ABOUT THE SDG COMP PEDALS
It has been a couple of years since SDG released the Comp Pedal. The plastic composite pedal is the only pedal offered by the component company, and is available in one size: 110mm length, 105mm width, and 17.25mm height. SDG offers the Comp Pedal in seven color schemes that match SDG saddle and grip colorways, with a $59.99 retail price.
SDG’s Comp flat pedal is truly flat. The Comps offer no concave or convex shape, which SDG says pairs well with the stiff, grippy flat shoe platform of modern mountain bike shoes. Eighteen pins are divided between both sides of the pedals, with three spread along the leading edge, four staggered along the spindle, and two at the back. The pedal body features undercut and ramped grooves, enhancing overall grip.
The SDG Comp Pedals spin on a machined CroMo spindle, which is built to withstand the wear and tear that comes with tough riding. When it’s time to service or replace them, SDG makes swapping out the bushing and bearings easy.
THE DIRT
Composite flat pedals have risen in popularity in the mountain bike space over the last few years. Initially, it may seem that a plastic pedal would be unable to withstand the blows a gravity-oriented pedal takes. However, I’ve found that nearly all the composite pedals I’ve tested have lasted well, and the SDG Comps were no exception.
While I’m not someone who necessarily tries to color-coordinate my bike, I do appreciate the thought SDG has put into matching the colors of their components. If I were building a bike, SDG would be an easy option for color-matching the saddle, grips, and pedals with the frame.
Nothing about the performance of the SDG Comp Pedals changed my life, however. I felt that the pins provided sufficient traction, especially when I was wearing Five Ten’s Stealth rubber, but I didn’t notice a benefit from the undercut and ramped platform. The platform itself was of a good size, and the 380-gram weight was also acceptable.
That said, these certainly aren’t the largest, grippiest, or lightest composite pedals I’ve experienced. Yes, they got the job done, and switching to different shoes helped with aspects like grip. While SDG boasts a totally flat pedal, I think a bit of concave would help increase the sole/pedal pin connection and feeling. That said, while a bit of concave is certainly my preference, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Perhaps the most significant issue with the SDG Comp Pedals is their price. The Comps are roughly $10 more expensive than other composite pedals, yet there isn’t necessarily a feature with the Comps that justifies the extra $10 in my eyes.
The Wolf’s Last Word
While I would have liked a concave platform on the SDG Comp Pedals, I was able to get by with the grip, size, and durability they provided. Especially if you’re trying to color-coordinate a custom build, SDG is an excellent option. However, the extra $10+ over some other composite options may have riders looking elsewhere. 
Price: $59.99
Website: SDGcomponents.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
The local boy — Travis was born and raised in Bend, OR. Skateboarding consumed his life until his high school years (yes, he can still kickflip), but was replaced by mountain biking…then rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and finally back to mountain biking. After a stint in the big city, Travis returned home, trading a teaching career to be an okay mountain biker and above-average journalist. He is an outspoken 90s grunge fan, cornering poor souls in conversations about the meaning behind the lyrics of Alice In Chains’ “Would.” Most days, Travis hopes to be outside, whether that is on an early morning ride or a hike with his family (the best days include both).
Rank: Contributing Writer
Size: 5’8” / 172cm | 195lbs / 88kg
Social: @travis_reill_writes
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