Not too long ago it was considered an impossible task to take the EWS Overall Title on a set of flat pedals, it was considered a necessity to use clipless pedals. There was no way anyone thought that a top 5 finish at the 2017 Cairns DH World Cup was even possible on flat pedals and a trail bike, but one man has managed to redefine the thought processes of many. Sam Hill has brought the flat pedal back into vogue and his signature Nukeproof Horizon Pedals are one bit of kit that we instantly fell in love with…..
Product: Nukeproof Horizon Flat Pedals – Sam Hill Signature edition
RRP: $165.99 AUD, £84.99
Available at: Off The Brakes (Aus) or Chain Reaction Cycles
We tested these pedals on everything from bike park jump trails to gnarly, technical single track; in between the race tape, on shuttle days and everyday trail rides… they performed well each and every time.
The Nitty Gritty
Designed in conjunction with Sam Hill, 5 time DH World Champion, 3 time EWS Overall World Champion and dead set Aussie pinner, the Horizon pedal is built with gravity in mind. Made from 100% alloy with a large platform, adjustable pins for added grip and shin destroying capabilities, these pedals are durable and designed to last. Each pedal spins on sealed cartridge bearings with good mud shedding ability, designed to keep water and mud out to prolong the lifespan between services.
Used and abused, we certainly put these pedals through their paces and they performed time and time again. Each Scratch and mark adding character to the pedals without altering performance….
Test Results
Australia is by and far one of the best places to test flat pedals in the super loose conditions that are on offer here. We spent the last 9 months running these pedals on a long travel enduro bike in a variety of trails networks in and around South East Queensland, Australia. We tested these pedals on everything from bike park jump trails to gnarly, technical single track; in between the race tape, on shuttle days and everyday trail rides… they performed well each and every time.
The one thing that you notice straight away is the meaty nature of the pedals, the large pins and the absolute grip that is abundant with these pedals. Don’t let the large pins scare you away, some people fear large pins because they are concerned about ‘pedal bite’; the reality is that you’ll normally only get wounds to your shins when you lose grip, something these pedals do not lack. They are confidence inspiring, durable, sturdy, look damn good and are signed off by the man himself, Sam Hill.
The Final Word
For most of my riding life I have been on clipless pedals, only switching to flats last year to give them a try and to improve my skills. The switch was a difficult one initially and the Shimano Saint flat pedals I was using were good, however I did still find some pedal slippage and they weren’t 100 percent confidence inspiring. The move onto the Nukeproof Horizon Pedals was a wise one and to be honest it is day and night. These pedals are confidence inspiring with as much traction as clipless pedals through meaty rock gardens, they stick to your feet over the biggest features and they look damn good doing it. In my opinion they are certainly a fixture on my bikes….
