The DMR V12 SE pedals offer a dazzling colourway with a glue-like grip. A good wider platform with an array of pins for added traction, although a wider platform means they are more likely to knock into trailside features. How do they stack up against the best mountain bike pedals?
DMR V12 SE pedal - Technical details
DMR is known for its array of colours and with this special-edition set of pedals, the Space Cosmic ‘Galaxy’ colour has a sparkly paint effect when you look at them closely. The V12s come with sealed bearings to offer a smooth spinning motion and the axle is constructed from Cro-Mo. The pins are replaceable and can be fine-tuned to get the desired grip.
They feature a lightweight aluminium body with a claimed weight of 430g a pair, although they tipped our scales at a lighter 419g. The surface dimensions come in at 16mm in depth with a 95mm x 100mm platform providing a large area for stability and control.
The classic concave profile is a noticeable, recognisable DMR feature. While the pedals are designed as slim as possible, the concave feature allows better traction when in contact with flat shoes.
DMR V12 SE pedal - Performance
I’m not a flat pedal rider and have used SPDs for most of my riding career. That said, I delved straight in and fully committed to using them for every off-road cycling outing to experience what I’m missing out on.
The pedals provided excellent traction to the footwear I used but they offered so much grip that if my foot wasn't placed where I wanted it to be on the first attempt, it took some considerable rearranging while riding. The grip is so great that once planted correctly, it gave me plenty of confidence in its performance. Riding over rough terrain, I usually dislike the feeling of my feet bobbing up and down on the pedals and not having the stability that easily comes with being clipped in.
With the V12 I felt secure and comfortable to plough through rock gardens or rooted sections. I also liked that I could, at any time, take my foot off the pedal for balance and backup while approaching a tough section.
The DMR V12s feature pins within the body, which is quite typical for more flat pedals, offering simple traction, although I only once caught my shin and calf on the razor-like studs. Not while riding, luckily, but pushing up an unrideable steep section. Fortunately, I didn't once slip off the pedal and scratch my legs.
The pedal's performance was high quality, with sealed bearings offering smooth movements. The pedal didn't spin uncontrollably, but the platform stayed where I needed it for uninterrupted performance.
DMR V12 SE pedal - Verdict
Sitting between the classic version and the magnesium option, the DMR V12 SE pedals offer all the classic features and a super-cool colourway. If you’re loyal to the brand, maybe they are worth spending an extra £10 for the sparkles but that's a personal choice. Looking at similar options, the Crankbrothers Stamp 2 come in at under £100 and weigh over 100g more than the V12s. They do offer size options though. And the Shimano XT M8140 flat pedal weighs 31g more but features the same attributes as the V12s and costs under £100.
Great pedals overall with high-end performance thanks to its sealed bearing. Features such as adjustable pins and the shape of the ‘legendary concave’ platform with a slim design are good attributes but the special paint doesn't warrant the extra outlay over the standard pedal.