DMR V12 flat pedals review

DMR’s V12 is one of the brand’s longest-standing and best-selling flat pedals.

It's a formula that hasn't had a significant redesign since the pedal was first released more than 20 years ago (although the design did get a minor update in 2014), testimony to its performance and popularity.

The V12 features an aluminium body with 10 removable pins and, like other DMR pedals, is available in a wide selection of colours.

DMR V12 details and specifications

At its widest, the pedal’s aluminium platform measures 100(L)x95mm(W). The front and rear edges are 19mm deep, while the side is 17mm at its thickest point.

The central axle housing is 14mm thick, giving the pedal a concave shape.

Each of the 10 removable grub screw pins is 4mm long, and screws into the top of the pedal’s platform.

The front and rear edges are chamfered to help deflect rock and ground strikes.

The 4140 chromoly steel axles run on a DU bushing and sealed cartridge bearing, and DMR says the V12’s parts are fully replaceable and serviceable.

My pair of test pedals weighed 420g.

DMR V12 performance

The V12’s fairly diminutive platform meant foot placement needed to be accurate to get the most traction from the pins and improve stability.

When my feet were placed off-centre, stability was reduced because they can pivot off the pedal, and I found myself regularly repositioning them on the platform.

This proved to be tricky because pin grip was impressive.

However, if my feet were located centrally on the platform, there was no twisting or movement.

Even though the platform is one of the smaller models in this test, there wasn’t as much foot clawing as I was expecting, but it's still present on very rough or long descents.

The bonus of a small platform is the pedals are less likely to hit the sides of ruts, but I found my feet hit the edges of the trail before the pedals did, which could be problematic for some.

Although the gloss paint looks good out of the box, it’s quick to chip, making the V12s look scruffy.

DMR V12 bottom line

A solid performer at a bargain price, that’s stood the test of the time. They don’t cost significantly more than composite alternatives, but are made from alloy.

They V12s are better suited to people with smaller feet, however, and I’d like to see them have a growth spurt for their next iteration to improve performance further.