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45NRTH Helva Pedal – Progress Report

Three months ago I threaded a brand new pair of 45NRTH Helva Platform Pedals on to my Moonlander and I’m checking in to share a progress report on how these platforms have been performing. When I found out that I was getting 45NRTH’s top of the line pedal to test, I was a little concerned that their svelte, razor thin design wouldn’t hold up to the rather large number of pounds per square inch I bring to the table, but so far they’ve been trouble free. The Helva’s are a serious step up from both the plastic and aluminum pedals that I had used previously. The pins on the Helva fool me into thinking that I’m clipped in at times, especially if I’m wearing my five-ten mtb shoes, with their stealth rubber soles. I feel attached to the bike, even though, I’m really not! One of the really nice things about platforms is the freedom to wear just about any kind of footwear. I love the fact that I can jump on my fatty, in my slippers and take a ride down to the post office or take my dog Cecil out for a run around the hood. One of the cool features that 45NRTH built into their line of pedals is that the pins come in a variety of colors to match or contrast the color of your bike build. I went with black, but the color choices are: red, blue, green, orange, silver, black, and pewter. I’m also happy with the way that the finish on my test pedals has endured. We don’t have a lot of rock like Fruita Colorado, in Wisconsin, but I have run these pedals on beach, trail and gravel and as you can see in the pictures, they have held up very well.

I’m looking forward to using the Helvas all winter to see how they work with the footwear that I use for snow riding. I’ll have a long term review in another 3 or 4 months to let you know how they handle the Winter! Helva pedals are in stock at QBP and should be making their way to bike dealers very soon.

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10 Responses to 45NRTH Helva Pedal – Progress Report

  1. Steve Rice December 3, 2012 at 3:26 pm #

    Any specs on the width? Outside of crank arm to outside of pedal?

    Thanks!

    • Gomez December 3, 2012 at 4:18 pm #

      4.5 inches

  2. RogerC December 4, 2012 at 1:09 pm #

    What’s the bearing package like? Just a bush on the outboard end? Thanks!

    • Gomez December 5, 2012 at 4:41 pm #

      Si – “a bushing on the outboard end”

      • Vincent December 26, 2012 at 11:15 am #

        Hi,
        So, a little bushing on the outboard end. I suppose it’s a sealed ball bearing close to the crank. How fast do they “take play” ? I ride XC (singlespeed ) with Echo trial flat pedals. Sealed bearing+ bushing. It does not seem to be made for pedaling… What about the Helva ?

        • Gomez December 26, 2012 at 11:22 am #

          With just shy of 4 months of abusive riding, there is zero ‘play’ in my test Helvas. I’m not sure what you mean by ‘made for pedaling’.

          • Vincent December 26, 2012 at 11:54 am #

            Well, I think one could split the world of flat pedals into 2 categories : The ones for freestyle/trial and the others for pedalling/XC/trial such as the Helva and some other models.
            Would I be right if I say that DU bushing do wear out faster than sealed bearings ?

            A last one : What is the effective surface ?

            Thanks

  3. frank December 16, 2012 at 11:00 pm #

    These look awesome but are way out of my price range for a platform that I’ll only use once in a while. Is there anything similar at 1/3rd the price? I’m sure the quality and finish won’t be as nice, but something that’s got a low stack height like that?

    • Gomez December 17, 2012 at 10:19 am #

      frank – there are so many different brands and price levels among platform pedals, that we’re positive that you’ll find something that you can afford. Check out our other pedal reviews and you’ll find some good candidates, but don’t stop there. There are literally hundreds of options, when it comes to platform pedals.

  4. Elliot January 1, 2013 at 9:36 am #

    Ordered a pair of these kind of blindly. This is the only review I can find on these pedals. Do you notice the raised axle space in the middle? Do you feel it in your foot? Is the pedal concave at all? 114mm is a bit on the wide side. Have you noticed catching the pedal? Also it doesn’t seem to be ramped in the front edge. Have you had any dead stops due to the pedal catching? I am excited to try something new but it comes with questions. Thanks for any info!

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