Magped AL 10 (2018) – pedals with a magnet
Even if the idea is not completely new, the Austrians from Magped managed to create a product that combines multiple qualities: decent price, great quality and reasonable weight. The strongest magnet option was not available when we asked for a test, because the producer is overwhelmed with orders, so we got the AL10 version, the one with the weakest magnet (100N). There is a middle version with a 150N magnet and the strongest with a 200N magnet.
The model we tested is built for people that weigh around 60kg, that cannot get used to clipless pedals (SPD), because they believe their reaction time is not quick enough or because they don’t want to feel that type of constraints, but also people who don’t want to ride a simple flat pedal. This pedals are a good option because they combine the qualities of both worlds, clipless and flat.
At first we installed them on an e-bike, then an All-Mountain bike in order to notice the differences. Both pedals and cleats are very easy to mount. Actually the cleats mount similarly to SPD cleats, however they are straight and thin. The pedals quality is exceptional, the finishings being the first that caught our attention. They are built with ball bearings and both sides have 12 pins. We used them with a pair of Mavic CrossMax shoes, which have a softer sole, being designed for enduro, this way they attached perfectly to the pedal (the pins got a good grip on the shoe). If we were yo use some XC shoes, the pedal grip wouldn’t have been this good.
Talking about grip, even the weaker magnet version we got to test proved strong enough (67 kg rider weight). On the e-bike we sometimes had problems because of the bike’s weight (24 kg), but on the All-Mountain bike that weighs around 15 kg, we had no reason to complain, the foot was glued to the pedal on both climbs and downhills, specially when jumping over track obstacles. You need to understand you cannot pull on the pedal as hard as you do with SPD pedals, but I am certain on the version with double the strength of the magnet, this is doable. The producer indicates a pull weight of 15 kg for the strongest magnet version, so the weakest should be around 7.5 kg. To take your foot off the pedal, you need to pull laterally and it “unclips” easily.
On another note, when we encountered parts of the track with mud, we were glad we did not need to clip in, only place the foot on the pedal, this being a clear advantage of this pedals. And even if you miss the side with the magnet (the magnet is available only on one side), you still have 12 pins that will keep your foot on the pedal.
We were delighted by this pedals, by the idea, by the craftsmanship, but we certainly wished for a stronger magnet. We believe the 150N version is ideal, and maybe the 200N is to much for our preferences. Of course, we should test all 3 version to get a better feel, but for now we can only guess. But considering the current sales values, without a doubt, this pedals are already a great success.
Ideal for All-Mountain/Enduro or for those that don’t want the hassle of clipless pedals (SPD).
Price (tested version): 94 EUR
