The Ultimate One Up Pedal Review & Comparison: Crankbrothers
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Unboxing the One Up Aluminum Pedals
- Comparison with Other Favorite Pedals
- Features of the One Up Pedals
- 4.1 Design and Construction
- 4.2 Pin Adjustability
- 4.3 Color Options
- 4.4 Ease of Service and Repair
- Pros and Cons of the One Up Pedals
- Comparison with Crank Brothers Pedals
- 6.1 Pin Placement and Number of Pins
- 6.2 Thickness and Shape
- 6.3 Compatibility with Crank Arms and Crank Boots
- Internals and Bearing Comparison
- 7.1 Grease Port
- 7.2 Rubber Washers and O-rings
- Installation and Additional Components
- 8.1 Grease and Grease Port
- 8.2 Spindle Attachment and Thread Direction
- 8.3 Compatibility with Crank Boots
- Comparison with Other Pedals
- 9.1 Size and Pin Placement
- 9.2 Grip and Wear on Shoes
- 9.3 Compatibility with Bike Racks
- Conclusion
Unboxing and Review of the One Up Aluminum Pedals
Hey, what's up guys? This is Travis with gearchase.com. Today we're going to take a closer look at the One Up Aluminum Pedals. We'll start by unboxing the pedals and then do a detailed review while comparing them to some of my other favorite pedals.
Introduction
When it comes to mountain biking, having the right pedals can make a big difference in your riding experience. The One Up Aluminum Pedals have gained popularity among riders for their durability, grip, and adjustability. In this article, we will explore the features of these pedals and compare them to other popular options in the market. So, let's dive in and see what sets the One Up Pedals apart.
Unboxing the One Up Aluminum Pedals
Inside the box, you will find two pedals and additional replacement pins. Unlike some other pedals in the market, the replacement pins that come with the One Up Pedals are all the same size, allowing you to easily adjust how they make contact with your shoe. Each pedal of the One Up Pedals has 10 pins per side, totaling 20 pins per pedal. These pins can be adjusted using an Allen wrench or replaced altogether. The pedals are available in various colors like black, green, gray, blue, orange, red, purple, and oil slick.
Comparison with Other Favorite Pedals
Before we dive into the specific features of the One Up Pedals, let's compare them to some other popular pedals that I have been using for years. One of my all-time favorites is the Crank Brothers Pedals, which have a similar size and shape to the One Up Pedals. When it comes to thickness, both pedals are quite similar, providing a slim profile for optimal performance.
The pin placement and number of pins on the pedals are where some of the differences lie. Both the One Up and Crank Brothers Pedals offer excellent grip and control. However, the One Up Pedals have slightly longer pins, providing more space between the pins and the shoe. But, in practice, I haven't noticed a significant difference between the two when it comes to grip and foot stability.
Features of the One Up Pedals
Now let's take a closer look at the specific features of the One Up Pedals that set them apart from their competitors.
4.1 Design and Construction
The One Up Pedals are designed with precision and durability in mind. The pedals are made of high-quality aluminum, which ensures their lightweight yet robust construction. The angular sides of the pedals not only add to their aesthetic appeal but also help reduce pedal strikes while riding, providing a smoother and more controlled experience.
4.2 Pin Adjustability
One of the standout features of the One Up Pedals is their pin adjustability. With the included Allen wrench, you can easily adjust the pins to your preferred level of grip and contact with the shoe. This adjustability allows for customization based on your riding style and terrain conditions. However, it is worth mentioning that adjusting the pins too much may result in a slightly looser grip, which can be rectified using Loctite or other similar adhesives.
4.3 Color Options
The One Up Pedals are available in a range of vibrant colors, allowing riders to personalize their bikes according to their preferences. Whether you prefer a sleek black or want to make a bold statement with an oil slick finish, there is a color option for everyone.
4.4 Ease of Service and Repair
Another advantage of the One Up Pedals is their ease of service and repair. The pedals are designed for easy maintenance, with a detachable dust cap that provides access to the internal components. By using a chainring tool, you can remove the internals from the pedals for cleaning, greasing, or replacement. As an added convenience, One Up offers replacement and repair kits directly on their website, making it hassle-free to keep your pedals in top shape.
Pros and Cons of the One Up Pedals
As with any product, the One Up Pedals have their pros and cons. Let's take a closer look at what makes them shine and where they may fall short.
5.1 Pros
- Durable and lightweight aluminum construction.
- Customizable grip with adjustable pins.
- Available in a range of attractive colors.
- Easy maintenance and repair options.
5.2 Cons
- Adjusted pins may slightly compromise grip.
- Not compatible with SRAM carbon crank arms or crank boots.
Despite the minor drawbacks, the One Up Pedals offer exceptional performance and value for money, making them a top choice among mountain bikers.
Comparison with Crank Brothers Pedals
When comparing the One Up Pedals with the Crank Brothers pedals, there are a few important differences to consider.
6.1 Pin Placement and Number of Pins
One noticeable difference between the two is the pin placement and the number of pins. While both pedals provide excellent grip, the One Up Pedals have a slightly different pin distribution compared to the Crank Brothers pedals. This variation in pin placement may result in a different feel and contact with the shoe, allowing riders to choose the option that suits them best.
6.2 Thickness and Shape
Another aspect to consider is the thickness and shape of the pedals. Both the One Up and Crank Brothers pedals offer a slim profile, minimizing the chances of hitting obstacles while riding. Additionally, the angular sides of the One Up Pedals ensure a smoother release when your shoe comes in contact with the pedal, reducing the chances of getting stuck or losing balance.
6.3 Compatibility with Crank Arms and Crank Boots
One factor to keep in mind is the compatibility of the pedals with different crank arms and crank boots. The One Up Pedals have a large collar that may limit compatibility with SRAM carbon crank arms and crank boots. If you are using such components, it is advisable to check the compatibility beforehand or consider adding a small washer to alleviate any fitting issues.
Internals and Bearing Comparison
When it comes to the internals of the pedals, the One Up Pedals and the Crank Brothers pedals have some distinct differences.
7.1 Grease Port
One feature that sets the Crank Brothers pedals apart is the grease port. These pedals have a convenient grease port at the bottom, allowing for easy lubrication of the spindle over time. By squirting grease into the port using a grease gun, you can ensure optimal performance without the need to disassemble the entire pedal. This feature is particularly beneficial in wet conditions where the grease may get washed out more easily.
7.2 Rubber Washers and O-rings
On the other hand, the One Up Pedals utilize a different system of rubber washers and O-rings for assembly. While they lack a grease port, they do offer durable and reliable performance. During my inspection of the internals after extended use, I found no significant wear on the O-rings or collar pieces. However, regular greasing is recommended to maintain smooth rotation and prevent any roughness.
Installation and Additional Components
Installing the One Up Pedals and understanding their compatibility with other components is essential for a hassle-free riding experience.
8.1 Grease and Grease Port
During the installation process, it is crucial to make sure that the pedals are properly greased. Applying a sufficient amount of grease ensures optimal performance and longevity. While the One Up Pedals do not have a dedicated grease port like the Crank Brothers pedals, applying grease during installation and periodic maintenance helps to keep the internals well-lubricated.
8.2 Spindle Attachment and Thread Direction
When attaching the pedals to the crank arms, it is important to ensure the correct orientation. The pedals should be installed on the drive side of the crank arm. Additionally, it is worth noting that the threads on the pedals are reverse threaded when removing the spindles. This reverse threading can sometimes be confusing, so it is essential to pay attention and avoid any accidental damage.
8.3 Compatibility with Crank Boots
As mentioned earlier, the design of the One Up Pedals may limit compatibility with SRAM carbon crank arms or crank boots. However, additional adjustments, such as adding a small washer, may help alleviate any compatibility issues. It is advisable to check compatibility beforehand if you are using these components.
Comparison with Other Pedals
Apart from the Crank Brothers pedals, let's compare the One Up Pedals to a few other popular options available in the market.
9.1 Size and Pin Placement
When comparing the One Up Pedals to other pedals like Race Face Chesters, there are noticeable differences in size and pin placement. The One Up Pedals offer a larger platform with different pin alignment, which may affect the grip and contact with the shoe. However, both pedals provide excellent performance in terms of stability and control.
9.2 Grip and Wear on Shoes
One of the crucial aspects to consider is the grip and wear on shoes. Compared to older plastic or metal pedals, both the One Up Pedals and the Crank Brothers pedals offer superior grip and stability. The pins on these pedals effectively grab the shoe, ensuring a secure connection while riding. However, it is worth noting that prolonged use may result in wear on the bottom of the shoe, especially if the pins are longer and touch the shoe more frequently.
9.3 Compatibility with Bike Racks
An often overlooked consideration for pedal choice is compatibility with bike racks. Some larger pedals, like the One Up Pedals, may not fit well on bike racks that rely on holding the crank arms. This limitation can be overcome by using a different rack specifically designed for larger pedals. It is good to be aware of this potential issue, especially if you frequently transport your bike using bike racks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the One Up Aluminum Pedals offer a compelling option for mountain bikers looking for durability, grip, and adjustability. With their solid construction, pin adjustability, range of colors, and ease of service, these pedals prove to be versatile and practical. While they differ slightly from the Crank Brothers pedals, both options provide excellent performance on the trails.
Whether you choose the One Up Pedals or opt for a different pedal, upgrading from cheaper or outdated pedals can greatly enhance your mountain biking experience. So, if you're in the market for new pedals, be sure to consider the One Up Aluminum Pedals or explore other options that suit your riding style and preferences.
For more great deals on pedals and other biking gears, visit gearchase.com. And don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel for more informative videos. Happy riding!
