SQLab 50X Platform pedals

While countless saddle and grip models are already designed to suit specific ergonomic and anatomical requirements, pedals are still quite generic in this regard. Size-specific platform pedals have been around for a while but SQLab are taking a different approach with their 50X pedal. Read on to find out everything about the new SQLab 50X pedals and what they’re capable of!

Straight away, SQLab’s 50X pedals look pretty different from anything else you’ve seen before! That’s mainly due to their oversized platform with a 115x105mm footprint. While this is the same across all sizes (S,M,L), the pedal axle comes in three different lengths, which is the special feature of SQ Lab’s new € 79.95 platform pedal. The axle length increases in 5 mm increments between each size. SQLab provide a size chart for their SQLab 50X: size S is recommended for shoe sizes 36 to 40, size M for 41 to 45 and size L for 46 to 50. According to SQLab’s own statement, riders with a V-shaped foot position should get one size up. The different axle lengths are meant to ensure a physiologically natural foot position on the pedal. The SQLab 50X employ a fibre-reinforced polymer plastic platform (30% glass fibre) and are only available in black. While this makes for a discreet look it doesn’t allow trail fashionistas to colour match the pedals with their socks 🙂 At 437g, the SQLab 50X pedals aren’t exactly light. The platform comes with 11 pins that can be replaced with the spares supplied by SQ as standard. The pins don’t thread directly into the pedal body and are secured by a nut instead. This makes it easier to replace the pins because it prevents them from snapping inside the pedal. That being said, at 3mm the pins are rather short. The Chromo axles glide on high-quality bushings and ball bearings, which are produced in Germany and Japan, respectively. While a bearing replacement kit isn’t available yet, this should be available for purchase soon according to SQLab. The large platform is slightly concave, without the annoying bulge around the pedal axle which is typical of many conventional flat pedals, thus ensuring good ergonomics and plenty of grip.

On long rides, the flat profile of the SQLab 50X ensures a comfortable pedalling experience. Moreover, the short pins help prevent horror movie-like gashes on your shins. However, the platform is only marginally concave and the pins are too short, which prevents the SQLab 50X pedals from delivering the excellent grip of the top platform pedals currently available on the market. As a result, it can be hard to find the right foot position in choppy rock gardens and bumpy root carpets, but this gets better on flowing trails and fire roads. If you want more grip you can buy longer screws at your local DIY store. The thick platform doesn’t go unnoticed, especially when riding downhill, and makes you feel as if you are standing above the pedal axle.

The different axle lengths bring several advantages. In size L, the pedal the platform is further away from the cranks, which makes it easier for riders with wide hips to position their feet further apart. In addition, different pedal axle lengths can help solve ebike-specific problems. For example, eMTBs with a mid-drive motor have wider cranks and thus a greater Q-factor (the distance between the pedal attachment points on the crank arms) than conventional MTBs. If you struggle to cope with the wider stance of eMTBs, you could use the SQ Lab pedals in size S to narrow the Q-factor slightly. However, make sure your eMTB allows for a narrower stance, because many eMTBs have very wide swingarms. If you move the pedals (and your feet) closer towards the frame, your heels might end up rubbing against the seat/chainstays. On the other hand, if you already hit the swingarm with your heels, the wider pedals in size L might be the solution you’re looking for. Since all three SQ Lab 50X pedals sizes use the same platform dimensions, the axle length can be chosen regardless of the shoe size. However, riders with small feet might struggle to find grip on the big platform, because narrow shoe soles don’t reach out to all pins. In our opinion, it would make more sense to increase the platform size with the axle length.

With their 50X pedal, SQLab are breaking new ground and enabling new customisation options for your eMTB. While the pedals are also a good option for tourers, the short pins don’t provide sufficient grip on rough terrain. This is especially true for riders with small feet, who won’t be able to get all of the pins under their narrow shoe soles. Different platform sizes would solve this problem.

Fore more information, visit sq-lab.com

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Words: Felix Rauch Photos: Mike Hunger