When it comes to flat pedals, one size does not fit all. Though Crankbrothers has long offered two sizes of their most popular Stamp pedal models, the new Stamp Evos are truly large and in charge. No matter if your foot is small or large, the Crankbrothers Stamp Evo flat pedals offer a platform that’s 20% larger than previous Stamps for increased support, stability, and comfort on long rides. The pedals also add a unique bashguard to the edges to reduce snags while giving riders the opportunity to add some color.
Crankbrothers Stamp Evo key specs
- Weight: 461.2g (pair, size large)
- Price: $199.99
- Buy from Crankbrothers
The Crankbrothers Stamp Evo flat pedals are forged from aluminum alloy and feature a chromoly axle with inboard and outboard Igus bearings. There are 13 pins per side, and some of the pins are double-sided. The Stamp Evos are concave, running 11mm thick at the center and 15.5mm thick at the edges. Weighing 461g for a pair of size large Stamp Evo pedals, these trail spinners weigh more than the average.
Size large (tested) Crankbrothers Stamp Evo pedals have a platform that’s 115x135mm, which is significantly larger than most pedals on the market. In fact, the only pedals I know of that are longer are the Pedal Innovations Catalysts (95x143mm and 105x160mm) and the DirtySixer pedals (120x160mm), which are designed for shoe sizes 13 and up. Even the size small Crankbrothers Stamp Evos are big, at 102x118mm, and are among some of the largest platform pedals available.
So what’s the advantage of more surface area when it comes to mountain bike pedals? For starters, a larger platform is easier to find with your foot from a stop, and it spreads your weight over a wider area, which is said to reduce fatigue. A bigger pedal should be more stable as well.
Of course, bigger is not always better, and there are drawbacks to a larger pedal. Weight is an obvious consideration, but an even bigger concern is the potential for increased pedal strikes.
With a longer length than the Stamp 7s, on paper, the Stamp Evos are more likely to strike rocks and roots anytime they’re not completely horizontal to the trail. The Stamp Evos are wider, too, which increases the chance of contact when you lean the bike or when riding bench-cut trails. Not only that, they’re taller by a couple of millimeters, too.
Even though I’m sure the pedal geometry checks out, on the trail, I really didn’t have to make any adjustments based on the larger platform. I experienced no more pedal strikes than usual, likely because the height and width of the Stamp Evos isn’t all that different from the other pedals I’m used to. It’s the length of the pedal that truly stands out.
Crankbrothers is not the first to claim that a longer pedal is more stable and comfortable. Pedaling Innovations founder James Wilson has been touting larger, and specifically longer, flat pedals for many years now.
After testing the Stamp Evos over a few months of riding, I can confirm that they work quite well. The large platform delivers excellent control, particularly when leaning into corners. Pedaling uphill, I can’t say I noticed any less fatigue — climbing still sucks! — but the platform is quite firm and seems to deliver power efficiently. Pedal grip is on par with others I’ve tested, and my shins can confirm that the pins are very sharp indeed.
In the places where double-sided pins are used, it isn’t possible to customize the pin heights. That is, if you want to run those pins a little shorter, they’ll end up longer on the flip side. Stamp Evo pedals use three different pin sizes — 8mm, 10mm, and 22mm double pins — although only extra 22mm pins are included in the package. Keeping track of all those sizes could be a hassle down the road.
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Size large Stamp Evos are optimized for riders who wear a US size 10 shoe or larger. Size small Stamp Evos are best for those who wear smaller shoe sizes. If you wear exactly a size 10 (43EU), it’s not clear which size Stamp is best; the upshot, I guess, is you get to pick!
Freshen things up a bit
Crankbrothers says the Stamp Evo pedals are easily serviceable and fully rebuildable with available replacement parts.
The Stamp Evos include nylon bashguards on the edges. Though nylon pedals are quite common, it’s unusual to see nylon paired with an aluminum pedal. Clearly, the nylon will get scuffed up and worn more quickly than the aluminum pedal body, but the upshot is you can quickly replace the bashguards to give the pedals a fresh look. An extra set of black bashguards is included with the Stamp Evo pedals.
Buyers can purchase more colorful bashguards separately for $14.99 in blue, purple (shown), gray, and black. Stamp Evo pedals are offered in black and silver (shown). I’m always a sucker for adding pops of color to my bikes; I just wish there was an orange bashguard!
Functionally, the bashguards are said to “improve deflection and reduce hang-up during rock strikes.” I can’t say for sure if this is true, though the low number of rock strikes and hangs given the larger platform suggests it could be a factor.
Pros and cons of Crankbrothers Stamp Evo
Pros
- A larger platform in all the right places
- Quality materials and construction
- Colorful bashguard choices
Cons
- Multiple pin sizes to keep track of
- Heavier than most flat pedals
Bottom line
The Crankbrothers Stamp Evos give riders a high-quality choice when it comes to large-platform flat pedals, and the bashguards are a unique addition that allows riders to customize the look.
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