Mountain bike pedals. Locked in.

Pedal size is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Shoe size provides a useful starting point, but the width and shape of your outsole, your foot position and the feel you prefer are equally important.

The Small D3A measures 108 × 100 mm, weighs 400 g per pair and is recommended for UK sizes 4–9 / EU 37–43. Its compact footprint suits smaller or narrower shoes and leaves slightly more clearance around rocks and trail obstacles.

The Large D3A measures 116 × 110 mm, weighs 420 g per pair and is recommended for UK sizes 9–14 / EU 43–49. Its larger platform supports more of the sole and gives you more room to find a secure foot position after lifting or repositioning your foot.

If you wear UK 9 / EU 43, both sizes are suitable. Choose Large if you have a wide outsole or prefer maximum platform support. Choose Small if your shoes are relatively narrow or you prefer a more compact pedal beneath your foot.

Its larger footprint extends farther than the Small platform, so its outside edges can be slightly more exposed in tight, rocky terrain. However, pedal strikes are also heavily influenced by bottom-bracket height, crank length, suspension sag, line choice and when you time your pedal strokes.

Platform fit should remain the priority. Choosing a pedal that is too small for your shoe can reduce support and leave more of the sole unsupported. If both D3A sizes fit you comfortably, riders on low bikes or particularly rocky trails may appreciate the additional clearance of the Small.

The D3A can be ridden with suitable flat-soled footwear, but a dedicated flat-pedal mountain-bike shoe will provide the best performance. These shoes normally combine a grippy rubber outsole with a supportive midsole, helping the traction pins engage while spreading pedalling and impact loads across the foot.

A soft running shoe may flex excessively around the pedal and provide less support. Very soft or lightly constructed soles may also wear more quickly against metal traction pins. Whatever footwear you choose should fit securely and give the pins a consistent surface to contact.

The D3A platform is sculpted so that your shoe settles naturally towards the centre of the pedal rather than feeling perched on top of it. This creates a defined position beneath the foot and helps the surrounding traction pins engage with the sole.

The result is a supported, planted sensation without mechanically attaching you to the bike. The exact feel will also depend on your shoe’s sole shape, stiffness and rubber compound.

The D3A creates strong traction, but it remains a flat pedal—there is no mechanical connection between your shoe and the bike. When your weight is pressing firmly through the pedal, the 12 pins are designed to resist unwanted movement. To reposition your foot, briefly reduce the pressure, lift it slightly and place it back down.

Your shoe choice makes a significant difference. A softer, tackier flat-pedal sole will engage more firmly than a harder everyday shoe. This lets riders choose a shoe-and-pedal combination that matches their preferred balance of grip and freedom.

There is no single correct position, but a useful starting point is to place the pedal spindle beneath, or slightly behind, the ball of your foot. A slightly more central position can create a stable base when descending, make it easier to lower your heels and reduce the amount of ankle movement needed to control the bike.

Some riders prefer the foot farther forward for seated pedalling, while others favour a more central stance for technical descending. Flat pedals allow you to experiment and adjust your position until it feels natural.

The traction pins create mechanical contact with the shoe, helping maintain a secure connection when the trail becomes wet, loose or unpredictable. However, grip still depends on the shoe: a suitable rubber compound and tread pattern will engage more effectively than a hard or worn sole.

Heavy mud packed into the shoe tread can prevent the sole and pins from making full contact. After particularly muddy rides, rinse the pedals with low-pressure water and clear compacted dirt from the platforms and shoes before the next ride.

The recessed end cap is positioned to reduce its exposure during rock strikes, but any pedal should be inspected after a significant impact.

Check that the pedal rotates smoothly, has not developed unusual lateral movement and has no visible cracks or deformation. Inspect the spindle and all traction pins for damage or bending. A damaged pin can be accessed from either the top or bottom, making removal possible even if one end has been damaged.

Do not continue riding if the pedal body is cracked, the spindle appears bent or the pedal has developed significant play. Have it inspected before using it again.

The premium sealed bearings and dedicated seal system are designed to limit the entry of dirt and water, but sealed pedals are not maintenance-free.

After wet or muddy rides, clean the pedals with low-pressure water and allow them to dry. Avoid directing a pressure washer at the spindle seals, as high-pressure water can force contamination into the bearings. Regularly check for damaged or missing pins and confirm that each pedal turns smoothly without excessive play, roughness or unusual noise.

If the rotation becomes rough or play develops, the pedal should be inspected and serviced rather than ridden until the problem becomes more severe.

Yes. Each side uses 12 thread-locked M4 traction pins. Their dual-access design allows a pin to be removed from above or below, which is particularly useful if a rock strike damages one of the tool interfaces.

Only use replacement pins of the correct specification and check the pedal body for damage before fitting them.

D3A pedals are eligible for PEMBREE+, which extends cover for pedal defects to five years from delivery. Purchases made directly through PEMBREE’s website are enrolled automatically. Products bought through a retailer must be registered within 30 days with proof of purchase.

Normal wear to items such as traction pins, bearings, seals and anodised finishes is excluded. Crash damage is handled separately through the PEMBREE+ Crash Replacement programme. Full conditions are available on the PEMBREE+ programme page.

Yes. Every component used in the D3A is available to purchase as a spare, allowing worn or damaged parts to be replaced without discarding the complete pedal. This includes the traction pins, bearings, seals, spindle, end caps and pedal body.

Mountain-bike pedals operate in demanding conditions, so parts such as pins, bearings and seals will naturally experience wear over time. Making individual components replaceable means a damaged or worn part does not have to bring the entire pedal’s life to an end.

This repair-first approach helps riders keep their pedals performing properly for longer, reduces unnecessary waste and avoids the materials and energy required to manufacture a complete replacement. It is an important part of PEMBREE’s environmental approach: designing products for longevity, supporting ongoing maintenance and encouraging riders to repair rather than replace wherever practical.

Replacement parts can be fitted at home by riders with the appropriate tools and experience, or by a qualified bicycle mechanic. After a significant impact, always inspect the complete pedal to ensure that replacing the visibly damaged component is sufficient and no structural damage has occurred elsewhere.