Bike Perfect Verdict
DMR’s Versa does exactly what it says it does, giving a clean release, big platform DH style clipless performance on one side, and a mid-size full grip BMX style flattie on the other. That inevitably means occasional miss-flips but when it’s the right way round, it’s awesome.
Pros
- +
Proven, serviceable axle set up
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Premium materials and detailing
- +
Grippy mid/compact platform
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Easy location/release clipless mechanism
- +
Multiple color options
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Replaceable grip pins
Cons
- -
'Wrong-siding' is an inevitable issue
- -
Clipless mechanism exposed to impact
- -
Not cheap
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DMR’s flat pedals have a legendary reputation for keeping the feet of radical riders firmly attached to their bikes, with the V-Twin being one of our favorites when choosing the best mountain bike clipless pedals for DH/hardcore riding.
The DMR Versa combines both flat and clipless styles together for those who want a different footing for different parts of their ride, though the clipless side isn’t quite as sorted as the V-Twin.
Design and performance
As the $140.49 / £135.00 price suggests, the Versa is a top-spec pedal, and it runs on a similar 4140 CroMo axle and DU bushing and cartridge bearing set up to the Vault. All parts are fully replaceable too so the high price is a good long-term investment.
The angular CNC-machined platform side is similar to the Vault Midi but slightly smaller and fractionally more inboard. You get the same removable/replaceable ten-pin layout though, and grip levels with a flat sole SPD shoe is on par with the best MTB flat pedals.
The clipless side also has screw holes for pins at the corners if you want to increase grip, but it doesn’t have the adjustable spacer/bumper plates of the V-Twin, so the shoe to pedal distance is fixed. Given that most flat style clipless shoes are relatively flexible, we didn’t find it to be an issue with the Giro, Ion or Specialized shoes we tried. The raised two-piece mechanism is easy to locate and release from too, and while we have dented the replaceable front catch plate on V-Twins in the past, we’ve had no issues with rock damage on the Versa pedals, despite their exposed position. The 14mm depth and more inboard positioning give a lot of pedal clearance if you want to get on the power early out of turns.
SPD compatible cleats are included along with extra grip pins, and it comes in five anodized color options. The etched “grind up” and “bomb down” slogans are also a nice touch, however it doesn’t stop you from getting the ‘wrong’ side up occasionally, which can be irritating and potentially slippery if you’ve not added pins to the clipless side.
Verdict
The Versa pedals aren’t cheap but they’re of excellent quality. If you want both ways to connect your feet to your bike in a single pedal, they do a great job. Platform size and clipless side support are both compromised compared to DMR’s fully committed options though, and accidental ‘wrong siding’ is always going to be an issue with split personality pedals.
Tech Specs: DMR Versa
- Price: $140.49 / £135
- Weight: 478g
- Colors: Black, red, blue, orange and silver
