Cleanskin C-Flat Composite Pedal – REVIEW
The Cleanskin C-Flat Composite Pedal is a lightweight and durable composite pedal to inspire confidence on the trails. With a large 103 x 105mm concave platform that offers up to 10 replaceable hex-locked pins per pedal to deliver an amazing amount of grip and control.
We’ve reviewed a couple of other products from the Cleanskin brand and so far, have been very impressed with the quality of engineering. Check out the UNITE 1000 light, plus the Digital Mini Shock Pump that we recently reviewed. Weighing in at only 360 grams for a set, the Cleanskin C-Flat Composite Pedals are just as at home on a trail bike as they are on a downhill or dirt jump rig.
The C-Flat pedal is Cleanskin’s composite (plastic) pedal made from lightweight and durable nylon material.
Photo: ©Sean Murray
Features
The C-Flat pedal is Cleanskin’s composite (plastic) pedal made from lightweight and incredibly durable nylon material. With the current trend for thinner pedals, the Cleanskin C-Flat pedal is no different. The main platform measures 103 x 105mm with a concave design and a thickness of only 18.4mm.
The C-Flat offers 20 replaceable hex nutted pins per pedal making it easy to set your preferred pin height and/ or amount of pins. This pedal is fully serviceable, allowing you to save further by simply repairing or servicing the pedal yourself rather than having to buy a completely new pedal, again.
The pedal sits on a strong CNC machined Cr-Mo steel 9/16″ axle and uses a sealed outboard bearing combined with a sealed inboard LSL bushing, giving it plenty of protection against harsh weather conditions. The C-Flat pedal has gone through all the industry safety checks and has been independently ISO tested to ensure safety and performance.
The pedal sits on a strong CNC machined Cr-Mo steel 9/16″ axle and uses a sealed outboard bearing combined with a sealed inboard LSL bushing.
Photo: ©Sean Murray
The C-Flat offers 20 replaceable hex nutted pins per pedal making it easy to set your preferred pin height and grip.
Photo: ©Sean Murray
The body has a wide-open design with large cut-outs to allow for excellent mud clearance.
Photo: ©Sean Murray
Specifications
- A lightweight and durable nylon composite pedal
- Strong CNC machined Cr-Mo steel 9/16″ axle
- A solid 103x105mm concave platform at only 18.4mm thick. The total length of the pedal is 113mm.
- 180g per pedal, 360g per set
- Sealed outboard bearing combined with a sealed inboard LSL bushing
- 20 replaceable hex nutted pins per pedal
- Fully serviceable
- Independently ISO tested to ensure safety and performance
- Available in Black, Red, Blue and Orange.
On The Trails
Out on the trails, the Cleanskin C-Flat pedal has a solid and comfortable feel with its thin body and wide platform. The total foot coverage is wide enough that we could move our foot position around without feeling like our grip was comprised. Overall trail sensitivity was positive and the smooth bearings and quality axle provide a smooth and anti-harsh feel, especially on chattery trails.
The replaceable and adjustable pins offer high levels of grip without being over the top. We could continually re-plant our feet with no concerns of slipping and once planted, they remained firmly in position.
We particularly appreciated the reduced harshness when pedal striking rocks but also our shins were a little happier. It’s always going to be painful but the composite material is a little more forgiving on the shins than alloy.
In sticky muddy conditions, the large open design did its job by clearing mud and kept the pedal gunk free, but the open design also allowed us to get a stick in there for a good cleaning session when needed.
The quality axle and bearings give the C-flat pedal a super-smooth feel. Photo: ©Sean Murray
The replaceable and adjustable pins offer high levels of grip without being over the top.
Photo: ©Sean Murray
The Cleanskin C-Flat pedal loves to get rowdy.
Photo: ©Sean Murray
Conclusions
The overall design, quality, and performance are on par with most other top-end flat pedal brands, and were surprised at how much we enjoyed the feel of the nylon pedal over traditional alloy pedals. Even after several months of riding on a variety of trails (including a lot of black diamond-rated trails) plus an MTB trip to Queenstown, NZ, we experienced no evidence of pedal or axle wear.
The C-Flat is suitable for riders looking for a set of flat pedals that are burly enough to take on gravity and DJ sessions as well as being perfect for trail and enduro shredders. A solid pedal with good quality moving parts at a fraction of the price of other brands. If you’re looking for a flat pedal to inspire confidence, don’t be afraid of trying out the Cleanskin C-Flat composite pedal.
Where to Buy / Price
Cleanskin C-Flat Composite pedal: RRP $64.95 AUD
Available to buy at MTB Direct or ask at your local bike shop.
