Review: Squidworx Modular Flat Pedals

Jan 23, 2024
by Matt Beer  
Squidworx Modular Pedals

Most pedal companies these days have a composite model in their lineup, which typically comes in at a lower price point, but none of those options have the same level of customization as the Squidworx Modular Pedals.

Two replaceable composite wings or cages attach to the main aluminum body to make up the platform. This allows for the most vulnerable part of the pedal platform to be replaced when damaged, exchanged for a different sizes or even one of the various colors, by using the costly materials in this area.
Squidworx Pedal Details
• Aluminum main body, steel axle, nylon composite cages
• 3 modular platform sizes
• Dual cartridge bearings with full length bushing axle system
• 14 pins per side, 5.5 or 4mm heights available
• Colors: 12 various colors for MD platform, black only for SM & LG
• Area: 98, 108 or 116mm x 97mm width
• Thickness: 12mm
• Weight: 458g per pair (419g claimed)
• Price: $129.95 CAD
squidworx.bike

Squidworx Modular Pedals
Replaceable pins double as the fixing point for the composite cages which comes in three lengths and various colors.

Details

14 replaceable pins are scattered across either side of the platform - 8 on the aluminum portion of the body and 3 on each composite cage. All the pins thread into an aluminum barrel, instead of the pedal body, making them easy to replace. Each set of composite cages are held in place by four of the pin sets closest to the axle. Squidworx offers 5.5mm and 4mm pin options, and customers can choose to have all of the pins the same size, to have a concave option with taller pins around the perimeter and shorter ones in the center, or a convex option with taller pins in the middle.

You’ll need a 5mm socket or wrench on either side to unthread the pins. This is not included with the pedals, but is available on the Squidworx website for $5 CAD.

The small, medium and large size wings make up platform length of 98, 108 and 116mm while they each measure 97mm wide. In terms of height, the pedals are basically flat and measure 12mm in thickness.

The medium wings are available in various colors, while the main aluminum body is available in just silver or black. For the small and large wings, they are only offered in black.

As for the internals, they use a chromoly axle with a long DU bushing and two cartridge bearings at the outer end. Squidworx includes the bushing tool required for a full rebuild with the pedal set.

Squidworx Modular Pedals
Squidworx Modular Pedals

Price and Weight

Composite pedals are known for being significantly cheaper than CNC’d aluminum options, however, the mixed materials and replaceable features push the Squidworx pedals to $130 CAD.

Regardless of the pedal body size or colour option though, the price remains the same. Replacement cages of varying sizes or colours are available for $5 each so changing the size of a set of pedals will cost $20.

$35 will also get you a new set of internals, including the axles or a singular aluminum replacement body.

Our size medium Modular pedals weighed in at 458g per set, slightly above the claimed 419g. That's 18 grams more than OneUp's Composite pedals, and 110 grams more than Crankbrothers' Stamp 1.

Squidworx Modular Pedals
The medium platform measures 108mm L x 97 W x 12 H.
Squidworx Modular Pedals

Performance

Every flat pedal rider has their own preference when it comes to the level of grip they’re looking for and that can largely vary depending on the shoes they prefer. I’ve found through testing numerous pedals that a completely flat surface is not necessarily the most desired shape for off-road riding in general, even with the stickiest shoes.

There is a balancing act between the stiffness of the shoe, the concavity of the pedal and the grip of the pins. If the shoe is too flexible, and the concavity is too deep that can lead to fatigue at the arch of your foot. Conversely, an ultra stiff shoe match with a flat pedal tends to feel numb and doesn’t hold your foot in place even if the rubber is grippy and the pins are tall, which is the case of the Sqiudworx Modular pedals (size MD tested).

I played with removing two sets of pins, hoping that would allow the remaining pins to dig into my shoes more, but the difference was negligible. There’s also a small bump in the main portion of the pedal body to make room for the DU bushing, which elevates the inside of your foot off the pins. You can see polishing effect of the shoe in this area.

If you’re currently using aluminum pedals and frequently destroy pedal pins or the body itself, then the replaceable cages of the Squidworx might be worth a look. I don’t see many riders purchasing one size and then switching to another, however, mountain bikers do love experimenting with tech equipment and customizing colour schemes, so these could be for the tinkering type.

Squidworx Modular Pedals
Squidworx Modular Pedals
Inside, there's a massive DU bushing and two cartridge bearings (note: this one is brand new).

Durability

Our time spent on these pedals was throughout the summer months in dry and dusty conditions yet there were a few splashy rides thrown into the mix as well.

Internally, the sealing system has shielded the elements well with the grease still looking fairly fresh. As for the pins, they’ve held up well and haven't needed to be replaced. The same goes for the nylon cages, which haven’t seen much damage - it’s not like I tried to go out and hit rocks.

The pins dig into the shoe well, but being able to tune the concavity with the pins would help, meaning lowering the height of the middle pins, or raising the outside ones would be ideal.

photo
OneUp's Composite pedals may not have the swap-able pieces of the Squidworx Modular pedals, but they have a tenacious grip, come in two sizes, and cost half the price.

Comparison

I’ve never complained about a pedal being too grippy, although it’s obvious when there is a lack of traction. Even with the stickiest stealth rubber shoes and the taller 5.5mm pins around the perimeter, I found the completely flat profile of the Squidworx pedal to lack the connective feeling for riding at full pace.

Looking at options from other brands, Chromag’s Synth pedal has a similar size platform to the medium Squidworx size but offers increased concavity. The Synth’s also comes in a wide range of colours cost and cost $65 CAD - half the price of the Squids. OneUp offers two sizes of composite pedals as well. The OneUp Composite pedals come in a rainbow of color options, cost even less at $54 CAD and have a ton of grip with their threaded pins.

Although the Synth’s are not adjustable in size, they do weigh 70g less per pair. Again, this is where the thickness doesn’t mean as much as it seemingly does on paper. The concave shape provides a better grip and supports my theory on the middle pins not playing much use in grip.

The Synth is just 3 millimeters thicker at the axle but tapers upwards towards the fore and aft rows of pins. In terms of area, the length is about the same as the medium size Squidworx, although the Q-factor is 10 millimeters wider on the Synth. This could mean that you will avoid rock strikes when leaning into turns, or sneaking through narrow gaps with the Squidworx.




Pros

+ Cages and pins can be easily replaced if damaged
+ Replacement cages on a fixed body is a creative way to offer three sizes in one

Cons

- Not ideal if you like a high-grip or very concave pedal
- Expensive - there are full composite pedals on the market for half the price




Pinkbike's Take
bigquotesThe Squidworx Modular Pedals use a crafty method of replacing parts and offering low-cost platform size changes. With that said, the initial investment is on the higher side for a pedal that contains composite components. In terms of traction, they're adequate for general trail riding, however, there are grippier, more concave options out there. 
Matt Beer


Author Info:
mattbeer avatar

Member since Mar 16, 2001
360 articles

117 Comments
  • 107 4
 The best flats are concaved.
  • 25 1
 That is not very convexing!
  • 21 22
 Disagree but it's a personal thing so glad there's both.
  • 3 0
 amen to that Wink
  • 64 0
 Pick a curvature and be a dick about it.
  • 25 1
 @jeremy3220: There's a medication for dick curvature now.
www.xiaflex.com
  • 3 1
 I’d ride a donut shaped pedal if someone made it.
  • 3 1
 @nowthatsdoomage: you could go for its inverted cousin the speedplay
  • 2 0
 @nowthatsdoomage: Some pedals are concave in both directions. Not the extruded ones obviously, but I think many cast and maybe also some milled pedals are a bit bowl shaped. Not sure whether that does it for you. Me personally I don't feel like I need more lateral grip so it isn't really a selling point for me personally.
  • 23 4
 Pedals should be shaped like the earth…flat
  • 4 0
 If the reviewer likes concave but thinks Oneup pedals are grippy (convex), it's clearly not about the profile of the platform, it's about the pins. You can see just looking at these that the pins won't be grippy
  • 1 0
 @bash80: grip isn't all that it's about, concaved pedals just feel better under foot and give you more control. And a nice square pedal has more support than a waffle shaped one
  • 2 0
 @on-the-move: I'm not disagreeing with that - I feel the same. It's just that the Oneup pedals were highlighted as a better option, which are actually convex. So Matt's particular issue with grip in the review isn't about platform curvature/flatness like he says it is, because that would discount Oneups as well
  • 47 1
 If it isnt better than a deftrap in every way stop wasting everyone's time.
  • 5 0
 Agreed, Ron.
  • 9 4
 Only issue I have is I like my pedals to have some fancy anodized-looking color to match the bike and those deftraps are nylon and anything other than black looks like a childs toy is strapped to my 10 billion dollar carbon bicycle Frown
  • 4 0
 @yupstate: then get tmacs. But the deftraps are unbeatable for the money
  • 3 3
 Chromag Dagga has entered the chat after hearing some.shit was being talked?!
  • 1 0
 @RusMan: 3x the cost ot deftraps.
  • 6 0
 @RonSauce: Sure, but back in 2018 I bought a set of TMacs, and most of my friends got composite pedals. One guess as to which ones are still in use!
  • 4 0
 @N-60: not all composite pedals are the same, I've broken a few sets of crankbrothers and one ups, im on 3 seasons on my deftraps and know 3 other guys that ride them and everyone's are holding strong. Im not denying aluminum is going to be more durable but its also heavier and more expensive. I've also found composite pedals to be a little more forgiving on pedal striking rocks.

You can't go wrong with deftraps.
  • 1 0
 @yupstate: would agree with @RonSauce and this statement. but, i cant not have color on my bike so I look past it. just cant help myself. would also argue some nylon BLACK pedals also look like childs pedals
  • 41 3
 Gimmicky:

An informal adjective that means something has features that are not necessary or useful, and whose only purpose is to attract attention or publicity.
  • 8 0
 Agreed, in my experience the cage isn't the most prone to damage, it's the internals that break. This seems like a solution for a problem that doesn't exist.
  • 4 1
 Seems weird to buy pedals that will break with the additional cost of replacement parts instead of buying metal pedals for the same price that won’t break (At least as easily)
  • 2 0
 @jaytdubs: id rather break a nylon / composite pedal than destroy a crank or even worse a bottom bracket just because I rock striked or was cornering with a root / rock sticking out. I'd rather replace pedals and have that be the breaking point than sending a shockwave through the other components to see what would break after. its also the cheapest part to replace on a bike. i think its also worth it to mention that if these pedals break one of the sides you can still ride. a full plastic pedal could jut snap completely off. I think thats a pro
  • 1 0
 @getinsideways415: fair points which I had not thought of.
  • 1 0
 @getinsideways415: I guess it depends on what parts you’ve got but some BBs cost as much as those replacement parts. Those dub BBs are a pretty inexpensive product
  • 1 0
 @getinsideways415: but you do make a lot of good points I didn’t consider either.
  • 32 1
 The high price answer to the question no one is asking.
  • 18 1
 Hey, let's add complexity - with no real benefit - to what was a reliable, simple part. We'll make it heavier and more expensive while we're at it.
  • 21 1
 Can we please stop re-inviting stems and pedals and focus on things that people really care about and are asking for... like for example, let's re-imagine how cables enter the frame for internal cable routing.
  • 26 0
 Or let the cables sit outside the frame?
  • 2 0
 @lenniDK: Yes, how can I dry my gear if I have nothing to hang it on.
  • 3 0
 The purpose of tubular frames was never to house cables, yet here we are. Let frames be optimized as frames
  • 4 0
 There was nothing wrong with cables routed outside of the frame and so many cons when its routed internally specially when its time to replace said cables.
  • 1 0
 @lenniDK: can't be done
  • 3 0
 That’s an easy one — you just have cables enter at the headset.
  • 3 0
 @TheR: you monster
  • 11 0
 I think we should touch on a very important design choice when it comes to flat pedals: pin diameter. I know the OneUp pedals referenced have M3 screws. A 4mm pin/screw has around 80% more surface area than a 3mm, and would not dig into your sole as much. Thinner pins equate to that tenacious grip as mentioned above. I also have to think a screw (with threads) has more grip than a smooth pin, but who knows. The one tradeoff is that the sharper the pins are, the more they hate your shins.

The OneUp Composites have been amazing for me, especially considering the value.
  • 13 0
 This needs magnets. Modular ones. And perhaps suction cups. Because squid.
  • 10 1
 Going into my fourth season with the same OneUp composite pedals on my Slayer. Big pedal days, shuttle laps, enduros, drops, jumps, park laps, Squamish, etc and they just won't die. And I am not anywhere close to being a small guy. Hands down, best value in mtb.
  • 9 1
 In response to this review and to some of these comments.

1. Grip. Pinkbike asked for this build to test, however buy far the grippest option is the full flat with the DH pins, but they didn't ask for that or try that set up. Our platform allows you to test flat, concave and convex profiles to actually find out which suits you best (it might not be what you think). I personally run flat DH pins for my leading foot and trail pins on the front with DH pins on the back, for my trailing foot. This tilts the pins at a slight rearward angle.

2. Price. To compare the cost of our pedals, against a mass produced full plastic pedal using off the shelf parts is not really a fair comparison. Our pedals are metal pedals with only the outer cages being plastic. To produce the plastic cages is super cheap (hence the $5 dollar price for spares). However creating the metal bodies, custom made pins and insert's are expensive. Also being a very small company means we don't get the benefits of ordering 10000 at once (economies of scale). We also custom build each set in house. The real question is why are full plastic pedals so expensive.

3. Longevity. The initial design brief was to design the toughest pedals possible. I got fed up of ripping pins out of plastic pedals on every ride, or in some cases ripping the internals clean out. And metal pedals are great but they don't deflect impacts as good as plastic, and they are still easy to rip the pins out. As soon as you loose pins you compromise the grip. I've been using these pedals for the last 5 years and still haven't even broken a pin. And I'm not the only one. We made our pedals to be bombproof. Hence our 5 year warranty. But the review barely goes into any of this.

Let the hate continue.

Rich
  • 5 0
 4. Weight, our claimed weight for this build is 445g (not sure why this is heavier), the 419g is for medium sized cages and the trail pins. The weights change depend on how you build your pedals, but weights are between 400g - 450g depending on build. We didn't want to compromise strength for weight.
  • 7 2
 1. A valuable lesson: Provide the recommended set-up to testers, and provide the option to switch to their requested set-up. You know your product better than they do.

2. Comparisons are based on the results, not on the material. Wouldn't matter if a product is made of cardboard if it somehow did the job better. Your economies of scale - or lack thereof - are not the consumer's problem.

3. Sounds like your design brief may not align with consumers' interests. That's on you; don't blame consumers for not understanding your vision.

"Let the hate continue."

These haters are your customers - or could have been, if you took the time to better understand their priorities. You can either be indignant or you can be a viable company - choose wisely.
  • 7 1
 Are you and Pinkbike fueding over parking or something? It's strange, they shut you out of that flat pedal shootout a while back, if I recall. There are just so many head scratchers in this article. Price is very reasonable, ($60 LESS that OneUp alloys and most other alloys on the market) and replacement parts are dirt cheap. Why Matt is bringing crappy composites into the conversation is beyond my reasoning. Not ordering the version you want, then complaining it's not what you want seems pretty on brand, though. This guy seems to have a narrow understanding of materials applications. The composite outer cages -fusible links, if you will, are brilliant. If one breaks (I haven't managed to do this in 2 years of abuse) a replacement is $5. But that's only after you use the spare that came with them new in the box. While I'm at it, spare pins were also provided and I have not needed them yet either! Also puzzling; Chromag, WAO, Norco, Rocky, Race Face, DeVinci, NSC...you name it, every review of a 'Canadian' or 'North American' product gets a heap of brownie points for being 'local'. You guys probably pass each other on coffee runs but no mention of any kind here. That doesn't seem coincidental. Every Matt Beer 'review' reads more like confirmation bias; 'Here's why this thing is not as good as the thing I already decided is the best and have been using forever and different is bad.'
My 2-year experience with Squidworks pedals is, they are indestructable. -and I tend to destruct things quite effectively. The issues MB is on about are non-issues, and these pedals offer exceptional value and longevity and QUALITY. (also not mentioned here) They are my forever pedals.
Matt might be well served to remember that his short term opinion on products affect real peoples livelihoods (in their own community in this case). The only failure here is agreeing to submit a product to be reviewed by Mr.Beer. I would have told them to buy some or get lost. Pinkbike hasn't showed you any consideration previously and they still aren't.
  • 7 0
 Having that raised mass lump in the middle of the pedal for the DU bushings seems like a bad idea.

Better get that Squid back to Worx for a better design... Maybe get Squidward to design the next pair?
  • 7 0
 Nice Squidward reference, he's a brainiac and surely should be able to come up with a better design. Then again, he's still working at the Krusty Krab, so maybe he's not smart just arrogant.
  • 3 0
 @jaytdubs: Squidward and SpongeBob both own their own homes as single men so I reckon they're on pretty decent money at the Krusty Krab.
  • 2 0
 @on-the-move: you make an excellent point. Mr Krabs presents himself as a major penny pincher, but he's clearly paying more than a living wage. If I'm being honest, I think I now want to work at the Krusty Krab as the stress to pay ratio seems better than my job based on what I've seen.
  • 5 0
 Why stick with a width 2mm wider than dmr v8s from the 90s? Saw the 116mm.and got excited, but alas, they're way too narrow for adult feet. 105mm should be bare minimum for anyone with size 10s or above. I'd personally like 116mm square for my size 16s.
  • 2 0
 See if you can find some TAG metals large pedals. The metal ones. Very wide and a lot of pin holes
  • 2 0
 @mattyboyr6-2: this is the first time someone has suggested a pedal and it's actually big.115x120mm, not sure which measurement is which though, but it doesn't matter to some degree, they're at least 10mm wider than dmr vaults which have been my go to for years. bravo good sir, and thank you. I might just have to order a set.
  • 1 0
 @inked-up-metalhead: Look up pedaling innovations pedals, they're very long
  • 1 0
 @on-the-move: but narrow. The XL version is only 105 wide, which doesn't help.
  • 5 0
 What a puzzling review this is. Comparing these to OneUp composites? those things are disposable! I've had 2 sets; one had pins rip out on the first ride, then regularly after until half were gone within a year -and the plastic gets damaged so new ones can't be threaded back in. The second set did the same pin shedding trick until the left one snapped in half on a botched, but not particularly high impact landing (not even a crash), also inside of a year. So yes, Matt, these are more expensive than OneUp composites, which also happen to have a very pronounced axle bulge that you forgot to mention, and $60cad LESS than OneUp aluminum pedals that still have skinny little pins that still rip out (but less frequently) and still can't usually be threaded back in because the aluminum is damaged.
And if you already knew you like really concave pedals, order the concave version FFS.
  • 9 2
 0/10. If you can feel the axel is awful
  • 5 1
 This 100%. Crank Brothers Stamp 1, literally the worst flat pedal ever made. I found the bump on the oneup composite so annoying that I gave them away after a couple rides.
  • 1 1
 Wrong thread - oops
  • 3 0
 @IMeasureStuff: yep. One up is AWFUL
  • 4 1
 OneUp's composite pedals are also TINY...... Great if you have dwarf feet, but for those of us who like a bit more lounging area under the soles, Kona's Wah Wah 2 is the ultimate aluminum pedal - at least for me. If these pedals offered a size even larger than the max size, I'd be all over these best-of-both-worlds pedals.
  • 1 0
 Are you talking about the regular size OneUps (not the kid-sized ones)? I was actually thinking of trying the small versions for more clearance less rock strikes - bad idea? I wear 11.5 vans
  • 3 0
 @suspended-flesh: if rock strikes are an issue I would be looking at shorter cranks, or working in ride technique before going for a smaller pedal platform, especially considering your are wearing 11.5 shoes.
  • 1 0
 @IMeasureStuff: Strikes are not a big deal - just always looking for an advantage. I've run 165s for years but I do run a Fox coil that gave me 10mm more travel and a slightly lower BB height. I was also curious if the 'normal OneUp pedals run small. I never felt a need for a large foot platform\

\\Edit - I read below they are convex - gonna pass.
  • 3 0
 @suspended-flesh: If you want a lower profile look at Canfield's pedals. I've had a set and liked them just fine. I don't seem to be as picky about pedals as some, but I do wear a size 13 and don't like pedal strikes.
  • 1 0
 @westeast: Will do Thx
  • 4 0
 Seems like the issue with concavity could easily be solved if the manufacturer made a set of the composite "wings" with some concave to them? Shit, someone could even 3D print some themselves
  • 6 0
 Would rather have Spongebox pedals
  • 6 0
 Industry is doing bad when a 3 year old pedal is being reviewed
  • 5 0
 Take a simple part-and add some unneeded cost, weight, and complexity. Yay
  • 4 0
 Good lord...bike industry has peaked. No more innovation left. I miss the days of longer, slacker, lower.
  • 3 0
 I've been running these pedals for 3 years, in all 4 seasons and they're still perfect
  • 3 1
 Honestly the idea is good - the correct materials in the correct places, but this was obviously let down by the shape, price and aesthetics. Hopefully the V2's will be great!
  • 3 0
 One up composite are 355g or so so 100g less. Maybe you were thinking about the aluminum ones.
  • 6 2
 Fragile, Dorky, Heavy, High cost, Low grip - this pedal has it all.
  • 2 2
 Best pedals I've ever had and probably the last pair I buy, I damaged or deformed too many pin threads on expensive aluminium pedals. The price of replacement parts makes it a no brainer and the pin design should be the only one existing. I never expercienced a lack of grip of felt the axle.
  • 2 0
 Look a bit like those “new” shimano XT and saint pedals from a couple years ago that have never never ever been seen in the flesh.
  • 1 0
 Someone else remembers them...They never happened, I work in the industry and had an order of the Saints in with the main UK Shimano distro, only for covid to hit, and the pedals to be silently removed from the distro's catalog. I still want those pedals. xD
  • 1 0
 All I've had to replace on pedals were pins, bearings and axles, the bodies look beat up but always remain functional. And I ride a mountain unicycle, it hits the ground much more often than your average mountainbike..
  • 4 0
 why?
  • 4 1
 Immediately read it as 'Squidward Modular Flat Pedals"
  • 1 0
 i like it but its not gonna work. Only because when it does come time for a fresh replacement its gonna be discontinued. So your stuck buying the kit and a few more kits.
  • 3 0
 @andrewmajor: ah-ha, imperial ftw. They must have a BMX background.
  • 1 0
 If you are always smashing pedals I can see a benefit for this, save money in the long run, but outside of that it's just another flat pedal
  • 3 1
 Squidward's pedals are lookin good eh!
  • 2 0
 Eh Aye!
  • 3 2
 Oh you can make the axle bump bigger and the pedal more slippery, well done!
  • 2 0
 "ideal if you like a high-grip..". Ummmm
  • 2 0
 Crank bros 50/50 did it first
  • 2 1
 Terrible idea and they look terrible too, I tend to remove central pins but you can't with these.
  • 2 0
 Ironic that cost is now a thing.
  • 2 1
 I can already hear them creak!
  • 2 1
 and this is why i ride clipped Smile
  • 1 0
 creak hunting just got a little bit harder
  • 2 2
 can peddle any old shite to the MTB dads on here
  • 2 2
 good job making an ugly pedal
  • 1 1
 Don’t, just don’t do it.
  • 2 2
 I thought this said squidward at first
  • 2 1
 More like Squidworst…
  • 3 3
 whos asking for this kind of pedal? .
  • 1 1
 you like krabby patties don't you squidward
  • 4 4
 The best flats are the ones in the trash. Clip and commit soldier
  • 2 1
 Why
  • 2 2
 Dumb
  • 1 2
 Doesn't seem very smart desing ‍♂️‍♂️
  • 1 4
 Good luck finding a tool that fits those pins
  • 2 0
 5mm sockets aren't exactly hen's teeth?
.
3/16" sockets (4.76mm) fit tighter on the pins anyway and they're ultra-common.
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