9point8 has released its new iNVRS pedals, flipping convention on its head by making the pedal body out of rubber and fixing pins to the sole.
These new pedals are said to offer exceptional grip and are designed with winter riding in mind.
Any flat shoes are compatible with the system, with steel carbide-tipped studs screwing into the sole of your shoe, and there is also an SPD Studded Cleat for those using mountain bike shoes.
9point8 says the pedals are great for reducing shin strikes, with the rubber sole causing fewer lacerations than traditionally pinned pedals.
The pedals are priced at £56.85, with the SPD Studded Cleat costing £40.37 and the Shoe Studs £34.60.
Not an April fool
While it’s certainly an unusual design, it's clear 9point8 has made the pedals with a focus on winter riding.
In snowy conditions, clipless mountain bike pedals can clog up with snow and ice, making it difficult to clip in, while traditional flat pedals can become compacted with snow and lose traction.
The iNVRS pedals are designed to avoid this by placing the pins on the sole of the shoe, where snow is less likely to linger.
The design also enables you to use any flat-sole shoe – although you need to be aware of sole depth – with the system, enabling you to turn warm winter boots into cycling shoes.
9point8 sells a Hex Handle and Stud Driver to make this process easier, priced at £4.12 and £9.06 respectively.
Shimano’s SPD sandals may soon have a competitor, if/when someone decides to turn their sandals into riding shoes.
The studs also add grip when off the bike, with the carbide tips digging into ice patches like ice tyres.
9point8 says it uses a propriety rubber compound on the pedals, providing excellent traction for the studs to bite into.
When the weather is less foul, the pedals can be used as traditional flat pedals for riding around town.
The pedals can also be fully serviced, with the brand offering a rebuild kit and replacement rubber inserts for the body.
While the design appears to have some drawbacks – even 9point8 warns against walking across your hardwood floors – it’s interesting to see new developments in pedal-interface technology.
