Emerging from their box, futuristic graphics and sharp angular styling complement the timeless gunmetal livery perfectly. Gold axles stop short just the ride side of looking gaudy. Smooth, sealed needle/cartridge bearings should stay that way for many seasons but servicing looks straightforward when the time comes. Because they are made from magnesium the Syngenics enjoy an obvious weight advantage and those new to road pedals will doubtless appreciate the wider surface area which doesn’t present clearance problems-even with aggressive cornering. However, there’s a slight trade off in rigidity-detectable when breaking away at the lights or climbing powerfully out of the saddle, though we're by no means in blamanche territory.
Release tension is easily adjusted and so long as you treat the springs to the periodic drop of oil, entry and exit seem first time affairs-even with the knee friendly cleats supplied. Finish is what you’d expect at this end of the market, far from bargain basement but vulnerable to cleat wear. Credit where it’s due, they haven’t flaked, peeled or broken out in a blizzard of corrosion despite regular and prolonged exposure to the salt monster. Those with deeper pockets can have titanium axles, shaving £60 from the wallet and 50g from the bike but in my opinion, these are the better buy.
Ideal choice as a first road or race pedal and particularly good for training bikes too
road.cc test report
Make and model: Genetic Syngenic pedals
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
These are faithful copies of Look's ARC pattern aimed at racers but they're good solid winter companions and keenly priced so as to appeal to road/racing newcomers
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Cast magnesium bodies, cro-moly or ti axles, sealed cartridge/needle roller bearings. Gun-metal finish, supplied with 9degree red ARC pattern cleats.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
299g (pair) Cro-Moly as tested
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for value:
7/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
There's little to complain about here, bearigs are well sealed and super smooth, generous profiles mean day long comfort without detracting from cornering prowess and easily adjusted tension makes for dependable, snappy entry/exit.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Nice detailing, solid build quality and timeless feel.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing, although painted finish could've been slighty tougher and heavier riders might notice Magnesium's greater flexibility.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
If I could give an extra half mark these would get it
Age: 36 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
Maybe it's actually some sort of cunningly disguised sanctioned military product (been watching too much of the Jackal).
I'm sure they'd ask Lime to do that too. Come and collect your bikes and my neighbour - they're in pieces.
Ireland seems to have a lot of problems with their cycle lanes… Almost as many as England
Fair point - I was restricting myself to pedal bikes. As I've never spent that kind of money on anything though (mortgage doesn't count), it's kind...
And finally: I wonder how many of the "more than 3,000" signatures on that petition are actually locals, who live or work there (and are not just...
Another book suggestion - I can highly recommend "Lost Summers and Half-Forgotten Afternoons: A Mint Sauce collection" - a beautifully presented...
But... the last is only not the case with drivers on normal roads because driving on the cycle path / footway / rolling a vehicle up there is seen...
If only!
I think you're missing an opportunity to pack even more tech into it - add accelerometers that can detect whether they're pedalling or stepping....