Crank Brothers built the Mallet E pedal as a lighter, smaller, easier-to-pedal component than their DH pedal.

What you might have a hard time noticing at a glance is that the Q-factor, the distance from the crank to the retention system, has been reduced to 52mm from 57mm. 5mm might not seem like much, but the narrower stance is more comfortable for all-day pedaling, and is the same Q found on their cross-country and cyclocross pedals.

There’s a good bit more smart design in these pedals. The 6061-T6 aluminum body has a concave shape front-to-back over the 90mm length of the platform. The body is 18mm thick in the middle. This helps cradle your shoe and creates a more positive engagement. There are six adjustable, replaceable pins on each side of each pedal for grip-four in front, two in back. Next to the stainless wings are replaceable traction pads (the black textured things) which can built up or minimize the distance between your shoe and the pedal body.

And the retention system is, of course, Crank’s classic eggbeater. It is not only great a mud-shedding, as is the pedal body, but it spins separately from the pedal, making it easy to clip in.

Bearings are sealed and well-protected. As with many of their pedals, the inner bearings are Igus LL-glide bearings and the outer a super-durable and smooth Enduro cartridge bearings. Even with all this material, the pedals weigh only 419g per pair.

In terms of setting up the cleats, know that Crank designed theirs to offer two different release points. Array the cleats one way, and you shoe will release at fifteen degrees. Array the other, and it will release at 20 degrees.

The Crank Brothers Mallet E brings cross-country efficiency to Enduro pedals.