Test: While looking for new click pedals, we came across the Crankbrothers Mallet E LS. Freedom of movement and more stability during high-speed passages were important to us - that's exactly what the Mallet E LS should bring with them. In this context, we tested the new Crankbroters Easy Release Cleats with a 10° release angle and 6° freedom of movement.
The Crankbrothers Mallet E LS have been around for a while, but are constantly being further developed. In the latest version, the bearings have been revised again and should be even better protected against dust and dirt. The increased wear on the axle was solved by a double seal system. This ensures that the bearings are protected from moisture and break down less quickly. The Crank Brothers "Mallet E", which has the abbreviation "LS" in its name: LS stands for "Long spindle", i.e. a longer axis, 5 mm to be exact. This extends the "Q-Factor", i.e. the distance from the middle of the pedal to the crank, from 52 mm to 57 mm and according to Crankbrothers this should ensure more freedom of movement, stability and control.
https://www.velomotion.de/2017/10/test-crankbrothers-double-shot-3-kombipedal/
Crankbrothers Malle E LS
To the facts:
- Concave platform for a secure grip
- 6 adjustable pins per side for grip
- Integrated traction pad technology to optimize the shoe/pedal interface
- Ribbed body for better traction
- Beveled edges to reduce stone chips
- 57mm Q-factor for more shoe clearance and control
- 4-sided entry / superior mud shed
- Adjustable float and release angle
- Premium bearings and double seal system
Price: 169 Euros
Crankbrothers Easy Release Cleats
To the facts:
- Optimized for beginners or newcomers to clip-in pedals.
- 10° release angle makes it easier to unclip.
- 2 hole pattern for MTB shoes.
- Plastic spacers included.
- Compatible with all Crankbrothers clip-in pedals.
Price: 26,99 Euros
Crankbrothers Mallet E LS - in action
Clip-in pedal systems are a matter of taste. Which ones are the right ones and intended for which area of application? Which system should you approach? We have tested the Crankbrothers Mallet E LS for you and equipped them with the new Crankbrothers Easy Release Cleats for newcomers and beginners. But professionals will also like the new cleats. In the meantime I've tested several pedal systems and now I'm back to the Crankbrothers because they now have the Easy Release Cleats. The release angle used to be a bit too wide for me and I always had that one scary moment that every biker knows: namely not being able to click out in technical passages. Now I dared to switch again.
In addition, the slightly lighter and narrower Crankbrothers Mallet E LS at 424 grams are a good option for enduro use. I was also curious about the slightly longer spindle, is this noticeable? Since I have rather large feet, it was good for me to get a little further away from the rear triangle. I'm also more of the type who unconsciously leans his heels on the rear triangle when going downhill. It should also be interesting how the wider spindle behaves with the legs and hips and whether it might even cause pain?
The assembly is very easy and similar to other manufacturers. A special highlight of the Crankbrothers Mallet E LS is the traction pad technology. The pads can be exchanged and thus enable the perfect contact surface for every MTB shoe. With the Specialized Clip-Lite shoes I used the flat pads and installed the supplied washers under the cleats. I adjusted the pins of the pedals a bit so that the shoes sit perfectly on the pedals.
As with any clip-in pedal system, it was initially a matter of habit until you found the right spot to click in. After a while it worked very well, I also found the 10° release angle perfect. The large contact surface was also clearly noticeable. Especially going downhill you felt a relief of the feet and significant stability in high-speed passages. Due to the longer spindle, I did not have any pain in my legs or hips during the test. However, this can vary from driver to driver. Therefore, Crankbrothers also offers a normal version.
In this test, I will add whether the axle bearings are still fully functional after a full season. The only drawback - the price. The Crankbrothers Mallet E LS are in the higher pedal segment at 169 euros, and the cleats, which wear out a little faster than those from some other manufacturers, also cost 26,99 euros. That could put some bikers off, especially if you're not sure if the clip-in system is right for you.
https://www.velomotion.de/2017/11/test-crankbrothers-stamp-2-flatpedals/
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