Crankbrothers Mallet DH Pedals (Black)

What the Crankbrothers Mallet DH is

The Mallet DH is the downhill pedal in Crankbrothers’ clip-in range. In the middle sits the same wing-and-spring mechanism used on the Eggbeater and Candy, so you get 4-sided entry. Around it is a large aluminum body with replaceable pins.

That combination matters on a gravity bike. If a foot comes out in a rough section, you land on a real platform with grip instead of a tiny pedal. And because the mechanism is open, mud and grit have little to pack into.

The pedal uses Crankbrothers’ 2-bolt cleats, which bolt to any 2-bolt shoe. They are a different shape from Shimano SPD cleats, so you can’t mix the two.

Crank Brothers Mallet DH setup: cleats, shims and pins

A platform clipless pedal only works when the shoe contacts the platform properly. Too much contact and you can’t clip in; too little and the foot rocks on the cleat. Here is the order to set it up:

1. Fit the cleat. Set the ball of your foot over the axle or slightly behind it. Gravity riders often go further back for stability.
2. Try clipping in. If the sole touches the platform before the cleat engages, the cleat is sitting too deep in the tread.
3. Add shims. Crankbrothers supplies shims to go under the cleat. Add them until the cleat engages cleanly with the sole resting on the pins.
4. Check for rocking. Once clipped in, the shoe should feel supported, not perched. If it rocks, take a shim out.
5. Set release. Fit Standard cleats one way for 15° release and swap left and right for 20°.

Shoe choice makes this easier. Gravity shoes with a flat, grippy sole around a recessed cleat pocket work best. Very aggressive lugs may need extra shims or trimming around the cleat.

Mallet DH vs Mallet E vs Shimano Saint

Pedal	Platform	Cleat system	Tension	Best for
Mallet DH	Largest Mallet platform	Crankbrothers (2-bolt)	Set by cleat	Downhill, bike park
Mallet E	Smaller enduro platform; LS version available	Crankbrothers (2-bolt)	Set by cleat	Enduro, aggressive trail
Shimano Saint PD-M821	Large gravity platform	Shimano SPD (2-bolt)	Adjustable screw	Gravity riders on SPD

The real choice is between systems. Crankbrothers gives 4-sided entry and better mud clearance. Shimano SPD gives adjustable tension and harder-wearing steel cleats. If you want a wider stance, the Mallet E LS adds a long spindle.

For more options, browse double-sided clipless pedals with platforms. For the cleat options, see our cleats guide.

Why the black Mallet DH

Black is the low-key choice, and it hides scrapes better than bright colours. The pins and platform edges take the hits on a downhill bike, so expect cosmetic wear on any colour. Mechanically, every colour is the same pedal.

Care and wear

• Cleats: brass is designed to wear before the pedal does. Replace cleats when release becomes vague or clipping in takes several tries.
• Pins: replace bent or sheared pins promptly. A missing pin reduces grip on that side.
• Bearings: if the pedal develops play or feels rough, service it. Crankbrothers sells pedal refresh kits.
• Threads: 9/16” x 20 TPI. Grease the threads before fitting; the left pedal is reverse threaded (see which pedal is reverse threaded).

The Crankbrothers brand page covers the full Mallet, Candy and Eggbeater range.