Best Mountain Bike Pedals

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 2, 2024
No doubt, pedals are the essential part of any mountain bike! They transmit the power of your legs, making your bike move. The choice of the right pedals is important for those who like off-road cycling so we have picked the best mountain bike pedals to help you out! ...Read more ...Read less
Advertiser Disclosure
BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Material
Bearing
Weight (2x)
Warranty
 
PROS
The adjustable replaceable pins ensure a stable position of your feet during the cycling and prevent sliding off.
CONS
These pedals are quite heavy.
OUR VERDICT
These Shimano mountain bike pedals boast a revolutionary concave platform which is totally convenient and maximizes the pedaling efficiency.
detailed parameters
Type
Concave platform
Material
Aluminum alloy body, Chrome-molybdenum spindle
Bearing
Sealed bearing
Weight (2x)
1.1 lbs
Warranty
2 years
PROS
The PD-T780 SPD mountain bike pedals have integrated reflectors that increase the visibility of a cyclist at nighttime.
CONS
Might seem slippery for bike riders wearing usual sneakers.
OUR VERDICT
The Shimano multifunctional bike pedals are suitable not only for MTBs but for city and touring bikes as well. Top versatility!
detailed parameters
Type
Concave platform with SPD mechanism (on one side)
Material
Forged aluminum alloy body, Chrome-molybdenum spindle
Bearing
Conical bearing
Weight (2x)
0.86 lb
Warranty
2 years
PROS
Thanks to the dual-sided non-slip platform, these mountain bike pedals ensure a stable position of your feet even if you are riding on a muddy country road.
CONS
The paint rubs off rather fast in case of intensive bike riding.
OUR VERDICT
These Bonmixc mountain bike pedals combine a high quality and a really affordable price. Excellent performance and easy maintenance!
detailed parameters
Type
Flat platform
Material
Aluminum alloy (6061) body, Chrome-molybdenum spindle
Bearing
Sealed bearing
Weight (2x)
0.9 lb
Warranty
Contact the seller directly
PROS
The Wellgo MG-1 mountain bike pedals are very lightweight. There are a variety of colors: black, silver, white, and red.
CONS
The body of these mountain bike pedals is rather thick.
OUR VERDICT
The Wellgo mountain bike pedals are grippy and wide so they ensure a pleasant cycling on trails. Great for any mountain bike!
detailed parameters
Type
Flat platform
Material
Magnesium body, Chrome-molybdenum spindle
Bearing
Sealed bearing
Weight (2x)
0.83 lb
Warranty
1 year
PROS
These Time Atac mountain bike pedals are easy to maintain and clean thanks to the self-cleaning design of the body. The pedals are shipped with cleats for your shoes.
CONS
Shoes might touch a crank arm when you put your feet in one of the available positions.
OUR VERDICT
These mountain bike pedals are the best choice for downhill and cross-country racing, providing the full control of a bike even during extreme stunts.
detailed parameters
Type
Platform with dual clipless mechanism
Material
Composite body, Steel spindle
Bearing
Sealed bearing
Weight (2x)
0.92 lb
Warranty
30 days
X

This site is a free online resource that strives to offer helpful content and comparison features to its visitors. Please be advised that the operator of this site accepts advertising compensation from certain companies that appear on the site, and such compensation impacts the location and order in which the companies (and/or their products) are presented, and in some cases may also impact the scoring that is assigned to them. The scoring that appears on this site is determined by the site operator in its sole discretion, and should NOT be relied upon for accuracy purposes. In fact, Company/product listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement by the site operator. Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on this page are disclaimed. The information which appears on this site is subject to change at any time. More info

Shimano Pd-Mx80

Unparalleled Stability

The Pd-Mx80 is the third generation of Shimano's Saint product line designed to provide the maximum stability for a rider. And these mountain bike pedals are truly grippy, giving you a full control of your bike. Thanks to these pedals, you can concentrate fully on riding without worrying about sliding off and falling. The secret is simple - the pedals have a really large platform that accommodates a foot of any size. Moreover, these best mountain bike pedals have replaceable pins on both sides. Unlike some simpler pedals, the Pd-Mx80s allow you to adjust the pins for the maximum grip no matter what kind of shoes you are wearing. Professional bike riders know that the pins wear off and that's why Shimano supplies these pedals with additional pins. Thus, these mountain bike pedals actually save your money! We would like to recommend you to use the Crank Brothers Multi Bicycle Tool - this multifunctional accessory is a must-have for any bike rider. The tool will help you carry out a repair of your bike no matter where you are.

Review of Shimano Pd-Mx80 Platform Pedals
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00SN7F4VM

VIDEO
Shimano Saint PD-MX80 Flat Pedal Specs, Setup and Install - Trek Fuel EX 7
 

Shimano PD-T780 SPD

Functional As It Is

Shimano is one of the leading companies manufacturing spare parts for bicycles. The producer offers a variety of products – from affordable to truly premium ones. The PD-T780 mountain bike pedals belong to Shimano’s top-tier Deore XT product line. These pedals are a multifunctional solution for all kinds of riding – from a morning ride around a city to a downhill competition. The PD-T780s have a unique design – a concave platform and a clipless SPD mechanism. Therefore, these multifunctional mountain bike pedals are suitable for both normal footwear and special cycling shoes. For example, you can just put on your favorite sneakers and use a platform for pedaling. And if you wish to enjoy a cross-country adventure, put your bike shoes on and go ahead. The SPD clipless mechanism is adjustable, so you can pick the right spring setting for the ultimate stability. The weaker the spring, the easier you step out of the clip – just turn your foot and it will be free. As usual, this motion is quite natural so most people learn how to do it rather quickly. However, don’t forget to protect your head wearing this Giros Savant road bike helmet.

Review of Shimano PD-T780 SPD Clipless Pedals

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00TJ2AVJ0

VIDEO
Clipless pedals shimano PD-T780
 

Bonmixc Mountain Bike Flat Pedals

You Choose Where to Ride

Every bike rider knows that mud and dirt are inevitable disadvantages of a cross-country cycling as there are certainly some muddy areas on nearly any cross-country path. Splashes of mud cover the rider and the bike – from pedals to the seat. And mud is quite dangerous for pedals as it clogs them and might get into the spindle. That’s why these Bonmixc mountain bike pedals are designed to minimize the negative impact of mud and allow you to follow the most daredevil tracks without any troubles. The platform is rather big and has fairly big holes through which the mud falls off, leaving the body of the pedals clean. Thanks to this simple yet efficient solution, your feet will always stand firmly on the pedals instead of sliding on a thick layer of mud. The Bonmixc pedals have anti-slip nails, so you can put your favorite sneakers on and enjoy an exciting ride. We would also like to recommend you to wear special FIRELION Downhill Off-Road gloves that will give you a firm grip and protect your hands in case you fall.

Review of Bonmixc Mountain Bike Flat Pedals
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01B5XDJJO

 

Wellgo MG-1 Flat Platform Pedal

Great Durability

As we have already mentioned, mountain bike pedals must be durable as downhill riding includes lots of jumps which load pedals immensely. The Wellgo company created the MG-1 platform pedals to withstand even the most extreme riding. The body of these Wellgo mountain bike pedals is made of high-quality magnesium alloy. This material is very firm so the pedals withstand even severe bumps (onto the ground or rocks, for example). Also, magnesium alloy pedals are more lightweight than those made of other materials, such as steel or aluminum alloy. The pedals have a highly reliable chrome-molybdenum spindle; the rotation is always smooth thanks to the sealed bearings that require no maintenance at all. As you can see, these mountain bike pedals are ready for any downhill path so choose them if you wish to get the adrenaline flowing in your veins! Of course, pedals must be properly attached to the crank arms of your bike and that’s why we advise you to use the Park Tool Home Mechanic pedal wrench. Carry this wrench in your cycling backpack and you will never have any problems with pedals.

Review of Wellgo MG-1 Flat Platform Pedal

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00GDF87GU

VIDEO
Wellgo MG-1 Magnesium Sealed Platform Pedal Unboxing
 

Time Atac MX 2

Be a Single Entity with Your Bike

The Time Atac MX 2 mountain bike pedals allow you to feel yourself a single entity with your bike. When you are riding a bike with clipless pedals, particularly if they are Time Atac MX 2, you fully interact with your two-wheeler as moving the pedals is effortless and your feet never slide off. If you install the Time Atac MX 2 mountain bike pedals, you will easily reach the maximum speed as the very clipless mechanism lets you move pedals not only when pushing them down with your feet but when dragging them as well. As a result, the movements of your feet become far more effective. The clipless mechanisms are on both sides of each Time Atac MX 2 pedal, which means you can easily pick the right position. These mountain bike pedals are shipped with a couple of cleats for your cycling footwear, so you don't need to buy them separately. However, clipless pedals might damage your shoes if you cycle a lot and that’s why we recommend using special Crank Brothers Bike shoe shields that will minimize the shoe tread interference and prolong the lifespan of your cycling shoes.

Review of Time Atac MX 2 Bike Pedals

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00P2N7FLM

 

What is a Mountain Bike Pedal

If you adore downhill or cross-country racing, you should use high-quality, reliable, lightweight, and grippy bike pedals. Durable pedals are essential for rider's safety. Mountain bike pedals are designed to achieve the most convenient positioning of your feet and prevent your feet from sliding off during extreme maneuvers. Thus, good mountain bike pedals can make your rides not only incredibly quick but also safe.

Apart from reliable pedals, any good mountain bike must have special tires. Therefore, make sure to take a look at our review of the best Mountain Bike Tires.

What Features to Compare

Type

Several types of pedals are used on mountain bikes and the right choice depends on your riding style. So, let's briefly go over major types of mountain bike pedals:

  • Flat / concave platforms - these pedals are made of durable materials such as aluminum alloys, magnesium, and others. These pedals usually have anti-slip nails that ensure a firm grip.
  • Combined (platform with a clipless mechanism) - these are suitable for downhill and cross-country cycling. They combine the advantages of conventional platform pedals and clipless ones, thus giving you a choice. Such pedals allow you to fix your feet for extreme jumps and daredevil maneuvers. Platforms with a clipless mechanism are perfect for people who like not only trailing but city cycling as well.
  • Clipless pedals - these mountain bike pedals have a dual clipless mechanism (i.e. on both sides of a pedal). They are used for cross-country riding and are fairly inconvenient for city rides.

Durability

Mountain bike pedals must be really durable as they are under a heavy load during stunts and jumps. Thus, they must withstand the most extreme riding. That's why the manufacturers do their best to make their mountain bike pedals as durable as possible. Needless to mention, the better the material, the more expensive the pedal. Some producers use a cheaper material but make the body of a pedal quite thick, which makes them heavier. Speaking of the most lightweight yet durable MTB pedals, we recommend getting either those made of aluminum alloy or magnesium. Also, a spindle is an essential part of any pedal so you should pay attention to what it is made of. Chrome-molybdenum (cromoly) spindles are among the most durable and require little to no maintenance at all. Steel spindles are less durable and are usually installed on pedals for city bikes. Finally, check what kind of bearings pedals have. Most commonly, sealed bearings are used - they are very durable and ensure a smooth rotation of pedals. There are also cageless bearings that are much cheaper yet less durable.

Convenience

Finally, you must be sure the pedals you choose are convenient in use and maintenance. First of all, if you choose a platform pedal, make sure to pick the right size and shape for your feet. Most mountain bike pedals allow you to adjust the nails to achieve the perfect grip. As for clipless pedals, we recommend choosing those with an adjustable spring so that you can release your bike shoes without any inconvenience. Riding at night might be dangerous so it's advisable to use the pedals with integrated light reflectors (thanks to which you will be more visible on a night road).

Sources:

1. Bike Pedals: How to Choose and Use, REI. August 12, 2015.

2. Jeff Barber How to Choose the Best Mountain Bike Pedals, Singletracks. July 12, 2016.

3. How to Choose Pedals and Bike Shoes, Eastern Mountain Sports.

4. Josh Patterson Buyer's guide to mountain bike pedals, BikeRadar. June 4, 2014.

5. Bike pedals buying guide, Wiggle.

6. Choosing the right pedals, Wildside.

7. Michelle Arthurs-Brennan Choosing the Right Pedals for You, London Cyclist. May 19, 2014.

8. Gunnar Waldman SHOULD YOU BE RIDING FLAT OR CLIPLESS PEDALS?, Teton Gravity Research. August 5, 2015.

9. Bicycle pedal, Wikipedia. October 24, 2016.

Other reviews
Comments
0 Comments

Your comment was successfully sent

Error! Please try again later