Pembree’s latest pedal release, the D3A, is a story of simplification. While the latest iteration of the flat pedal still holds the brand’s key values, it does away with the unique pin and axle-entry design of old. What’s left are a pair of cracking pedals that provide tonnes of support and traction thanks to their large and well-sculpted platforms. While certainly premium pedals, they come with the price to match, and their pins can get a little rusty.

Pembree D3A flat pedals – Technical details

As with all of Pembree’s products, the D3A is constructed of recycled extruded and CNC-machined aluminium, built in its UK-based factory that relies solely on renewable energy. With that, the pedals are 100% carbon offset and 99.9% recyclable, says the brand.

2026 pembree d3a hero 2
2026 pembree d3a hero 2 (Image Credit: Liam Mercer)

But onto the pedals, and they’re built to withstand the rigours of downhill riding with each of the platform’s sides featuring 12 M4 Nylok traction pins. They’re dual-access pins, too, so they can be removed from either side of the pedal, making them easy to replace if damaged. They’re a notable change from the D2A’s pins, too, as they’re of a more standard design, making them easier to source and maintain.

Another area in which the D3A departs from its predecessor is in the design of its end cap. It’s no longer covered, but it is recessed, which should keep it well out of harm’s way. Underneath that cap is a forged chromoly axle, and the pedal’s body rotates around a sealed bearing system.

2026 pembree d3a profile
2026 pembree d3a profile (Image Credit: Liam Mercer)

Elsewhere, the pedal body is concave with the aim of helping the shoe sit into the pedal.

The D3A is available in six anodised colours and in two sizes, with the small measuring 108x100mm for shoe sizes EU37-43, and the large measuring 116x110mm for sizes EU43-49. I’ve had the large on test to go with my EU44 feet.

Pembree claims that a pair of D3A pedals weighs 420g, without stating which size, whereas I weighed my large pair to be 437g.

New for Pembree is an extended warranty that covers the pedals for five years, and there’s a crash replacement policy that reduces the cost of a pair of fresh pedals by 50%.

Pembree D3A flat pedals – Performance

I was impressed with the D3A’s predecessor, the D2A, but found a couple of qualms in its sizing and support. Fortunately, Pembree has fixed that, making the D3A one of the best pedals around.

There are three ways in which Pembree has attacked those issues – the pedal’s size, shape and the concavity. To start with the size, it’s just larger, which provides much more surface for the foot to nestle up against. This then summons up an excellent level of support, and plenty of space for tweaking the foot position on the pedal. Even after hasty dabs and a poorly positioned foot, I’ve still felt planted well enough to continue without much of a problem.

Then there’s the shape. The D3A is a fairly square pedal, but it still has the tapered edges that follow the form of the foot. This only aids its support, providing a platform for every inch of the foot to engage with.

2026 pembree d3a leading edge
2026 pembree d3a leading edge (Image Credit: Liam Mercer)

Boosting support and traction is then that concave. Pembree doesn’t allude to its depth on its website, but it’s subtle enough not to make a huge impact on pedal feel, but just enough to help the shoe sit in the pedal, and help the pins sink into the tread.

The result of all of that is a very impressive level of grip and a pedal that provides all of the support you could ask for, all without relying on excessive profiles that can make a pedal feel weird to stand on. When rattling through chunky sections of trail, the D3A holds onto the foot securely, and as mentioned before, its overall size offers up a super solid platform.

2026 pembree d3a pin
2026 pembree d3a pin (Image Credit: Liam Mercer)

As per usual, Pembree has delivered a super high build quality, but the pins don’t quite match up. Unfortunately, they have shown a little rust after riding through the super rough winter we’ve had in the UK. Where everywhere else on the pedal looks so good (albeit with a few scratches now), it’s a shame that the pins mar an otherwise super attractive pedal.

However, the D3A seriously holds up on the durability front. I’ve not been kind to these pedals, having thrown the bike about and ridden them through such an awful winter, but the bearings are still running rather smoothly, and there are merely just a few scratches in the anodising. Apart from some slightly rusty pins, I’m certain that the D3A is more than up for some serious abuse.

Pembree D3A flat pedal – Verdict

Unfortunately, we’re at a point where pedals with CNC-machined aluminium bodies are fairly pricy, and the D3A is one of those products; however, there are a number of key contenders that are around £10 less than Pembree’s. That said, a few are pricier.

A favourite of mine is OneUp Components Wave pedals. These use a unique wave profile that combines concave and convex, and really, they’re the most comfortable pedals I’ve used. However, their platforms aren’t as large as the D3A’s, and the finish isn’t quite on the D3A’s level. These are £150.

There’s also Deity’s Flat Trak pedals that I’m super fond of. These are built with a large platform, like the D3A, and while the finish is different, I’d say that the quality is on par. The Flat Traks will set you back £150.

But onto the pricier options, there’s Race Face’s Turbine pedals, which are a lot more aggressive in their profile and pin length, so they can feel a little odd and are a smidgeon more specialist. They’ll set you back £170, as will DMR’s Vault Max pedals, though they’re not quite as large.

That said, the Pembree D3A pedals are backed by an environmentally friendly commitment, which is definitely part of the draw. Of course, good intentions don’t mean much if a product doesn’t perform. Fortunately, the D3A is an excellent pedal that provides as much support as it does traction. Despite some rusty pins, it’s reliable, durable and simpler to maintain. If you’re happy to spend a little more on a CNC-machined aluminium pedal, Pembree’s D3A is seriously worth considering.

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road.cc test report

What does the manufacturer say about this product?:

Pembree says, “The D3A is our most advanced flat pedal yet. Its double-concave platform provides natural support, optimal control, and high-level performance on all terrains.” It is a natural feeling pedal that provides lots of grip.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:

CNC-machined aluminium pedal body, 12 pins per side, sealed bearings, chromoly spindle.

Rate the product overall for quality (1-10):
10/10

Any further comments on quality?:

Build quality doesn’t get much better

Rate the product for performance when used for its designed purpose (1-10):
10/10

Any further comments on performance?:

Superb grip, support and durability

Rate the product for value (1-10):
7/10

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:

Multiple entries cost around £10 less that are very good. But with prices reaching £170 and more, the D3A is still a premium entry, but not as expensive as others.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

The Pembree D3A is the full package, leaving very little to be desired but the rusty pins mar an otherwise awesome build quality.

Overall rating: 9/10