Deity TMAC Platform Pedals: Rider Review

Our "Rider Review" article series features honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for. 

Some people have their go-to pedals that they've been running for a long time. A lot of the time it can be out of pure habit but changing it up for something with quite a bit more grip can make a huge difference on a ride. Our friend John shares his thoughts on the Deity TMAC platform pedals. Check it out!

Overview

When it came time for a new set of pedals, I was torn between a new pair of flats or making the transition to clipless. I'd been considering clipless pedals for a while and spent quite a bit of time researching what might be the perfect pair for me. My hesitation on going the clipless route was always related to the ease by which I could pull a foot off if I came into a corner too hot. I loved the idea of being locked in on the rough stuff and while in the air, but I wasn’t ready to give up the ability to dab instinctively without having to unclip. In my mind, the fraction of a second lost by having to unclip might make all the difference between simply having to get back up to speed or nursing an injury for weeks. That said, I was also exploring the different options available if I stuck with platform pedals. My old pedals were the Race Face Chesters and after researching different platform pedals, I finally decided on the Deity Components TMAC pedals.

The RaceFace Chesters are a solid pedal in their own right, don’t get me wrong, especially for the price point. I just felt it was time to step it up a notch and the TMAC’s take it to the next level. The Deity TMAC’s are 4 mm wider than the Chesters, which, believe it or not, made a noticeable difference to me. That combined with the concave platform and the well thought out configuration of 14 pins makes for a confidence-inspiring contact point. I ride in a pair of FiveTen Freeriders and while the TMAC’s provide a solid bite into the sole, it’s not impossible to reposition your foot when the need arises. I primarily ride flowy singletrack with the occasional rooty/rocky section. When I do make a poor line choice and get tossed around a bit, I can get back into the pedals relatively quickly.

Other than being confidence-inspiring, these platform pedals are beautifully machined. The quality of workmanship is apparent as soon as you open the box. The color options offered are wide-ranging and will likely provide a solid pop to many different color schemes. They certainly aren’t the cheapest pedals out there, but for what the TMAC’s offer its definitely money well spent.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my decision to go with the TMAC’s. They provided exactly the feel I was looking for. They almost provide the best of both worlds in a platform pedal. Again, I must say I’ve never tried clipless pedals and someone who swears by clipless will likely have a different opinion. I may try clipless pedals in the future, but for now, I’m more than satisfied with the feel and performance of the TMAC’s. I’m confident they’d be a fine choice for many a rider and a solid upgrade to any rig.