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DMR Pedals: V8, V11, V12 and Vault Compared

Updated · DrPedal is independent and not affiliated with DMR

Which to pick

DMR pedals are tough, simple flat pedals from a UK brand founded in 1995, best known for the V8, V12 and the CNC-machined Vault. For a durable budget flat, pick the DMR V8 Classic DU. For a modern concave trail pedal, the nylon V11 gives you the Vault's shape at a lower price, and the Vault is the premium choice.

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DMR lineup

DMR V8 V2

by DMR

Best for: A slimmer V8 for trail and commuting

Updated V8 with a bigger 95 x 100 mm platform, a slimmer body and 10 tuneable pins per side, on serviceable DU bushings.

DMR V6

by DMR

Best for: Light budget builds and youth bikes with 9/16" cranks

Nylon pedal that borrows the V12 body shape. A light, entry-level option.

Best value trail flat

DMR V11

by DMR

Best for: Trail riders who want Vault-style grip for less

Glass-reinforced nylon pedal molded in the Vault's shape, with a 105 x 105 mm platform. Rebuildable with the same internals as the Vault.

DMR V12

by DMR

Best for: A mid-range alloy flat

DMR's long-running alloy flat, later reworked with a lower profile inspired by the Vault.

Premium pick

DMR Vault V2

by DMR

Best for: Enduro, downhill and aggressive trail riding

DMR's flagship aluminum flat: a 105 x 105 mm concave platform, 17 mm thick, on a 4140 CroMo axle. A smaller Vault Midi is also sold.

DMR pedals at a glance

DMR started in 1995 in the UK BMX and dirt jump scene, and pedals are what made its name. The V8 and V12 became staples on hardtails and jump bikes, and the CNC-machined Vault took the brand into enduro and downhill.

Today the range runs from budget nylon to premium machined alloy, built around the 9/16” thread used by 3-piece cranks. DMR also makes DeathGrip grips and frames.

The DMR pedal lineup explained

Model Body Where it sits
V8 Classic DU Cast alloy Budget, tough, simple
V8 V2 Cast alloy Budget, slimmer
V6 Nylon Entry-level, light
V11 Glass-reinforced nylon Value trail, Vault shape
V12 Alloy Mid-range
Vault V2 / Vault Midi Machined alloy Premium

The V8 family runs on DU bushings rather than cartridge bearings. Bushings are simple, and DMR sells kits to refresh them when they wear.

Which DMR pedal should you buy?

  • Commuting, hybrids, dirt jump on a budget: the V8 Classic DU. It takes knocks and is simple to service.
  • Trail riding on a budget: the V11. You get a wide, concave Vault-shaped platform without paying for machining.
  • Enduro and downhill: the Vault V2, or the Vault Midi if you have smaller feet.
  • Light bikes and young riders: the V6, as long as the crank takes 9/16” pedals. Bikes with one-piece cranks need 1/2” pedals.

DMR V8: Classic or V2?

The Classic keeps the original 90 x 94 mm body with 20 pins per pedal, 8 of them removable; DMR lists it at 520 g per pair. The V2 has a bigger, slimmer platform, so it feels closer to a modern trail pedal. Want the old-school look or replacing a worn pair? Get the Classic.

How DMR pedals compare

At the budget end, the V8 competes with entry flats from Crankbrothers and nylon pedals from OneUp and SDG. The V8 has an alloy body; nylon rivals are usually lighter.

At the premium end, the Vault sits against Burgtec, Hope and Wolf Tooth. DMR’s edge is a long-proven shape and wide color choice. Browse them all in our flat pedals guide, and keep spare pedal pins on hand.

DMR: FAQ

What is the difference between the DMR V8 Classic and V8 V2?

The Classic keeps the original smaller, thicker body; the V2 has a bigger, slimmer platform with 10 tuneable pins per side. Both run on DU bushings.

Is the DMR V11 as good as the Vault?

It copies the Vault's shape and internals, but in molded nylon instead of machined aluminum, so it sits in a much lower price tier. Pick the Vault if you want the alloy body.

What torque should DMR pedals be tightened to?

DMR lists 40 to 55 Nm at the crank. Grease the threads and remember the left pedal is reverse threaded.

DMR spec pages

Related buying guides