Tested: Chromag Scarab Flat Pedal Review

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Considering the Chromag Scarab pedals for your mountain biking adventures? I’ve been using these pedals for the past several years (I’m on pair #3) and they are hands-down my favorite flat-platform mountain biking pedals.

The slightly concave shape and perfect pin placement provide excellent grip and traction for long pedaly rides as well as more aggressive days at the bike park. While not the lightest or thinnest pedal on the market, they are super strong and durable – my many, many pedal strikes can attest to their strength!

They’re also designed with replaceable pins so you can keep them sharp and ready to shred season after season.

Curious if these are the right pedals for you? Read on to see what I like about the Chromag Scarab pedals (a lot), what I don’t (not much), and whether they’re the right fit for you.

First Impressions

It’s been a few years since I first started using the Chromag Scarab pedals on my mountain bikes, but I do remember that I loved them right off the bat.

I think I was using Race Face Atlas pedals before I tried the Scarabs and I immediately noticed the concave shape. This slight ‘dip’ in the middle of the pedals really allows me to press my feet into the platform for better grip and traction.

Another thing I loved immediately was the color. I opted for black first (I know, so boring…) but then switched to purple after a season. I’ve also seen (in person) the blue and gold and the colors are vibrant! They’re a great way to add some pop to your set-up.

Below I get into the nitty-gritty of the Chromag Scarabs.

Installation

Ease of installation

The Chromag Scarab pedals are very easy and straightforward to install. They simply screw into the cranks (remember to use a bit of grease on the threads).

All you need is an 8mm hex key, which is standard in a hex wrench set. Some multi-tools like the Crankbrothers M19 also have an 8mm key.

One thing to note is that there is no L(eft) or R(ight) marking on these pedals. However, you can tell which is which by the Chromag Scarab writing and logo.

The writing should be right-side up when installing the pedals, not upside down.

Design & Construction

Material Quality

The Chromag Scarab Pedals are made from quality aluminum which is known for its strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to wear and tear.

I’ve put these pedals through the wringer and while they do get scrapped and dinged, I haven’t had a pedal crack or break on me, which isn’t always true for lower-quality metal pedals and especially not true for composite pedals.

The pedal pins are made from hardened steel and they do break and get worn after a while. I probably replace my pedal pins about every 6 months.

Weight & Dimensions

The Scarab pedals strike a great balance between size and weight. Weighing in at approximately 215 grams per pedal, they offer a relatively lightweight yet robust option. You could definitely go lighter with a pedal, but you risk compromising strength.

With a platform size of 110mm x 108mm, they provide ample space for my feet (I wear a women’s size 9 mountain bike shoe).

They aren’t the largest platform mountain bike pedal out there, but for my average-ish feet, they’re perfect.

Lastly, the pedal’s slim profile, at just 13mm at the platform’s center, allows for good ground clearance and helps to minimize the risk of pedal strikes on rough terrain.

Durability & Longevity

As I mentioned above, I’ve put these pedals through the wringer. One of the major strengths of the Chromag Scarab pedals is their ability to withstand use and abuse (which mountain bikers tend to be very good at).

One thing I’ve noticed in particular is that the axle doesn’t get worn out as fast as some other pedals I’ve tried. You can buy a Chromag Scarab pedal axle kit to replace the axles, bushings, bearings, and seals (which at $42 is cheaper than buying a new set of pedals), but I haven’t had to do an axle replacement even after several seasons of extensive use.

Lastly, the replaceable pins make it easy to swap out mangled pins and keep your pedals nice and grippy over time. My only gripe is that the pin replacement kit is kinda pricey at $20.

Aesthetics

I love the look of the Scarab pedals. Sure, they’re not the most sleek or thin-profile design, but I think they look great and there are some awesome colors to choose from!

Performance & Handling

Grip and Traction

The most important feature of flat mountain bike pedals is the grip and traction, right? You want to make sure your feet stick to the pedals as you’re bombing down the trails or tackling a technical climb.

I can confidently say that the Chromag Scarab Pedals are one of the grippiest pedals I’ve tried. This is largely due to the concave design of the pedal that really allows you to press your foot into the indentation.

The strategically placed pins also provide excellent grip and you can customize the placement with 40 different pin placement options per pedal.

Of course, a good pedal is only half the equation when it comes to trip and traction. You’ll also need a quality mountain bike shoe with grippy tread to stick to the pins. My favorite mountain bike shoes are the Ride Concepts Livewires and they pair great with the Scarabs!

Comfort & Feel

Not only do they perform well, but the Scarab pedals are also really comfortable for long days on the bike. I use these pedals for all my mountain bike rides from longer XC pedals to full days at the bike park and everything in between. (I only use clipless pedals for gravel riding, but that’s just my personal preference).

The broad platform offers plenty of room for most feet. Unless you have an abnormally large or small shoe size, you should find that these pedals fit well.

I also find that the pins are not overly aggressive, so they don’t cause discomfort even on longer rides.

Impact on Control and Stability

If you think about it, pedals play a large part when it comes to control and stability on the bike. For the Scarabs, the combination of a wide platform size, concave design, and well-distributed pins provides a solid base for driving your bike and taking control of your ride.

The slim profile also helps minimize the chances of pedal strikes, which – as I’m sure you’re well aware – can cause some problems when it comes to stability and control (or lack thereof).

Value for Money

How It Compares

Compared to other flat mountain bike pedals, the Chromag Scarab Pedals sit in the premium price range at $155. I do think they could be a little more affordable, however, when matched against similar high-quality (or high-priced) pedals, they hold their own.

While there are less expensive options on the market, those pedals often compromise on factors like grip and traction, comfort, durability, or ease of maintenance.

Here’s how they stack up against two other popular flat pedal options, the Spank Oozy Reboot and the Crankbrothers Stamp 7.

Replacement Pins & rebuild Kit

My biggest grumble with the Chromag Scarab pedals is the price of the replacement pins and axle rebuild kit.

The pedal pins are $20 for about 40 pins, which seems kinda steep (although I guess .50 a pin isn’t bad…). The axle rebuild kit is $42, which is cheaper than buying new pedals, but still expensive IMO.

I change my pedal pins about every 6 months, so that’s an extra $40 a year for an already expensive pedal.

That being said, these prices are pretty in line with other pin replacement kits for other brands. And you can always buy the cheaper (but probably lower quality) knock-off ones to save a few dollars.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been using the Chromag Scarab Pedals for several years now and they are my favorite flat pedals I’ve used to date for all my mountain biking adventures.

They’re grippy, comfortable, and versatile for all flat-pedal riders and riding styles. They are a bit pricier than some other flat platform mountain bike pedals, but I think they’re worth it for their durability and performance.

Have you tried the Chromag Scarab pedals? What do you think? Are they something you’d like to try out? Leave a comment below!