How do the MagLOCK pedals work?

MagLOCK bike pedals hold individual rare-earth magnets encased inside each pedal, and each pair sold includes steel "shoe clips" that the rider attaches to 2-bolt biking shoes (not included). The steel shoe clips attract to the magnets inside the pedals, which creates a strong magnetic bond to the pedals. This gives the rider a powerful connection to their bike that is simple and easy to connect to, and also disconnect from.

What's the advantage of using magnetic pedals?

The MagLOCK bike pedal is a new hybrid bike pedal that combines the best qualities of standard pedals (flats) and clipless pedals. Our pedals give the rider a powerful connection to their bike that is simple and easy to connect to, and disconnect from.

What's the difference between the Stealth and Fort Knox pedals?

The Fort Knox pedals are ideal for more advanced or aggressive types of mountain biking (for example: enduro, downhill, dirt jumping, freeriding, etc.). They have an aluminum pedal body, weighing 975 grams (2.15 pounds) per pair (this includes the weight of the magnets, but not the shoe clips). The Fort Knox pedals have a maximum attractive force of approximately 70 pounds per pedal.

The Stealth pedals are ideal for beginner-to-intermediate riders, and can be used with many different styles of riding - road cycling, triathlons and time trials, commuting, cross country and trail biking, cruisers, recumbents, trikes, etc. They are made of a composite nylon plastic, weighing 640 grams (1.41 pounds) per pair (this includes the weight of the magnets, but not the shoe clips). The Stealth pedals have a maximum attractive force of approximately 55 pounds per pedal.

What does “attractive force per pedal” mean? How strong are the magnets?

The maximum attractive force per pedal refers to the maximum force (in pounds) required to disconnect from one of the pedals if your pedal is lying perfectly horizontal, and you pull your leg perfectly vertical, without peeling your foot to the side (supinating your foot), or moving your leg outward. It's mostly hypothetical, because in reality, disconnecting from the MagLOCK pedals is typically done by peeling your foot to the side, or moving your leg outward. Thankfully, you'll hardly ever need to pull with a force of 55 or 70 pounds.

The Stealth and Fort Knox models both provide a substantially strong, but adjustable, magnetic connection. The Stealth pedals are a great choice for most riders and bikes, but if your bike is leaning towards the heavier end, if you’re a more experienced rider, or if you want a more secure connection, the Fort Knox pedals might be the better option for you.

How can I add or remove magnets?

All magnets have both a ‘positive’ side and a ‘negative’ side. The magnets in our Fort Knox pedals come pre-installed as in the diagram below. ​If you follow the pattern from #1 to #10, you can see the polarity alternates with every other magnet. (What this really means is that every other magnet is "upside down"). The magnets in the Stealth pedals are installed using the same "alternating polarity" method:

If you are reducing the number of magnets in your pedals (or putting them back), we recommend using the same "alternating polarity" method; however, as long as the magnets aren't fighting against each other and trying to "escape" their slots, the magnet orientation doesn't matter too much.

(Instructional video possibly coming in the future)

Will the MagLOCK bike pedals fit on my bike?

The pedal thread size for both our pedal models is 9/16” x 20 threads per inch (TPI). This is the most common pedal thread size made today, and the majority of mountain and road bikes manufactured roughly after 2000 are compatible with this pedal thread size.

In some instances, adult bikes manufactured before 2000, cheaper bike models, some BMX bikes, and a lot of kid's bikes are designed and manufactured for pedals with 1/2” x 20 TPI pedals (a slightly smaller diameter). Our pedals will not fit on these types of bikes; however, there are adapters available (such as ones made by Hikenture and Alta) that convert your bike's crank arm threading so you can successfully install 9/16” x 20 TPI pedals.

The easiest way to determine if your bike's crank arm is compatible with 9/16" x 20 TPI pedals, is to measure the pedal hole where the pedals will be installed. Leave your current pedals on your bike, and simply measure the diameter of the pedal hole from the inner side of the pedal hole. Use calipers (instead of a ruler) for a precise measurement.

What type of shoes do I need for your pedals? Do you have any recommendations?

You will need shoes that have a 2-bolt (or 2-hole) setup (originally designed for SPD, or "clipless" cleats and pedals). Typically this structure is found only on mountain biking shoes, but there are some rare road cycling shoes that have a 2-bolt setup. 3-bolt (or 3-hole) shoes - also called "Look" style or "SPD-SL" style shoes - are not compatible with our pedals. There are cleat adapters online that make it possible to install 2-bolt cleats on 3-bolt shoes, but we haven’t verified that these adapters are compatible with our cleats and pedals.

Here are a few things to look for when shopping for shoes:

• SPD (or another 2-bolt) design
• Flat undersoles – shoes with flatter undersoles usually integrate better with the flat surface of our pedals. There's a possibility that if your shoes are bumpy or more contoured on the underside, it may make connecting to the pedal more difficult.
• Rubbery/soft undersoles – helps with gripping the pedal.
• Slightly recessed cleat area on the underside – helps decrease any extra space between the bottom of your shoes and your pedals. If the cleat area of the shoe is slightly recessed, it will give you more points of contact with the pedal, and better grip.

Will MagLOCK pedals work for an amputee?

We have lots of customers who are below-knee, through-knee, and above-knee amputees. As far as we're aware, we’ve only received positive feedback from our amputee customers. We did a video of one of our friends in Utah (USA), who is an amputee. Take a look if you're interested (you can see him unclip with his prosthetic leg around 1:34-1:37): Below-the-Knee Amputee with MagLOCK Bike Pedal.

Can kids use MagLOCK pedals?

Yes (see note below for exception); for younger kids, however, we strongly recommend starting with only a few magnets per pedal (magnets can easily be removed from the insides of the pedals), because when all the magnets are used, the connection may be too strong for kids to be able to disconnect.

* BMX USA (the governing body for BMX racing in USA and Canada) prohibits the use of any type of pedal binding technology for kids ages 12 and younger in any race - unfortunately, this includes MagLOCK bike pedals.

Do you have a money back guarantee?   

No, but we do offer a limited 30-day return policy. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. After 30 days have gone by since you received your order, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange. It must also be in the original packaging.

Please see our full return policy here (should say we accept returns until 30 days after you receive your order, instead of “30 days after purchase”).

What is the purpose of the Toe Stops?

The Toe Stops were designed to reduce the amount of side-to-side and forward-backward movement that occurs on the surface of the pedal. Some people get the feeling that they are "ice skating" on the surface of the pedal - the toe stops help reduce this by about 60-70%. You will still be able to detach from your bike easily if you need to.

Shipping Questions

How much will shipping be for my order?

Shipping within the USA is calculated at checkout. Our current shipping rates for international orders are $25 - $37 US dollars. You can view the shipping rates to your location if you do a "test" checkout - just add your desired product(s) to the shopping cart, click "view cart and check out" (or click the shopping cart in the top right corner), add your shipping address, and click "continue to shipping", and you will see how much the shipping cost will be. Don't fill out the payment section unless you are ready to complete your order.

How much will customs fees be?

Customs fees are different for each country that we ship to, and there's no easy way to keep track of every country's custom fees. The best option is to contact your customs offices in your country.

When will I receive my order?