Description
DMR V12 Magnesium Pedal – The Legendary Flat Pedal, Reimagined
Since 1997, the DMR V12 has defined what flat pedal performance means to mountain bikers worldwide. Now, DMR has refined this icon with enhanced platform size, reduced profile, and magnesium construction that cuts weight without compromising the confidence-inspiring performance that’s made the V12 the benchmark for flat pedals across nearly three decades.
The Evolution of an Icon
The original V12 established DMR’s reputation for flat pedals that simply work. Riders discovered pedals that provided secure foot connection, consistent spin quality, and durability that outlasted multiple bikes. The V12 became the reference point against which all other flat pedals were judged.
This latest iteration builds upon that legacy with thoughtful refinements addressing feedback from thousands of riders worldwide. The platform is larger for improved support. The profile is lower to reduce pedal strikes. The weight is dramatically reduced through magnesium construction. Yet the essential character – that distinctive concave feel, the secure connection, the bombproof reliability – remains unchanged.
10% Larger Platform Area
The new V12 body measures 95mm x 100mm, providing 10% more surface area than the classic V12 shape. This expansion delivers tangible performance benefits. The larger platform distributes foot pressure across more area, reducing hotspots during long rides and improving comfort. The additional surface area also provides more shoe contact, enhancing grip and confidence, particularly when riding rough terrain or landing jumps where foot position might shift slightly.
The size increase particularly benefits riders with larger feet (UK size 10/US 11+) who sometimes felt cramped on smaller pedals. The V12 now accommodates a wider range of foot sizes whilst remaining manageable for riders with smaller feet who prefer more compact pedals.
The platform dimensions strike an excellent balance – large enough to provide generous support without becoming unwieldy. Pedals that are too large can feel sluggish and are more prone to striking obstacles. The V12’s 95x100mm footprint avoids these pitfalls whilst delivering the advantages of a more substantial platform.
Ultra-Slim 16mm Profile
At just 16mm deep, the V12 Magnesium achieves an impressively low profile whilst retaining DMR’s signature concave shape. This slim design reduces the likelihood of pedal strikes against rocks, roots, and trail obstacles – a constant concern for aggressive riders tackling technical terrain.
The lower profile particularly benefits riders on bikes with lower bottom bracket heights or those who ride trails with frequent rock gardens and technical sections. Fewer pedal strikes mean less momentum loss, reduced risk of crashes, and more confidence to choose aggressive lines through technical features.
Achieving this slim profile whilst maintaining effective concave shaping required careful engineering. DMR couldn’t simply flatten the pedal – the concave shape is essential for secure foot retention. The solution involved optimising material placement and profile geometry to preserve the concave feel within a more compact package.
The result is a pedal that feels noticeably lower than previous V12 versions without sacrificing the secure connection that concave shaping provides. Your feet nestle into the pedal surface, held in position by the subtle dish combined with strategically placed pins.
DMR’s Legendary Concave Feel
The V12’s concave platform shape has been fundamental to its success since the beginning. Unlike flat or convex pedals where your foot sits on top of the surface, the concave design creates a subtle dish that cradles your foot. This cupping effect, combined with DMR’s pin placement pattern, provides exceptional foot retention without requiring aggressive pin heights that would be uncomfortable or damage shoes excessively.
The concave shape becomes particularly valuable during technical riding. When the trail gets rough and the bike moves around beneath you, the concave cradle helps keep your feet positioned consistently on the pedals. You don’t need to actively grip the pedals with your feet – the shape and pins work together to maintain connection naturally.
This secure connection inspires confidence. When you know your feet will stay planted, you can ride more aggressively, trust your bike in rough sections, and recover more easily from mistakes. The concave design is a significant reason why countless professional riders and everyday enthusiasts have relied on V12 pedals for decades.
Magnesium Construction – Exceptional Weight Savings
The magnesium platform construction delivers a remarkable 20% weight reduction compared to the previous V12 model. The V12 Magnesium weighs just 350g per pair (530g with pins installed) – extraordinarily light for pedals with this surface area and feature set.
Magnesium offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, allowing DMR to create a lightweight platform without compromising durability. The material’s properties enable the thin profile whilst maintaining structural integrity through impacts and the constant forces pedals experience.
The weight savings prove particularly noticeable for riders conscious of total bike weight, whether for racing cross-country, conquering long climbs, or simply enjoying a more responsive-feeling bike. Reducing rotating mass (components like pedals, wheels, and tyres) has a disproportionate effect on bike responsiveness compared to static weight reduction.
However, DMR didn’t pursue weight savings at the expense of durability. These remain proper trail pedals built to withstand aggressive riding, not fragile race-day-only components. The magnesium construction undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets DMR’s durability standards.
Sealed Bearing Performance
The V12 runs on fully sealed bearings mounted on a chromoly (CrMo) steel axle. This bearing system provides smooth, consistent rotation whilst protecting the bearing internals from contamination by dirt, water, and mud – the constant enemies of pedal longevity.
Sealed bearings require virtually no maintenance beyond occasional visual inspection. Unlike loose ball bearings or bushings that need regular servicing, sealed cartridge bearings run reliably season after season. When bearings eventually do wear out (after thousands of riding hours), they can be replaced during servicing, extending pedal lifespan indefinitely.
The chromoly axle provides the strength necessary to withstand pedalling forces and impacts without bending or breaking. Chromoly steel offers superior toughness compared to standard steel, making it ideal for components experiencing high stress loads.
The combination of sealed bearings and chromoly axle creates a pedal that spins smoothly, wears slowly, and can be rebuilt when necessary – characteristics that explain why DMR pedals often outlast multiple bikes and drivetrains.
Replaceable and Tuneable Pins
All pins on the V12 are replaceable and adjustable, allowing you to customise grip levels to match your preferences, riding style, and shoe sole characteristics. The pedal comes with pins installed, but you can add, remove, or adjust pin height to dial in your preferred feel.
Riders wanting maximum grip for aggressive downhill riding or muddy conditions can leave all pins installed at full height. Those preferring a less aggressive feel for general trail riding or to preserve shoe soles can remove selected pins or back them out slightly. Some riders create custom patterns, removing pins from high-wear areas whilst keeping them in key grip zones.
This adjustability means the V12 adapts to different riding scenarios. Use maximum grip for bike park days, then tune it down for pedally trail rides or commuting duties. The ability to customise pin configuration is a significant advantage over pedals with moulded or non-adjustable pins.
Replacement pins are readily available from DMR dealers, ensuring you can maintain optimal grip even after years of use. Pin wear is gradual and predictable – simply replace worn pins rather than replacing entire pedals.
Fully Serviceable Design
The V12 is completely serviceable, meaning every wearing component can be replaced or rebuilt. When bearings wear out, they can be replaced. When the axle develops play, it can be adjusted or replaced. Pins can be swapped indefinitely.
This serviceability transforms the V12 from a consumable component into a long-term investment. Riders commonly report running V12 pedals for a decade or more, rebuilding them periodically rather than replacing them. This longevity makes economic sense – the initial purchase price is higher than budget pedals, but cost-per-year becomes extremely favourable.
DMR provides detailed service instructions and parts diagrams on their website, and replacement parts are widely available through dealers. Most riders can perform basic servicing at home with standard tools, though bike shops can handle servicing if you prefer.
The serviceability also aligns with environmental considerations. Rather than discarding worn pedals and contributing to landfill, you simply replace individual components and continue riding. This approach reflects DMR’s commitment to creating products that last.
Platform Size and Pin Configuration
The 95mm x 100mm platform provides generous foot support across the entire shoe sole. The pin layout distributes pins strategically to maximise grip without excessive shoe wear. DMR’s decades of flat pedal experience inform the pin placement pattern, positioning pins where they provide maximum effectiveness.
The pedal accommodates various shoe sizes and sole patterns effectively. Whether you’re running dedicated flat pedal shoes with soft, grippy soles or trail shoes with moderate grip, the V12 provides secure connection. The concave shape works synergistically with the pins – the dish positions your foot, the pins prevent slipping.
Proven Performance Since 1997
The V12’s longevity speaks volumes about its effectiveness. In a market where new pedal designs appear constantly, the V12 has remained relevant for nearly three decades. This endurance reflects fundamental design excellence rather than marketing hype.
Professional riders, weekend warriors, and everyday trail riders all rely on V12 pedals. They’re found on World Cup downhill bikes, cross-country race machines, trail bikes, dirt jumpers, and urban assault bikes. This versatility demonstrates the V12’s broad appeal and effectiveness across riding disciplines.
Why Choose V12 Over Other DMR Pedals
DMR offers an extensive flat pedal range, from the budget-friendly V6 to the ultra-premium Vault Max Ti. The V12 Magnesium occupies the premium-lightweight segment, offering exceptional performance for riders who value low weight without extreme cost.
Compared to the aluminium V12, the magnesium version saves approximately 80g per pair at modest additional cost. Compared to the Vault range, the V12 offers slightly smaller platform and different shaping, appealing to riders preferring the classic V12 feel. The V12 Mg costs less than Vault Max Ti whilst delivering comparable weight and performance.
Choose V12 Magnesium if you want lightweight pedals with proven design, reasonable pricing, and legendary reliability. Choose Vault series if you prefer ultra-thin profiles or titanium axles. Choose V8 or V6 if budget is primary concern.
