The Scott Synchros Flat Squamish III pedal is the brand's more affordable pedal. It provides an adequate level of grip at a decent weight. However, its plastic pins aren't replaceable, are easy to lose, and the pedal's shape is a bit of an acquired taste. So, if you're looking for a locked-in grip, you may need to look elsewhere.
- The best mountain bike flat pedals ridden and tested
- Pedaling Innovations Catalyst flat pedal review
-
Buyer's guide to mountain bike pedals - what's best, flats or clips?
Suiting the pedal's budget intentions, it's built using a nylon body with 10 moulded pins on each side. Then you'll find a single sealed bearing in each pedal to keep rotation lovely and smooth. The pedal is claimed to weigh in at 370g, although I measured it to be 60g lighter.
The Squamish III's shape is quite an interesting one, following a tapered style that gets broader nearer the outside of the pedal. And because of that shape, support isn't consistent from the inside to the outside.
How they tested
The Scott Syncros Flat Squamish III was tested with Scott's MTB AR shoe and the Crankbrothers Stamp Lace, one of my favourite flat shoes.
My foot felt best supported on the outer edge of the platform. Whereas on the inside, it felt as if my foot curled around the pedal. However, it didn't feel like too much of a downside. When I swapped back to my much pricier Shimano Saint pedals, my foot felt more relaxed and better-supported, thanks to the broader inner platform.
As for the grip, it isn't too shabby, but it does leave a little to be desired if you're looking for a good hold. This is mainly due to the plastic pins not offering firm enough pin edges as metal ones. However, what it does offer is a blend of float-like feel with a very usable grip, so if you're someone who likes to move your foot around a little, this is ideal.
Because the pins are plastic-moulded, they're incredibly vulnerable to being completely wiped out with a pedal strike. Obviously, if you're careful with where and how you pedal, this isn't such an issue, but I've lost five pins on one pedal during the test period.
I may have lost some pins, but that's the only sign of the pedals slowing down. They've been put through a couple of months of seriously changeable weather, and they haven't missed a beat. They're definitely looking a bit worse for wear now, but they're still spinning as well as they did when I took them out of the packet.
Value and verdict
The Squamish III sits at a rather unfortunate price point at £40. An extra tenner will get you the DMR V11, which still comes with a nylon body and replaceable metal pins – not to mention the performance of pedals twice its price. Though you need a special, female Torx tool to mess with those pins.
Then, you can save a fiver and go for the slickly named HT PA03A, which gets metal, replaceable pins, and a nylon body with a Chromoly steel axle. It's cheap too, at £35 and light at 351g.
Suppose you're looking for a lightweight pedal with durable bearings, reasonable grip and a floatier feel; the Scott Syncros Flat Squamish III are worth a look. However, for those looking for locked-in grip and replaceable pins, these pedals fall short of others on the market.
Add comment