Nukeproof Pedals

Fitting Your Nukeproof Pedals: Compatibility and Standards

Every pedal in the Nukeproof range uses the industry-standard 9/16 inch thread, which fits virtually every modern adult crankset on the market - threaded cranks from Shimano, SRAM, Race Face, e*thirteen, and beyond. No adapters, no faff. Left and right sides are marked clearly on the axle flats, so you won't cross-thread the drive side by accident, though it's worth double-checking before you commit any torque.

For clipless riders, the Horizon CS (smaller platform) and Horizon CL (larger platform) both run a Shimano SPD-compatible mechanism. That means your existing SM-SH51 single-release cleats drop straight in - no proprietary hardware needed. The CS suits riders who want a trimmer profile or prefer to walk sections without clonking around like a tap-dancer, while the CL gives more underfoot support if you're spending long days in the saddle on rougher ground. Worth knowing if you're switching from something like Crank Brothers pedals, which use their own cleat standard entirely.

One thing mechanics often skip: apply anti-seize compound or waterproof grease to the axle threads before installation. Aluminium cranks and steel axles cold-weld over time, especially after a wet winter. A minute's prep now saves a lot of grief with a pedal wrench in six months.

Horizon vs Neutron: Which Nukeproof Flat Pedal Is for You?

The Nukeproof Horizon vs Neutron question comes up constantly, and the honest answer is that they serve different riders rather than the same rider at different budgets. The Horizon is the premium tier - larger platform, forged 6061-T6 alloy body with CNC finishing, and pin placement refined alongside Sam Hill across years of World Cup downhill and enduro racing. The concave profile is deliberate: it cups your foot and resists the kind of shift that happens mid-corner when the rear steps out on a greasy rock slab. Adjustable traction pins let you dial grip up or back depending on your shoe sole and how aggressive you want the engagement to feel. The Sam Hill signature editions go a step further with custom pin placement geometry that maps to where your foot actually loads under pressure - less about symmetry, more about function.

The Neutron takes a different approach. The platform is slightly smaller, which some riders actually prefer for ankle clearance on techy trail bikes. The EVO versions swap forged alloy for nylon-reinforced composite bodies - lighter, cheaper, and more resilient to rock strikes than bare alloy (composite flexes rather than denting). They're not as rigid underfoot as the Horizons, and you'll feel that on long steep descents where torsional stiffness starts to matter. But for trail riding, all-day gravel adventures, or anyone getting into the sport, the Neutron EVO is a seriously capable pedal at a fraction of the Horizon's weight on your wallet. Riders crossing from something like DMR pedals will find the Neutron EVO sits in comparable territory - both prioritise accessibility without skimping on pin count.

If you're running a Nukeproof mountain bike and want the full system approach, the Horizon in matching colourway is the obvious pairing - though the Neutron EVO fits the bill on bikes where you'd rather save weight for components that affect speed more directly.

UK Durability and Maintenance: Keeping Your Pedals Running Through the Slop

British riding extracts a toll on pedal internals that warmer, drier climates simply don't replicate. Peak District grit is particularly brutal - fine enough to work past seals but abrasive enough to grind bearing surfaces down quickly once it's inside. Nukeproof's dual-sealed bearing and DU bushing internal architecture addresses this directly: the DU bushings handle radial and axial loads near the pedal body, while the sealed cartridge bearings sit further along the axle where contamination pressure is lower. It's a sensible setup that holds up well, but it's not impervious.

For riders out through autumn and winter - the kind of conditions you get on off-camber roots near any UK trail centre between October and March - a six-month strip, clean, and re-grease cycle is a solid baseline. If you start feeling lateral play when you waggle the platform by hand, or notice a grinding sensation underfoot, don't wait for the interval. That's the bearing telling you it needs attention now. Winter road salt is worth flagging too: if you're commuting or riding lane sections between trail heads, the grub screws holding your traction pins can seize in their threads. A light application of copper grease when you first fit the pedals is cheap insurance.

Compared to open-bearing designs from brands like Hope pedals or Burgtec pedals, the Nukeproof setup is broadly comparable in serviceability - all of them reward riders who actually maintain them rather than ignoring the pedals until something snaps. Pair fresh pedals with Nukeproof trail trousers and you've got the lower half of your kit sorted for whatever the calendar throws at you. And if your current set is already showing wear, need replacement pins, axles, or bearing rebuild kits? Head over to our dedicated Nukeproof Pedal Spares page to keep your current set spinning smoothly. Also consider pairing your pedals with Nukeproof handlebars for a more cohesive cockpit setup that balances feel across all your contact points.