Crankbrothers Mallet DH Race Pedal

Product Information

Compared to the standard Mallet and Mallet E, the Mallet DH is bigger and burlier. It uses a huge two-piece alloy platform that measures 91mm long by 78mm wide, and that makes it heavier – 480g was the confirmed weight for our test pair of pedals (without cleats).

Increased float: 6° of side-to-side rotational play. The float of the pedal allows for the rider to shift positions on the bike, while keeping their feet clipped into the pedal. This allows for improved rider control and bike handling The footprint is notably smaller than the Mallet E, with the Mallet Trail measuring 78mm long x 75mm wide. It does feature the same 57mm spindle length however, which is 5mm wider than a Candy or Eggbeater pedal. This will turn off XC and gravel riders who prefer a narrower stance. Like a shrunken-down version of the Mallet E, the Mallet Trail gets a neatly machined 6061-T6 alloy body. Inner bearing: igus LL-glide bearing has been exclusively formulated for crankbrothers. It performs in even the most adverse conditions out on the trails

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When not clipped-in, the internal mechanism stands slightly proud, popping its head out of the platform, which makes it easier to locate when clipping-in. Once found, the cage rotates to lie in the same plane as the mechanism. It’s a great system that we’re surprised more companies don’t use. The Crank Brothers Mallet Trail pedal takes the successful and well-proven recipe of the Mallet E and Mallet DH, and shrinks it down to an impressively svelte pedal that boasts a class-leading weight.

Caged clipless pedals are going through something of a resurgence in both downhill and enduro racing. Top of the heap, over the last few years, has been Crank Brothers’ Mallet DH, used by most of the World Cup field and countless privateer racers. But competition is hotting up, with Shimano developing a third-generation DX model and HT introducing this new X1. The function of the simple Eggbeater mechanism remains the same, with four-sided engagement from the stainless steel wings. The mechanism rotates independently of the platform, which can feel odd at first, but is easy enough to get used to. Combined with the two gaping holes in the pedal body, this rotatable mechanism means the Mallet dumps mud exceptionally well. Inner bearing: igus LL-glide bearinghas been exclusively formulated for crankbrothers. It performs in even the most adverse conditions out on the trails It’s no small challenge for a pedal designer to combine pin-based grip with the free rotation needed for cleats. But the consensus is that Crankbrothers pulls it off well. Traction grooves are machined into the body, and each side gets eight adjustable steel grub pins. The cromoly steel spindle is longer than other Crank Brothers pedals, which gives a wider 57mm Q-factor for a more stable stance on the bike. The increased clearance between bulky shoes and the crank arms also reduces the chance of jamming a foot when trying to unclip. The Mallet’s platform measures 91mm long x 78mm wide.This pedal has long been the daily downhill pedal for a number or our testers. We think it works just as well on an eight inch downhill bike as on a six inch enduro bike. The platform gives the Mallet 3 an advantage for the more gravity-oriented branches of mountain biking, but it isn't overly cumbersome or heavy for grinding uphill. Value They offer the effortless entry and release that Crank Brothers is well known for, and incredible mud-shedding capabilities that few clip-in pedals can match. There’s excellent adjustability for customising their fit, and while outright grip isn’t as good as their bigger siblings, the platform is still usefully broad. Interchangeable traction pad to optimize cleat engagement and improve shoe and pedal body interface