The Shimano XTR M9100, with its conically machined platform, also did remarkably well when our soles and cleats got muddy. The HT T-1 cutting through the mud and delivering performance. The Shimano ME700 is a new, entry-level small platform pedal with a very reasonable price. Clipless or SPD pedals, on the other hand, are a bit of a misnomer since they clip onto special cleats mounted on the soles of your shoes. The bigger the pedals face or platform, the greater the area you have to plant your foot and the greater the contact between you and your bike. This pedal essentially replaces the tried and true M530 and features the same durable, adjustable, and reliable Shimano SPD clipless mechanism. The best mud shedding pedals have some way of evacuating mud to allow engagement. The Crankbrothers pedals don't have adjustable release tension, which is likely fine for the average rider. We put in lots of time, miles, and abuse on each set of pedals to test their durability. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. This pedal offered excellent levels of grip. He rides like Lionel Richie sings and has a meticulous and analytical approach to testing. The huge, rectangular 95x128mm platform can raise eyebrows, but Pedaling Innovations claims the Catalyst will support your whole foot, helping with control and pedalling power input. We weigh each set of pedals we test for consistency and comparison with claimed weights. We feel this is a great pedal for anyone from enduro racers to hardcore XC trail riders, or anyone looking for consistent entry and release with a generous platform. However, if well maintained and well lubricated, they are hard to distinguish from either of the pricier versions on the trail. The four pins positioned on each corner of the pedal mean youve got plenty of anti-twist grip, but they dont bite in so hard that its difficult to clip out. We've noticed throughout our riding careers that Crankbrothers, Time, and HT pedals all require rebuilds every year or two. With 10 pins per side and a concave shape, the pedals are a top performer. The Brendog edition comes with sharper pins than the standard ones, dubbed Moto pins, but they werent as grippy as DMRs standard offering. Spacers beneath the bumpers will raise the pads and pins toward your shoe. Likewise, the Shimano XT M8120, XTR M9120, and ME700 also provide a substantial platform that provides ample shoe/pedal contact and improved lateral stability and leverage. Here is the partially disassembled Mallet E. All of the Shimano pedals have release tension adjustment on each side of the pedal. These and the concave platform maintain traction between the foot and pedal, including when hitting rocks. Theyre only a little bit smaller than some of the largest flat pedal designs on the market yet weigh just 349g for a pair. The tension-adjustable clip system is compatible with Shimanos SPD system and the bush and bearing spun axles have proven to last the test of time. There are many different types of pedals for different styles of bikes and riding. The Ambix offers stability on one side and security on the other. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. The reasonably priced Race Face Chester flat pedals impressed our testers. Shimanos characteristic tapered platform design might not be preferable if you wear softer-soled downhill shoes. With clipless pedals, these pins are reduce the floating movement of the cleat. For comparison, one of our other most highly rated mid-cage pedals, the Shimano XT M8120, weighs in at 430-grams, nearly 60-grams heavier. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We tested mountain bike pedals from top brands like Shimano, Crankbrothers, HT Components, and more to discover the best. The axles run on DU bushings and bearings so should stand the test of time. They carried over the same reliable and predictable performance of the previous version while managing to slim the pedal's profile and enlarge the overall platform, creating more shoe to pedal contact and a greater feeling of foot stability and control. This pedal is built tough enough for the rigors of enduro racing but is lightweight enough to consider for your XC or trail bike. This option weighs a mere 379g. Engagement and exit are easy and consistent, with a wide range of release tension adjustment. Unclipping isn't something you do only at the end of the ride; technical sections and loose corners often call for a quick foot dab to maintain balance. Let's hope the latest generation of Shimano pedals hasn't changed that. If the cleat with the indent goes on your left shoe, you will get a 20-degree release angle. The traction pins (or grub pins) on the HT T-1, Time Speciale 8, and Look X-Track En-Rage Plus are all adjustable. This metric assesses how quickly and easily a rider can clip into a pair of mountain bike pedals. Some allow for different degrees of float (that is, how much you can move your foot around or float side to side before the cleat releases). Get a Snycros iS Couple bottle cage when you subscribe to Mountain Biking UK today! The extra bit of material helps guide your feet, and kicking the cage flattens them out underfoot, putting them in the prime spot for engagement. The flat side of the pedal features eight nicely spaced and adjustable grub pins. As a result, pedals are a crucial part of any mountain bike, but they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Unfortunately, the pins can only be tightened from the platform side, which does mean that if they get damaged theyre hard to replace. The small body maximizes contact with your shoe, creating a stable pedal platform and excellent control. This pedal is easily serviceable, and pins are readily available and easily replaced. How can we improve GearLab? We rated the HT T-1, Shimano XTR M9120, and the Shimano XT M8120 highest in this metric. Developed with input from Red Bull athlete Matt Jones, the S2 is a top-performing flat pedal. Floatation refers to the number of degrees you have to twist your foot before the cleat releases from the retention mechanism. The Saint is a wide-bodied, fixed mechanism, clipless platform pedal with four traction pins on each side. The main drawback to the ME700 is its heavier weight. SUMMER SALE | Try 3 issues of Cycling Plus magazine for 5 + Get a pair of Lusso cycling socks! If you want a bigger platform, Nukeproofs CL version could be for you. When spinning, the pedals remained silent in testing despite being ridden in some nasty conditions. With a relatively large platform and plenty of replacement pins supplied in the box, the Superstar Nano-X EVO flat pedals represent great value for money. Its personal preference, as too much float can feel wobbly and vague. These curiously named flat pedals are some of the best weve ever tested. The Ambix satisfies a demand for a pedal that can give the clipless rider a chance to step back from commitment in precarious situations or add some efficiency to a flat pedal rider's haul up the hill. He started racing downhill at the tender age of 11 before going on to compete across Europe. These pins provide traction while unclipped and can be raised or lowered by threading them up or down. Though the Crankbrothers have 15 or 20-degree releases, we still found them easier to get out of than the Time pedals. Some pedals also include thin, 1mm cleat spacers that push the cleat further from the sole of the shoe, lessening the friction between the shoe and pedal. For starters, theyre one of the three contact points where your body and your bike meet, so have to provide a suitable interface as well as an element of control. A pair with steel axles weighs 382g, which is fairly light for alloy pedals. Beginners and lightweight riders, however, may benefit from less release tension and an easier exit from the pedal. Author and lead tester Joshua Hutchens is a mountain bike veteran who has held almost every job in the bike industry. Since then, the British-made parts have evolved with the sport itself. He was so impressed he picked a pair to continue riding. The Eggbeater 3 is the smallest of all the pedals tested, and we don't recommend them for beginners or those new to clipless pedals. The DMR V12 flat pedals 10 adjustable pins and indented platform prevent your shoes from slipping on the majority of surfaces. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. They also feature a minimalist engagement mechanism that allows for efficient mud clearing. The Saint pedals aren't lightweight, and adding them to your bike may add a little heft compared to lighter models. New bikes, however, rarely come with pedals. The cage doesnt offer the same level of support as some competitors, but theres still enough side support for most trail shoes. Generally speaking, the easiest pedals to exit are those with the least amount of obstruction or interference. Included with the pedals are two sets of cleats; the X-1 cleats provide 4-degrees, and the X-1F cleats provide 8-degrees of lateral float to suit your preferences. GearLab is reader-supported. At 375g, theyre a full 71g lighter than the metal versions and the composite body means theyre more likely to brush over obstacles if you strike the floor. These are the brass cleats that come with Crankbrothers pedals. Any time youre not using rigid-soled XC or gravel bike shoes, wed recommend using clipless pedals like these. Alex then moved back to the UK and put his vast knowledge of mountain biking to good use by landing a job working for MBUK magazine as features editor. This helps you know that you're engaged and ready to roll. Beyond those concerns, we found little not to like about this versatile and affordable pedal. This latest incarnation, the Mk5, is pretty close to being the perfect flat mountain bike pedal. When a new model hits the market, we buy a set and put them through the same rigorous testing process. Rest assured, we were sure to test some less-popular pedals. Clipless mountain bike pedals are also double-sided, unlike single-sided road bike pedals, and since they rely on a mechanical attachment, rather than the surface area and pins to keep rider and bike connected, theyre typically a lot smaller than flats. Designed with input from freerider Tyler McCaul, the TMACs are big and square, measuring 110(L)x105(W)mm. The heaviest clipless pedals we tested are the DMR V-Twin, at 610-grams, and the lightest pedals are the Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3, at 280-grams. That said, the Allen heads can get filled with mud, so replacing the pins can be a pain. Thanks! Use the links below to jump straight to the relevant section. We test each pedal over hundreds of miles of riding with a variety of shoe styles, various bikes, and the full range of trail types and terrain. We search out nasty, technical terrain, take the big lines, smash obstacles, ford streams, and occasionally we stop for pictures. They're roughly a third of the price of the pedals that score higher. For downhill, enduro and aggressive trail riding where you want the feel of a softer shoe while still being clipped in, the cage ensures theres still plenty of foot support and the bigger platform makes the mechanism easier to locate after a dab or foot-out turn. The angled edges also deflect rocks well. The pedals sleek shape and chamfered edges help avoid hitting rocks and ease past obstructions. Already have an account with us? We have recommendations for everyone, no matter your riding style, preferences, or budget. Some riders might find these pedals to be a bit too grippy, and they may not be ideal for dirt jumping or people who appreciate easy foot mobility. Contrary to the popular cycling quote, these are genuinely light, cheap and strong. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Adjustability refers to how much we could change the feel and function of each pedal. Dual-function pedals work for flat and clipless. We have had many SPDs in our stables for years on end without servicing. However, platform size is a trade-off with weight and vulnerability to pedal strikes, and this is the reason most have tapered leading edges and chamfered corners. From shop gopher to shop owner, bike guide to bike coach, Joshua has led cycling trips around the world and competed in every discipline he has discovered. Otherwise, our round-up of the best mountain bike pedals should help you to decide exactly what to fit to your bike. You'll first need to decide if you want to clip into clipless pedals or ride on flats. The HT T-1 is a quality, low-profile mid-cage clipless mountain bike pedal that came out on top at the end of our test period. While they don't have the most tenacious grip, they do allow for small adjustments of the feet, and the pedal itself has good controlled mobility and doesn't spin too freely on its axle. Those who prefer pointing their bikes downhill while gravity does most of the work probably don't mind adding a few ounces here and there, particularly when there is a performance benefit. Q-factor is the measurement from the outside of the crank arm to the centre of the pedal body. Their size of 100(L)x95mm(W) suits smaller feet. Although the V12s might not stub the floor as often larger pedals, your foot may do instead. Like a regular SPD, the clipless side features a wide-open engagement mechanism with a static front bar and spring-loaded rear. These have proved to be bash-resistant throughout testing, making the V11s a good bet if youre on a budget and looking for some top-performing flats. You've been subscribed to our newsletter. The SPD mechanism makes clipping in easy, but because of the high levels of grip on offer, getting unclipped can be more troublesome. We put these mountain bike pedals through rigorous testing in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Shimano Saint M820 and HT T-1 both offer wide, stable surfaces that are easy to find with your foot and are less likely to roll beneath your shoe. You can find plenty of clipless pedals with a cage, providing that extra support alongside the security of being attached to the bike, while flat (non-clipless) pedals will always offer a large platform. The low-profile cage is concave, giving solid engagement with your shoes and the six pins located on the pedals body. No matter your riding style, there's a pair of pedals to suit your needs, preferences, or budget. That said, they don't provide the same levels of grip as our top-rated competitors. It looks and performs similar to its higher-end XT and XTR siblings but costs considerably less. They might be heavier than some pedals at 621g a pair, and pricier too, but if performance and longevity are high on your priorities list, you cant go far wrong with these flat pedals. The gravity-orientated Shimano ME700 pedals look and feel a lot like the brands XT M8120 pedals, but are roughly half the price. Beyond that, we found little not to like about these affordable workhorse pedals. Every set of pedals here has been tried and tested by the BikeRadar team. Measuring the platform length on the Candy 7. Note that the tips are asymmetric and only one cleat has an indented dot on it. Our only real gripe is that it can be a little more complicated to clip back in with the mechanism on only one side of the pedal. When considering a new bike purchase, we recommend thinking ahead and buying pedals in advance if you don't already own a set. Looking for the best new mountain bike pedals? The Time Speciale 8 cleats can be mounted to provide 13 or 17 degrees of float, depending on their attachment orientation. They also have a floaty feel that can take some getting used to but may help to alleviate knee strain for some users. The thicker pads offer more resistance to float, and the interchangeable pads allow you to customize the pedal to your specific shoe. Some of the newer pedals without traction pins are easier to disengage because there's nothing for your shoe to hang up on when unclipping. For more experienced riders, a foot popping out unexpectedly is nearly as scary as it getting stuck in. When they do eventually get tired youll be able to easily service them at home. At 376g, these pedals are some of the lightest out there. The anodisation did begin to wear but there was no significant damage to the strength or performance of the pedal. While we were enamored with the Aluminum pedals, we did have a couple of minor complaints. There are no grub-screw pins for extra grip but the pedals concavity allows plenty of shoe contact. The platform is substantial, helping you engage quickly and giving you a more secure, stable footing. It wasn't just the full range of motion that made them difficult it was the lack of consistency. That's a significant weight difference between two parts that perform roughly the same function. Another great value is the Shimano Deore XT M8120. Ten aggressive pins per side mean that we had no grip issues regardless of shoe choice and conditions. The large surface area doesnt bring much weight and gives margin for error if your foot placement goes slightly awry. Most flat pedals and many caged clipless pedals have removable pins that add grip. We bashed rocks and stumps and rode them in snow, rain, mud, and sand. Named for their striking resemblance to an eggbeater, these pedals have a unique, open design that made them the highest scorer in our mud-shedding test. The HT pedals have spring tension on both sides of the engagement mechanism and considerably less float, which is less troublesome but still doesn't provide perfect consistency. Beyond that, our love affair with the XT Trail pedals continues, especially with the improvements and updates to the new version. The composite pedal body feels rugged and durable and will likely stand up to years of abuse. Theyre also the means by which you transmit the power in your legs into the bikes drivetrain to propel you along the trail, and are often subjected to the general rough and tumble of mountain biking.