Description
DMR V8 Pedal – Proven Performance at Budget Price
The DMR V8 brings genuine flat pedal performance to budget-conscious riders. Inspired by the legendary DMR V8 design that established the company’s reputation, this updated version delivers the concave profile, secure grip, and durability that made the original famous, now with a larger platform and fully serviceable construction.
Budget Price, Performance Pedigree
The V8 occupies DMR’s entry-level position, but don’t mistake affordability for compromise. This pedal shares design DNA with DMR’s premium offerings, featuring the same concave shaping philosophy and attention to pin placement that characterises the entire range. You’re getting genuine DMR engineering at an accessible price point.
Singletrack Magazine awarded the V8 “Best Budget Pedal,” praising its reliability and functionality. Their review notes these are “well worth a look” as “a simple pedal, but a reliable, good and tough one. At the price, they’re a bargain.” The magazine further observes that “Good bike bits help you get into flow states while you’re riding, bad ones kick you out of them. The V8 pedals definitely belong in the former category.”
Larger Platform Area
The updated V8 features a 95mm x 100mm platform – identical dimensions to the premium V12. This larger surface area provides excellent foot support, distributing pressure across the shoe sole for improved comfort and control. The generous platform accommodates various shoe sizes whilst maintaining manageable overall dimensions.
The platform size strikes an excellent balance for general riding. It’s large enough to provide secure connection and ample support, yet compact enough to avoid excessive ground strikes or sluggish feel.
Ultra-Slim Profile
The V8’s low profile design reduces pedal strike frequency on technical terrain. The slim construction allows the pedals to clear obstacles that would catch thicker platforms, maintaining momentum through rock gardens, roots, and technical sections.
The reduced profile benefits all riding styles. Trail riders appreciate fewer interruptions on technical climbs. Downhill riders gain confidence tackling boulder fields. Even casual riders notice smoother rides without constant pedal-rock contact.
Concave Platform Design
The V8 features DMR’s signature concave platform shaping. This subtle dish cradles your foot, working with the pin placement to provide secure retention without requiring aggressive pin heights. The concave design is fundamental to DMR’s flat pedal philosophy – creating secure connection that feels natural rather than forced.
When trails get rough and bikes move dynamically, the concave cradle helps maintain consistent foot position. You can focus on riding rather than managing your feet, improving confidence and control.
Serviceable Dual DU Bushing System
Unlike many budget pedals with sealed bearings, the V8 uses a dual DU (Drylin) bushing system. DU bushings are self-lubricating polymer bushings that provide smooth rotation with minimal maintenance. The dual bushing configuration distributes loads effectively for reliable long-term performance.
Crucially, the bushing system is fully serviceable. When bushings eventually wear, they can be replaced rather than discarding the entire pedal. This serviceability extends pedal lifespan significantly, transforming an affordable purchase into a long-term investment. DMR provides replacement bushings through dealers, and service procedures are straightforward for home mechanics.
Die-Cast Aluminium Body
The V8 platform is constructed from die-cast aluminium. Die-casting creates complex shapes economically whilst maintaining good strength and durability. The aluminium body resists corrosion, withstands impacts, and provides adequate stiffness for secure feel.
At 480g per pair, the V8 is heavier than premium DMR pedals but remains reasonable for its price bracket. The weight reflects robust construction that prioritises durability and value over ultimate lightness.
Chromoly Axle Strength
The V8 spins on heavy-duty 4140 chromoly steel axles. Chromoly provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio, resisting bending and breaking forces that would damage standard steel axles. The robust axle construction ensures the V8 withstands aggressive riding without mechanical failures.
10 Tuneable Pins Per Side
Each pedal platform features 10 pins per side – 20 pins total per pedal. All pins are removable and height-adjustable, allowing you to customise grip levels. Riders wanting maximum traction can leave all pins installed at full height. Those preferring less aggressive feel or wanting to preserve shoe soles can remove selected pins or adjust them lower.
The pin layout provides effective grip distribution across the platform. DMR’s experience shows in the pin positioning – they’re placed where they maximise effectiveness without excessive shoe wear.
Seven Colour Options
The V8 is available in seven colours: Black, Electric Red, Lem Lime (green), Polished Silver, Electric Blue, Fools Gold, and Highlighter Orange. This colour variety allows aesthetic customisation rare at this price point. Match your bike’s colour scheme, create contrast accents, or simply choose your favourite.
The finishes are applied through anodising or durable coating processes that resist fading and wear. Your pedals will maintain their appearance through regular use and cleaning.
