Pedals are an important part of the bike and it is one of the points where your body touches the bike. Finding the right one for yourself can be difficult as there are multiple options available in the market. When it comes to mountain bike pedals, there are two types of pedals that you are going to get in the market.
In case you are looking for bike pedals for your mountain bike, here are some of the best mountain bike pedals available in the market. Also, we have mentioned how you can choose between the types of bike pedals. Let’s get started with the guide.
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks for Mountain Bike Pedals
Types of Mountain Bike Pedals
There are two types of bike pedals that you’re going to find in the market. One is clipless and the other one is flat pedals. Before we present you with the review of the best mountain bike pedals, it is a must that you know which type you want to choose. Here, in this section of the article, we are going to explain to you what each type of bike pedal is suitable for.
Flat MTB pedals
In case you are a Beginner Level Mountain Bike Rider, this is the one we will suggest you go for the flat MTB pedals. When you want to put the feet comfortably on the bike pedal and want to remove it whenever you want, you must consider buying the flat MTB pedals. Also, if you are not ready to buy special mountain biking shoes, you may want to consider buying flat pedals.
Clipless MTB pedals
If efficiency matters to you more than convenience, then Clipless MTB pedals are ideal for you. These bike pedals help you to have better control of the bike when you are riding the bike. It provides you with a better degree of stability and locking when you are riding a bike on rough terrain.
Other than this, if you are comfortable with the learning curve, you can go for the clipless mountain bike pedals. For these kinds of pedals, you may have to buy the specialized shoes for yourself but it is worth it if you like to ride or you take it as a profession. So, for more efficiency and high performance, you may have to choose the clipless mountain bike pedals.
Best Flat & Clipless Mountain Bike Pedals (Reviews)
Now, that you know the different types of bike pedals that you are going to get, here are some of the best mountain bike pedals that you are going to get in the market. Go through the list and choose the best one for you.
1. HT Components PA03A Pedals – Best Overall
| Brand | HT Components |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Nylon |
| Dimensions | 9.75 x 5.75 x 1.5 in |
| Item Weight | 0.77 Pounds |
These are the flat mountain bike pedals available at a very reasonable price. They are very lightweight and they are suitable to work in all kinds of weather conditions. These bike pedals weigh around 345g but, they can be a bit larger for most people. Plus, they’re made up of glass-reinforced nylon which makes them a lightweight.
When it comes to the structure, these bike pedals have 10 pins per side out of which 8 are replaceable and the other two are fixed. Moreover, it will provide you with all the grip and length you want to place your foot comfortably in the bike pedal. Even with the nylon body, the bike pedals are quite durable and you can use them well.
Furthermore, these bike pedals offer you cutaways. It makes sure that even if your shoes have mud on them, they will not compromise the traction that you need when you are riding a mountain Bikes. Plus, it has a Chromoly steel spindle and it makes sure that everything is sealed well the bearings of the bike pedals are of stainless steel so there are fewer chances of rusting. At such an affordable price, we consider these the best flat pedals for the best adult mountain bike.
2. SHIMANO PD-ME700 Pedals – Runner Up
| Brand | SHIMANO |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 7.8 x 3.1 x 5.1 in |
| Weight | 1.19 Pounds |
| Size | 9/16″ |
These are the next affordable mountain bike pedals on this list. They are entry-level MTB pedals that you can go for. Despite being an affordable one, the bike pedal has an exceptional performance that is similar to the high-end pedals. It is a clipless pedal that uses a Shimano SPD clipless mechanism. You can easily put the bike pedal and remove it accordingly.
Other than this, the bike pedals have a small platform that provides you with a stable orientation of the bike pedal. It adds extra width to the cable and surrounds the clipless mechanism. One thing that we didn’t like about this wheel is that they are a bit heavy if you compare them to the others available in the market. Also, the bike pedal has a painted finish that can accumulate a lot of mud on it.
With the modest platform, the engagement of the pedal may increase, and also, they are suitable to provide you with more stability. Moreover, it can work well on all kinds of platforms and bikes. These bike pedals won’t disappoint you. On an overall basis, these bike pedals are quite versatile and affordable. For the clipless mountain bike pedals, these are worth a shot.
3. Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3 Clip-In MTB Pedals – Premium Pick
| Brand | Crankbrothers |
| Dimensions | 7.7 x 4.8 x 1.7 in |
| Weight | 0.62 Pounds |
| Warranty | 2 year |
| Color | Black |
| Size | Standard |
If you are looking for bike pedals for cross-country rides and you are looking for the lightest bike pedals, these are the ones that you can go for. The overall weight of these bike pedals is 280 grams which is for sure lightweight. What we most liked about these bike pedals is the design.
They have a very unique design that will remind you of an egg beater. This design will help you to resist clogging and entry is allowed from all the sides of the pedals. With this unique design of the pedals, they are best when it comes to mud shedding. It will not allow the mud to stick to the bike pedal when you are riding on any kind of terrain.
Other than this, there are chances that you may find it difficult to get used to the design of the bike but for some people, it may help them to get rid of the knee strain. Also, they are one of the smallest bike pedals available on this list. However, they don’t have a platform and they might not seem a lot comfortable and stable for you.
4. OneUp Components Aluminum Pedal – Comfortable Pick
| Brand | OneUp |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Color | Black, Blue, etc |
| Dimensions | 5.4 x 4.8 x 2.5 in |
| Weight | 1.05 Pounds |
Well, the next one on this list is a flat mountain bike pedal. We will consider it as one of the best overall flat bike pedals that you are going to get. Do not go with the name of the pedal, it may not be that fascinating but the bike pedal has performed well in all the tests. This bike pedal is a lightweight pedal made up of alloy and you will get 10 pins in the bike pedal.
The pins are well-placed providing you with a large surface to keep the foot. These bike pedals provide you with a commendable grip on both the climbs and descent helping you to have a comfortable ride. Other than this, these bike pedals have a thin profile and it will help you to avoid the pedal stroke. Moreover, these bike pedals are suitable for all kinds of terrain.
Though they are a great performer, there are still certain things that we felt could have been better. With a tight grip on the bike, some may feel that it as a lot to handle. Other than this, for some people, the look of these pedals may feel bulky.
5. HT Components T1 Clipless Mountain Bike Pedals – Most Vibrant
| Brand | HT Component |
| Color | Red, Blue, etc |
| Dimensions | 7.7 x 6 x 1.5 in |
| Weight | 1.29 Pounds |
| Material | Aluminum |
This is one of high-quality, lightweight and low-profile mountain bike pedals. This bike pedal is designed in a way to provide you with maximum durability and rigidity for rough terrain and also, it is lightweight enough that you can use it for the XC bike. Other than this, these pedals have a wide platform and the clipless mechanism makes it best for the quick and predictable release. Also, these bike pedals have a very efficient system for mud clearing.
It will help you to maintain traction even if you have mud on your shoes. The HT bike pedals have enough surface that you can have a reliable connection with the pedal. Also, you can adjust the release tension and also, you can adjust the fore-mounted grub either up or down. Moreover, you will also get two sets of cleats: X1 for 4 degrees and x1F for 8 degrees.
You can use it according to your preference. You are going to get the pedals in different fourteen colors. Unlike metal bike pedals, these bike pedals are made up of CNC machined aluminum, and the spindle is also made up of Chromoly. We will recommend you use these bike pedals for the enduro or mountain bikes.
6. Ritchey MTB Comp V5 Pedal – Value for Money
| Brand | Ritchey |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 5.03 x 4.8 x 1.8 in |
| Weight | 0.72 Pounds |
| Material | Aluminum |
Now, if you are looking for XC pedals, this is the one that we will suggest you use. These are some of the lightweight pedals available for racing and they have a very minimalistic design. Other than this, you still have enough side support in case you’re wearing stiff shoes and if you are a beginner, this is the best thing for you.
It also has ball-bearing both inwards and outwards to provide the required stability to the bike. You can also easily oil them when you need to service the pedals. They are lightweight mountain bike pedals and these bike pedals have a stylish and expensive look at a very reasonable price. Moreover, these bike pedals are great for releasing and compatible with the SPD coves.
7. Time ATAC XC 8 Mountain Bike Pedals – Best Design
| Brand | Time |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 7.78 x 5.12 x 2.28 in |
| Weight | 0.30 Pounds |
| Material |
Steel axle and carbon
|
| Size | One Size |
These mountain bike pedals are one of the popular ones that you will come across. Time Altac Xc pedals are very easy to handle and you can easily engage and disengage them depending upon the choice of the user. Other than this, if you are someone who does not like a fixed foot, you will love these bike pedals.
These are lightweight MTB pedals and they have a very fascinating mud-shedding design so that you can shed the mud easily out of the pedal. Furthermore, it is made up of composite material that makes it a durable pedal to use. You will also get an adjustable spring tension in the pedal for the comfort and security of the people.
These bike pedals have hollow Chromoly steel axles making them a competitive pedal in terms of weight. It has a no slot design so that there is no sideways adjustment for the shoe. It also provides your foot enough mobility and offers brass cleats that will come in two versions. If the SPD-style pedals are quite restrictive for you, these bike pedals are ideal for you.
How to Choose Bike Pedals? (Buyer’s Guide)
When you are going to choose a bike pedal for you, you will have to think about the type of ride that you are going on or the type of pedal that you want to use. Other than this, you may have to decide the pedal based on the shoes that you are going to wear. Have a look at all the things that you need to consider while buying a bike pedal.
1: Select the Type of Pedal
First, you will have to choose whether you want to buy the clipless pedals or you want to buy flat pedals. Whether you want best mountain bike clip in pedals. In case of efficiency, you may have to go for the clipless pedal and comfort; you will have to look for the flat pedals.
2: Decide the Type of Ride
Now, the next thing that you will have is to decide the type of ride you are going on. Furthermore, for the road ride, you will have to go for the pedal that can provide you with a more efficient one or if you are going to ride on a smooth surface, you may prefer the comfortable one.
3: Select the Type of Shoes
When you are going to buy mountain bike pedals for yourself, you will have to consider the type of shoes that you are going to wear while riding. In case you are using shoes with no recessed cleats, you may want to go for the clipless pedals and if you are going with the ones that have recessed cleats, you will have to go for the flat ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is it better to use pedals with clips for mountain biking?
To get more efficiency, you may want to use the clipless mountain bike pedals. They will help you to ride over tough terrain more easily. Furthermore, with the clipless bike pedals, you will not have to drop the heels to maintain traction.
Q2. Is it worth using plastic pedals?
We will suggest you use plastic pedals because they are lightweight and you will not have anything to maintain. Other than this, you may not be able to use them when you have wet shoes but they are cheaper in cost.
Q3. Why do people prefer flat pedals?
When it comes to comfort, many people love to use flat pedals. You can have different advantages when you are riding the bike descending. You can have an easy feet removal from the flat bike pedals and also, the range of motion is much more in the flat bike pedals
Q4. Can I use the clipless pedal with normal shoes?
Fortunately, you can use the clipless pedal with normal shoes but we feel that it won’t be very comfortable for you. Plus, it can be uncomfortable if the sole of your shoes is thin or flexible. Also, the chances of slipping can increase.
Final Thoughts
So, these were all the best MTB pedals shortlisted for you. We have tried all these mountain bike pedals and then shortlisted them for you so that you can get the best quality. Also, we have listed all the pros and cons of each bike pedal so that you can narrow down your choices based on that. Furthermore, try to wear Waterproof Socks while riding a Mountain Bike.
