My new pedals for mountain biking have great grip: Magped Enduro 2
21.5.2024
Translation: Elicia Payne
Clipless or flat pedals? There are passionate fans in both camps. I now rely on a third alternative for mountain biking: the Enduro 2 magnetic pedals from Magped. Why? Find out here.
Designed to offer the best of both worlds, the magnetic mountain bike pedals connect your foot to the bike through attractive forces. They promise good support and a quick transition for your feet from the pedal to the ground.
I’m tempted! I’ve never really warmed to clipless pedals. And on flat pedals I never had the best grip. Yes, I know that with enough practice and good technique, both pedal types can be great. But I think it’s brilliant that there’s now a third alternative. So I couldn’t wait to get the magnets under my feet.
My set-up: tailored to weight and strength
The Enduro 2 pedals from Magped are available in two versions:
- with 200 newtons (equivalent to around 20 kilogrammes of traction) for bikers weighing more than 80 kilogrammes
- with 150 newtons (equivalent to around 15 kilogrammes of traction) for bikers with lower weight
As with conventional flat pedals, you can fix pins to the pedals so they catch the rubber sole of your shoes. And here comes the Austrian company’s first innovation: the so-called switch pins. Depending on how you mount them, they’re either nine or eleven millimetres long. This offers a high degree of flexibility, as you can use the steel pins to choose the exact set-up that suits your riding style.
Source: Siri Schubert
You need shoes with the Shimano Pedaling Dynamics System (SPD) to mount the metal plate. I have the Suplest Offroad Trail Performance. The first step is to install the spacer and the metal plate in the sole recess of the SPD system. This is quite easy compared to inserting the cleats of clipless pedals, which have to be aligned very precisely. If you want even stronger support than the standard plates offer, you can order the Strong Shoe Plate Set.
Source: Siri Schubert
The pedals: well made and solid
The pedals are milled from aluminium and give the impression they’re solid and high-quality. At 477 grammes per pair, they’re around 20 per cent lighter than the previous model. The magnets are attached on both sides. You have to adjust the height of the magnets so that the shoes can’t swivel on them and the pins can grip. At the same time, the magnets shouldn’t sit too deep, otherwise there’ll be a gap between them and the metal plate which would reduce the magnetic force.
The adjustment is actually quite simple. By using a 2.5 millimetre Allen wrench the elastomer washer under the magnet can be compressed more or less strongly until the magnet is at the right height.
Source: Siri Schubert
There’s just one thing you need to pay attention to when mounting the pedals. The R pedal goes on the right-hand side in the direction of travel and the L pedal, which has a left-hand thread, on the left-hand side. Right-left pedals are designed to prevent you from loosening them up while riding. In fact, they tend to tighten even further during use.
Source: Siri Schubert
Many pedals are attached with a 15-millimetre pedal wrench. These pedals are different: they have an 8-millimetre hexagon socket (also known as an Allen) on the inside of the axle. A longer Allen key for pedals is useful for attaching them, but above all if you want to change them. This is because they have a strong enough leverage effect so you can loosen the pedals again. Mounting and unscrewing is a little easier if you use assembly grease.
The practical test: good fit and secure feeling on the second try
On my first ride with the new pedals, I was out with the Saturday Bike Fever group from my neighbourhood. At the first stop, I briefly forgot I had new pedals under my feet. The magnet had an effect and held my foot in place while I slowly tilted to the side. At the last moment I was able to free my foot with a strong upward jerk. And decided to take the magnets out for the rest of the tour. The pedals can also be ridden wonderfully without an adhesion booster.
My second attempt was much more successful. As the magnets are located on both sides of the pedal, I was able to simply «click in» without thinking, as a clicking sound confirms that the connection is in place. I already noticed a clear difference in the power transmission when riding uphill. I had better grip and was able to support the pedalling motion by pulling slightly. Overall, riding felt more controlled thanks to the better connection with the bike.
Source: Siri Schubert
I no longer had any fear of being stuck on the pedals. After all, I can release my foot very easily by lifting it slightly to the side. After practicing this a few times on a straight stretch, the movement was practically automatic when I put my foot down.
Source: Siri Schubert
I’ve covered a few kilometres with the Magped pedals now and no longer want to go without them. They give me sufficient support and control without clinging. Like in a good relationship, I have the freedom I need and at the same time a connection strong enough to withstand bumps in the road. Especially on rocky, rooty trails, where flat pedals run the risk of slipping, the Enduro 2 show what they’re capable of.
Another bonus is that you can wear normal shoes when using these pedals. For example if you’re going on a relaxed tour in the city or on country lanes and want to go to a café or restaurant. This is otherwise not possible with clipless pedals.
In a nutshell
Much more than just a compromise
The Magped Enduro 2 fulfill my need for a good grip on the pedals without clinging too tightly. I feel safer because I’m able to release my foot from the pedal at any time with a small lateral movement or – in stressful situations – with a strong upward jerk.
When riding, they guarantee a good connection to the pedals. This makes the ride more enjoyable, more efficient and give you more options on the trail. If you ride competently and safely with clipless or flat pedals, you probably don’t need magnetic pedals. But if, like me, you’re not really happy with either alternative, the magnetic pedals are certainly a worthwhile option.
Pro
- can also be used with shoes without a metal plate
- easy to click in and out
- good grip uphill and downhill
- innovative switch pins
- high-quality manufacturing
Header image: Siri Schubert
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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