Best Pedals for Mountain Bike in 2022 | Finding The Perfect MTB Pedals at Affordable Price
In A Hurry? Check The 3 Winners
In A Hurry? Check The Winners by Category
Best Overall
Crankbrothers Mallet
Editor Choice
Shimano PD-M530
Budget Pick
RaceFace Chester
You are here to know about the best mountain bike pedals, and I’m pretty sure that you know what a pedal is. But if somehow you skipped that lesson, let me remind you.
The pedals are the parts of a bicycle that allow a rider to make contact with the crank. This movement allows your leg to turn on the bottom bracket spindle which propels the bike.
While a good pedal increases the performance of the rider, a bad one will just consume his energy and time. That’s why a better, more controlled, and the powerful pedal is important for pro cyclists, especially in mountain biking.
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Last Updated: 25 Apr 2024
By Zachary Anderson: We have updated the article to give the most accurate information regarding mtb pedals for the user who are looking for. Some of the listed bikes have replaced with new one to assist individuals in finding the best one currently available online.
List of Best Pedals for Mountain Bike
Image | Bike Name | Type | Best For | Wheel | View On |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | DEMO | DEMO | DEMO | DEMO |
Mountain Bike Flat & Platform Pedals Reviews
1. RaceFace Chester
SPECS
Looking for a pair of inexpensive mtb pedals that provides phenomenal performance? Stop looking because the Chester Bike Pedal from RaceFace is just the one you are looking for. These mountain bike pedals are made from composite nylon with chromyl steel axel that made them lightweight and easy to maneuver.
The cro-mo axle of these Chester Pedals is fully sealed with RaceFace’s fully serviceable bearing and bushing system ensures long-lasting durability and unmatchable performance. These bearings system is in charge of smooth and nearly effortless riding experience.
Furthermore, these large, flat pedals are studded with 8 adjustable pins on each side of the interface to deliver immense grip and traction. The pins are reversely threaded using a nylock nut to keep them in place and are distributed throughout the pedals in such a way that they give the Chester a concave feel.
Another great feature of this Chester pedals is its durability. The composite material of these pedals is strong enough to resist smashing into a rock or two without much damage.
Overall, this RaceFace Chester pedal set will surely deliver the value of your money with great performance and long-lasting durability.
What We Liked
2. VP Components VP-Vice
SPECS
One of the best, budget-friendly mtb pedals of this list is the VP-Vice Pedals from VP Components. This award-winning pair of pedals was constructed to suit a variety of riding styles from dirt jumping to pub crawling.
The pedals feature a do-it-all design that surely attracts many potential buyers. Besides its well-engineered, versatile design, the VP Vice has some cool features that helped it to get on this list of best mountain bike pedals.
Lightweight pedals are easy to maneuver. And keeping that in mind, VP Components constructed these flats with feather-like aluminum alloy. These strong, sturdy pedals feature 12 replaceable pins per side so that they can work exceptionally well with any kind and style of shoes and provide an extremely secured grip.
Furthermore, the forged chromoly axels are heat-treated and have sealed cartridge bearings that ensure the serviceability and durability of the pedals.
Additionally, the pedal set comes with a Rebuild Kit using which you can fully rebuild the VP Vice and also can shed off up to 70 grams of the weight. This pair is surely a worth purchase.
What We Liked
3. Imrider Polyamide
SPECS
As name suggest, The Imrider Polyamide lightest mountain bike pedals are another pair of great mountain bike pedal that super lightweight and delivers high-end services at a very cheap price range.
This well-engineered pair of pedals is suitable for a variety of bicycles. From BMX to mountain bikes to kid’s bicycles, you can use these pedals with anything you want. And as they fit in all types of bicycles, you can interchange within bikes effortlessly with labeled instructions and easy instructions.
Another great quality of these pedals is that they are constructed from superior quality polyamide material that made them resistant to any kind of abrasion and corrosion. This material is also responsible for the comfort you experience while pedaling the cycle.
Furthermore, this Imrider Polyamide Pedals feature high-quality spindles that are constructed to provide strong grips to your bikes and spares you from worrying about sudden disconnections while riding on technical trails.
Moreover, this pedals feature a big platform shape that ensures great pedaling efficiency and excellent comfort even in long riding journey.
What We Liked
4. Shimano PD-MX80
SPECS
The PD-MX80 Saint Pedals from world-renowned cycle accessories brand Shimano speaks class and supreme performance. This super reliable alloy pedals have a unique shape with cutout corners and concave style thin platforms. This feature was added by Shimano for better control and superior efficiency.
Moreover, each side of the pedal platforms includes 9 replaceable pins that ensure excellent traction. The pins are installed in a way that they can be easily removed and there is the minimum possibility of any of the pins stripping out.
Built with long-lasting durability and reliability in mind, the MX80 rotates effortlessly on a chromoly axle with ultra-reliable cup and cone bearings.
Shimano uses in all of their pedals because this particular axle makes replacement of parts cheaper. Additionally, the rebuilding process of this pedals is fairly simple. You just need a few basic tools and perform some simple actions to rebuild your pedals to new.
Although this Shimano pedal doesn’t offer the best grip there is tiny bit chance of adjusting the overall grip according to your preference. This can be done because of the spacers under the previously installed pinheads that are shipped with the MX80 pedals by default.
What We Liked
5. Wellgo MG-1
SPECS
The MG-1 Magnesium Sealed Platform Pedal from Wellgo is the perfect example of fine craftsmanship in an affordable price range. These robust pedals are made from the finest quality magnesium alloy that made them durable as well as lightweight compared to other bicycle pedals.
To make them more alluring, Wellgo introduced different attractive paint colors to the pedal so that they go with every cycle color. These pedals are available in 6 different color options.
One great quality of this pair of pedals is that it delivers phenomenal grip compared to the price range. They work extremely well with all kinds of shoes and there is a minimum chance of feet sliding off the wide pedals.
Moreover, these pedals incorporate 18 replaceable pins per pedal with 9 pins on each side. These well-placed pins are responsible for such amazing grips that work great even on wet and unfavorable conditions.
All in all, this Magnesium pedals are ideal for riders who are running on a limited budget yet wants a well-made, quality product.
What We Liked
6. SHIMANO PD-M530
SPECS
Great pair of clipless pedals from famous Shimano brand is the A530 SPD Pedals that are great for leisurely, recreational cyclists who like to commute throughout the neighborhood.
This around-the town cycling pedal has a dipped steady platform body that provides the choice of casual or active riding. You can use your normal shoes or high-end spiked shoes; this pedal works exceptionally well with every type of shoes you have in your closet.
Shimano choose a lightweight yet easy to mount, durable material for the construction of this pedal model. These A530 SPD clipless pedals feature serviceable cup and cone bearings that ensure longer lifespan and durability.
These bearings make sure that there is no unnecessary grinding or drag during the pedal rotation. And therefore, riders don’t have to deal with grit and can experience smooth, stable cycling throughout the city.
Furthermore, this clipless SPD pedals have a step-in setup which can turn on a dipped steady pedaling platform easily ensuring more control and better protection. Overall, this is another money worthy pedal pair from Shimano that won’t disappoint you.
What We Liked
7. Shimano PD M520
SPECS
One more Shimano clipless pedals that made its way to our list of best mountain bike pedals is the PD M520 clipless pedals. This pedal set is considered as one of the best clipless mountain bike pedal for entry-level mountain biking out there and that too, for some really good reasons.
With Shimano’s world-class engineering, this pedal features a compact dual-sided design with an open binding mechanism for easy-entry and easy mud shedding.
Additionally, the PD M520 features sealed cartridge bearing spindle that keeps out any water, mud or debris and makes sure that you have smooth riding experience. This low maintenance feature also adds to the durability of the pedals.
Furthermore, there are two 3 mm Allen key bolts on each pedal which are used to adjust the tension. An increased tension prevents accidental release whereas a decrease in it makes it super easier to unclip. You can adjust it as frequently as you want until you find a comfortable setting for you.
What We Liked
8. Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3
SPECS
Want a versatile design yet a super-efficient pair of top rated clipless bike pedals for your mountain bicycle?
Crankbrothers presents you with its revolutionary clipless mountain bike pedals from Eggbeater series that are specially designed for effortless and efficient pedal strokes. Additionally, this eggbeater design sheds mud off the pedal super efficiently keeping it clean and smooth for running.
These pedals are made from cast stainless steel bodies and springs featuring steel spindle to ensure maximum strength and stability of the pedals.
This material is also super lightweight and extremely durable. To make them even more long-lasting, Crankbrothers included igus inboard bearing and Enduro outboard bearing with the double lip seal.
What’s more is that this set of pedal features an integrated traction pad technology that helps you to customize the pedals according to your desired preference for a more refined fit, feel, and power transfer.
What We Liked
9. Shimano XTR PD-M9000
SPECS
The last Shimano clipless pedal that made its way to our list of best mountain bike pedals is the XTR PD-M9000 Race Pedal. As the name suggests, these pedals are ideal for racing and hard trail riding as well as cross-country commuting.
Shimano used its 20 years of SPD pedal design experience and constructed this pedals with forged aluminum alloy and hollow CrMo axle. These materials are responsible for making the pedals as lightweight and durable as possible.
Moreover, the aluminum body and slender chromyl spindles make sure that pedals have fast, reliable cleat-to-pedal movement every time you ride your bicycle.
Furthermore, the titanium hardware of the spindle and cleat binders is perfectly coated with Teflon to maximize the metals ability to efficiently shed off mud and dirt from the pedals and reduce any stiction.
This shedding off increases the pedal’s lifetime and also allows the pedals to clear grime quickly for more smooth and reliable peddling regardless the riding conditions.
What We Liked
10. Crankbrothers Mallet
SPECS
The Mallet Enduro Pedals from Crank Brothers are an award-winning all-new platform set of top notch clipless pedals that were made for enduro riding and racing.
Be it cross country, trail or all mountains; these pedals are suitable for any environment or region. Known for their unmatchable mud shedding ability, these Mallet E pedals are a natural pic for the riders riding and racing in wet, slippery conditions.
Constructed with the T6 aluminum body and forged Chromoly steel spindle, these pedals are lightweight and extremely durable. This body combined with the longer spindle also makes sure that the rider has increased maneuverability and superior flexibility. The design of the pedals features a wide concave platform with 6 adjustable pins per side that delivers secure foothold wit extraordinary grip for a more stable riding experience.
Additionally, these Mallet E pedals come with a Traction pad technology that gives you a customizable interface for a refined fit, feel and power transfer. The power transfer ensures that the rider experience more traction when unclipped.
What We Liked
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MOUNTAIN BIKE PEDALS
How To Change Bike Pedals On A Mountain Bike
The entire process of changing the pedals is divided into 2 parts. First, removing the old one and then installing the new pedals.
Removing old pedals:
- Mount the bike in your garage or repair stand.
- Shift the chain to the largest chain-ring.
- Rotate the bike until the right pedal is easily accessible.
- Try multiple wrench position until the crank and the wrench form 90-Degree angle or less.
- Try to hold the opposite side of the crank with another lever.
- Now turn the pedal wrench counter-clockwise for the right pedal. Keep turning until it is not removed.
- Rotate bike as many times necessary to access the left pedal.
- Turn the wrench clockwise to remove it from the cycle.
Installing new pedals:
- Identify the left and right pedal from the “L” and “R” marking on the wrench or axle. If there is no marking, use the pedal thread direction to identify left and right pedals.
- Grease the pedal threads.
- Sung the pedals using a wrench.
- Position wrench on flats to get a good mechanical advantage.
- Hold wrench with one hand while your other hand holds the opposite crank.
- Pedal the bike backward to install both right and left pedals.
- Using your arm as a lever, tighten the pedals. Repeat it for the left one too. But thread the pedal counter clockwise to install.
Types Of Mountain Bike Pedals
Platform or Flat Pedals
These pedals are mostly for beginners. With their flat and smooth surface, these are compatible with any shoes. These pedals also have betters controls over the riding. But the flat & platform pedals are made of titanium, magnesium, aluminum, or even heavy-duty lightweight plastics.
Clipless Bike Pedals “Clipless”
Although the name suggests clip-less, it actually is a clip-on pedal, which can be compared with to clipping into the skis. You’ll need to get a pair of cycling shoes that go with clipless pedal for better performance.
These are lightweight and mostly made of steel or aluminum. The cleat is mostly made of plastic or metal, and it clips onto the spring-loaded clip for comfortable and secure connection. This type of pedals are known for their controlled and powerful pushes but not ideal for beginners.
Toe Clips
Toe Clips & Straps are very useful if you don’t feel good on existing bike pedal. Toe Straps & Clips ensure stable position on the pedals. Compared to platform pedals you’ll have better efficiency when you use. You can install it easily in few steps & use with any shoes. Also available at nearest local bike shops or online at minimal price.
Combo Pedal
Toe Clips & Straps are very useful if you don’t feel good on existing bike pedal. Toe Straps & Clips ensure stable position on the pedals. Compared to platform pedals you’ll have better efficiency when you use. You can install it easily in few steps & use with any shoes. Also available at nearest local bike shops or online at minimal price.
Other types of Pedals
Magnetic Pedal: When used with a clipless pedal, these can give the rider an extra power boost and security. Not for every rider but it can help them harness the moves.
Foldable Pedal: These are not much durable like the regular ones, but they will surely take less space than them. In recreational bike rides, they can be extremely helpful.
Which Pedal Is Better ? Mountain Bike Pedals Clipless Vs Platform
Whether it is climbing or negotiating the slick roots, the ride relies on how controlled your pedals are. While Clipless pedals can demoralize you, after a while, they will help you in getting better power, efficiency, and control.
With clipless pedals, rider cadence can be more fluid and the power transfers are smoother. Besides, the combined pull/push power gives us instant acceleration, which is required for climbing.
But that doesn’t mean flat pedals are useless. They are a confidence booster and can help you sharpen your skill sets.
But for mountain climbing, Clipless pedals have the advantage because while climbing a mountain, you need power, control, immediate acceleration, etc. and everything comes with the clipless pedals.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING BEST PEDALS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKE
Pedal Float And Tension Adjustability
The float is a degree to which one can adjust his foot while they are clipped in and tension is the measure of the tightness of the connection that governs the angle and the clipping-out pressure. But most of the mountain bike pedals don’t have float adjustability built-in.
But some of the mountain bike manufacturers are throwing setting into their pedal for float and tension adjustability that can be a winning factor for pro cyclists.
Multiple-Release Cleats
Cleats that come with bicycle pedals these days, release laterally. The multi-release cleats function exactly like this but the difference is they release it in a slightly improved angle and more easily. Basically, they are somewhat better than the lateral releasing cleats and they are sold separately, doesn’t come with pedals.
Pedal Toe Clips And Straps
Toe Cages or Clips are small frames that are attached to the front of flat pedals, surrounding your toes. These toe boxes allow the rider to pull the pedal back up and stroke with power.
Toe straps also have similar functionality. Rider’s toes are strapped with the pedal using it and when they pull their feet up, the pedals go up too. Like the toe cage, they also help control the pedals more efficiently.
Most of these straps, clips or cages are made of lightweight material so that you don’t have to feel uncomfortable while pulling and pushing to the pedals.
Durability
Durability is a qualifying quality that separates a good gadget from a horde of bad ones. Apart from your bicycle being durable, you’ll have to ensure its parts are too. If your pedals aren’t durable enough to keep up with your pace and aggression, you won’t have the best biking experience.
Weight
Many cyclists have a misconception that bike pedals should be heavy to maintain the momentum. But in reality, your bike’s momentum has nothing to do with your pedal’s weight. Knowing this truth, manufacturers are constructing pedals with lightweight aluminum, titanium, magnesium, plastic etc. This lightweight construction helps riders to ride effortlessly and smoothly.
Weather
What many don’t realize is that different pedals perform well in different weathers. The cleat system does well with mud/dirt-shedding and better for the dry conditions. Most of the cleats system doesn’t do well in snow whereas flat pedal works better on this condition.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Maintenance is an important step to make sure your pedals last forever. That’s why cleaning them every once in a while is a must.
First, remove the dust cap. Then undo the bolts that are holding the axle. Remove it too. Slowly remove the bearings from it. Now you have all the parts separated. It’s time to clean them.
At first, clean the old grease from the axle and bearing cup. Use a paintbrush to dust away from the dirt and debris from them. Wash them with soap water and keep them aside for drying. Now wash the dust cap and prepare for assembling. But before that, you can use lubricants in the places where smooth rotation is compulsory.
CONCLUSION
Reference:
Community Cycling Center – Picking the right pedals
MTB Pedals Navigation
