Top Mountain Bike Pedals – Guide & Comparison
Picking the best mountain bike pedals is obligatory if you really want to have fun and make sure that you don’t provoke any accidents with pedal models that aren’t made for this type of activity. Because we want to make sure that you return home safely, we’ve checked out various models from different manufacturers and came to some conclusions. The SHIMANO PD-M530 Mountain Pedals are a pair that you should really keep an eye on as you will come across plenty of benefits, like the famous Shimano Pedaling Dynamics, the highly innovative design that excludes toe-clips, and, not to mention, the fact that you will enjoy a higher level of control over the bike. In case this product is not available, you can check out the FOOKER Mountain Bike Pedals Non-Slip Lightweight, which also has plenty of things to recommend it to the general mountain bike lovers.
Comparison table
1st Choice
The Shimano Pedaling Dynamics is already known as a game-changer in this industry. The design of the product is innovative as it doesn’t have toe-clips. Also, you will benefit from having better control over your ride since it boosts the overall power, in general, to the pedal.
The surface is smooth and slick, so it can be a bit slippery at times.
Since it benefits from the Shimano Pedaling Dynamics, it has an innovative design with no toe-clips, and it lets you have better control over how you ride, you’d be pressed to find something better.
2nd Best
This product is a durable one thanks to the rugged nylon fiber used to create it. The protection against shocks and abrasion also plays an important role. Also important is the fact that the pedals have a big tread so that you can have a much safer ride from now on when riding your bike.
At first, the pedals can be a bit tight and not spin as fast as you’d want to.
Because it’s a durable product, it has protection against abrasion and shocks, and the pedals are big tread for a safer ride, you have plenty of reasons to invest in this.
Also To Consider
The optimal shoe/pedal interface makes it size-specific and pro-level. Ten adjustable pins on all sides make sure that you will truly have a better grip when riding the bike. It uses resistant materials, such as Chromoly steel, so that it will last for a long time.
The post that goes through the middle can cause slight discomfort.
This model has an optimal shoe/pedal interface, you will benefit from a better grip, and, overall, is a resistant product, so you shouldn’t write this one off just yet, as it has plenty of benefits that you’d surely like.
10 Best Mountain Bike Pedals (Updated Reviews) in 2021
Mountain Bike pedals need to fulfill a series of requirements for them to be seen as being of high quality. We’ve taken a look at some of them and managed to create a list of some that are likely to catch your eye. Here you will find all their pros and cons.
- 1. SHIMANO PD-M530 Mountain Pedals
- 2. FOOKER Mountain Bike Pedals Non-Slip Lightweight
- 3. Crankbrothers Stamp Flat BMX/MTB Bike Pedal Adjustable Grip
- 4. ROCKBROS MTB Pedals Lightweight Nylon Fiber
- 5. MZYRH Mountain Bike Pedals Ultra Strong CNC Machined 9/16″
- 6. Imrider Lightweight Polyamide Bike Pedals for BMX Road MTB Bicycle
- 7. BONMIXC 9/16 Sealed Bearing Ultralight Mountain Bike Pedals
- 8. GPMTER Bike Pedals 9/16 for MTB, 16 Anti-Skid Pins
- 9. Puroma Mountain Bike Pedal Nylon Fiber Non-Slip 9/16 Inch
- 10. ROCKBROS Advanced 4 Bearings Mountain Bike Pedals
- Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions:
1. SHIMANO PD-M530 Mountain Pedals
This product offers you the superior Shimano Pedaling Dynamics, also known as SPD. This lets you work regardless if you are on your bike or off of it. The pedaling becomes much more efficient, and you can use a wider range of shoes and pedal styles in this case, which means you will have, basically, more freedom.
Also worth noting is the recessed cleat that has the very important role of making sure that you will walk more comfortably. As this product doesn’t have toe-clips anymore and has integrated the pedal and outsole into a single unit, the design is a superior one that is actually kind of innovative.
The Shimano Pedaling Dynamics not only does boost the overall power to the pedal, but it also increases your control over your style of riding, as stability and comfort are things that the company has aimed to give its users with this product.
Pros
It comes with the Shimano Pedaling Dynamics that has a small cleat that can fit in a recess of the sole of a shoe that was created to be used as part of the Shimano Pedaling Dynamics.
The recessed cleat that is included in this model stands out, especially for the fact that it allows you to walk more comfortably.
The design is an innovative one since it doesn’t have toe-clips anymore and has integrated the pedal and outsole into a single unit, basically changing the game.
The product works as it boosts the overall power to the pedal, while also increasing your general control over the style of riding you practice.
Cons
The surface is really smooth and slick, which means that it’s pretty slippery in case you are not wearing any proper cycling shoes. The solution, in this case, is rather obvious: you will need to wear cycling shoes.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($135)
2. FOOKER Mountain Bike Pedals Non-Slip Lightweight
Durability should be one of the factors that you look for in a bike pedal. Fortunately, this model was created so that it could last for as long as possible since it has a surface made out of rugged nylon fiber with a high strength Chromium-molybdenum steel spindle for the bike pedals that benefit from protection against shocks, abrasion, and corrosion.
The fact that the device has big tread bike pedals means that you will have a much more pleasant riding experience and that you will also feel much safer from now on when you are on the bike. The installation process is very simple as well, since it follows the CR-R for right and CR-L for the left rule, unlike other models on the market.
The sealed bearing bike pedals will protect the spindles from things such as water and dust, so there will be less noise and other similar issues.
Pros
The product is a durable one since it has a surface created out of rugged nylon fiber and a high strength Chromium-molybdenum steel spindle.
The materials used to create these pedals also play a role in making sure that they are protected against a series of issues, like shocks and abrasion.
Also important is the fact that this product has big tread pedals, which results in you having a much more pleasant and safer experience when you ride the bike.
It is very simple to install this product since you have to use CR-R for right and CR-L for left, something not found in all pedals on the market today.
Cons
The pedals can be a bit tight at first and not spin as much as you would like – that can happen to either both or just one of the pedals. The good news is that this can be solved by you giving the product a couple of spins to fix things.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($23.99)
3. Crankbrothers Stamp Flat BMX/MTB Bike Pedal Adjustable Grip
This product is a highlight thanks to the fact that it offers you a concave platform pedal that is size specific and, also, pro-level. As a result of this, you will benefit from an optimal shoe/pedal interface so that you will enjoy a superior level of riding the bike. There are ten adjustable pins on each side, so you can customize the pedal after the desired grip and feel.
The premium bearing and seal system of these pedals are guaranteed to hold up with no problems for the foreseeable future, so you will be able to use them for the next years. The optimal surface area of these pedals has a minimal profile that manages to be 13mm thin. You also benefit from a forged SCM 435 Chromoly steel spindle for higher resistance.
In order for you to be sure that your feet will fit on the pedals, you should wear shoe sizes between 10 – 15 for the US and 43 – 49 for the EU.
Pros
The concave platform pedal is size specific and pro-level so that there will be an optimal shoe/pedal interface when you are riding the bike.
Both sides have ten adjustable pins included so that you have the possibility of customizing the pedal following the grip and feel that you want to have.
Thanks to the premium bearing and seal system, you have the benefit of being sure that the product is going to last for a longer time than many others.
So that the product will be more resistant, it has forged SCM 435 Chromoly steel spindle, which is very important in this type of product.
Cons
The post that is placed in the middle of the product is raised, which can cause a slight discomfort on the sole of your foot, if you have sensitive feet, especially, but you should be good if that is not the case for you.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($42.09)
4. ROCKBROS MTB Pedals Lightweight Nylon Fiber
One sure thing to admire about this product is the fact that it is a sturdy and durable one thanks to the rugged nylon fiber surface it has, combined with the high strength Chromoly spindle. This high durability comes from the fact that the product presents resistance to corrosion, shocks, abrasion, and other similar factors.
We must also mention another very cool factor this product comes with, which is the anti-skid nails that are included on both sides so that you will enjoy greater security on the pedals and be sure that your feet will be held in one place as you are pedaling, thus also lowering the risk of accidents taking place.
This is indeed a highlight as it seems that even if you have gone through a stormy area and now there’s a thick layer of mud on it, you will still not slip off these pedals.
Pros
It is a durable and sturdy product that has a rugged nylon fiber surface and a high strength Chromoly spindle, so you will have protection against abrasion, corrosion, shocks, etc.
The product has anti-skid nails on both sides so that you can enjoy a higher level of security when you are pedaling, keeping your feet on the pedals.
Even if the pedals are covered in a thick layer of mud, your feet will be held in one place, and they will not slip off the pedals with ease, offering you more safety.
The sealed bearing bicycle pedals have the role of protecting the spindles from water and dust, so you will not get to hear those annoying sounds they would normally produce.
Cons
There are rare instances in which there is a creek that you can hear when you are going at a very high speed that can be quite annoying at times.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($24.99)
5. MZYRH Mountain Bike Pedals Ultra Strong CNC Machined 9/16″
If anything, one of the things that stand out the most about this product is how smooth its surface is. These are some lubricated sealed bearing platform pedals that you are likely to be impressed by if we are going to look at what other people have said about it. The product has anti-skid pins, so you will not slip on the pedals, and you’ll have a stronger grasp.
This anti-slip cleat design is also very important as it is very good for when you are riding the bike or even when you want to race with it. The pedals are made out of aluminum nails so that you will have a more efficient way of pedaling, compared to other products on the market, that may not necessarily come with the same advantages.
In order for you to enjoy an easy installation process, the product has the L for the left pedal and the R for the right pedal, so you will not have to waste time.
Pros
The surface of these pedals is really smooth, making them some of the top lubricated sealed bearing platform pedals on the market at the moment.
The anti-skid pins on it play the role of making sure that you will be fixed on the pedals and that you will enjoy a better grasp, allowing you to ride, or even race, faster.
The pedals include aluminum nails that are there so that you will enjoy a way of pedaling that is much more efficient, especially when compared to other models.
The installation process is very simple, as the product has the L for the left pedal and the R for the right pedal, meaning you will not waste any time with this activity.
Cons
The spikes on the pedals do their job, but sometimes, even if rarely, you may still slip on them, so it wouldn’t have been a bad idea to make them a bit sharper or longer.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($26.99)
6. Imrider Lightweight Polyamide Bike Pedals for BMX Road MTB Bicycle
When you are riding a mountain bike, the thing that you want the most is to feel safe when you are doing this, so Imrider took this into consideration and made sure that this product has hard spindles that will create a strong grip onto your bicycle so that any possible sudden disconnection will be completely and utterly impossible.
The anti-skid nail surface has a strong grasp as well and is there to make sure that you will no longer skid when you are riding the bike. On top of that, the product also has a big platform shape so that you will feel comfortable even when you are taking a long ride, while also making sure that you will pedal efficiently and get less tired.
The pedals are made from high-quality polyamide with very good resistance to abrasion and corrosion, among others, so you can ride the bike now all you want.
Pros
The product comes with hard spindles that have the role of creating a strong grip on the bike so that there will not be any disconnections taking place.
The anti-skid nail surface of the pedal makes sure that your feet are not going to slip anymore when riding the bicycle, so it is a much safer option.
The big platform shape of the pedal has the role of making sure you will feel comfortable for a longer time, even when you are riding more miles than usual.
In order for the product to resist as much as possible, it was made from high-quality polyamide, which gives it a stronger level of resistance to corrosion and abrasion.
Cons
Some people may find the spikes as being a bit too tall for their liking, but that can be a difference that only really bothers a small segment of the population.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($19.99)
7. BONMIXC 9/16 Sealed Bearing Ultralight Mountain Bike Pedals
One of the things that make this product stand out is the sealed bearing. The model has a spindle that is 100% made out of Chromoly with a 9/16 threading that has a sealed bearing. If you don’t know exactly what all of this means, it’s ok, the bottom line is all of those words simply mean that you can ride more efficiently from now on.
You will also notice the ultrathin size and ultralight weight of this pedal. It’s a product made out of aluminum alloy so that it will benefit from extra strength and longer durability. Due to the sizes the product has, you will be saving about 30% of the driving power, which can be quite a game-changer for many.
The model has an original triangular design and CNC technology that strengthens it and gives it a higher level of stability and durability, even if riding a rugged mountain road.
Pros
The spindle is made out of 100% Chromoly, and it has a 9/16 threading with a sealed bearing so that you will ride the bike more efficiently from now on.
The ultrathin size and ultralight weight of the product also play a role in making sure that you operate the bike better.
The fact that the pedals were created from aluminum alloy means that the product will enjoy extended durability and also extra strength.
As a result of the size the pedals have, you will notice that you will manage to save around 30% of the total driving power, which is really quite impressive.
Cons
The pinholes of these pedals can look like they are a bit on the weak side, which means that you won’t get to tighten them as much as you would maybe like. This shouldn’t register as a dealbreaker, but you have to know of it regardless.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($25.99)
8. GPMTER Bike Pedals 9/16 for MTB, 16 Anti-Skid Pins
When you are riding a mountain bike, the last thing you want to do is slip on the pedals as that can lead to some serious injuries. Fortunately, these are non-slip pedals. As the anti-skid nails leave their mark, you will notice that you will pedal much more efficiently from now on, completely changing the way you’ll ride your bike.
The casting is also created out of aluminum alloy so that the pedals will end up being much more durable than the usual ones that you can find on the market. The platform pedals spindle is completely sealed so that it will prevent any of the water or dust from entering when this would normally happen with other products.
One of the coolest things about this product is the fact that it can fit just about any adult bike, like the old school ones, the cruiser bike, road bike for racing, mountain bike, etc.
Pros
These are non-slip pedals, which means that your feet are not going to slip while you pedal, thus making this option a very safe one that you can rely on.
For the non-slippery aspect, the anti-skid nails play an important part, as they make sure that your feet will stay in one place, where they are supposed to stay.
The casting of these pedals is made out of aluminum alloy, which translates into having the products being much more durable than the average ones.
You can use these pedals for a wide variety of bicycles, making this option one that is basically universal – the list includes mountain bikes, urban bikes with fixed gear, etc.
Cons
One of the cons that we’ve managed to find regarding these pedals is the fact that they are not lightweight, so they will be maybe harder to move than you would like, but you can get used to that in time.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($12.98)
9. Puroma Mountain Bike Pedal Nylon Fiber Non-Slip 9/16 Inch
These are wide platform pedals so that you can fix your feet on them properly without any issue regarding the question “what if they don’t fit?” The lightweight nylon composite body has a concave platform that will give you the needed surface that is recommended for when you are taking a long ride so that you can pedal more efficiently.
Very important is also the fact that these pedals were built to last. This means that the fully sealed bearing has the role of keeping the spindles away from things like dust or water so that you will have a better performance when riding the bike and also great durability from the product.
Regarding your level of safety, the pedals were created with 12 replaceable hex-head threaded traction pins on both sides so that you will get more of a bite for better grip and control, thus lowering the risk of accidents.
Pros
The fact that this product has wide platforms means that you will be able to put your feet on them properly without having sizing issues.
The lightweight nylon composite body presents a concave platform so that you will benefit from the surface’s advantages, like letting you enjoy a long ride in a more comfy way.
The fully sealed bearing comes with the role of maintaining the spindles away from things that could affect the performance, such as water or dust.
For your safety, the product has 12 replaceable hex-dead threaded traction pins on both of their sides, so you will be able to enjoy a better grip and control when riding.
Cons
You need to be very careful as there was at least one case in which a person walking by the bike got their ankle caught in the pedal which led to having a deep cut in that area.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($19.99)
10. ROCKBROS Advanced 4 Bearings Mountain Bike Pedals
One of the things that you are sure to appreciate about this product is the fact that it is a smooth and non-slip one. It has four advanced lubricated sealed bearing anti-skid nails on each side so that you will enjoy a much better grip when you ride the bike, thus reducing the risk of accidents even happening.
The product is created from aluminum alloy, and it has a Chromium-molybdenum steel spindle that comes with durable and resistant composite pedals. The installation is very simple since all that it requires is to remember that L is for the left pedal, and R is for the right pedal, unlike the other models in which it’s reversed and thus the installation is harder.
The standard 9/16 inch spindle and platform pedal make for a more comfortable long ride while also making sure that the efficiency of your pedaling is much higher as well.
Pros
The product comes with four advanced lubricated sealed bearing anti-skid nails on all sides so that you will have a grip that is much better while riding the bicycle.
Resistance is also very important, which is why this model is created from aluminum alloy, and it has a Chromium-molybdenum steel spindle.
One of the coolest things about this product is the fact that the L stands for the left pedal and R for the right one, meaning they are not reversed while installing, like in other models.
You will be able to enjoy a longer and much more comfortable ride as a result of the standard 9/16 spindle and platform pedal.
Cons
The model was not created for people who are into hardcore off-road mountain biking, but it does work for people who are into mountain biking but who don’t like to take things to the extreme, so it works for beginners.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($32.99)
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
The bike pedal is of utmost importance when it comes to riding a mountain bike, but how do you manage to find the best mountain bike pedal, when there are so many options out there? Do you pick the best flat mountain bike pedals or the best mountain bike clipless pedals? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
Two types of mountain bike pedals
Basically, you can take your pick from two main types of pedals for mountain bike – flat or clipless. You probably know more about the flat or platform ones, as they are common on many types of bikes, but clipless mountain bike pedals may sound a bit new to you. So what are they exactly?
Well, to make things a bit confusing, mountain bike clipless pedals actually have clips, as they are basically “clip-in” pedals that rely on cleats to create a connection between the pedals and your shoes. Probably all mountain bike pedals reviews mention them and not without reason.
The clipless type
The best clipless mountain bike pedals have some advantages, such as letting you value efficiency more over convenience, have a better level of control over your bike, and remain locked on while you ride on some rough area.
Shimano mountain bike pedals are very popular in this category, and they have often been described as being the best mountain bike platform pedals, but, let’s keep in mind that everything is relative and subjective. Sure, they are cheap mountain bike pedals, but you don’t have to follow everybody on their decision.
The flat type
The mountain bike flat pedals are better if you are a beginner or, on the contrary, if you are an expert who likes to do tricks with their bike. You can take your feet off the pedal with ease, and you can put them down anytime you want to. The flat mountain bike pedals are also preferred by those who ride slippery or wet areas.
The best mountain bike flat pedals are also the ones that most people are most used to. They don’t come with cages or cleats or clips, so you are free to use them as you wish. Mountain bike pedals flat come with pins that make sure your feet are not going to slip off the pedals.
Many people choose affordable mountain bike pedal models from this category as they are already familiar with them, they don’t require you to also invest in a new pair of shoes, and the level of commitment is pretty much low. Mzyrh mountain bike pedals are popular in this category, for example.
What materials should you go for?
Specialized mountain bike pedals or not, these products are often made from either composite like nylon or other plastics, or from metal. As you can imagine, both come with several advantages and disadvantages. For example, the metal is more durable, but if you want a cheap mountain bike pedal, plastic is the way to go.
Just because plastic makes the products part of the affordable mountain bike pedals category, that doesn’t mean plastic doesn’t deliver as well. When looking for downsides so you can find the best metal mountain bike pedals, keep in mind that metal is much stiffer and plastic scratches faster.
Conclusions
So, if you check any mountain bike pedals review, you’ll probably be surprised to find out that the best pedals for mountain bike are the ones that fit your needs the best. There are no universal best mountain bike pedals, so take the clipless platform mountain bike pedals that you like and go for it!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Are mountain bike pedals universal?
While bike pedals, in general, are not universal, we could say that mountain bike pedals are an exception. There is no official number or percentage to confirm this, but most experts in this field agree that somewhere around 98% of all models of mountain bike pedals are interchangeable with one another.
The difference that can appear refers to the crankset that you are using. A 1-piece crankset makes use of the ½ inches diameter pedals, while the two and three pieces crankset use a 9/16 inches diameter pedals, so we can say that this is the major difference that you may encounter.
Mountain bike pedals have the same thread size, which is another feature that makes them universal, meaning analyzing this aspect is usually the least important one when you are searching for mountain bike pedals. There are other, more important features that you should pay attention to when you plan on buying this type of product.
Q: Should I use clipless pedals on mountain bike?
You can find many people who support clipless pedals, but you can also find others who oppose them. The advantage of this is that you are basically clipped into your own pedals so you can pedal faster, with more fluidity, as the pedals and cranks will start feeling like they are, in a way, an extension of your very own body.
According to people who have tried both methods, after spending the entire day riding the bike, if you have been clipped-in, there is a higher chance you won’t feel as tired in the legs as a result of the fact that the pedal stroke is smoother in this case. But why are there people who oppose them?
While in minority, there are people who claim that using clipless pedals increases the risk of an injury, but, even if that sounds like a possibility, it’s hard to tell for sure, since there hasn’t been enough data on this.
Q: Short or long pins, which option is better?
When it comes to choosing between short or long pins, the truth may be surprising – or not so much. Whichever you think works better for you is the one that is better as it is all a subjective experience and, even if tests and trails would have been done on this, we would still arrive at the same conclusion, most likely.
Both of them have their pros and cons, so you just have to pick the option that, in your eyes, has the lowest amount of cons. Longer pins, for example, will ruin the shoes faster, but they will also grip them better. On the opposite team are short pins that don’t ruin shoes as fast as the long ones, but they also don’t grip you as well on the pedals.
So, if you would like to wear that pair of shoes for a longer time, you can go for the longer pins, while if you want to enjoy some freedom, the shorter pins are the answer for you.