Velo Orange Sabot Pedals

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Colin63
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Velo Orange Sabot Pedals

Post by Colin63 »

Has anybody had experience of these Velo Orange Sabot pedals? All the reviews are positive, but it doesn't hurt to seek extra opinions. I've decided to move away from my SPD pedals and go for flats. I use a VO Grand Cru crankset on my bike and it's lovely to look at and use. I like the look of these because they have a large surface area which will be comfortable, and they have an aesthetic which matches my bike. They should also last a lifetime as they are fully serviceable (such a shame that such a thing is not taken as given). Image
colin54
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Re: Velo Orange Sabot Pedals

Post by colin54 »

Colin63 wrote: 12 May 2021, 8:31pm They should also last a lifetime as they are fully serviceable (such a shame that such a thing is not taken as given).
I had a look at their site to see if they had an extra in-board seal and were not just relying on the grease seals on the
cartridge bearings and it looks like they do which is good, and they do indeed show a bearing and seal repair kit.

https://velo-orange.com/collections/ped ... ebuilt-kit
https://velo-orange.com/products/grand-cru-sabot-pedals
What I couldn't see from a cursory glance, is whether anyone in the UK actually stocks the kit . It might pay to buy or at least order a repair kit while you can. If the UK stockists can't supply the kit now, what chance in the future ?
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simonineaston
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Re: Velo Orange Sabot Pedals

Post by simonineaston »

I've gone for this sort of studded platform pedal recently, although from a different maker. I'm fond of the cartridge bearings and the supportive platform, but do be aware that the (removable) studs can tear into footwear with softer sole units.
S
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PH
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Re: Velo Orange Sabot Pedals

Post by PH »

It's a pity the reflectors are an afterthought and placed in a vulnerable position, otherwise they'd probably be on my shopping list. Also not sure the cartridge bearings are going to be as long lasting as loose balls, I'd have thought they'd have to be considerably smaller. I'd also check it's a common size, no point having them rebuildable unless you can be sure of always getting the parts. I like the platform size, I have some HT pedals the same and they've become my favourites, despite being the cheapest! Not sure about the VO rounded pins, couple of reviews say they're not the grippiest in the wet, I understand why you might want to protect none cycling shoes, but I'd prioritise shins over shoes. Also pins break or wear away, these seem to fit with a special tool from the face of the platform, I'd prefer they fitted from he other side so a damaged one would be easy to remove.
2_i
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Re: Velo Orange Sabot Pedals

Post by 2_i »

I found them marginal and sold them off. My interest in them was that they were flat, but had pins and allowed for reflectors. The reflectors have a push in mount that loosens in no time. I think I lost the first after 2 months. I tried to put there reflectors that mount with bolts, but there is not enough space there to tighten the nuts well. The grip is poor. I think this is a combination of the pedal shape and pin placement and shape. Few months later into the use the first rubber seal popped out. I pushed it in and it popped out again in a few days. The overall finish is close to the products out of my basement - at times I think I am better. I replaced them with Shimano Saints that also take reflectors. They are more expensive but seem to belong to another universe - you mount them and never look back.
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Colin63
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Re: Velo Orange Sabot Pedals

Post by Colin63 »

Thanks for those responses. I'll delve deeper into those other manufacturers pedals. Glad to hear of some real world experience rather than just a trial review.
steelframe
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Re: Velo Orange Sabot Pedals

Post by steelframe »

When hunting for quality it is probably worth looking at MKS-Pedals (https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/product) - they do have quite a lineup. For your purpose the Lambda (https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/product/node/79) or its newer sibling Gamma (https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/product/node/382) may be of specific interest. I've used the Lambda on one of my bikes for a couple of years now and it is very comfy. If you like the optics (a matter of taste) I can recommend it.
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Colin63
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Re: Velo Orange Sabot Pedals

Post by Colin63 »

steelframe wrote: 13 May 2021, 9:18am When hunting for quality it is probably worth looking at MKS-Pedals (https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/product) - they do have quite a lineup. For your purpose the Lambda (https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/product/node/79) or its newer sibling Gamma (https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/product/node/382) may be of specific interest. I've used the Lambda on one of my bikes for a couple of years now and it is very comfy. If you like the optics (a matter of taste) I can recommend it.
You've sent me down an MKS rabbit hole. The reviews of the Lambda have all been excellent, and then I discovered the Allways and they look to be fantastic as well but hard to obtain. I'm abandoning the VO route but haven't yet decided which MKS to go for.
PH
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Re: Velo Orange Sabot Pedals

Post by PH »

Colin63 wrote: 13 May 2021, 12:02pm The reviews of the Lambda have all been excellent, and then I discovered the Allways and they look to be fantastic as well but hard to obtain. I'm abandoning the VO route but haven't yet decided which MKS to go for.
I have some MKS Lambda, the detachable version, on my folder. I'm planning on adding some pins, they're useless in the rain without them.
Having said that - ones opinion of pedals may vary with the shoes being used. I took my folder on tour a couple of years ago, with some previous MKS pedals which I'd done a few thousand all weather miles with, I also took shoes I'd likewise ridden a lot in, but I hadn't used them together very much and obviously not in the wet or I'd have discovered how poorly they went together.
markjohnobrien
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Re: Velo Orange Sabot Pedals

Post by markjohnobrien »

steelframe wrote: 13 May 2021, 9:18am When hunting for quality it is probably worth looking at MKS-Pedals (https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/product) - they do have quite a lineup. For your purpose the Lambda (https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/product/node/79) or its newer sibling Gamma (https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/product/node/382) may be of specific interest. I've used the Lambda on one of my bikes for a couple of years now and it is very comfy. If you like the optics (a matter of taste) I can recommend it.
I like MKS GR9 flat pedals.
Raleigh Randonneur 708 (Magura hydraulic brakes); Blue Raleigh Randonneur 708 dynamo; Pearson Compass 631 tourer; Dawes One Down 631 dynamo winter bike;Raleigh Travelogue 708 tourer dynamo; Kona Sutra; Trek 920 disc Sram Force.
markjohnobrien
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Re: Velo Orange Sabot Pedals

Post by markjohnobrien »

steelframe wrote: 13 May 2021, 9:18am When hunting for quality it is probably worth looking at MKS-Pedals (https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/product) - they do have quite a lineup. For your purpose the Lambda (https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/product/node/79) or its newer sibling Gamma (https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/product/node/382) may be of specific interest. I've used the Lambda on one of my bikes for a couple of years now and it is very comfy. If you like the optics (a matter of taste) I can recommend it.
I like MKS GR9 flat pedals.
Raleigh Randonneur 708 (Magura hydraulic brakes); Blue Raleigh Randonneur 708 dynamo; Pearson Compass 631 tourer; Dawes One Down 631 dynamo winter bike;Raleigh Travelogue 708 tourer dynamo; Kona Sutra; Trek 920 disc Sram Force.
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Colin63
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Re: Velo Orange Sabot Pedals

Post by Colin63 »

Thanks for the feedback everyone. It's been an enormous help to me in making my decision. I was going to go for the lambdas until it was reported that they are slippery when wet (I slipped from my M324s several times in the rain and that's exactly what I want avoid). I saw a Youtube video raving about lambdas when used with Power Grips, but as twisting my ankle is a big big issue for me I ended up rejecting them. The Saints are out of my price range, but it made me take a look at the Shimano range and I've opted for their PD-GR500s. I've put them onto the bike with the pins at full length and will experiment with different lengths in the coming days.
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Cowsham
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Re: Velo Orange Sabot Pedals

Post by Cowsham »

Take a look at XLC pedals -- I think they're all ball bearing pedals -- I bought a pair of mtb ones and well pleased. They have some nice designs too -- check these out

https://www.xlc-parts.com/en/urban/bike ... -c01?c=238
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rogerzilla
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Re: Velo Orange Sabot Pedals

Post by rogerzilla »

BBB also make some decent pedals with traditional bearings.
2_i
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Re: Velo Orange Sabot Pedals

Post by 2_i »

Colin63 wrote: 20 May 2021, 11:05am I've opted for their PD-GR500s. I've put them onto the bike with the pins at full length and will experiment with different lengths in the coming days.
Please report back after you gain some experience with them.
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