The Funn Ripper pedals are the newest addition available from the components brand. Predominantly designed for the enduro for downhill rider, these SPD pedals have a large supportive clipless platform but are pretty heavy and might be in need of a service after just 4 months of use.
The Ripper pedals use a Shimano SPD cleat mechanism and are therefore compatible with Shimano cleats, if you fancy trying a pair of larger platform pedals and don’t want to get used to the feeling of a new mechanism, these could be a good choice. There is a spring-loaded angular engagement system which means clipping in is a doddle. The mechanism sits proud of the surrounding platform meaning its easy to locate in a hurry, we hardly ever floundered around for it. Clipping out is a smooth affair too, just like Shimano SPD’s (and DMR V-Twin’s) the Funn Ripper pedals feature adjustable tension meaning you can fine-tune force needed for removal. With regards to feel, the Rippers are akin to a Shimano pair of pedals, there’s limited float and clipping in and out is denoted by a resounding ‘click’.
The platform is one of the largest we’ve seen on any clipless pedal, it measures 93mm x L100mm x H21mm and carries the weight of such a large platform too. The pair of Ripper’s we had in on test weighed 569g, a great deal heavier than the downhill orientated Crank Brothers Mallet DH’s we tested recently (they weighs 482g per pair). That large platform is supremely supportive and best used in conjunction with large flat shoes like the Scott MTB AR Boa Clip shoes. We also used them with more cross-country style shoes but found not only did the large pedal platform protrude from the side of the shoe, the pedals were also more difficult to clip into due to the large pins and protruding tread on these types of shoes. During our winter testing time, we also noted that the Ripper’s shed mud pretty well around the cleat mechanism but mud did get lodged inside the mechanism itself, something we’ve seen on Shimano pedals too.
The Rippers come supplied with eight pins on each pedal which, although unfortunately are not height adjustable, they are removable with a 4mm socket wrench. It would be nice to see height adjustable pins which would help offer the right amount of grip no matter what type of shoes are worn. Funn say there is currently nothing in the pipeline to introduce height adjustable pins but will relay our feedback to their R&D team. Whilst we are thinking about pins you had better hope that the hex shape to accept the socket wrench is still there on a damaged pin should you need to replace it…..
The Ripper pedals are built on a fully serviceable CrMo axel with sleeve bushing and cartridge bearing which Funn say is up to the job of being abused. We’ve tested ours for four months over winter and the pair are now in dire need of a service, not quite the longevity we’d like. The new axle and service kits will cost 15UDS and 25USD respectively and will be available very soon we are told.
At £115 of your hard-earned these aren’t exactly cheap but they are not uber expensive either, the very similar DMR V-Twin’s are just a fiver more, weigh the same and come with adjustable pins. The Funn pedals fall well under the price of the more expensive Crank Brothers Mallet DH pedals but, as always, there are cheaper options too including the new Shimano Saint’s and the Nukeproof Horizon CS pedals, the latter of which also offer the sprung engagement system.
The weight and size of these pedals will likely make them more attractive to the downhillers amongst us rather than the trail riders. That said if you want a large platform for use with a Shimano SPD for all-mountain riding then the Funn Ripper pedals could be a good choice as long as you like the amount of grip on offer from the pins or are happy to completely remove them. Also, factor in the cost of a service kit as you might need it sooner than you think.
