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review

Wellgo R096 Clipless Road Pedals

8
£28.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Perfect intro into the world of clipless pedals. No serious cost, easy to set up and use
Weight: 
285g
Contact: 
www.i-ride.co.uk

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Pedals are a very personal choice and there are plenty to choose from. If you're thinking of taking the plunge into using clipless pedals then that same large selection can prove a bewildering process, but these Wellgo R096 Clipless Road Pedals are a great first foray into the world of clipless.

To some the thought of being physically attached to their pedals is not one they want to explore. If you do, where do you start in selecting a pair?

The range of clipless road pedals from Wellgo isn't extensive, numbering five pairs but they won't break the bank so giving you an inexpensive toe in the water.

The R096 are the entry level pair at £27.99. The range is either compatible with Shimano or Look cleats, in the case of the R096s it's with the latter.

At 326g for the pair they are not the lightest, made from Cromoly steel. The main benefit of this pair is a solid base from which you can gain confidence. Attaching to the cranks is straight forward but before you do it's worth adjusting the resistance on the cleat fitting towards the loosest setting to aid familiarity without any tricky foot-stuck-on-pedal moments. To adjust this setting is easy to do, a simple allen key adjustment.

A few quick clip in and releases later, each pedal was adjusted and felt secure enough. The first couple of rides required a couple of minor adjustments to make sure the tension was as I preferred but after a few more weeks of commuting everything has settled.

The pedals are easy to get on with. There is a definitive 'clunk' when the cleat engages so you know when your shoe is in place. To disengage is as simple, a flick of the heel releases the shoe. Performance-wise the Wellgos are workmanlike and trouble free. The cleats provided as mentioned earlier are Look compatible and have a 6 degree lateral float. This means they have a reasonable amount of sideways movement. Not a deal breaker as you can replace them for a pair that offers less movement if you prefer.

All in all, these pedals are the perfect intro into the world of clipless pedals. No serious cost, and easy to set up and use.

Verdict

These pedals are the perfect intro into the world of clipless pedals. No serious cost, easy to set up and use.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Wellgo R096 Clipless Road Pedals

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The ideal pedal for those looking to try clipless pedals for the first time. They are made of Cromoly steel so are both hardy and sturdy.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Spindle: Cr-Mo CNC Machined

Bearing R096: Needle/Sealed

Size: 81 x 87 x 33mm

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

Weighing in at 326g they won't set any records for weight saved but they are sturdy so won't let you down.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

There's no frills with the Wellgo R096s but you'd be paying more if that's what you were after. If you want a set of pedals that will perform as you'd expect and aren't overly expensive.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Despite being used during some pretty tough conditions, they're have been no gripes with these pedals.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

You're not sacrificing much by going for a slightly heavier pedal.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

Easy to use.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Good value for money given the practicality of the Wellgos.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Given some harsh commuting miles, they have withstood the worst of the roads and the weather without flaw.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Straight forward and easy to use. Another plus is the fact they work with Look cleats, a bonus for me at least.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

They are basic, reflected in the price but if I was being really picky then a little lighter.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Aa a backup or spare, yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? I would if someone was looking to take the plunge and use clipless pedals.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 44  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT

 

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1 comments

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Municipal Waste | 11 years ago
0 likes

Another good option for a first time using clip-less would be Shimano Light Action. Or if you have more money to throw at it, Speedplay Light Action because they're easier to use.

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