Test: The Taiwanese company Exustar is one of the leading Asian manufacturers of pedals and cycling shoes. All areas of cycling are covered with a wide variety of pedal models in a wide variety of designs. The variety of products is also reflected in the individual categories. Among the many flat pedals for BMX, downhill and freeride offered by Exustar, we chose the E-PB525 model for the test.
Product details at a glance
- Material pedal body / axle: Aluminum / Cr-Mo
- Weight (pair): 374 grams
- Tread area: Approximately 95 x 95 mm
- Pins per side/pedal: 10
- Interchangeable pins: Yes
- Pedal bearing: Industrial ball bearings
- Assembling the pedals: Allen key
- Price: € 59,90
Construction and design of the pedal
The first impression: Simple elegance meets functionality! The design of the aluminum pedal body is straightforward and straightforward. The tread is very flat, i.e. only slightly waisted: the pedal body measures 17 mm at the highest point and 15 mm at the lowest point. The connecting bars of the pedal are almost filigree. The recesses are large and the structure of the pedal body offers only a small surface for mud to attack. 10 interchangeable pins are mounted on each side of the pedal. The pins have a diameter of 4 mm and are 4 mm high. The axle of the Exustar E-PB525 platform pedal is made of Cr-Mo, industrial ball bearings are responsible for the smooth rotation of the pedal body.
Before the test / visual impression
The processing of the pedal is as straightforward and clean as the design. The edges are clean and give no cause for criticism. The tread of about 95 mm x 95 mm corresponds to the usual size of platform pedals. The weight is equivalent to the filigree structure: 374 grams per pair is quite impressive. The pedal has a slight resistance when turning and should therefore prevent the pedal body from turning further during tricks. The pins are screwed into the pedal body from above, the required Allen key and two spare pins are included. If the Allen key no longer fits due to contact with the ground or something similar, the affected pin can also be unscrewed with a small open-end wrench.
field test
Although the pins are quite bulky with a diameter of 4 mm, the Exustar E-PB525 flat pedal offers the rider a good grip. The flat design of the tread gives you a very good feeling for the bike, especially when wearing skateboard shoes. The rider has really grown together with the pedal and can therefore push the bike perfectly. But the pedal not only scores in good weather, but also in muddy conditions. The no-frills design of the pedal body and the large cut-outs ensure good self-cleaning even in the most adverse conditions and don't give mud a chance to get stuck on the pedal.
After the test
After the test, the pedal body shows only the usual signs of wear. The imprint of the brand name is most affected. The pins are all present, although they were not provided with a screw locking varnish at the factory. In order to rule out all eventualities, it would make sense to apply screw varnish before using it for the first time. In the course of the test, both pedals developed some grease on the side facing the crank, but this did not affect the functionality. The bearings are still running just as fine as on the first day, and there is no play either.
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