Straitline Pedals
In the Field:
So how well do these pedals really work? I’ve been riding the Straitline pedals for over a year and the first version I received had some teething issues that were handled quickly and effectively. The only issue I had with the first version dealt with the now removed inner rubber o-ring and previous axle. Since replacing that first version, it has been all trouble free for an entire year. The axles were beefed up, and the innards improved.
original pair on the ‘07 Banshee Chaparral (click to enlarge)
The pedals spin smoothly and have held up to an immense amount of beating for the entire year. Never before have I had a set of pedals that have lasted this long or performed so well with zero maintenance done to them. These pedals have been through just about everything and it’s no surprise pro’s are signing up with Straitline just to ride their pedals. The system runs on bushings and the wide platform is great for those who have larger feet.
(click to enlarge)
The poodle clips have worked flawlessly in retaining the pedals on the body. They’re doubled up for security but I’ve never had any of them come off. They’re also protected by the body of the pedal so banging the end of your pedal isn’t like banging the axle. This helps in not only the durability of the pedal, but makes them even more secure.
poodle clips protected by pedal body (click to enlarge)
The pedal pins offer ample grip and when teamed with a good set of shoes, provide an immense amount of security and traction. The pins are hardened and have been trouble free. The pedals have been through a lot and have held up remarkably well. The body shows some wear and have taken tons of hits. The pedal pins have all held up perfectly well outside of one pin that got tweaked nailing a rock. The pins don’t have allen slots on the bottom of the pins, but honestly I can say they don’t need them after running these pedals for an extended amount of time. The pins stay in place and instead of rocks demolishing your pedals, these pedals demolish the rocks.
these pedals have been tested for over a year, yet still look very good (click to enlarge)
If a pin does become damaged, there is ample area to clamp on a tool to remove it. Unlike pins that are replaced by unthreading them from the underside of the pedal, these pins come out from the top. This makes sure the pedal body is preserved as you’re not threading a bent pin through the pedal’s threads/body. Initially I saw the lack of an allen head on the back side of the pin as a fault, but since using them I now would consider their method an advantage because you’re not going to damage the threads should you have to replace a pin.
pin detail (click to enlarge)
So what is it that sets these pedals apart from the rest? In addition to these pedals lasting the long test of over a year, they’ve provided some of the best traction I’ve ever had on a pair of pedals. The wide platform hugs your feet and there are ample pin placement variations to customize them to your heart’s content. Whether you’re a downhiller, freerider, dirt jumper, slopestyle rider, or just a normal guy, I’d be hard pressed to say these pedals wouldn’t meet or exceed your expectations in a pedal. The pedals spin freely and smoothly and they’ve got a perfectionists’ touch that is always aiming to improve.
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