MTB pedals - Which mountain bike pedals are right for you? [Buyer's Guide]

MTB pedals are an important part of your MTB. But which mountain bike pedals are most suitable for you? Do you prioritise durability, a good price-quality ratio or best power transfer? In this blog we explain the differences between clipless pedals for MTB, combination pedals and flat pedals. You can also read all about the pros and cons of the different brands of MTB clipless pedals.

Clipless pedals, combination pedals or flat pedals for your MTB?

When choosing new MTB pedals, you should begin by asking yourself what kind of pedals you want to ride with. One option you have is clipless pedals. With these, your feet are attached to the pedals. The advantage of clipless pedals is that you have maximum control over your MTB because you are directly connected to it. The disadvantage is that it is more difficult to get off the pedal, particularly when you need to do so quickly.

If you prefer being able to step off the pedal quickly, or if you have never ridden with clipless pedals before, you could consider flat pedals. These pedals can be used with normal shoes. For fans of flat pedals we also sell flat pedal shoes. In addition, you can opt for a set of combination pedals for your MTB. A combination pedal is flat on one side and features a clipless system on the other side. With these pedals you can ride with both clipless MTB shoes and flat pedal shoes.

Mountain biking with flat pedals

The main advantage of flat pedals is that you can quickly put your foot on the ground during cycling. This is ideal for beginner mountain bikers as well as advanced MTB riders who do tricks, jump over ramps or ride tricky courses. The fact that you can get off the pedals at any time means that there is less risk of injury. And thanks to the pins on flat pedals you still have plenty of grip on your pedal. For many riders, cycling with flat pedals also increases the fun factor and allows them to train their technique.

There are also some disadvantages to mountain biking with flat pedals. A major one is that you cannot pull your pedal, so to speak, which means you cannot climb as fast. In addition, you cannot maintain as high a cadence as you would with clipless pedals.

Mountain biking with combination pedals

If you want to cycle with both clipless MTB shoes and normal shoes, MTB-specific combination pedals are perfect for you. These pedals are ideal if you want to use your bike for multiple purposes. The combination pedals have the same functionality as clipless pedals, yet also offer the option of cycling with normal shoes. For extra protection, combination pedals often feature a cage. The cage also makes for a larger contact area, which is another advantage over clipless pedals. It allows you to pedal even more efficiently.

Because the combination pedal is flat on one side, you can only clip in on one side. Some mountain bikers experience this as a disadvantage. The combination pedals are also quite heavy.

Clipless pedals for MTB

If you end up going for MTB clipless pedals, you are not there yet. Nowadays, there are many different types and brands of clipless pedals for mountain bikes. To help you make the right choice, we list the pros and cons of the various brands of clipless pedals for MTB below.

Shimano MTB pedals

Shimano SPD clipless pedals are the most commonly used clipless pedals for MTB. The main advantage of these MTB pedals is that you can get the matching cleats at almost any bike shop. Another advantage of Shimano pedals is that you can adjust the spring tension to your preference: you decide how tightly you want your shoes to be attached to the pedals. Furthermore, Shimano's MTB pedals have a strong and sturdy construction and, therefore, generally last very long. They also require little maintenance.

A disadvantage of Shimano mountain bike pedals is that mud and dirt are not shed as well as in pedals of other brands. This may make it more difficult to clip in. Also, the pedals are relatively heavy.

Look MTB pedals

Look MTB pedals have an extra large contact area, giving you even better support. As a result, your feet are less likely to be sore after a long ride. Thanks to the carbon and composite construction, the Look pedals are low in weight and provide better power transfer. The spring tension of Look mountain bike pedals can also be adjusted to your liking. The brand uses Shimano's SPD clip system. The cleats are therefore the same and readily available as well.

A disadvantage of Look pedals is that the bearings are less well sealed, so they wear out faster. Also, mud and dirt are not shed as well, which may make clipping somewhat difficult when weather conditions are bad.

Ritchey MTB pedals

Ritchey MTB pedals have a low weight to ensure that you don't carry a gram too many on your climbs. They also have a high-quality finish, which gives them a luxurious appearance. Another advantage of Ritchey pedals is that the spring tension is adjustable to let you determine how much force it takes to clip out. Like Shimano and Look, Ritchey also uses the SPD pedal system. You can therefore also use these pedals with the widely available Shimano cleats.

A disadvantage of these mountain bike pedals is the less effective sealing of the bearings. This means that your pedals require a little more maintenance.

Time MTB pedals

Time MTB pedals are very lightweight and have a long lifespan. A major advantage compared to other brands is that mud and dirt are shed very well. Clipping in will therefore almost always be easy. Your feet have a lot of freedom of movement with Time pedals, which makes it easy to place them in your preferred position. This helps to prevent knee problems. Time mountain bike pedals also allow you to turn the cleats around in order to create more float.

A disadvantage of the amount of float on these pedals is that you feel less tightly clipped in. Another disadvantage of Time MTB pedals is that the spring tension is not adjustable in the lower-end models.

Crankbrothers MTB pedals

Crankbrothers MTB pedals are very lightweight. Thanks to the large openings in the pedals, dirt and mud do not build up at all. Another big advantage of Crankbrothers MTB pedals is that you can clip in from four sides, making it extremely easy to clip in! In addition, thanks to the included shims, you can easily match your shoe with the pedal.

A disadvantage of these mountain bike pedals is that they require more maintenance. You will have to grease the axles regularly. The contact area is also relatively small, which means that your feet might get sore sooner. The pedals can also grind into the soles of your (carbon) MTB shoes. We recommend Shoe Shields to prevent this.

Clipless pedals for your MTB: with or without a cage?

In addition, you have to choose between MTB pedals with a cage or without one. An advantage of pedals with a cage is that the cage offers protection when you bump into rocks or stones, which also makes your pedals much more durable. Disadvantages of a cage are that the pedal is more likely to get in the way and that your pedals are heavier. MTB pedals without a cage are much lighter and easier to clip into.

Clipless pedals with a cage

Mountain bike pedals for different levels

Mountain bike pedals are available in different price categories. While there are flat pedals for less than 20 pounds, the most expensive clipless pedals for MTB can cost as much as 300 pounds. MTB pedals from a higher price range often have better sealed and smoother bearings. Thus, you lose less power and they last longer. Cheaper mountain bike pedals are robust and easy to use but are heavier than the more expensive versions. At the end of the day, your choice depends on what you require from your new pedals.