As a mountain biker, you must have come across a wide array of mountain bike pedals. Determining the best one for your bike can sometimes be a challenge. Knowing what to look for and how each type of pedal benefits you is a good starting point in choosing the best model.
Pedals fall into three categories: clipless, combo, and platform. Each type has its fair share of pros and cons.
Platform Pedals
They are made from some form of plastic or metal. They don’t require special shoes to use them as long as the pair you use has a flat bottom. Platform pedals are ideal for beginners because you can easily bail off the bike whenever necessary.
They are also less expensive, sleeker, lighter, and have more grip than their clipless counterparts. Modern technology has made improvements in the shape and pins of the platform pedals to enhance your mountain bike riding experience.
Clipless Pedals
This type of pedals features a special cleat attached to a kind of shoe that is specially made for mountain bike riding. The shoe and pedal create an actual connection between the foot and the clutch. The cleats of the shoe clip into the pedal and the rider can only release by twisting his heel to the side.
Beginners will eequire a lot of practice to get used to these pedals. Once they do, the benefits are numerous. The pedals bring increased efficiency and control of technical rides. Since your feet remain attached to the bike on bumpy descents, being in control of the bike is more comfortable. Clipless mountain bike pedals are lighter and cut a smaller footprint than flat pedals.
Combo Pedals
These types of pedals are a combination of a broad platform and a clipping system. They come in two different styles in which one has a clip on one side and a flat surface on the other. The other model has clips integrated on the platform on both sides, increasing their accessibility. Combo pedals are heavy and can be cumbersome since the side with clips tends to point towards the ground.
Mountain Bike Pedals FAQ
1. What Are Mountain Bike Pedals?
Mountain bike pedals are the sophisticated components of a bike that make propelling the bike on hilly areas possible. It’s the connection between the crank of the bicycle and the cyclist’s foot. Mountain bike pedals differ from standard pedals because they are supported by different pedal systems, like SPD and Speedway.
2. What Is the Importance of Mountain Bike Pedals?
Without the proper pedals, your performance will be inhibited. Besides, you risk injuring your leg muscles by applying extra force to pedal the bike in high resistance areas.
3. How Do Mountain Bike Pedals Work?
Mountain bike pedals work by increasing your control over the bike. They give you a better grip so that your feet don’t slip off, especially in adverse weather conditions. When correctly put in place, the pedals also maintain your feet in the correct position.
This helps you transfer power to the bike more effectively. Their spring mechanism ensures the cleats on your shoes remain clipped on the pedals.
4. Where Can You Buy Mountain Bike Pedals?
The pedals are available on many online stores that specialize in mountain bike accessories. You can also buy them locally from mountain bike dealers.
5. Are All Mountain Bike Pedals the Same?
No. The pedals come in different specifications which you choose depending on your bike type and pedaling needs.
How We Reviewed
In reviewing the various types of pedals, we looked at their features, pros & cons, price, where to buy, and warranty. We reached out to users who are familiar with these pedals and sought their views concerning them.
We know that manufacturers can be biased about their products and thus didn’t want to rely on their information. We compiled this list based on what came across as the most popular mountain bike pedals among actual riders.
Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)
The prices depend on the type and features of the pedal. While you might be tempted to buy a cheap or expensive one depending on your budget, test it for its durability, adjustability, convenience, and ease of maintenance.
An expensive pedal may not necessarily meet your needs, while a cheap one may have all you need and more. While price is a guiding factor, don’t let it be the only basis on which you make the final decision.
What We Reviewed
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Features
Hope F20 Platform Pedals are of the platform type. They provide you with a high level of comfort. They are durable and perfect for trail riding. The pedals are constructed from T6 aluminum alloy and finished with an anodized look. The axle is strengthened through heat-treated CrMo.
Hope F20 has a concave platform and comes with 20 replaceable steel pins. In the package are three cartridge bearings that come in a sealed chamber.
Pros
Cons
- Material: aluminum
- Removable Pins: yes
- Dimensions: 110mm x 108mm
Features
Chromag Scarab pedals feature a wide platform profile designed in a concave shape. The chambered corners and the thin profile help in maximizing clearance. The platform is only 13mm wide at the center for maximum pedal control.
The pedals come with custom traction pins made of hardened steel. The durability of the pedals is enhanced by a shear line that reduces pedal damage in case the pins get stuck. Each pedal has 40 placement options, giving you many options for customization.
Pros
Cons
- Tough nylon composite pedal body with added traction treads.
- Slim, lightweight platform with a concave shape.
- Replaceable threaded steel traction pins (8 per side).
Features
Raceface mountain bike pedals are sturdy and durable platform pedals. They are designed with the nature of the mountain bike in mind and provide a broad platform for a firm grip. They are thin and lightweight, featuring a full-sealed cromo axle.
The pedals are made of nylon composite features, have eight replaceable pins per pedal, and feature a large platform. They are serviceable, fully sealed, and highly durable.
Pros
Cons
- Material: [axle] chromoly steel, [body] aluminum
- Cleats: SM-SH51 (SPD)
- Claimed Weight: 379 g / pair
Features
The Shimano XTR pedal is an oval-shape pedal with an axle body for smoother debris flow. The wide bearing placement increases rigidity. The axle is slimmer than in other models for increased space between bindings.
Pros
Cons
- Super thin concave width platform
- Fully sealed bearing design
- Hex-head threaded pin design offers more bite for added security
Features
Raceface Atlas Bike pedals are super thin, double concave pedals with a broad platform. They are fully sealed and have a hex-head threaded pin design. The pedals come with fore and aft angled loading pins.
Each pedal comes with ten replacement pins and four fully sealed bearings.
Pros
Cons
- DMR Pedal Vault Pedal DMR, Lime, DMR-VAULT-LL
Features
DMR Vault Pedals provides a broad platform for a better grip. It has a thin profile and is ideal for mountain climbing, descent, and snow-riding. The pedals come with 11 pins on each side. The footbed is concave and measures 17mm.
The pedals can support high load DU bushing and cartridge bearing. The spindle is made of chromyl steel and measures 9/16 inches.
Pros
Cons
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PREMIUM QUALITY: Forged 6061-T6 aluminum body with anodized finish, 345g per pair...
- PROVIDES SUPERIOR GRIP AND PERFORMANCE: Optimal surface area with a minimal 11-13mm thin profile,...
- DURABLE & PREMIUM COMPONENTS: Premium quality Igus bearings and external seal, Chromoly steel...
Features
The Crank Brothers stamp pedals come in both a small size and a considerably larger scale. Both sizes are endowed with aluminum bodies and Chromoly spindles. The pins are supported by knurling at the center of the body.
Pros
Cons
- Thin concave platform
- Reduced spindle length saves weight
- Hex-head threaded pin design offers more bite for added security
Features
RaceFace Aeffect Bike Pedal features a concave aluminum body with a thin platform and bottom-loading pins. The short spindle design removes excess weight and makes them perfect for trail bikes.
The Chromoly axle and bottom loading pins makes the pedals perform excellently. The hidden grease access port is ideal for bike maintenance.
Pros
Cons
- Durable and light weight: CNC machined aluminum bodies: 406 grams per pair
- Superior grip low profile platform: 12 Replaceable Steel Pins per side
- Ideal flat pedal for Riders who value durability, serviceability, and products engineered to last...
Features
VP components vice pedals are designed for mountain trails. They are durable and lightweight, made from aluminum CNC machined bodies. VP pedals offer superior grip on a low profile and are a perfect choice for riders who want to do away with the cost of regular replacement.
Pros
Cons
- A pedal with a flat surface on one side and a SPD / 2-hole clip-in on the other. Whether you are...
- Dual-sided for use with SPD / 2-hole cleat compatible shoes and flat sole shoes
- SPD / 2-hole clip-in on one side
Features
The Shimano is a versatile pedal that makes an ideal choice for cycling in both smooth and rough surfaces. On one side of the pedal are SPD cleats that let you clip for longer rides. The other side is a platform that enables you to ride using your regular shoes.
The Chromoly spindle has a steel pedal body, with an adjustable float, release, and entry.
Pros
Cons
Comparison
The Verdict
After reviewing the above mountain bike pedals, we settled for the Crank Brothers Stamp as the best. Its five-year warranty is an indication that it’s a high-quality pedal that will withstand a lot of pressure. Besides, it is quite affordable and offers an excellent grip.
Last update on 2023-07-30 at 10:07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API