OneUp Wave Flat Pedals
Stated Weight (pair, with pins): 355 g
Platform Size (width x length): 107 x 110 mm
MSRP: $160 USD / $200 CAD
Intro
OneUp has had some big releases recently, from a new version of their carbon handlebars to their new Clip Pedals, both of which we’re currently testing. But now there’s a new flat pedal in the mix too, and it takes a much different approach than any other pedals we’ve tested to date.
While OneUp’s very popular composite and aluminum pedals have historically used a convex shape that prioritizes thin leading edges, the new and aptly named Wave pedals blend a concave front half with a convex rear, and it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before.
Design
Personally, I’ve never gotten along with convex pedal shapes. While they often promote a heels-down riding position and have nicely thin leading edges, convex designs often feel like they depend too much on the pedal pins to create grip, leading to some foot retention challenges when trails get really rough. Concave pedals typically seem to cradle the forefoot more effectively, and I feel like they create more grip under load by allowing the shoe to sink more into the pedal platform. But high levels of concavity can put strain on your arch when trying to drop your heels, given that the concavity “kicks up” the trailing edge of the pedal.
Concave and convex pedal bodies each have their fans, and OneUp’s existing convex shapes have been very popular, but OneUp’s Wave pedal aims to combine the benefits of concave and convex designs. The Wave’s pedal body has a concave portion ahead of the spindle to create more grip by hugging the ball of the foot. Behind the spindle, the shape turns convex, creating a slope toward the trailing edge of the pedal that OneUp says encourages a heels-down riding position. This combination of pedal designs gives the Wave pedal its patented shape.
The Wave’s aluminum pedal body isn’t as massive as something like my preferred Chromag Dagga pedals (which are a whopping 120 mm wide by 110 mm long), but still ample at 107 mm wide by 110 mm long. It still manages to be fairly thin, too, despite foregoing the bearing bulge found on their existing aluminum flat pedal. Much of this is afforded by the new axle system, which OneUp says shares bearings, bushings, and seals with their Clip Pedal. They also say that home service is quite straightforward.
Some Questions / Things We’re Curious About
(1) The Wave is a much different pedal shape than anything we’ve ridden to date, but the rationale behind the design makes a lot of sense. Does it work in practice?
(2) How tolerant is the Wave’s shape of different foot positions, and is it easy to find the right position again after sticking a foot out?
Bottom Line (For Now)
The Wave pedal’s design makes enough sense — at least on paper — that I find myself wondering why it took this long for someone to try it. The range of pedal options on the market shows that concave and convex designs each have their merits, despite any one person’s preferences, and if the Wave pedal can truly balance the best of both, it could be quite compelling. The proof will come from lots of on-trail testing, and we’re expecting a pair of Wave pedals to show up in the coming days so we can see what they’re all about.
Remarkably similar to the Canfield Crampon pedals. Not a bad thing, as I love the Crampons, but still very similar.
If we draw a line between the contact points of these (each pin, pedal body at the spindle) do we just end up with a straight line anyhow? Will these feel like a flat pedal that just looks angled?
The platform shape should end up dictating the feel a whole lot more than the pins do. The main idea here seems to be letting the ball of your foot nestle into the cambered pocket at the forward part of the pedal, while the convex rear section supports the arch more naturally than a convex shape might. I’m expecting the Waves to feel pretty different as compared to more traditional designs. Our set just showed up today, so I’ll put that theory to to test soon.
I’m hoping that’s the end result: concave pocket at the ball of the foot without that harsh ridge under the arch. I’m excited to see the results!