Best Mountain Bike Pedals, Flat and Clipless (2026)
Eight proven MTB pedals, how flats and clipless pedals compare and what to look for in platform size, pins, cleats and float.
Why Pedals Matter on the Trail
Pedals are one of your three contact points with the bike, so they affect grip, control and comfort as much as tires or grips. The big choice is flat or clipless. Flat pedals use pins to grip your shoes and let you step off in an instant. Clipless pedals lock a cleat on your shoe to the pedal for efficient, connected pedaling. Below are eight proven pedals from both camps.
Crankbrothers Stamp
Best flat pedal
- Offered in size-specific platforms
- Adjustable pins
- Popular trail flat
Shimano XT PD-M8120
Best clipless trail pedal
- SPD clipless with a supportive platform
- Trail and enduro focused
- Shimano reliability
Shimano PD-M520
Best budget clipless pedal
- Dual-sided SPD
- Cleats included
- Proven and affordable
Mountain Bike Pedals Compared
| Pedal | Type | Cleat System | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crankbrothers Stamp | Flat | None | Trail, all riders |
| OneUp Components Aluminum | Flat | None | Thin, grippy trail pedal |
| Race Face Chester | Flat (composite) | None | Budget, beginners |
| Shimano XT PD-M8120 | Clipless with platform | Shimano SPD | Trail and enduro |
| Shimano PD-M520 | Clipless | Shimano SPD | Budget, XC, commuting |
| Crankbrothers Mallet | Clipless with platform | Crankbrothers | Enduro, downhill |
| Crankbrothers Candy | Clipless with small platform | Crankbrothers | XC, trail, gravel |
| Crankbrothers Eggbeater | Clipless, minimal | Crankbrothers | XC, mud |
The Best Flat Pedals
1. Crankbrothers Stamp
The Stamp is one of the most popular flat pedals. Crankbrothers offers it in size-specific platforms so bigger feet get a bigger pedal, and the adjustable pins let you tune grip. It's a dependable choice for trail riding and jumping.
Good to Know
- Sized platforms
- Adjustable pins
- Grippy and stable
Watch Out For
- Choose the right platform size for your shoes
2. OneUp Components Aluminum
OneUp's aluminum flat is known for its thin profile and grippy pins. A thinner pedal sits your foot closer to the axle, which many riders find more stable and less likely to strike rocks.
Check Price on Amazon3. Race Face Chester
The Chester is a composite flat pedal that's affordable and tough. Composite pedals slide off rocks rather than catching, and they're a popular first upgrade from stock plastic pedals.
Check Price on AmazonThe Best Clipless Pedals
4. Shimano XT PD-M8120
The XT M8120 is Shimano's trail and enduro SPD pedal, with a supportive platform around the clip mechanism. The platform adds stability on rough descents and makes it easier to pedal before you clip in. Shimano's SPD system is known for reliable, predictable engagement.
Good to Know
- Supportive platform
- Reliable SPD system
- Adjustable release tension
Watch Out For
- Heavier than minimal XC pedals
5. Shimano PD-M520
The M520 is a long-running, affordable dual-sided SPD pedal that comes with cleats. It's a great first clipless pedal and popular for commuting and gravel riding too.
Check Price on Amazon6. Crankbrothers Mallet
The Mallet combines Crankbrothers' four-sided clip mechanism with a large platform and pins, aimed at enduro and downhill riders who want flat-pedal stability while clipped in.
Check Price on Amazon7. Crankbrothers Candy
The Candy adds a small platform to Crankbrothers' four-sided mechanism, making it a light, versatile pedal for XC, trail and gravel riding.
Check Price on Amazon8. Crankbrothers Eggbeater
The Eggbeater is a minimal, lightweight clipless pedal with four entry sides and an open design that sheds mud well. It's a favorite of cross-country and cyclocross racers.
Check Price on AmazonFlat vs Clipless
| Flat Pedals | Clipless Pedals | |
|---|---|---|
| Getting off quickly | Instant | Needs a heel twist |
| Pedaling efficiency | Good | Excellent |
| Learning curve | Easy | Takes practice |
| Shoes | Flat-pedal shoes recommended | Clipless shoes with cleats required |
| Best for | Beginners, jumps, technical trails | XC, long climbs, racing |
How to Choose Mountain Bike Pedals
Platform Size and Thickness
A bigger platform supports your foot better; match it to your shoe size. Thinner pedals feel more stable and clear rocks more easily.
Pins (Flats)
Replaceable, adjustable pins let you fine-tune grip and replace bent ones. Longer pins grip more but can hurt your shins in a slip.
Cleat System and Float (Clipless)
Shimano SPD and Crankbrothers use different cleats. SPD offers adjustable release tension; Crankbrothers offers four entry sides and good mud clearance. Float and release angle affect knee comfort.
Material and Bearings
Aluminum is strong and thin; composite is cheaper and slides off rocks. Look for sealed bearings and available rebuild kits.
Pedal Tips
- Use pedal grease on the threads when installing; the left pedal is reverse-threaded.
- Practice clipping in and out on grass before hitting trails.
- Start with low release tension on new clipless pedals.
- Pair flats with sticky-soled shoes; see mountain bike shoes.
Upgrading more? See tires, grips and helmets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are flat or clipless pedals better for mountain biking?
Neither is better for everyone. Flats let you put a foot down instantly and build good technique, which suits beginners, jumping and technical riding. Clipless pedals keep your feet attached for efficient pedaling and control on rough ground, which many XC and trail riders prefer.
Do I need special shoes for flat pedals?
Any shoes work, but flat-pedal shoes with soft, sticky rubber soles grip the pins far better than sneakers. See our guide to mountain bike shoes.
What is the difference between SPD and Crankbrothers cleats?
Shimano SPD and Crankbrothers pedals use different 2-bolt cleats that aren't interchangeable. Both fit standard 2-bolt mountain bike shoes, so you just need the cleats that match your pedals.
What is float on clipless pedals?
Float is how far your heel can rotate before the cleat releases. More float can be easier on your knees; less float feels more locked-in.
Are composite flat pedals any good?
Yes. Composite (nylon) flats are cheaper and lighter on the wallet, and they slide off rocks more easily. Aluminum flats are thinner and more durable but cost more.