The idea of building a bicycle pedal equipped with a magnet mechanism has already been the brainchild of some inventors. But the previous solutions were not really convincing. Paul Wessiack and Harald Himmler took up the challenge as well. Wessiack had already found a solution several years ago, and had even applied for a patent — but did not pursue it further. Together with Harald Himmler, he has started a new attempt and has taken on the engineering dream of the magnetic pedal. The result is Magped. Meanwhile he has brought the magnetic pedals to series maturity with his small company from the beautiful Aldrans in Austria. The companys portfolio includes several pedals for different purposes.
It’s comprehensible that we wanted to have this new pedal technology in our shop, and of course we wanted to try them as well. Daniel grabbed the enduro version and tested it extensively for us.
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Does it click? Daniels Magped review
“The Magped Enduro is an innovative pedal for the enduro sector, as the name already suggests. It combines the advantages of click and flat pedals — i.e. the ‘feel’ and the safety of a flat pedal as well as the great strength of the click pedal: the foot is firmly connected to the pedal and thus the possibility to ‘pull’ the pedal in the upward movement. So do the magpeds keep what they promise?
The CNC-machined aluminium pedals with CrMo axles are high-quality finished and come with plenty of accessories. Three sets of pins in different lengths, materials and colours are included, plus everything you need for perfect adjustment to the shoe, including tools! The mounting of the pedals on the bike is done as usual.
The pins are delivered loose and can be adjusted in positioning, number and length to your personal preferences. The pedals have magnets on both sides and can be ordered in different thicknesses depending on the weight of the rider and the terrain of use. Spare magnets with other release forces can be ordered as well. The magnets are each mounted on a special polymer suspension. The height of this holder for the high-performance neodymium magnets can be adjusted. So you can achieve the optimal adjustment for yourself. When everything is mounted and adjusted, the trail was finally waiting …
Magped recommends SPD shoes with a fine to medium coarse profile. On my Five Ten Kestrel Pro Boa, which I already had the chance to test for you, the pedal system worked great.
Since the magnet on the pedal is located further back than the normal click system, I’m a bit too far back on the pedal for my taste, but I got used to that after a few tours.
The pedal actually feels like a flat pedal, let’s say from the shoe’s point of view, which I prefer on steep single trails. The pedal allows a slight rotation of the shoe, which is good for the joints when pedalling. On ascents, however, the click pedal shows its characteristic, a moderate, supportive pulling of the pedal is very well possible. But if you have the legs of a Jan Ullrich and pull it like a berserk, the shoe detaches from the pedal. Unlike the conventional SPD system, the Magped pedals can also be released upwards.
Some practice, however, requires positioning the shoe on the pedal. If, for example, you stand a little too far to the left of the pedal, the pins and the magnet prevent a correction. So click out again and start a new attempt …
Another major advantage of the system is also evident in sliding passages. You can’t feel the thin magnet while walking, and dirt has no chance of getting stuck anywhere and preventing it from locking. Also the abrasion of the magnets is not present contrary to the abrasion of normal cleats.
The safety function was also subjected to an involuntary test. On a technical single trail it happened — I briefly not paid attention, I shifted the body weight incorrectly, and I went off over the handlebars. The pedals did what the manufacturer promised and triggered. This was the main reason why the fall was so light and I only got a few bruises. I was lucky — or Magped, because with a click pedal it could have turned out differently.
Do the magnets hold? Do they keep what they promise?
With 574g (incl. pins and 200N magnets) the pedals are not lightweight. And with an RRP of 149,00 € no bargain. BUT: They are definitely a very good alternative to the known systems and a noticeable innovation — for certain needs: The system is particularly suitable for riders, who prefer more safety. The idea behind magnetic pedals is not to imitate the click pedal. Rather the magpeds open up a new category, somewhere between flat and click, with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Despite a few minor weaknesses, the good features definitely prevail. I felt absolutely comfortable on the pedals from the very first second — the magped pedals definitely stay on my bike!”