The Best Mountain Bike Pedals To Choose From (Updated 2023)

Pedals allow the transfer of power from your legs to the propulsion mechanism of the bike so that it can move forward. Therefore, choosing the best mountain bike pedals is not a trivial matter.

Remember also that this is the third contact point between the bike and you. You can imagine how important they are.

Below, you will find five top rated mountain bike pedals to choose from.

Because mountain bike pedals come in different sizes, shapes and styles, you need to read mountain bike pedal reviews before ordering one.

 

Best Mountain Bike Pedals

We shall look at a mix of different types of pedals, in different styles too. Actually, we only have two styles of pedals, that is, clipless pedals and flat pedals.

Here are 5 types of pedals that you can order with confidence:

1. SHIMANO SPD Pedal Clipless Pedals

SHIMANO is one of the most well known brands for pedals and other bicycle parts such as gear shifters, friction freewheels and hubs. They also make boat parts and fishing gear. It is little wonder then that this list starts with SPD clipless pedals.

You will find it easy to transfer power from your legs to the pedals using any kind of shoes on these pedals. In addition, you feel more in control over your bike, even when you try different riding styles. Nothing beats the kind of foot stability that you will experience while you are on this pedal.

This pedal is also very convenient in different ways. For example, it is so easy to get onto and off the pedal.

Since this is a clipless pedal, it means that you will also need to upgrade your cycling shoes. The cleats need to be bolted to your cycling shoes so that when you hop onto the pedals, they click right into place and secure your feet.

This enhances your riding ability and the feet stay on the pedals until when you want them to come off. The pedals release the shoes easily when you swing your heel outwards as if preparing to alight.

Pros

• Effective mud shedding ability and design

• The shoes lock in and this creates a united transfer of power

• You feel more in control of your bicycling adventure

• They can work with different shoes as long as they have the cleats

Cons

• They are a bit heavy

 

2. RaceFace Chester Mountain Bike Pedal

If you are looking for mountain bike pedals with pins, your search stops with the RaceFace Chester bike pedal. The pins are easy to adjust with an Allen wrench just in case you think they stick out too much and want to reduce their height. If you leave the pins too high, they might tear through the soles of your shoes.

These pedals are fully serviceable in their bushing and bearing system. They are also lightweight since they have been made with a nylon fiber body while the axle is made of sealed Cr-Mo.

Each pedal has 8 pins which secure your shoe to the pedal, thereby creating a unified power transfer system from the legs to the pedals.

While you might have to lower the hex pins a bit, they do give you quite a grip, almost as if your soles are locked onto the pedal. The platform is wide, so you can use them with different types of shoes. Although they are as large as their alloy counterparts, they remain incredibly lightweight due to the material choice.

Pros

• Good build quality

• Pins secure the shoe to the pedal

• Large platform to accommodate different types of shoes

• The bearings and bushing system is very effective

Cons

• Some shoes might not hold well, you have to keep grinding them

 

3. FOOKER MTB Pedals Mountain Bike Pedals

This is another pair of pedals with pins, which secure your shoes to the platform. They are very important because they make the pedal anti-slip such that even when you have been cycling a muddy trail, your feet will not slip off the pedals.

With your feet safe and secure on the pedals, you can ride comfortably knowing that your stability is assured.

FOOKER MTB pedals come with many colors so that you can choose whatever tickles your fancy. The platform is made with nylon fiber, which makes it quite lightweight.

The spindle is made with Cr-Mo for durability. This pair of MTB pedals is rugged in design, which makes it appealing to mountain bikers.

The bearings are sealed, which keeps water outside. It also keeps things like dust and the smallest of pebbles outside. Keeping moisture outside is very important because it causes abrasion and corrosion. This ensures that the pedals do not make noise when you are cycling.

Because of this, you can take your bike out on muddy trails or go riding even when it is raining since you don’t need to worry about your pedals being affected.

These pedals are also well labeled, so installing them is going to be pretty easy. The one labeled as CR-L is for the left side while the CR-R is for the right side.

Pros

• Hex threaded pins are replaceable

• Good for using in the rain and mud

• Available in different colors to match your bicycle

• Needle roller bearing lubricates very well

Cons

• The bearing seals may not last many months

 

4. MZYRH Mountain Bike Pedals

If MZYRH is not one of the best looking mountain bike pedals, we don’t know what is! It looks quite rugged and appealing. When you delve deeper into its features and performance, you find that good looks are not everything that there is to them.

The surface/platform of this pedal is made of aluminum. It is almost as light as the other pedals made of nylon composite that we have reviewed here. It also has a Cr-Mo spindle that resists shock, wear and corrosion.

There is a good number of nails that provide an anti-skid performance. Whether you cycle in the rain or you take a muddy trail, your feet are going to stay secure on the pedals even when you ride at high speed. And don’t worry about standing on the pedals when cycling up a steep trail. The anti-skid nails are quite safe and won’t penetrate your shoes.

With three sealed bearings, you will get a great rolling effect. The bearings are sealed to keep out water and dust which cause noises inside the bearings. Since the mountain trails can be quite muddy, dusty and wet, you need sealed bearings so that they can last a long time.

Because of the rugged design and the aluminum material used to make this pedal, you can use it if you ride often. Aluminum is corrosion-resistant so they should stay in great shape for a long time.

Pros

• High quality aluminum platform

• They are completely waterproof

• They look very appealing

• The price is good considering the features

Cons

• Some users have reported irritating clicking noises

 

5. ROCKBROS MTB Pedals – Light Flat Mountain Bike Pedals

One of the reasons why people love mountain bike pedals made with nylon fiber platforms is that they are lightweight, durable, water resistant and they give excellent performance. ROCKBROS MTB bicycle pedals are also made with a Cr-Mo spindle, which is resistant to corrosion, abrasion and shock. Even without too much care, these pedals can last a long time in great shape.

These pedals have DU bearings. The difference between these and sealed bearings is that the latter require lubrication. The DU ones do not need lubrication but they still give an excellent roll all the time.

Both sides of each pedal have high quality nails that help with anti-skidding. Your shins will be safe all the time. Whether you ride in the mud or in water, your feet will stay secure on the pedals.

The wide platform gives you room to use different types of shoes. It also helps when you are taking long rides because you can try different foot positions. The anti-skid pins will keep your feet secure on the pedals.

Lastly, the spindle is universal in design, so it is going to fit different types of bikes. Whether you have a road bike, a mountain bike, cruiser, track bike or an urban bike, the pedals fit all.

Pros

• Universal design that fits all types of bikes

• Labeled for easier installation

• They are waterproof

• The color choices are good

Cons

• When new, bearing feels too stiff but should ease up with usage

 

Best Mountain Bike Pedals: Buying Guide

Do not buy the first flat, pin or clipless mountain bike that you immediately come across. You need to consider the following factors:

Design and Build Quality

Because of the tough conditions of mountain biking, you need a pair of pedals that can take a beating and come out intact. You do not want a bent pedal every time you hit a rock on the trails.

Thankfully, as you have seen from the mountain bike pedals that we have reviewed here, they come with good design and build quality. Most are made with nylon fiber for the platforms while a few have an aluminum platform. The spindles are made of Cr-Mo while they also have sealed or DU bearings.

Price

Clipless pedals are more expensive since they can cost you anywhere from $50 to more than $200. On the other hand, flat mountain bike pedals cost anywhere between $20 to $150. However, the most important thing is to get features that are value for money.

Clipless vs Flat Pedals

Many people ask: Should I ride clipless or flats? This depends on your needs entirely. For example, if alighting and boarding fast matters to you, then flats are great for that.

If you want faster acceleration and power transfer from legs to pedals, clipless are great for that. So you see, to each their own.

 

Conclusion

Different types of bicycle pedals come at different prices and with varying features. However, the battle eventually comes down to clipless vs flats.

You have seen the features and the pros and cons of each. Now, choose the best mountain bike pedals that will give you great power transfer.

 

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