Long-standing design continues to prove change isn’t always good

This competition is now closed

DMR’s V12 is one of the brand’s longest-standing and best-selling flat pedals.

It’s a formula that hasn’t had a significant redesign since the pedal was first released more than 20 years ago (although the design did get a minor update in 2014), testimony to its performance and popularity.

The V12 features an aluminium body with 10 removable pins and, like other DMR pedals, is available in a wide selection of colours.

At its widest, the pedal’s aluminium platform measures 100(L)x95mm(W). The front and rear edges are 19mm deep, while the side is 17mm at its thickest point.

The central axle housing is 14mm thick, giving the pedal a concave shape.

Each of the 10 removable grub screw pins is 4mm long, and screws into the top of the pedal’s platform.

The front and rear edges are chamfered to help deflect rock and ground strikes.

The 4140 chromoly steel axles run on a DU bushing and sealed cartridge bearing, and DMR says the V12’s parts are fully replaceable and serviceable.

My pair of test pedals weighed 420g.

The V12’s fairly diminutive platform meant foot placement needed to be accurate to get the most traction from the pins and improve stability.

When my feet were placed off-centre, stability was reduced because they can pivot off the pedal, and I found myself regularly repositioning them on the platform.

This proved to be tricky because pin grip was impressive.

However, if my feet were located centrally on the platform, there was no twisting or movement.

Even though the platform is one of the smaller models in this test, there wasn’t as much foot clawing as I was expecting, but it’s still present on very rough or long descents.

The bonus of a small platform is the pedals are less likely to hit the sides of ruts, but I found my feet hit the edges of the trail before the pedals did, which could be problematic for some.

Although the gloss paint looks good out of the box, it’s quick to chip, making the V12s look scruffy.

We’ve tested 13 flat pedals for mountain bikes in some of the harshest conditions on a host of terrain types – from bumpy on-the-gas sections through to flat-out rough and worn downhill tracks – to see how much grip they offer and help you find the perfect companion.

You can also find our top-rated reviews in BikeRadar’s guide to the best mountain bike pedals.

A solid performer at a bargain price, that’s stood the test of the time. They don’t cost significantly more than composite alternatives, but are made from alloy.

They V12s are better suited to people with smaller feet, however, and I’d like to see them have a growth spurt for their next iteration to improve performance further.

Alex Evans is BikeRadar's mountain bike technical editor. He started racing downhill at the tender age of 11 before going on to compete across Europe. Alex moved to Morzine in the French Alps at 19 to pursue a career as a bike bum and clocked up an enormous amount of riding. Riding those famous tracks day in, day out for eight years, he broke more bikes than he can remember. Alex then moved back to the UK and put his vast knowledge of mountain biking to good use by landing a job working for MBUK magazine as features editor. Since working for MBUK, Alex's focus has moved to bike tech. He's one of BikeRadar's lead testers, knows how to push bikes and products to the limit, and wants to search out the equipment that represents the best value for money. Alex is also a regular on the BikeRadar Youtube channel and BikeRadar podcast.

Sign up to receive our newsletter!

Thanks! You've been subscribed to our newsletter.

Already have an account with us? Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences

Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)?

Get a pair of G-form Sorata trail gloves when you subscribe to Mountain Biking UK today!

SUMMER SALE OFFER | Try 3 issues of Cycling Plus magazine for £5