The Spank Spike pedal is part of a new generation of flat pedals we’ve been seeing lately. The new trend is growing towards flatter, wider, prettier pedals that are ready to meet the increasing demands of riders.

Riders want pedals that are low-profile and thin to aid in handling for low CG. Also, they are less likely to get in the way and hit rocks if they are lower profile. Spank accomplishes this with a 12mm pedal height not including the pins. At the same time, strength can not be compromised as this kind of pedal will be subject to a severe beating throughout its lifespan. The body itself is cold-forged for strength. Cold forging has proven itself over the years as the best way to mold metal into a shape that flexes the least and exhibits the most durability.

The pedal body is beveled and polished toward the edges to give a nice look and to provide a finish that will survive the countless rock hits that it will encounter. Most pedals with an anodized finish look like a war zone of color and bare metal after just one season of riding. The outer edge of the pedal is chamfered as well so there is no 90 degree outer corner that will hit a rock obstacle head on. The angle of the outside edge helps deflect the blow away from the bike. Now it still is a big pedal at 90 sqcm of surface area. This will help the rider avoid shoe hotspots and the dreaded ‘pedal flip’ when the foot is not in the ideal position upon landing or impact.

There’s an inboard sealed bearing and a larger standard bearing as the 12mm body flares out to the axle. The body encases the axle all the way to the crank arm and we found this a bit bothersome as it always required a washer and sometimes two washers on each side to avoid locking up against the crank arm. But further use of the pedals showed us there is almost no thin axle exposed between the pedal and the crank. This is usually a weak spot and susceptible to bending for heavier or more active riders.

There are 20 pins per pedal to hold the shoe in place. These pins seem to be made of high quality material and they are shaped on the ends to give the best grip possible without being overly sharp.

Q-Factor on these pedals  is low as it allows the rider to position his/her shoes close to the cranks comfortable. This improves pedaling efficiency as the legs are not bowed out.

At the end of the day, we have to give these pedals our highest recommendation. They are light, low profile, durable and efficient pedalers. Plus they offer good value at $125.

Overall Rating:
5 Flamin’ Chili Peppers 

Value Rating:
4.5 Flamin’ Chili Peppers 

Spike Flat Pedal

• 12mm Thin – Massive Platform
• 400g per pair
• Cold Forged Alloy Pedal Body
• Hollow Taper Scandium Enriched Steel Axle
• Chamfered Leading Edges for Improved Clearance and Reduced Impact Forces
• Chamfered Side Edges for Improved Cornering Clearance
• Oversized Sealed Full Compliment Inboard Industrial Bearing
• Sealed Outboard IGUS Bushing
• 20 Adjustable Pins per Pedal
• Full Sized Hex Head Pins Improve Durability and Maintenence
• Inboard Friction Seal Prevents Contamination and Reduces Unwanted Pedal Spin
• Color: Zesty Orange / Ti-Grey / Black / Race Blue / Race Red
• MSRP: $125