DMR has a lengthy history of producing pedals that have become a stalwart of the mountain bike scene, and the VMAX is its latest clipless offering. While good-looking, it’s built to last, having shrugged off even the worst of knocks. Its large platform offers plenty of support, too, but there have been times when I’ve found clipping into the pedal to be rather vague, and there’s a bit of a bedding-in process to be had.
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DMR VMAX clipless pedal – Technical details
With the V-Twin being DMR’s long-standing clipless pedal, the VMAX takes what made it great and builds upon it. The most notable development that the VMAX benefits from is a larger but thinner CNC-machined 6061 aluminium platform, which the brand says provides more support and more clearance against those dreaded rock strikes. For those with an eye for detail, the platform measures 80mm x 95mm and 18mm in depth.
Buy the DMR VMAX clipless pedal from Tweeks Cycles for £89.99
Utilising the common and familiar SPD mechanism, the VMAX is compatible with readily available, rather affordable SPD cleats, and channels are cut into the platform to allow access to the tension adjustment bolts. Much like other SPD mechanisms, the one included here offers four degrees of float. There is then a pair of 12-degree release cleats thrown in the box.
Coming from a UK-based brand, it’s no surprise that DMR has thrown in a whole bunch of seals and made the pedal user-serviceable. The cleat cages are replaceable, as are the fully sealed bearings, the DU bushing, and the double internal body seals.
Kitted with four adjustable pins per side, the pedal rotates on a 4140 CroMo steel axle and weighs a claimed 467g per pair. I’ve weighed a pair at –
The pair of pedals is available in three anodised colours, Deep Black, Light Bronze, and RD Grey, all with laser-etched logos.
DMR VMAX clipless pedal – Performance
The DMR VMAX is a great-looking pedal, especially in its Kashima-matching Light Bronze colour, and it’s one of those few pedals that looks better with the odd bit of wear thrown on after a few rides.
I’m a big fan of platformed SPD, or any platformed clipless pedals for that matter, and the VMAX has proven to be another valid entry into a quickly growing market. And DMR has done a cracking job in the shape and size of the platform here. When clipped in, it provides a discernible level of support that boosts control, feedback and feel, resulting in a ridiculously solid connection between rider and bike, especially when slamming through choppy terrain and tipping the bike into corners.
The whole experience isn’t 100% perfect, however, as on the odd occasion, I found clipping into the pedal to be a little hit and miss. Sometimes, I would engage with the pedal instantly, and others I would find myself hunting for the mechanism and trying to force the cleat in. Although it’s not the most common of things to happen, it did become rather frustrating when it did, and often that was when I was rolling into a trail expecting seamless integration.
There’s a bit of a break-in period, too, so perhaps clipping in is still yet to get easier. But I found that break-in time applied mainly to exiting the pedal, where it would sometimes hang on to the cleat, even when extended well beyond the release angle. This was with a couple of shoes, the Crankbrothers Mallet Trail Boa, and Shimano’s GE9. But with a bit of time and patience, the pedal wore in, making clipping out of the pedal exactly as expected. I’d definitely recommend a bit of time in the garden, clipping in and out of the pedal before heading out for a ride.
DMR has made its name on durability, and the brand’s track record of producing bombproof kit has only been extended with the VMAX. Although slimmer, there’s always a chance of whacking a pedal on something, and after a solid number of harsh impacts, the pedal is still spinning and performing exactly as it should. It’s great to see such an array of seals built into the pedal, too, as its bearings are still rotating smoothly, even after a few months of some incredibly gross weather.
Something to note is that DMR has opted for a coated SPD mechanism, which saves some cost compared to stainless steel alternatives. However, unlike with some similar designs, the VMAX has fended off rust, and again, it still clips in smoothly. It just ends up looking a little tatty after a few rides, but given the price, this can certainly be forgiven.
DMR VMAX clipless pedal – Verdict
With an asking price of £110, the VMAX’s value is incredibly attractive. In fact, it beats similar offerings from OneUp Components and Funn by around £30.
OneUp’s Clipless Pedals are smaller and, understandably, lighter, but in terms of overall design, they’re not a stone’s throw away from what DMR has created here. Although thinner and not quite as long, they use four pins and a stainless steel SPD binding, but they’ll set you back £143.
Funn’s Ripper2 pedals are £155. Like the VMAX, it’s built for a range of riding styles, but its platform is larger still. However, its pins aren’t adjustable, which I found to make disengaging with the pedal difficult to the point where I removed most of them. The Ripper2 also uses a coated mechanism, but it’s £45 pricier.
Few large platform pedals come at such a price; however, Look’s X Track Rage pedals come in at £70. However, they’re not nearly as large.
Although I’ve had my foibles with the DMR VMAX pedal, namely a vague engagement every now and then, and the break-in period, the price tag, aesthetic and bombproof durability make the pair of pedals well worth consideration, especially if you’re looking to dip your toe into platformed clipless pedals. If you’re after tonnes of support in a relatively maintenance-free package that won’t break the bank, look no further.
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