Pedals are important on a bike.
Personally, I usually look at the pedals with the same importance as the handlebars and grips because they’re the only couple of direct interfaces between the rider and the bike.
But often, the pedals are neglected, and many riders are content with the stock pedals.
And I get it; it’s not like stock pedals are bad, flimsy, or anything, but if you want to elevate your performance, push your limits and promote comfort, you’ll need a pair of pedals customized for you.
I know it might be difficult to understand, but let me share my story.
My first bike was a Kona Taro. It was a decent bike overall, and as usual, came with stock pedals.
Now, on my first few rides, I noticed that I often slipped off a little bit when riding, and I didn’t have the needed grip for off-road racing.
Probably, it was my Merrell’s, but even after switching to Van’s and other pairs of shoes, it didn’t stop from happening.
I always felt a little bit uncomfortable using the bike pedals, and I can’t mention how my knees always hurt.
It’s after I shared my perils with my buddy at my local bike shop, and he recommended I replace the pedals.
I switched to a good set of inexpensive flats, and from there and on, my riding experience changed completely.
My grip was more effective, traction was better, and contact with the bike was more efficient. Power transfer to the cranks was also great.
So, fast-forward, I’ve had several BMX bikes, but if there’s one change I always have to make on any new bike is changing the pedals.
I now know too well how the choice of pedals can affect my ride.
Now, if you’re still on the fence on whether to replace your bike pedals, I would advise you to do it right now. You won’t believe how it’ll improve your control, handling ability and much more.
So far, I’ve been a fan-favorite of the BMX pedals. I love them because of their durability, performance and ease of installation.
And in the section below, I’ll share some of my favorite BMX pedals that you can consider.
Table of Contents
- 1 Table of Contents
- 2 Quick Comparison Table!
- 3 The Best BMX Pedals For The Money
- 4 #1 ODYSSEY Twisted Pedals - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- 5 #2 Fooker plastic BMX pedals - Best Budget Pedals for Mountain Biking
- 6 #3 BSD Safari Pedals -- Value Option
- 7 #4 ROCKBROS MTB Pedals – For Better Grip
- 8 #5 Fyxation Gates BMX Platform Pedal – Most Compatible BMX Pedal
- 9 #6 SHIMANO PD-M530 Mountain Pedals – Most Heavy-Duty BMX Pedal
- 10 Best BMX Pedals Buying Guide
- 11 Wrap Up: Our Choice
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table!
The Best BMX Pedals For The Money
#1 ODYSSEY Twisted Pedals - EDITOR'S CHOICE
We’ll start our list of the best BMX pedals with a bike pedal fromone of the reputed brands in the BMX market-Odyssey.
Odyssey is the undisputed classic BMX brand, and they’ve been successful for more than two decades.
The Twisted Bike Pedals are a great testimony to Odyssey’s relentless pursuit for success and quality.
These pedals are really dialed and the perfect alternative to the absolute garbage that usually comes with the newly purchased low-end bikes.
Personally, I’m stoked writing ODYSSEY Twisted Pedals’ review because they’ve impressed me so far, and I can’t get enough of them.
Out of the box, the first thing I noticed was how wide they were.
I love the significantly larger surface because I’ve large-ish feet, and the larger size convinced me to buy this pair of pedals.
When riding, I appreciate the wide surface for my feet to grip onto. And with greater contact, it’s easier for me to achieve that little extra force for performing my tips and tricks to my friends.
My son also loves the wider bike pedals because there’s more room for his feet, which is good for him since he has been learning to stand up.
Moving on, I’m also pleased with the ODYSSEY Twisted’s slimmer height. It may seem like it’s an insignificant feature, but on the ride, you’ll notice it feels really good, and I liked the way they felt fresh.
The other big draw with these pedals was the grip.
From the first moment I stepped onto them, I could immediately tell they were a huge improvement over what I had before-my original slippery plastic pedals.
The grip on these bad boys is noticeable, and when riding, I don’t feel like my feet are slipping off or anything.
And the good thing is they’re not so grippy that I can’t adjust my feet or feel like my shoes are glued to the pedals.
Instead, they offer just the right amount of traction and won’t cause cramps in the arches of your foot.
The other great point with these bike pedals is their durability. Yes, it’s plastic, and I went for them because I’ve had a previous nasty incident with metal pedals. I crashed, and the metal pedals screw cut my shins.
ODYSSEY Pedals are different. The nylon composite (plastic) is more forgiving.
But here’s the kicker!
The plastic is also sturdy. You get the best of both worlds.
My pedals have lasted alright, even with pedal grinds and haven’t broken my Chromoly spindle or anything.
Meanwhile, the metal traction pins featuring a cr-mo spindle offer unmatched strength and power. It handles all the abuses of stunt riding and tricks without showing signs of wear or weakness.
Of course, they may not be as sturdy as the lightweight alloy pedals, but they’re really good in every condition. Plus, if they break down, they’re so cheap that it’s easy to replace everything.
Overall, the ODYSSEY Twisted Pedals are a nice purchase. They’re reliable, durable, and offer true value for your money.
I would recommend!
Pros
- Sturdy composite material and cr mo spindle
- Wide surface area
- Available in different colors
Cons
- The Chromoly spindle is a little bit rough
#2 Fooker plastic BMX pedals - Best Budget Pedals for Mountain Biking
There’s no shortage of unboxing videos of the Fooker Pedals.
You’ve also probably come across videos comparing the Fooker Plastic Pedals to the Race Face pedals, which are essentially the same bike pedals but half the price.
Now, while a ton of people have the Fooker, I’ve not seen a detailed review, and this is why I decided to give them a try.
Apart from the numerous reviews, I narrowed it down to the Fooker because they imitate the more expensive Race Face Chester.
Plus, they were dirt cheap, so even if they didn’t work out as I hoped, I wouldn’t have anything much to lose.
Out of the box, I was impressed by their close resemblance with the Chesters. Not only in design and look and also in feel.
While they came at nearly a third of the price of Chesters, the material on them didn’t feel cheaper, and there were no manufacturing defects, either. I was surprised.
They threaded on easily and spun nicely.
Of course, the ultimate test is how they performed on the trail.
I was in particular concerned with the overall durability.
The first thing I noticed was that the nylon composite material on the Fooker plastic BMX pedals was ultra-soft. After taking it on rough terrain, I noticed it gouged easily and had noticeable soft scratches.
Not a biggie, though, because it was mostly cosmetic.
Strength-wise, it impressed me. The high-strength nylon composite fibers allowed me to connect with jaggies, branches, leaves and almost anything else you find in the great outdoors, and the pedal still holds strong.
The grip is relentless and almost at par with the Chesters.
It features an anti-skid nail surface lining the outside bike pedals to keep your feet in place.
On top of that, there’re hex-head threaded traction pins on each side of the pedal to keep your feet “locked”. They offer traction without the all-in commitment feeling of clip-ins.
Personally, I never experienced my feet slipping off the pedal, not a single time.
And when I needed to get my foot on the pedal quickly, I could apply the power quickly because I didn’t need to search for the clamp to grip my cleat. All I needed was simply to place my foot on the pedal, and boom, I’ve the ignition.
On the trail, the pedals spin well, and I noticed there’s less drag than with most pedals. They inspire more confidence, and I managed to corner so much better and faster, just being able to drop a foot if I needed to.
The Fooker BMX Pedals are also wide and large, enough to accommodate my big feet and start from a complete stop on a steep slope and not sleep.
Along with the wide design, I love the large open tread design. It helps shed dirt, small rocks, and leaves.
The ease of maintenance doesn’t end there!
A sealed bearing system protects your bike’s spindles from dirt and water damage.
Overall, the Fooker might be a knockoff, but a good one.
It has a strong and promising design and comes at half of what you would spend on a Race Face.
*Bonus: You get a bright array of colors to match your bike pedals to your BMX bike or even create some fun contrast.
Pros
- Reliable Face Face Chester Knockoff
- Easy to install
- Great colorways
- Anti-skid nails
Cons
- Gouges easily
#3 BSD Safari Pedals -- Value Option
I’m building a new BMX bike, and after going through pedal reviews from Demolition, Shimano, to Eclat, I narrowed it down to Safaris.
Along with their incredible reviews, I couldn’t ignore BSD’s reputable brand image with a reputation of high and reliable parts.
All in all, I’m pleased with the BSD Safari Pedals purchase, and I can confidently say I’ll use them as long as they make them.
The pedals are incredibly grippy and never felt like I was going to slip.
On top of that, the sealed bearings are super smooth, and the rolling performance is incredible.
There’re also plenty of things I love about these pedals, and one of them is the different colorways it comes with.
I know aesthetics often come as a second thought when selecting your BMX pedals, but BSD Safari Pedals color matches nicely with the paint on the BMX bike. The bike noticeably looks nicer.
Now, into the performance, and I’m pleased with how wide these bike pedals are.
Besides offering a large contact surface for big feet, I love the immense support. It’s unlike my old metal pedals, and the energy transfer from the pedal to the crank arm is efficient.
The lighter pedal weight is also a welcome characteristic, especially on my BMX bike. I also lug a lot of cargo during my commute, so having a lighter pedal helps with the pedaling efficiency.
Doing pedals grinds has also proved not too difficult at all. I was worried the plastic pedals wouldn’t last, but I was pleasantly surprised.
The fiberglass construction is super sturdy and lightweight at the same time.
This type of durability allowed us to take on the roughest and crazy trails without any trouble at all.
And here’s the kicker!
The pedals come with a true dual concave design (concave shape). It’s ergonomic, and I love how it seamlessly accommodates my feet for the ultimate power delivery.
Another wonderful aspect of the Safari Pedals was the proper grip.
It’s a unique offering in that it comes with a whopping 20 pins on each side- that’s more than half of what most pedals offer.
And the good thing is the pedals are located in the high impact areas, meaning your pedals should outlive most other bike pedals, even when taking savage abuses.
On top of that, the replaceable pins inspire more confidence when attacking or corning a hill.
Along with the metal pins, I couldn’t get enough of the knurling texture, which eliminates sliding on the pedals.
Another thing to note is the traction pins are hexagonal instead of round.
It’s a minor detail…but perhaps, with shoes like Vans Waffle, you benefit from that extra edge and good grip.
Overall, BSD Safari Pedal is an awesome purchase and clearly among the best BMX pedals in the market.
Pros
- Solid construction- smooth grinding body
- Maximum grip- concave shape
- Value purchase
- Light pedal weight
Cons
- Limited colorways
#4 ROCKBROS MTB Pedals – For Better Grip
To be honest, I ordered these just to see if the deal was too good to be true.
I’m glad I did because they’re comparable to some pedals costing thrice as much.
They’re sweet, coming in lightweight and with an insane amount of good grip.
The pins are a little too tall for my taste, but it’s still easy to fix them. But because of their length, I never have to worry about slipping off.
On my first ride, I was a little worried that the bearing quality would be flimsy. But I was glad when they got home.
Smooth, no play, and a nice feel to them. There was also no notchiness or grab.
The nylon composite fiber material was also rugged and seemed like the perfect fit for the rough terrain and mountain bikes.
See, I do a lot of unbeaten path biking, and the ROCKBROS Pedals came in as a savior. They’re durable and functional and will take all the abuse and punishments like a champ.
My only concern was the black studs corrode quickly. It’s not a deal-breaker, though, because corrosion doesn’t show on any other part. Plus, it’s only minor.
The grab on these pedals is also killer. The spike grabs your shoes and doesn’t let go off.
It’s practically impossible to slip off of them, and even when I’m wearing my basic low-top hiking boots, they just don’t slip at all.
In fact, to make any readjustment to my footing, I’ve to lift it consciously.
While remaining grippy, I love how they’ve treated me well. So far, I’ve not experienced any biting.
Meanwhile, I can’t get enough of the wider 4.1” pedal platform.
It’s a lot broader than most of the pedals on the list, and this is good for offering an ample amount of space for my feet.
On my first ride, I felt a wide platform, good grip and more power transfer overall.
Finally, the ROCKBROS MTB Pedals is one of the most versatile pedals we’ve on board.
It’s compatible with any type of bike and with most BMX bikes.
Overall, this purchase is awesome and ticks the right boxes in many areas.
I’ve been riding it for several months now in all types of weather, and it has been holding strong with no problem.
Plus, the insane and good grip stands the test of time without oozing pins or anything.
My only complaint with this purchase is if the pedals smack your skin when riding, you’ll know it. But that’s your fault.
Pros
- Heavy duty
- Easy to install
- Reliable performance
- Ideal for mountain bikes
Cons
- Bit heavy
#5 Fyxation Gates BMX Platform Pedal – Most Compatible BMX Pedal
The Fyxation Gates Pedals are a nice pedal, and I love them for their compatibility. They can accommodate most of the pedal straps in the market, hence being suitable for use on any BMX bike.
And that’s not all!
These pedals have nice performance, allowing you to achieve a good grip and perfect power delivery while riding.
They’re huge too. Chunky and wide. I’ve never seen such big pedals marketed for BMX bikes.
The huge size comes with a bit of heftiness, but they provide a good grip and won’t damage your shin so much in case of a slip off, compared to the pedals with metal studs.
In fact, for me, the hefty pedal is an asset in my cruiser. The reason is they feel extra substantial and solid, in a good way.
With the pedals on my cruiser, I can ride with any shoe I want, starting from tennis shoes, casual shoes to even a pair of sandals with a good chunky sole.
This is not to mention it helps with durability.
So far, I’ve racked thousands of miles on the Fyxation Gates BMX Platform Pedals, and it still looks and functions as new.
The plastic studs on the pedals are more forgiving than the metal, and I’ve better control of the BMX bike.
Size-wise, they’re everything I would want for my commute BMX bike. They’re wide enough to accommodate my Vans and will effectively support even the fattest skater shoes.
Beyond the larger contact surface area, they create an extra-large gate with my pedal straps, so it’s easier to slide my shoes in.
The grip on these Fyxation Gates BMX Platform Pedal is terrific. I’m pleased with the little nubs on the pedal.
On the ride, they hold onto my shoes as their life depends on them. They eliminate the constant sliding on the generic pedals, and I no longer need to readjust them on the commute constantly.
And the good thing is the plastic pins offer just the right amount of good grip for the street show, but not too sharp as the metal pins to tear up the soles.
The seals on these pedals are also tight, and the bearings are sealed off from the outside. I only noticed a small gap around the threaded peg, and this is necessary for rotation.
Otherwise, all other contact points are sealed off completely. And unlike my previous pedal caps that fell off easily, allowing dirt inside, these bearings seem to take abuse with minimal maintenance.
While the Fyxation Gates BMX Platform Pedal is a great all-around option, I was concerned with the width.
Yes, it’s big, but there’s a dislike to it.
I’ve noticed that it tends to pedal strike, especially when I take a sharp turn at high speeds.
But I’m getting used to it, and I can’t really complain that much. It’s a small tradeoff for the amazing grip and efficient power delivery.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Easy to use
- Relatively low maintenance
Cons
- Frequent pedal strikes
#6 SHIMANO PD-M530 Mountain Pedals – Most Heavy-Duty BMX Pedal
Throughout, I’ve used toe clips and been reasonably happy with them.
But recently, however, I was caught up in a downpour, and one of the real downsides of the toe clips is they turn slippery when wet.
Of course, I wasn’t ready to go clipless yet, but after much convincing from my friends, I decided to jump the ship.
I’m glad I bought the Shimano pedals.
Yes, they sit at the lower end of Shimano’s pedal lineup, but they’re not anywhere sub-par.
They’re crafted specifically for enhancing the overall riding efficiency.
Plus, I’ve had them for several seasons now, putting them on different BMX bikes.
I love them because of their superior design, their spin and durability. They’ve not developed any cracks so far, and they clear mud with no problem.
They’re also quite durable and quite possibly the most heavy-duty pedals on our list.
I’m pleased with how they work well over multi-conditions, including mud, road salt, rain, and dirt. They also keep up well with the inconsistent cleaning on my part.
I’ve used them on arduous trails, and the only thing they’ve to show for the rough beatings, slamming curbs and whacking pavements are minor dents here and there.
They hold up perfectly, just as you would expect from a real Shimano pedal.
Support-wise, the Shimano cage offers less support than some competitors, but there’s still enough for my trail shoes.
On top of that, I love how they’re brilliantly textured and able to support all the different types of riding footwear.
They drastically improve the versatility of the BMX bike, and I love this since I can use them in different and more environments.
Also, when paired with heavy-duty attachments, these pedals promote a smooth and seamless riding performance.
By taking the pressure applied, they easily convert it to motion. And the good thing is the energy transfer to the crank arms, and Chromoly axles are efficient.
Simply put, many riders can attest that the use of the SHIMANO Flat Pedal improved their overall control.
What about installation?
I had earlier sulked into the idea that they are difficult and even worried it was too challenging to install.
In truth, they’re extremely easy to clip into and pop out of it. In fact, when starting from a stop, my foot clicks itself on my first stroke and two even before I start thinking about it.
On top of that, the pedal comes with clips on both sides, so there’s really little, if any, fiddling involved.
Pros
- Heavy duty
- Easy to install
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Not ideal for users with dropped arches
Best BMX Pedals Buying Guide
We’ve compiled this guide to help you narrow down your selection of the best BMX pedals.
Hopefully, by the time you’re through our guide, it’ll be easier for you to make a more informed decision when choosing the right BMX pedal.
But first things first, let’s look at the benefits of having BMX pedals.
Uses of BMX Pedals
Having BMX pedals over the stock or other third-party pedals is useful in several ways.
Here’re some of the benefits you stand to gain from using the BMX pedals.
1) Improved traction
Many BMX pedals come with a textured surface to allow for more and better grip.
The benefit of a grippy pedal is it becomes easier for you to perform tricks, and pedaling uphill becomes super easy.
2) Better control
The other benefit of a properly-structured pedal is more riding efficiency.
A good BMX pedal creates a nice connection between you and the BMX bike, which results in more power.
There’s little, if any, loss of paddle power, and this optimizes your biking productivity.
3) No loosening
Over time, most pedals loosen their threads, and the pedals generally wear out.
But when you replace your pedals with BMX pedals, you’re assured they’ll hold place and not pop out of place during your ride.
4) More grip surface
Most BMX pedals have a wide platform for your legs.
So, you get more contact area for your feet, and depending on your needs, this might be important for climbing uphill or performing tricks.
5) Aesthetic
BMX pedals are available in a whole range of color options and designs.
So, it’s always easy to find a matching product that enhances your overall BMX bike design.
Types of BMX Pedals
Now that we know the benefits of having a pedal let’s get into the meat and potatoes of the BMX pedal.
We’ll start by looking at the different types of BMX pedals.
Generally, BMX pedals are categorized into two:
1) Flat pedals
2) Clip pedals
Flat Pedals
Flat pedals are popular with BMX riders because of their wide, even surfaces.
Plus, they absorb the force of feet going down easier.
Unfortunately, its design inhibits riders from focusing on their foot pressure.
Clip Pedals
The clip pedals don’t screw but rather simply pop into position.
Many riders love the clip pedals because of their ease of use, intuitive design and simplicity.
Unfortunately, their attachment clip makes them a bit weaker.
They don’t absorb pressure effectively as the flat pedals do, so they’re usually less desirable for tricks and trails.
Factors to Consider when Purchasing the Best BMX Bike Pedals
This section will go through the critical elements every BMX rider should consider in their next purchase.
Attachment
Attachment refers to the part of the pedal connecting to the bike itself.
The two popular attachment sizes are the ½” and the 9/16”.
Now, depending on whether your pedal is flat or clipped, the attachment clips or screws.
Either way, the clip should be sturdy and keep the pedal in place, even when performing tricks.
Grip
If you plan on going uphill and doing tricks, you’ll need a pedal with a textured surface.
Some models will even have a protruding cleat to help in retaining traction.
Others leverage the shape of the pedal instead of cleating.
Material
BMX pedals are made out of different materials.
Some of the options include nylon composite, steel, plastic and aluminum.
Simply put, the choice of material is broadly categorized into two:
1) Plastic- Light pedal weight
2) Alloy
Plastic Vs. Alloy
Plastic Pedals
Plastic pedals are naturally cheaper and lightweight.
Performance-wise, the plastic pedal grip doesn’t last.
However, the plastic pedals are more attractive because they can be replaced easily because of a nice price point.
And similar to the pegs, plastic pedals are more useful, especially when you need a superior grinding surface.
Alloy/ Metal Pedals
Metal pedals, often made out of metal or a combo of metals, tend to be more long-lasting.
The metal pedals can take more abuse and damage than the plastic options.
However, alloy pedals tend to be more expensive.
They’re also less suitable for grinding.
Sealed Vs. Loose Ball Bearings
Ball bearings come in two main designs; sealed and loose.
The sealed ball bearings, as their name suggests, are enclosed in a metal case. They’re sturdier than the loose ball bearing.
On the other hand, the loose ball bearings are cheaper but less durable.
Loose bearings aren’t common in BMX because they can’t withstand the rigors and abuses of BMX riding. Plus, they offer a less superior pedal design.
The sealed bearings are the right options for BMX, but they’re expensive.
However, with pedals being so replaceable nowadays, many brands are opting for loose bearings. After all, you’ll only have the pedals for two or three months.
But if you need a more long-term pedal and have the budget, you can go for the sealed options.
Pins
Pins affect how your foot rests on the bike pedal.
So, you first need to consider the layout and riding style of pins on your chosen bike pedal.
One of the popular layouts is a plastic pedal with metal pins.
It’s a good combination, perfect when you want a great grip and light pedal weight experience. It also gives a smooth grinding experience.
The other popular layout is metal pins on metal pedals (replaceable or fixed).
I recommend the replaceable pins because of their longer life and strong adjustable grip.
Bike Pedal Platform
Pedals come in different shapes and sizes.
The type of riding dictates the shape and size you get for your pedals.
For example, park/ramp riders need thin, lightweight alloys pedals. These offer a wide platform for maximum foot spaces.
On the other hand, a street rider will do better off with the slightly thicker pedals that can handle hits from the streets.
Other Considerations
Riding Style
Once you check that your bike pedal has all the necessary features, consider the riding style.
Remember, you’ll have them for a while, and you don’t want to be stuck with something you don’t like, or that doesn’t match your bike.
Footwear
Some bike pedals only work with specific footwear.
Flatter pedals, for instance, make pedaling challenging if you’ve a substantial arch.
Also, consider what you normally wear for your ride. This is because some pedals with distinct cleats could easily scrape at the base of your shoe.
Ease of Maintenance
Think about how much or the effort it takes to maintain your bike pedals for BMX.
Generally, the pedals for BMX with the sealed bearings are resistant to damage as they block out elements.
Also, consider the structure of the bike pedal, and see whether it holds on or shakes off the dirt. Pedals with a lot of openings and curved sections tend to shed dirt better and are less demanding to take care of.
Price
Pedals are available at a wide range of prices.
If you need a budget pick, the plastic ones will do.
The alloy ones are a bit expensive but durable.
But at the end of the day, choose a bike pedal that fits within your budget. More importantly, one that offers the greatest value for your money.
Best BMX Pedals Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What size BMX pedal do I need?
A: Normally, the right size for your new pedals depends on the crank style and size of your bike.
But generally, if you’ve a 12,16 and 18-inch bike, I would recommend the junior-sized pedals. The pedal sizes increase from here.
Q: Are cleats necessary for my cycling shoes?
A: Yes, cycling shoes need cleats for proper grip.
Plus, cleated cycling shoes have an awesome power delivery.
Q: Do all bike pedals for BMX fit all cranks?
A: The most common pedals for BMX are the 15mm and 9/16 pedals.
These generally fit most of the cranks, but of course, there’re exceptions, such as the one-piece uni-pedal body cranks.
Q: What’s the difference between molded pins and removable pins?
A: Molded pins are fixed and cannot be removed or replaced.
On the other hand, the attachable pins are easily removable or replaced.
On top of that, the removable pins tend to be larger and offer enhanced grip than the molded pins.
Q: How do I take off the clip-less pedals?
A: To take off the clip-less pedals for BMX, you simply need to rotate your heel away from the bike.
Wrap Up: Our Choice
We’re through with our review of the best BMX pedals.
All the pedals listed here are awesome options for any BMX rider, but each has its strengths and weaknesses.
Now, if you’re still undecided on what bike pedal to choose, I would recommend the ODYSSEY Twisted BMX Bike Pedals.
It’s my favorite bike pedal, too, and I love it for different reasons.
One, it’s an all-around pedal, catering to the needs of different riders.
It’s a practical bike pedal and will help to level up your performance in many ways. It’s also among the lightest BMX pedals.
Installing and using this bad boy is also a breeze.
And finally, it’s a bargain option, offering the best value for your money.
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