Crankbrothers Stamp 3 flat pedals review
Crankbrothers have updated their popular Stamp 3 flat pedals, literally following in some big footsteps. We’ve put the pedals through their paces and tell you how they coped and who they’re for.
The € 119.99 Stamp 3 flat pedals take the middle place in the Crankbrothers portfolio, which ranges from the entry-level Stamp 1 pedals for € 49.99 to the € 300.00 Stamp 11 pedals. The flat pedals are available in two sizes. On the small version, the platform measures 100 x 100 mm and, according to Crankbrothers, should be suitable for eMTBers with shoe sizes 37–43. For the large version we tested, the platform is 111 mm wide and 114 mm long, making it ideal for riders with shoes ranging in size from 43 to Bigfoot (officially up to shoe size 49). The pedals are 16 mm tall and have ten pins on each side. The four pins in the middle are 2 mm lower, making the base slightly concave and allowing the balls of your feet to sit more securely on the pedal. The 8 mm long pins are screwed into the pedals from the top using a 2 mm Allen key and are installed with a thread locker from the factory to prevent them from coming loose. Crankbrothers also offer a 10 mm pin set for € 11.99. The pedal body is made from a magnesium alloy and is available in a black or grey finish. Despite this, a pair weighs 391 grams, putting the pedals on the heavier end of the spectrum. The forged chromoly axles rotate on two sealed cartridge bearings on the outside and one IGUS bushing on the inside. There are no weight restrictions on the Stamp 3 pedals and Crankbrothers certify them for the most brutal downhill use while offering their customers a 5-year guarantee.
Our test pedals don’t have a lubrication port like the more expensive Stamp 7 or Stamp 11 models, so you’ll have to remove the axle to service them. The pedal axle is held in place by a Torx 15 bolt that is somewhat difficult to access. Should you wear down the bearings of your pedals to such an extent that they start developing play, Crankbrothers offer a refresh kit with all bearings, seals and bolts for € 24.99.
After six months in the most adverse weather conditions and a wide variety of terrain, from tours to demanding trails, rock gardens and jump lines, it was time for us to draw our conclusions. Thanks to the slightly concave design of the Stamp 3, your shoes interface securely with the pedals. They offer good grip and you’ll rarely slip off, no matter how rough and bumpy the terrain. That said, they aren’t so grippy that you can’t reposition your feet without lifting them off the pedal, even when you’re wearing flat pedal specific shoes. The central strut that houses the axle is flattened, offering a level surface for your shoe that doesn’t press uncomfortably into your foot. As such, the Stamp 3 pedals remain comfortable on long rides if you’re using shoes with flexible soles. The large openings in the cage ensure that the pedals don’t get clogged with mud, staying grippy in wet and dry conditions alike. However, flat pedal riders looking for maximum grip should opt for the longer pin set or look for pedals with a more pronounced concave shape.
During our test, we never had any issues regarding the durability of the pedals. Bearing play? None here. The pedals spin as smoothly as they did when new. The grease on the axles also looked brand new when we opened them up. Not a single grain of dust or dirt was able to find its way past the seals and inside. However, as good as they looked on the inside, the outside was a bit worse for wear. You should obviously expect your pedals to have some scratches after six months of continuous use, but the first few rides in rocky terrain left marks on the pedals, showing clear signs of wear and chipped paint within a very short time. Due to their length and width, you’re bound to smack the pedals into stuff on tight trails unless you’re careful. That’s not much of a problem for the durable housing, though it will definitely show. Another issue is that the pins get screwed into the pedals from the top. If these get damaged in such a way that you can no longer fit an Allen key into them, your only resort will be to drill pins out.
Tops
- ideal for big
- very robust bearings, axles and pedal bodies
- good grip
Flops
- pins get screwed in from the top
- paint comes off very easily
The Crankbrothers Stamp 3 flat pedals are good and the size L accommodates even the largest feet. On the trail, they offer a secure hold and perform well on all-day rides. Even after getting bombarded with rocks, they kept on going. The axles and bearings are super easy to service, but the durability of the finish and the fact that pins get screwed in from the top leave room for improvement.
Test duration: 6 months
Price: € 119.99
Weight: 391 g in L
For more info, visit crankbrothers.com
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Words & Photos: Rudolf Fischer
