Magped Road pedal review

Magnetic attraction is the appeal with Magped's road pedals

(Image credit: James Bracey)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

Magped's road pedal certainly brings a unique take to the clipless road pedal market. I can see the appeal for riders who have been put off the usual mechanically held systems and the execution is superb. However I can't help but feel that the system is a little flawed for the typical rider and the retention strength isn't enough to prevent me from being conscious and worried about accidental unclipping through a ride. For smooth, light spinners or new and nervous riders only.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Build quality

  • +

    Simple retention and release

  • +

    Adjustable float

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Price

  • -

    Slightly niche appeal

  • -

    Not suitable for all riders

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The 'clipless' road pedal system has seen very little change from its first widespread use a few decades ago. In itself it wasn't a new technology even then, just a rehash of existing ski bindings modified for cycling. Over time the design has been refined and adapted to create the pedals we use today, yet within the modern range the principle and retention style still remains the same. Magped, a small Austrian company, thinks it has created a viable alternative in the shape of its road pedal. The principle of a pedal and shoe based retaining cleat is the same but instead of a mechanical spring and clip holding things in place Magped's take utilises the power of magnets.

Take the pedals out of the box and the first thing that strikes you is how clean and minimal the CNC machined aluminium pedal body looks. It is, of course, overshadowed by the large neodynium magnet located at the rear of the body. This sits on an elastomer to allow it to move in all planes of direction, it can also be raised or lowered to alter the retention strength. On the inside of the front cut out are two threaded bolts that can be adjusted to change the amount of float each pedal provides and to which direction this float moves, much like the adjustment found on a Speedplay pedal cleat. Magped provide a few different width spacers that you can use to alter the float amount. The whole body sits on a high-end titanium axle that spins smoothly on three sealed bearings.

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