Flat pedals win medals—well, maybe if you’re Sam Hill or can ride like Connor Fearon. For the rest of us who choose flats, it’s usually about the fun factor or the type of terrain and trails we ride.
For flat pedal riders, one of the most critical decisions—arguably more so than for those clip in—is finding the perfect pedal and shoe combo. Even if your shoes are dialled, poorly designed pedals can make for some sketchy brown-bike-pants moments.
Azur has added a new flat pedal to the brand’s catalogue. Designed by Craig Fisher, a former BMX and MTB pro who has been around the Aussie bike industry for longer than some Flow staffers have been on this earth, the Flatbacks bring some fresh ideas to the table while incorporating proven design principles from other brands.
The standout feature of the Flatback pedals is their focus on promoting a more heel-down riding stance. This design aims to improve rider stability, control, and support on the bike. To achieve this, the pedals have a 5mm upward curve at the front to help support the rider’s ability to drop their heels. This is paired with an angled rear section that allows heels to dip behind the pedal. While the angled back concept has been seen on other flat pedals, the addition of the raised front section is a unique combination that sets the Flatbacks apart.
Another notable feature is the inclusion of 11 grub screws on each side of the pedal. These pins are slightly thicker than most designs, which not only improves durability against rock strikes but also makes it easier to reposition your foot mid-ride. Azur has also factored in some biomechanics, strategically placing two pins under key areas of the foot to improve stability while riding.
Internally, each pedal uses a single cartridge bearing and an IGUS bushing for a balance of smooth operation and durability. For comparison, my go-to flats, a set of Hope F20s utilise three internal bearings and one bushing. The simpler internals of Flatback’s contribute to its cheaper price and lighter weight.
There are no set service intervals for the Flatback’s, however Craig recommends periodic servicing of all pedals no matter who the manufacturer is to improve the pedals lifespan. Spare parts and grub screws will be available from Azur soon, for those keen on maintaining their components. We have been testing the Flatback’s for the past three months and they are still spinning smoothly with no play in the axles, as you would expect.
On the Trail
To put the Flatbacks to the test, I paired them with a set of Five Ten Freeriders and hit the trails. Right away, I noticed the size of the platform—it’s big. The Flatbacks offer a usable platform of 102mm x 112mm, which is noticeably larger than the Hope’s, with its 102mm x 100mm platform. Despite the extra real estate, the Flatbacks tip the scales at just 344g, making them considerably lighter than the Hopes, which weigh in at 402g.
The larger platform provides a consistent grip, and I always felt like my feet were in a solid position. For me, this is huge—one of my biggest gripes with flat pedals is when my feet feel out of place, forcing me to take my attention off the trail ahead to reposition them. With the Flatbacks, this wasn’t an issue, and I could focus on the ride.
The ultimate test for flat pedals is how they perform in rough, rocky terrain, where grip and durability are pushed to the limit. Luckily, my local trails are more rock than loam, making them ideal testing ground. After riding multiple rocky and technical tracks, I was impressed with the all-around performance of the Flatbacks. The larger platform was especially helpful when I had to take a foot off around tight corners—it was quick and easy to get back on the pedals.
In terms of outright grip, the Flatbacks don’t quite match the Hope F20s, where my feet feel like they’re glued in place. However, considering that the Flatbacks are roughly $100 AUD cheaper than the Hopes and offer better foot adjustment mid-ride, they’re an excellent option for flat pedal enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
Azur’s Flatback pedals bring thoughtful design and great performance to the table, especially for riders looking to improve stability and control through a heel-down stance. While they may not deliver the same death-grip level of traction as pricier options like the Hope F20s, they’re lighter, more affordable, and offer a large, confidence-inspiring platform that works well in technical terrain.
