OneUp Clip Pedal Rear Binding Plate Replacement

The Launch

In mid January, OneUp introduced their new Clip pedal. OneUp's first foray into pedals for people with cleats on their shoes made good on their promises of being thin, light, with desirable features like 4 removable/replaceable pins, a wide tension adjustment range with a window to show your selected tension, a significant platform, and they were good looking and available in 7 colours. They were priced between incumbent champ Shimano's XT and XTR trail pedals. So far so good.

The Issue

Two weeks later, I wrote a preliminary review. It wasn't one of the first out there, but I rushed it out of the gate, because at least three preliminary reviews from other publications dropped without mentioning the issue I had - problematic release when using OneUp's cleat. When using Shimano cleats, the OneUp Clip Pedal offered a very secure retention and consistent release, but I set up two identical pairs of shoes - one each with Shimano and OneUp cleats - and the OneUp cleats would not release cleanly, particularly on the left side. I tried other shoes, and I tried many combinations to ensure my issue was repeatable, and my conclusions were consistent. OneUp cleats in Shimano pedals released fine. It was a clunky action, but they worked. Other reviewers either didn't try OneUp's cleats, or didn't have issues with the shoe combinations they used (primarily Fox Unions) whereas I primarily used Shimano shoes, since I had two pairs of GE9s and it was still winter so I was also using some MW701s at the time.

At the end of February, I followed up that initial review with the information OneUp had put out: Clip Pedal customers could return their pedals to be repaired by OneUp, or OneUp would send out the repair kit, free of charge. A 6 or 8-week delay was expected while they got the kits online. Not long after getting back from Sea Otter, mine arrived. I've finally had time to conduct the repair and ride them.

If you have OneUp Clip Pedals and want a repair kit, contact OneUp directly and they'll sort you out. Once you do, they'll either organize to have you send your pedals in, or they'll send you the repair kit. I'm here to tell you that although their very detailed and easy-to-follow repair instructions claim it can be done in 20 minutes, it took me less than 10. It's dead easy, especially after the first of four sides is complete.

OneUp Clip Pedal Rear Binding Plate Replacement Kit Contents

• Four (4) rear binding plates
• Eight (8) T10 screws (two per binding plate)
• One (1) T10 Torx key
• One (1) spring clip tool
• Two (2) OneUp pedal cleats

I'm not sure why the cleats are included, but it's a nice little bonus.

Tools Needed

• 3mm Hex key
• T10 Torx key (provided in the rebuild kit)
• Spring clip tool (provided in the rebuild kit)
• Rear binding plate x 4 (provided in the rebuild kit)
• Mounting screws x 8 (provided in the rebuild kit)
• If you decide to remove your pedals, you'll need an 8mm hex to get 'em off.

As I said, the procedure is dead simple. The only mistake I could see people making is not fastening the new plates with the countersunk holes facing up. Thankfully, it's easy to spot if you screw it up (ask me how I know).

With the new rear binding plates replaced, it was time to ride. But first, I did a quick check with both pairs of Shimano GE9s - one pair has Shimano cleats, the other has OneUp cleats. This time, both sets passed the driveway test with flying colours. It bears mentioning here that after discovering the issue, I did keep riding on the OneUp Clip pedals, without incident - I was just careful to only use Shimano SPD cleat-equipped shoes, not the ones with OneUp cleats.

Shimano vs OneUp Cleats

It's still interesting to me that Shimano cleats worked fine when used in a number of different shoes, with the original OneUp pedals, and the OneUp cleats did not. Taking a close look at them both (I used this macro lens from Moment to get these shots with my phone), the edges on the OneUp cleats look sharper, and the Shimano cleat has a very subtle dimple at the top of the 'tail' of the cleat. I don't know if these things are significant, and the Shimano cleats pictured have been used more than the OneUps. After looking at brand new cleats from both brands, the casting on the Shimanos looks better to my untrained eye - more precise around small edges. The black coating on the OneUp cleats is thicker and in my cleat above has not fully been polished off the cleat yet.

None of this is really a surprise. Shimano is rightly known for its metal mastery, and OneUp's cleats are cheaper to buy. I wouldn't recommend against OneUp's cleats, however the Shimano cleats release more smoothly from both OneUp and Shimano pedals. It's not hugely noticeable but feels slightly more refined. Whereas you have to give your OneUp cleats a good kick, the Shimanos come out in one smooth motion. For some, the tighter feeling OneUp may be preferable.

Riding Impressions

With that all sorted out, I went for a ride - using OneUp cleats - and the OneUp Clip pedals were great. Consistent entries and exits, even in a few tight situations, and great pedal feel. There's no question they feel more locked in than Shimano trail pedals do, and of note, I had all four pedal sides set to the lowest tension possible, and still found there to be plenty of retention. I'll play around with the full range over the next while and report back if there's anything noteworthy from a durability or performance standpoint, but I'm confident recommending the OneUp Clip to anyone who is after a thinner pedal than a Shimano XT or XTR, or a lighter one than Shimano Saint, particularly if you like the idea of a more locked in feeling (albeit with almost no noticeable float whatsoever) and a wide retention range that goes from suitable to locked in. I don't think they're a Shimano killer, but they are a great alternative. Moving forward, I'll choose Shimano cleats over OneUp, but the OneUp cleats are fine, pending durability which I can't draw conclusions about for another 3-4 months at least.

OneUp Clip Pedal - 219 CAD / 160 USD / £143 / €156

OneUp Cleats (SPD compatible) - 18 CAD