The Gusset Slim Jim CNC pedals have been updated and given an improved shape and performance upgrades. This newest version is affordable, tough, and offers decent grip despite the somewhat compact platform. With easily replaceable pins and axle bearings, they should also last a long while.
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Gusset Slim Jim CNC Pedal Review - Build Details
CNC machined from 6061 aluminium, the Slim Jims are 100mm wide and 102mm long. The pedal body is around 17mm deep which is smaller than some, but thanks to a slight concave drop of approx 2mm and ten well-spaced 4.5mm pins, they offer decent grip.
The axle is CNC machined cro-mo, and the pedal sits at a good distance from the crank, with enough room for shoe positioning, but without making the riding stance too wide. The axles are available as a replacement kit with LSL sealed cartridge bearings, meaning you can service rather than replace them, and remained smooth during the test period.
Easily accessible bolts make it easy to pull the pedal apart. It's also easy enough to remove and replace bent pins. Given the price, the Slim Jims are worth investing in if you want an affordable pedal you can service.
The plain black with simple logo looks purposeful and dependable. They are currently only available in black but overall, they are pretty solid with a nice finish.
Gusset Slim Jim CNC pedal - Out on the Trail
The Gusset Slim Jims were good from the first pedal stroke. I had plenty of grip and felt planted, but could easily reposition my feet if needed. I liked the slim profile of the Slim Jims and found that I had plenty of clearance in all my usual strike points on climbs and descents. I only have lazy lines or poorly timed pedal strokes to blame for the occasional knocks and scuffs.
Riding these pedals I found my Five Tens gripped the best and my Vibram soled Giros had a decent level of grip - the concave shape combined with the pins and relatively low profile offers plenty of purchase. My feet felt secure and as the midsole sank into the concave area it gave a planted feeling when riding.
I liked the consistent feel when pedalling whilst traversing and riding uphill. There was also a bit of pull on the upstroke if you pushed your feet into the pedals. If I was being picky, I'd like a slightly bigger platform. My size 9 feet were just about ok, but I can imagine people with bigger feet may like a wider platform.
The Slim Jims are pretty solid and able to withstand knocks and strikes, they clear mud pretty well thanks to ample spacing for mud to fall through. They are also not particularly heavy at 399g, the CroMo axle adds that little bit of heft, but the platform machining balances that out.
Gusset Slim Jim CNC pedal - Summing Up
When compared against the Race Face Atlas, they are similar in weight and performance for nearly half the money. In the same price bracket, the Funn Funndamental are nearly identical but offer a larger platform and more support. At only £5 more than the Slim Jims, they feel very similar when it comes to grip.
The Slim Jims are great alloy pedals - they offer a decent shape, proper grip, and a good price. The only slight gripe might be platform size for some. There isn’t anything negative I can really comment on, the bearings are holding up despite some grotty weather and rough treatment with knocks and scuffs. Being really fussy, I'd like more than just one colour choice - whilst this has no bearing on performance, it's nice to have options.
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