Acros presents its latest MTB pedals: the flat pedal. In typical Acros style, the model name is as unobtrusive as the styling. And good pedals shouldn’t be noticeable on the trail; They’re just meant to provide support – if you think about it, something has gone wrong. The bearings should also be able to withstand mud and dirt for as long as possible. Do the Acros pedals feel as inconspicuous as they look?
With the flat pedal, Acros wants to have built MTB pedals that work just as well on rough DH routes as on big jumps, lonely single trails or on bikepacking tours lasting several days. Our large MTB pedal group test We’ve only featured their clipless pedals, but now Acros has sent us a set of their new flat pedals so we can put them to the test. For €120 you get a set of 395g pedals – not lightweight, but average for aluminum pedals. They have 12 pins per side. The outer pins protrude 6mm from the pedals while the inner pins only protrude 4mm, creating a slightly concave platform. For those who want to customize their pin configuration, the flat pedal comes with a bag of replacement pins. The pins are screwed into the pedals from the top using a 2mm Allen key, which can be a problem if you hit the pedals against rocks and damage the pins. Once the hexagon socket is bent, you will need to try to loosen the pins with pliers – assuming they are not completely broken. The 12 grub screws are spread over a large platform measuring 106 x 105 mm, while the pedal is only 12 mm thick. When it comes to colors, Acros remains true to its simplicity and only offers them in black and silver. If you want something more unique, you can opt for custom lettering on the outside.
The Acros flat pedal in detail
When it comes to a small component like a pedal, the details are more important than you think. In order to maximize trail fun and minimize workshop effort, maintenance intervals should be as far apart as possible. And when the time comes for service, small details can mean the difference between a quick and easy process and a time-consuming, nerve-wracking ordeal. The first thing you notice is that the pedal doesn’t have any small recesses or recesses, which makes cleaning much easier because dirt can’t get stuck anywhere. But the spindle seals and bearings should not be neglected either, because they determine how often the pedals need to be serviced. Acros relies on two ball bearings and a bushing. To prevent dirt from getting into the bearings, the spindle is double sealed. However, over time, every seal will eventually leak, every bushing will wear out, and every ball bearing will feel rough. To help you keep a cool head while providing you with service, Acros put a lot of thought into the design. No special tools are required to disassemble the Acros pedals – all you need is 6 and 2 mm Allen keys and an 8 mm open-end wrench. First, simply loosen the two screws located on either side of the axle. You can then lift the locking plate and rotate it 90 degrees. The axle can then be unscrewed. With the left pedal you have to turn the axle to the left as usual, while the axle on the right releases in the opposite direction. This prevents the right axle from coming loose when pedaling. After removing the axle, you can use the 6mm Allen key and 8mm open-end wrench to loosen the nut that sits inside the axle. Finally, all bearings and seals can be removed from the spindle by hand. Another nice detail is a short how-to video from Acros that explains the disassembly process step by step. To help you replace anything that breaks, Acros offers three service kits: an axle kit for €16, a locking plate kit for €5 and a bearing kit with seals for €12.
The Acros flat pedal on the trail
When you step on the new Acros MTB pedals for the first time, you won’t notice anything unusual. The platform is pleasantly large and the slight bulge to accommodate the axle is so small that it is not noticeable. The pedals offer plenty of support and your feet feel secure on the ground and always stay in place, even through rock gardens and over roots. Still, it doesn’t feel like your feet are stuck to the pedals, making it easier to correct your posture if necessary. We had no trouble sticking out a foot to drift into a corner Sam Hill-style, or dabbing the ground to maintain balance when a root wasn’t as grippy as it looked. And even if conditions get so wet that you need a pressure washer to get your bike out of the mud, you don’t have to worry about the pedals. Thanks to their clear design and large openings, they drain mud easily. So you can be sure that you have enough support regardless of the weather.
Our conclusion about the Acros flat pedal
The latest pedals from Acros are inconspicuous in the best sense of the word and are also fairly priced. Acros has clearly paid attention to the details: the flat pedal can be removed in just a few minutes, making it easier to grease or replace the bearings if necessary, it offers plenty of grip on the trail and doesn’t stick in the mud. They meet almost all the criteria; Our only criticism is that the pins screw in from the top, which can make replacement difficult.
Tops
- Clear design with large openings that don’t clog
- quick and easy to dismantle
- good hold
Flops
For more information visit acros-components.com
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Words: Sebastian Dirscherl Photos: Simon Kohler
