I’ve heard that acceptance is the first step to acknowledging that you have a problem. But what if you accept something, but do not really see it as a problem? Perhaps that is the point. That really is not acceptance. Oh well. Here goes. My name is Andrew, and I am a weight weenie. Lets leave the discussion around whether that is something requiring help till later, and focus instead on the lightest two-bolt SPD compatible pedal that I am aware of – the XPEDO R-FORCE-6. The SRP is high, but the scale is low.
Device
I like the packaging, and the fact that you get stickers for the bike box (who doesn’t love stickers?) included with the XPEDO R-FORCE-6 pedals. Which, considering the $259 SRP (you can find them for much less), is nice, but I’d rather they knocked $100 of the price (maybe sell it without the cleats). One important thing to note, and it is nice that XPEDO reminds us, the R-FORCE-6 is not suitable for anyone over 85kg/187lb. Which while annoying for heavier riders, is standard for anything with a titanium spindle. All that said, the pedals themselves look nice, are likely to be more aerodynamic than a two sided pedal, and no one else has them – so be prepared to explain what they are.
Lets take a moment to celebrate the R-FORCE-6’s weight. Or more specifically, the lack thereof. At 165g by my scale, is actually 5g lighter than the claimed 170g, which is still a standout number. Well done XPEDO! The cleats on the other hand! What is going on there? First off, if you have a three bolt road shoe why would you buy this pedal? There are plenty of other options out there. Secondly, the target demographic for this pedal is people who want the lightest kit available, and occasionally like to walk normally. It makes zero sense to open your wallet for this pedal, then add unnecessary weight back with a 94g cleat. Not when Shimano gives away a set that is 52g…
Use
Clipping in to the R-FORCE-6 is the only main difference in ride compared to a two sided SPD pedal. This is exacerbated by the weight distribution, as it tends to pull the back end down and under. Once you are in though, it is just as connected and secure as any other clipless pedal. So with a bit of practice, and understanding co-riders (although anyone riding a “normal” road pedal also deals with this to some extent), it is fine.
With only around 250 miles on the R-FORCE-6 durability is still an unknown, but so far, so good. There is quite a bit of scaring both on the underside (still getting the clip in figured out) and where the pedal interfaces with the cleat. One interesting thing to note versus other SPD pedals is that on the outside, the pedal is always directly connected with the cleat; metal-to-metal. There is a bit of an air gap between the cleat and pedal on the inside during the upstroke where the rubber on the shoe expands, but this quickly disappears even when pressing the shoe down with my hand, so I would be surprised if there were any power loss associated with the rubber deflection. Certainly do not feel any unwanted disconnect or float when cranking out the watts.
Conclusion
Rubbish cleats do nothing to diminish the value of this super light SPD pedal. Do yourself a favor and drop them straight in the bin. But most likely, if you’re shopping this pedal you already have a proper set of two bolt MTB shoes and no reason to even bother taking them out of the bag. Clip in is harder than a two sided pedal, but we all knew that going in. Once you are connected to the bike, ride is just as good as any other clipless pedal. Enjoy the g shaved off the bike, and have a good chuckle (inside the head, of course) at all of the roadies hobbling around at the cafe, or when an impromptu “CX” section pops up in your planned route.
Pro:
- Lightest SPD pedal I am aware of
- Good conversation piece
- Can ride, and walk, or even run if you need to, because you wear two bolt shoes
Con:
- Price
- Included cleats are heavy and stupid
- Marginally more difficult clip in compared to two sided SPD pedals