OneUp Components XC Clip Pedal Review – Pat Valade | The Radavist | A group of individuals who share a love of cycling and the outdoors.

OneUp Components just launched their smallest and lightest clip pedal to date, the XC Clip Pedal. In a world of great pedal options, does it stand out? Pat’s been riding them for the last 6 weeks, and gives an initial impression…

OneUp Components XC Clip Pedals Quick Hits

303 g per pair
75 mm x 68 mm platform
5 degrees of float and 12 degree release angle
They come with OneUp Cleats (universally compatible with SPD cleats)
The axle is chromoly steel with a black ED coating
$159.99 USD / $218.99 CAD

Pedals, pedals, pedals. We all need them to make our cycling dreams happen. Pedals are either an overlooked component or they’re overcomplicated, with too many parts and brand-specific standards.

My go-to pedal for years and countless thousands of kilometers of MTB, gravel, and bikepacking abuse has been the tried-and-true Shimano XT pedal. I have never serviced a pair, or really even given them a second thought, once they’ve been on a bike. Come to think of it, I’ve never had a single issue with a pair.

When OneUp sent over a pair of these new XC clip pedals to try, I found myself wondering: what is there to innovate on? Do they clip in? Unclip? Do they spin relatively easily in a circle? All I really look for in an SPD pedal is reliability and ease of use, at a reasonable price point.

So, is that what I got in the new XC Clip Pedal? Let’s look at the sales pitch from OneUp.

XC (Clip) Sized

At 14.4 mm (body) and 26.8mm (binding), OneUp claims these are some of the thinnest dual-sided MTB pedals on the market. Have I been riding around with a set of calipers in my bibs to check competitors on the trail? No, but these pedals do seem as thin as the current US administration’s case for global tariffs, and that is thin!

I’ve been riding with these for about a month and a half on the Curve GMX+, and they work as advertised. After a few rides dialing in the retention settings on the pedal, I really didn’t think about them much. They kept me confidently locked in on tough, out of the saddle climbs, and raucous, chunky gravel descents. When I needed to abruptly put a foot down, I had no trouble whatsoever unclipping.

Installation is easy with the “tighten this way” instruction on the axle. Also, they are purple, a huge bonus for me personally.

I’ve had three previous experiences with OneUp flat pedals. The composite and the aluminum flat pedals were not my favorites; I suffered from all manner of squeaking and stiff bearings. The Wave flat pedal was a clear winner for me, and it made me believe in OneUp pedals (and flats in general). It was quiet, smooth, and consistent.

This is how I feel about the new XC clip pedal. Although the bearing is a touch stiff for my liking, it spins freely, is quiet, and performs flawlessly after a few hard pedal strikes and a few weeks of muddy, gritty rides. The sleek form factor feels noticeably more svelte, but they’re still easy to clip into if you are used to running an SPD pedal without a larger platform.

How will they perform down the road? Only time can tell. I will keep running these through the spring and summer, and see if they will replace my trusty Shimano pedals. If I do run into any issues, I’m confident they can be solved with a fresh rebuild.

Now, who would be interested in this new pedal? Any mountain biker or gravel rider looking for a lightweight, minimalist option in multiple colours, with simple rebuild options, and readily available parts from a reputable brand.

I look forward to reporting back on how these pedals stand up to the test of time. I’ve got a full season of rides, bikepacking trips, and races ahead, so we will see if anything changes.

Thanks for coming to my pedal talk.