Redshift Mousetrap Pedal Adapter Review: It Ain’t Easy Being Cheesy

One of the things I enjoy most about bikes is their everyday utility. Almost as much as bikepacking trips into remote areas, a 10-minute ride to the coffee shop to get out of the house holds its own joy. However, one element that often complicates this simple delight is the very means of interacting with the bike. Since adopting clipless pedals around five years ago, I haven’t looked back. Though certainly not universal, clipless pedals simplify things for me. They make certain shoes bike-specific and allow me to feel a more natural connection with the bike.

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In the last few years, I’ve simply put up with the awkwardness of using clipless pedals in everyday life, either wearing gravel shoes in coffee shops and grocery stores or subjecting my street shoes to the torturous task of pressing onto a clipless pedal for a few miles. Both options have drawbacks. Not wanting to go through the hassle of switching out pedals on a near-daily basis or opt for a heavy, bulky hybrid option, it’s a small inconvenience I’ve stomached while wishing someone could devise a more elegant solution.

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So, when RedShift got in touch about their latest product—the Mousetrap SPD adapter pedals—I was excited to try them out. An ultra-low-profile, 80 x 105mm platform made of a glass-filled nylon composite, the Redshift Mousetraps are designed to be an easy, toolless, portable option for those in-between moments. Though similar options exist—like these from Shimano, RockBros, and Problem Solvers— the Mousetraps appeared to offer a versatile use case tailored for me—someone who prefers clipless shoes and has a stable of SPD-oriented bikes. I’ve spent the last few weeks putting these pedals through their paces, so let’s take a look at what works and what doesn’t.

The Gouda

Dubbed the Mousetrap because of the pedal’s visual similarity to a rat snap trap when opened, the pedal uses a spring-loaded mechanism to attach and detach to most SPD-style clipless pedals. I used them on a set of Shimano Deore XT pedals, and they worked great. As RedShift states, installation is simple. Lift the lever-like mechanism, slot the cleat-shaped portion of the pedal onto the SPD area, and close down. Taking them off is as easy as lifting the lever and removing them, and the pedals come together through light magnets on the platform, creating a small, neat package.

Despite the lack of an audible click, the pedals are rock-solid in their engagement with the two sets of Shimano SPD pedals I used them with. Though I’d prefer the security of hearing or feeling some sort of feedback when engaged, especially with something like a pedal, the Mousetraps didn’t shift at all during my use. They don’t disengage if lateral force is applied, and though the material Redshift uses for the pedal doesn’t exactly inspire confidence out of the box, it was without issue during my testing period.

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Because I’m not a fan of flat pedals, these feel like a solution crafted from the inner workings of my mind. With a slew of bikes all outfitted with clipless systems, the Mousetrap pedal adapters are perfect for when I want to putz around town and plan to spend time in settings where normal shoes make more sense. In a variety of shoes, the pedals felt engaging, grippy, and convenient. While they’re not meant for shredding singletrack, as I’ll get into in the next section, they’re a good go-between with the added benefit of easy storage and portability.

The Not-So-Gouda

Being familiar with toe clips, I didn’t have much issue with the Mousetrap’s sole flaw: because the pedal’s weight is concentrated on one side when the adapter is installed, the Mousetraps naturally rest downward. As a result, those who don’t have good foot dexterity may struggle to get the hang of its use. I was able to easily push on one end of the pedal and flip it over once the bike was already moving, but I don’t assume everyone has that skill. I used to ride a fixed gear around the busy streets of a dangerous city, finding and sliding into my toe clips while dodging potholes, cars, and people. If flipping a pedal over while moving is beyond your ability, this product might not be for you.

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On the other hand, it’s hard to call this an issue. Unless Redshift solves the problem of gravity, I don’t see how there could be an adapter that doesn’t fall prey to this quirk. Once rotated, the pedal adapters stay underfoot and don’t actively fight to return to their unusable natural state. That isn’t to say the design is faultless, but the Mousetraps aim to solve a very specific problem. The Mousetrap adapters offer a relatively easy, lightweight, portable solution that doesn’t require a complete commitment to flat-pedal engagement. It’s simply a go-between for people who prefer clipless systems on their bikes rather than a dedicated hybrid pedal. Users could buy two sets of pedals and attach them to both sides of the SPD, providing a platform on both sides, but that would double the price of a high-cost add-on. Though the Mousetraps are higher quality than other adapters, $60 is around what someone can expect for a decent set of flats, and a considerable amount to add on to already pricey clipless pedals.

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Another quibble is their lack of pins. As mentioned, I’m far from a flat-pedal aficionado, but after some conversations with folks who are, I’ve noted that pin placement, size, depth, and material are key factors in what makes a good one. The Mousetraps have no pins and might benefit from some, as my foot slid off their ribbed surface a few times. That said, the company clearly states these are for bike path and paved road use only. User be warned.

Lastly, the Redshift states that the Mousetrap’s ultra-low stack height means there’s no need to adjust the saddle height when switching between the adapters and the pedals. Although I can appreciate the pedal’s slim profile, this wasn’t strictly true in my experience. Riding with the Mousetraps, I noticed a difference in how I engaged with the saddle. It’s minor, but I had to raise my saddle a few millimeters to be more comfortable when they were installed. The stack height is small, but it makes a noticeable difference, so it’s not a completely seamless transition.

• Model Tested: Redshift Mousetrap SPD Pedal Adapter
• Actual Weight: 173 grams (6.10 ounces)
• Price: $60 at Redshift Sports

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