, meaning the rider’s feet will sit closer to the cranks. Riders can now improve ride ergonomics with a simple pedal swap.”
Chester Retails and Features
Retail: $55 (small or large)
- Updated pedal shape for better shoe-pedal contact, and a secure concave feel
- Better pins, 11 pins per side – improved placement, better grip, easy foot adjust, less shin-damage
- Available in Small and Large platform sizes: Small – 105 x 100mm // Large – 115 x 110mm 16mm platform height
- Fully rebuildable and serviceable internals
- Eight color options: Black / Red / Orange / Green / Turquoise / Blue / Purple / Magenta
- Lightweight: Small – 345g // Large – 355g
