Xpedo GFX Clipless Pedal

Review by Matt Swenson / Photos by Chris Wellhausen, Seth Beckton, and Matt Swenson

Pedal choice is a key factor when it comes to riding, especially given the terrain we choose these days as bikes become more and more capable. Choosing a downhill-specific clipless pedal can be quite the challenge as we search for fast engagement, predictable release, a stable platform as well as durability, all in a package that has to come in at a reasonable weight. Considering these important attributes, we've spent the past two and a half months smashing the new Xpedo GFX pedals, which have been designed from the ground up. The GFX pedals have features to help you get in and out of the pedal more easily, as well as a wide platform that sports 16 traction pins per pedal.

Xpedo GFX Features

• Weight: 468g
• 
Body: 6061 forged alloy
• 
Spindle: Chromoly
• Three sealed cartridge bearings per pedal
• Springs: SWP
• Four adjustable-height pins per side
• Cleat: XPEDO XPT (6° Float)
• Q-Factor: 56mm
• Colors: Black, blue, red, orange, black/gold, special edition oil slick (additional $40)
• MSRP: $129.00
  
  

Initial Impressions

Out of the box, the Xpedo GFX looks like the kind of pedal you would want to be clipped into for some heavy DH racing and bike park action with a large, low-profile aluminum platform and an adjustable height pin on each corner. Picking them up, their weight felt on-par with other pedals in their class, which is confirmed by Xpedo's 468-gram claimed weight. One of the most noticeable differences in this pedal compared to others is what Xpedo calls their “Latitude Entry System,” which is a spring-loaded mechanical piece that elevates the front claw to resulting in easier cleat entry.

The GFX spins smoothly with its chromoly spindle and three cartridge bearings. It also contains two bushings that allow the center portion to spin when pressure is applied. The box also included a set of XPT cleats and mounting hardware that are almost identical to the Shimano SM-SH51. We used the supplied cleats for good measure.

On The Trail

We have previously reviewed other Xpedo pedals and the new design of the GFX stands out in a few ways when compared to the older models. The first thing we noticed is how easy the GFX was to clip in to and release. Clipless pedal entry can be difficult with newer shoes that have rubber on the bottom for hiking or soles that aren't like the narrow, hard, roadie-type shoe. We used two different shoes, the Five Ten Hellcat and the new Five Ten Kestrel Lace, which has a deep cleat box with lots of raised rubber surrounding it. Due to the Latitude Entry System, these pedals were unaffected by the updated shoes and they clipped-in with ease. The height adjustability of the pins also makes it easier to dial in the perfect amount of shoe contact as well.

The GFX has six degrees of float which is a great feature for technical and downhill terrain where sometimes your body position can put your foot in awkward situations. Another feature on the GFX is the adjustable cleat tension which can set for easy release or a more secure feel. Despite how we set the tension, we never experienced any unexpected releases. The large platform allows for a planted connection which made us feel in control of our bike. We also found clipping back in after a panic dab, whether in a corner or rock section, was made easy thanks to Xpedo’s Latitude Entry System. We found some clearance issues with how close our shoe was to our crank in some prior testing with Xpedo pedals, but with the ample 56mm Q-factor of the GFX pedals, this is no longer an issue.

We spent a fair amount of time climbing and the pedals felt great even on long 30-mile-plus rides. Seeing as how this pedal was designed for DH, we also spent over 35 days in the bike park and another 12 days smashing the GFX pedals in high alpine conditions, where the rocks tend to be almost as big as your wheels. We definitely put these pedals through the wringer and they impressed us.

Things That Could Be Improved

After riding these pedals for quite some time, we decided to take them apart and see how the internals faired – everything looked good. The one thing we noticed, however, was some moisture and mud inside the pedal body with the culprit likely to be the tiny o-ring on the inboard portion of the pedal. Luckily, this didn’t affect the performance, but we can’t help but think it will decrease the bearing life over time.  

Lastly, we did experience one instance of the spring mechanism getting stuck closed when the pedal was caked in mud and debris, which made clipping in impossible. Fortunately, we were able to get it to release by hand and get clipped back in. This only occurred once and was likely a result in the horrid conditions we were riding in.

Long Term Durability

After months of some serious abuse which included blunt contact with large rocks, wet climates and all-out muddy rides, the Xpedo GFX pedals have had no issues other than what was mentioned above. They have absolutely NO play despite those heavy pedal strikes and miles of use. Despite some of the pins being ground down on rocks, each one is still tightly in place. 

What’s The Bottom Line?

For those of us who aren’t as concerned about weight as we are performance, durability, and reliability, the Xpedo GFX pedals should be considered. They’re not the lightest clipless pedals on the market, but they’re definitely not the heaviest and slot in right among the competition. The GFX provides a great amount of stability which gave us a connected and controlled feel while riding in gnarly terrain. After numerous rock strikes and the wet, muddy conditions we rode in, we were very impressed by the performance of GFX pedals. Seeing as how we only had a minor issue that was likely caused by our disregard to the packed-in mud, we recommend the Xpedo GFX pedals for anyone seeking a great all-around pedal that can take some serious abuse. 

For more information, visit www.xpedo.com

About The Reviewer

Matt Swenson - Age: 34 // Years Riding MTB: 27 // Height: 5'11" (1.80m) // Weight: 160lbs (72.57kg)

I’m a ColoRADo native who’s been shredding bikes since the age of two and my life revolves around two wheels. I currently work at Winter Park Resort running both the Gravity and XC race series, as well as a new Junior Development Race Program at Trestle Bike Park. I've worked in the medical field but have also built and judged slopestyle events like GoPro/Teva Games, the Colorado Freeride Festival, Crankworx and others. I grew up working in bike shops as a mechanic so I’ve always been a nerd when it comes to bike components and tech. These days I enjoy the bike park, trail riding, skatepark and dirt jump sessions with my wife and puppy. Come say hi if you're ever at Trestle and we can shred a lap! "Hold the throttle wide open ‘til you see God...then brake."