CNC Pedals from Greater Than Self (GTS)

Review: Built to Ride, Not to Wrench – The New Self-Lubricating

· Review,China

If you’ve been riding long enough, you’ve probably gone through your fair share of pedals, some spin beautifully for the first few weeks, then start grinding, seizing, or squeaking after a few wet rides. Grease, clean, repeat. It’s part of the ritual, but also a pain.

That’s what makes these new CNC aluminum pedals from GTS so interesting. Coming out of a small but ambitious factory in Chongli - China, they’re built around a simple promise: ride more, maintain less. And after a few weeks on them, it’s clear they’re not just another flashy set of flats, they’re genuinely well-engineered.

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Smooth, Silent, and Maintenance-Free

At the heart of these pedals lies a clever bearing setup. The brand combines German igus® self-lubricating bushings with Japanese DU materials, a combo that’s more often found in industrial machinery than bike parts. What this means for riders is simple: they stay smooth, no matter how rough or dirty your rides get.

There’s no need to tear them down for re-greasing. No fighting with seized axles or mud-caked seals. Even after wet rides and a few proper mud baths, the spin remains buttery. The internal self-lubricating layer keeps friction low and prevents wear, which translates into a long-lasting, zero-fuss performance.

If you’re the kind of rider who just wants to throw the bike in the van and hit the next trail without worrying about maintenance, you’ll appreciate this setup.

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CNC Precision and Real-World Strength

The pedals are fully CNC-machined from 6065 aluminum alloy, the kind of material used in aerospace components. Every edge, chamfer, and cut is clean and purposeful. The result is a pedal that feels solid underfoot but doesn’t weigh you down.

That precision machining also helps with durability, these pedals shrug off rock strikes and pedal smashes that would dent or bend cheaper cast bodies. On the trail, there’s no flex, no vague feedback, just a solid, direct feel with every crank stroke.

And the design doesn’t just look good, it’s functional. The slightly chamfered edges help deflect impacts, and the open structure sheds mud efficiently.

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Locked-In Grip and Confidence

Grip is what makes or breaks a flat pedal, and here, GTS clearly did their homework. Each side runs twelve replaceable traction pins, laid out according to ergonomic pressure points. It’s not just “throw some pins on a plate”, the placement is intentional.

The result is consistent, predictable grip. Whether you’re blasting through roots, hitting drops, or muscling up a tech climb, your feet stay where you want them. There’s that nice “bite” into your shoe sole, but not so much that it feels locked or sketchy when repositioning mid-ride.

It’s a stable, controlled platform that gives confidence when things get wild.

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Comfort for the Long Haul

Another subtle win is the wider pedal platform. It spreads out foot pressure evenly, which you’ll appreciate on longer rides or bike park days. Less foot fatigue, more comfort, and surprisingly, more efficient pedalling too. The shape feels natural, with just enough concavity to cradle your shoe without forcing you into one position.

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Verdict: Smart, Solid, and Seriously Low-Maintenance

There’s a lot of pedal bling out there, titanium axles, laser-cut logos, anodised everything. But what makes these stand out isn’t flash. It’s function.

The combination of self-lubricating bearings, CNC precision, and a thoughtful grip layout adds up to something rare: a pedal you can trust to just work. They feel premium, perform like it, and won’t demand constant attention.

For riders who value performance and reliability over brand hype, this is a strong option. Whether you’re a trail rider, enduro racer, or weekend park shredder, these pedals deliver a quiet kind of excellence, the kind that lets you focus on the ride, not the wrenching.

Ride more. Maintain less. That’s the whole point.

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Specs & Highlights | GTS CNC Self-Lubricating Pedals

Material: 6065-T6 CNC-machined aluminum body

Bearings: German igus® self-lubricating bushings + Japanese DU technology

Axle: Chromoly steel, precision-machinedPins: 12 x 5mm replaceable traction pins per sidePlatform Size: 110mm x 110mmWeight: 473 grams (pair)Maintenance: Fully sealed and self-lubricating, zero regular service needed

Rider Type: Trail / Enduro / All-Mountain

Highlights

  • Zero-Maintenance Performance: Self-lubricating bearings keep the spin smooth and silent ride after ride.
  • CNC Strength: Precision-cut alloy body combines light weight with impact resistance.
  • All-Weather Durability: Sealed internals shrug off mud, water, and grit.
  • Confidence Grip: Twelve pins per side give secure traction with any shoe sole.
  • Long-Ride Comfort: Wide platform reduces pressure and foot fatigue.
  • Come in many colours

Verdict:

A smart, solid flat pedal that trades marketing flash for real-world performance. Smooth, silent, and built to ride, not to wrench. We are looking forward to a long term review. Yet only available in China for 379.00 RMB (45.90 Euro) with tripple bearing 459.00 RMB (55.60 Euro).

Words: GTS, Mesum Verma

Photos: GTS, Gueno, Mesum Verma

#mtbmagasia #review #pedals #china #fromchina #madeinchina

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