TESTED: Nukeproof Sam Hill signature series pedals

Words: James Wright    Photos: Robert Conroy

To many, the humble flat pedal could be considered one of the more vanilla components of a modern mountain bike. Simple, reliable and refined, pedal reviews take a back seat to Buzzfeed articles citing the ‘Top 10 Dropper Posts Most Likely To Last Til Christmas!’ and ‘QUIZ: Which Component Company Best Suits Your Personality?’. It is refreshing to have the opportunity take a closer look at a pair of flat pedals and the many subtleties and nuances that are often overlooked.

Nukeproof sent us a pair of Horizon Sam Hill Titanium pedals, the flagship in a line up of three new pedals available in no less than five configurations. The pair weigh in at 362g, putting them towards the featherweight end of the spectrum (light enough to run on my trail bike). For comparison, a pair of Shimano Saint MX80s weigh 500g, Spank Oozy’s are 420g and titanium Straitline Amp’s are 276g.

The Sam Hill signature pedals scream bling from the moment you open the box. The polished face sets it apart from the Horizon Pro models and it really stands out, highlighting the massive platform and 10 pins on each side. The golden titanium axle is the final cherry on top.

After abusing the pedals for more than three months it definitely ticks a lot of boxes. Firstly the slight concave shape and lack of centre pins allows the foot to sit nice and deep. I find some pedals can have too many pins and your foot can feel like it is sitting on top of them. These felt just right. The simple shape cleared mud really well through a wetter-than-usual Sydney winter. Another thing I like is the ability to use either a 15mm spanner or 8mm Allen key to remove them. I was continually switching these between my Downhill and trail bike and it was handy to have the option to use whichever tool was closest.

The six fore and aft pins are 9mm long screws with a 2.5mm socket head. After countless rock strikes these were still in prime condition. Even if they did cop some damage or snap off, because they thread in from the opposite side they could still be removed. The Horizon’s biggest weakness is the remaining port and starboard side grub screw pins. I managed to lose five of these within the first two months since they have a tendency to get smashed out or just work loose. Given the shape of the pedal body, I can understand why grub screws were incorporated into these areas but I feel like it’s a drawback.

They run on DU bushings with two sealed bearings and are easy enough to take apart to service. I’m yet to see any sideways movement develop.

The whole Horizon range share the same body shape, just with different axle combinations and without the eye catching polished face. Nukeproof have certainly created a pedal that is worthy of the flat pedal master. Keep an eye out for them on the EWS podium next season as Sam shows us the flat pedals do in fact win medals. 

HITS
– Lightweight
– Great shape/excellent grip
– Bling finish

MISSES
– Use of some grub screws
– Expensive

RRP: $350
From: nukeproof.com