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We've tested dozens of flat pedals and clip-in bike pedals over the last decade to discover these 10 best options from OneUp, Shimano, Wolf Tooth and more
Credit: Zach Lovell
By Joshua Hutchens ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Updated May 14, 2026
The ideal mountain bike pedal improves your efficiency on the climbs while keeping you securely connected to the bike on the descents. It should be a silent, dependable partner that maximizes your power output without ever making you think about your feet.
If you prefer flat pedals, we recommend the Wolf Tooth Waveform. We love its top-scoring grip and support, which keep a variety of bike shoes from slipping off, whether going up or down the trail.
If you are looking for pedals you clip into, the OneUp Clip Pedals are the best clipless pedals we have used (there is a weird name history here, but “clipless” refers to the kind you clip into). They have excellent adjustability and lateral stability, making them the ultimate companion for trails of all shapes and sizes.
Over the last decade, we've tested over 100 models of bike pedals across the US and the World. From the Whistler Bike Park in British Columbia to the sandstone slabs of Moab, Utah, we continually refine and deepen our testing process with each and every pedal.
Best Application: Cross country to bike park | Platform Size: Medium/Large
REASONS TO BUY
Platform offers incredible support
Top-scoring grip
Minimal weight
Parts are interchangeable
REASONS TO AVOID
Harder on the wallet
Who it is best for: The Wolf Tooth Waveform is a great choice for riders who want a dependable flat pedal that works across a wide range of terrain, from cross-country trails to bike park laps. It's especially well-suited for riders who value a secure, planted feel underfoot but still want the ability to reposition their feet easily when needed. With two size options, it also caters well to riders seeking a better fit based on foot size rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Why we love it: What really stands out is how natural these pedals feel on the trail. The dual-concave shape cradles your outsole more securely than many others. One tester summed it up perfectly, “I didn't have to work too hard to get my foot on the platform, even in more technical terrain.” The 11 bottom-load pins deliver a strong, consistent grip with a variety of shoes, keeping your feet locked in without feeling overly restrictive. At the same time, it's still easy to adjust your foot position when needed, which is a rarity with some flats. The pedal spins smoothly thanks to fully sealed cartridge bearings, and another reviewer noted, “I liked that the pedal stayed put when I took my foot off, it never spun away from me.” Small details like tapered edges help reduce rock strikes, and overall durability is at the front of the pack.
Should you buy it? You should consider buying the Waveform if you want a high-performance flat pedal that balances grip, control, and longevity. While the price is on the higher side, the ability to fully rebuild the pedal and replace parts adds real value over time. If you're after a pedal that feels dialed right out of the box and stays that way with minimal fuss, this one is a strong contender.
Best Application: Trail riding | Platform Size: Large
REASONS TO BUY
Profile incredible low
Tension and pins are adjustable
Platform is impressively stable
Dependable interface between the shoe/pedal
REASONS TO AVOID
Clipping in requires more push
Who it is best for: The OneUp Clip pedal is best suited for aggressive trail, enduro, and downhill riders who want the security of a clipless system without giving up the planted feel of a platform pedal. Riders who like to fine-tune their setup will also appreciate the high amount of adjustability. “The OneUp is also a great option for those who ride technical terrain and want a lower-profile pedal that's less likely to catch on rocks or roots,” one of our main bike reviewers shared.
Why we love it: What makes this pedal stand out is its lower-profile construction paired with greater adjustability. The large 90 x 80mm platform provides a stable base, while the ultra-low 14.4mm stack height creates a more “in-the-bike” feel that boosts control. Adjustable traction pins let you dial in grip exactly how you like it, even while clipped in. The binding system offers a wider range of tension adjustment than most of the competition, and the visual indicators make setup quick and consistent. On the trail, the open design sheds mud well, and the stainless binding keeps entry and exit feeling smooth and predictable.
Should you buy it? You should consider buying the OneUp Clip if you want a lightweight, highly adjustable pedal that blends the best qualities of flat and clipless designs. At 414 grams, it's lighter than many comparable options, yet still feels solid underfoot. The use of standard SPD cleats keeps things familiar, while the added stability and customization give it an edge in performance. “If you're looking to upgrade your pedals for more control and confidence on demanding terrain, this is an easy recommendation,” our pedals lead concluded.
Best Application: Trail riding | Platform Size: Medium
REASONS TO BUY
Friendly on the wallet
Great versatility
Easy to get in and out of
Adjustable release tension
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the lightest
Mud sticks to paint
Who it is best for: The Shimano ME700 is best suited for riders getting into clipless pedals or those who want a reliable option without breaking the bank. It works well for trail riders who appreciate a bit of platform support around the cleat, especially when riding technical sections or getting in and out of the saddle. Many clipless models have a slightly steeper learning curve. Still, the ME700 was friendlier for new clipless mountain bikers, and it even boasts greater versatility than some of the more expensive competition.
Why we love it: What we like most is how straightforward and dependable the performance is. The SPD binding system has been around for years and continues to deliver smooth, consistent engagement with a wide range of tension adjustments. The mid-size platform also adds a bit of stability and helps guide your foot into place when clipping in. One tester noted, “I never had to think about clipping in; it was always smooth and predictable.” While the painted finish can show wear over time and hold onto mud more than higher-end options, the overall construction of the ME700 still feels tough and trustworthy for regular use.
Should you buy it? You should consider buying the ME700 if you want a dependable, no-fuss clipless pedal at a reasonable price. It may be a bit heavier than more performance-focused options, but it delivers where it counts, boasting consistent reliability for bike shuttles, cross-country rides, and laps at the bike park. For riders who value function, durability, and affordability over premium finishes or weight savings, this is an easy choice. “Many of the less expensive models have some clear-cut tradeoffs,” one tester commented, “but the ME700 lands way above its price point in on-trail performance.”
This budget model offers an affordable alternative for shoppers needing a less expensive option for their first pair of clipless pedals. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Ideal Terrain: General trail riding | Platform size: Medium
REASONS TO BUY
Great price point
Long-lasting construction
Platform is stable
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn't have as many traction pins
Who it is best for: The Race Face Chester is best suited to riders on a budget who still want a reliable, well-rounded flat pedal. It's a great option for beginners, casual trail riders, or anyone putting together their bike setup on a thinner wallet. Riders who prefer a bit of foot mobility rather than a fully locked-in feel will also appreciate how these pedals perform on the trail.
Why we love it: What makes the Chester stand out is how much performance it delivers for the price. The nylon composite platform keeps weight low at 358 grams while still feeling durable enough for regular use. Its moderate size provides a stable base for most riders, and the sloped leading edges help reduce pedal strikes on rocky terrain. The replaceable pins offer a solid grip when your foot is positioned well, and maintenance is simple. As one tester put it, “I found removing and replacing pins was easy.” The pedals also come in a wide range of colors, giving them a clean, classic look that works on almost any bike.
Should you buy it? You should consider buying the Chester if you want an affordable pedal that covers the basics without cutting corners where it matters most. While the grip isn't as aggressive as higher-end options and can feel less secure in wet conditions, it strikes a nice balance between traction and adjustability. For riders who want dependable performance at a low cost, this pedal remains a popular and practical choice.
Ideal Terrain: Trail riding, touring and commuting | Platform Size: Medium
REASONS TO BUY
Both a flat and a clipless pedal
Platform is stable and grippy
Adjustability in the release tension
Fairly inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the highest scoring clipless
Not the easiest to switch between pedal modes
Who it is best for: The Xpedo Ambix is best for riders who regularly switch between clipping in and riding on flats and want a single setup that spares them from changing pedals. It suits clipless riders who occasionally want to back off in risky terrain and flat-pedal riders who want more efficiency on the climbs. As one reviewer put it, “I love that I can run my usual clipless shoes and still have the freedom of a flat when I need it.”
Why we love it: We love that this pedal combines a stable, grippy flat platform on one side with a lightweight, efficient mid-cage clipless mechanism on the other, without compromising too much performance. The 6061 aluminum body, Chromoly axles, and three sealed cartridge bearings give it a quality, performance-focused feel, while the adjustable retention and 6 degrees of float keep clipping in and out smooth and predictable. The flat side's eight well-placed, adjustable pins add confident traction. As one tester noted, “I love that these pedals perform well in their own respective categories: the flat side is grippy while the clipless side still offers many of the same features as the clipless competition.”
Should you buy it? You should consider buying this pedal if you want to streamline your pedal quiver: this option effectively is two pedals in one. It does a notably good job in both roles, though it can be a bit harder to attach to the clipless side quickly. If you can live with that small learning curve, this is a compelling choice for riders who refuse to be boxed into clipless or flats.
Ideal Terrain: Trail, enduro, gravity riding | Platform Size: Large
REASONS TO BUY
Very stable platform
Top marks in power transfer
More affordable than many
REASONS TO AVOID
On the heavier side
Longer tooth
Who it is best for: If you care more about downhill performance and stability over shaving grams, the Shimano Saint M820 might be the right fit for you. It suits trail, enduro, and gravity riders who want a massive, confidence-inspiring platform underfoot, especially those who spend a lot of time shuttling and riding lifts. As one reviewer said, “I feel substantially more secure on rough descents with the M820 on my bike.”
Why we love it: This brick-shaped, fixed-mechanism clipless platform pedal provides a huge, stable base with four traction pins on each side to lock your feet in. The forged body feels burly and well-suited to the harsh demands of gravity-focused riding, and the large platform makes engagement quick and provides excellent lateral support. “I really appreciate how the big platform keeps my feet in control of the bike, even when things get rowdy,” noted one tester.
Should you buy it? You should consider buying the M820 if your priority is downhill confidence and stability. Its enormous platform and tank-like construction have kept it popular on pro gravity bikes for years, though the size and heft can contribute to more pedal strikes in particularly rough terrain. If your riding involves lots of shuttle or lift laps and you want a secure, supportive clipless platform, the weight of the M820 won't even make much of an impact on your riding.
Ideal Terrain: Downhill/gravity riding | Platform Size: Large and concave
REASONS TO BUY
Platform is large and concave
Incredibly grippy
28 traction screws per pedal
REASONS TO AVOID
Harder on the bank account
Can bang shin on the pedals
Not the lightest weight
Who it is best for: If you're a downhill-focused rider who likes flat pedals, the Deity TMAC is worth a closer look. It's best for riders who are less concerned about weight, with a large confidence-inspiring platform that offers serious grip rather than trimming grams. The concave T6 aluminum body and 14 pins per side make it ideal for aggressive trail, enduro, and freeride riders who prioritize stability and control over low weight or maximum foot mobility. As one reviewer put it, “I feel like my feet are welded to the pedals when I'm charging downhill.”
Why we love it: We love that the Deity TMAC combines a big, concave platform with 28 grub screws per pedal to deliver incredible grip and a locked-in feel. The rugged, symmetrical design developed with Tyler McCaul is built to withstand tough conditions and keeps your feet planted on both climbs and descents. “My feet rarely fell off these pedals, no matter how bumpy the ride got,” one of our pedal experts commented.
Should you buy it? If you value grip, support, and durability more than weight savings or easy foot repositioning, the Deity TMAC is worth putting on your finals list. It's on the pricier side, and the thicker, heavier platform can be more prone to pedal strikes, especially in very rough terrain. However, if you want a burly, stylish pedal with standout grip and a large, concave platform, the TMAC is a strong choice. Make sure you keep in mind that these pedals can be painful on your shins if your feet ever slip off.
Ideal Terrain: Cross country and trail riding | Platform Size: Medium
REASONS TO BUY
Lighter than most
Mud shedding
Can adjust many aspects
Great shoe/pedal interface
REASONS TO AVOID
Grittier float
Who it is best for: The HT Components T2 is best for bikers wanting a lightweight, low-profile clipless option that still offers stability and confidence underfoot. The T2 suits trail and enduro riders who care about a solid shoe-to-pedal interface but still want something light enough for lengthy cross-country rides. One tester summarized, “I felt like I was getting XC weight with trustworthy support on the downhills.”
Why we love it: What makes the T2 appealing is how many performance boxes it checks while still keeping weight down. The wide platform, evenly spaced pins, and highly adjustable mechanism makes clipping in quick and secure, with a very low stack height that keeps you feeling connected to the bike. It sheds mud efficiently, and the two cleat options let you choose between 4 or 8 degrees of float; as one reviewer noted, “I liked being able to fine-tune the float to match how 'locked in' I wanted to feel.”
Should you buy it? You should consider buying the T2 if you want a lightweight model that's still tough, versatile, and has an excellent on-trail feel. The platform is supportive, and the construction is high quality, though the float can feel a little gritty compared to the absolute smoothest systems. If you like the idea of a sleek, adjustable pedal that sheds mud well and offers a dialed shoe/pedal interface, this one deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Ideal Terrain: All day trail riding and XC | Platform Size: Medium
REASONS TO BUY
A trustworthy platform
Leader in durability
Higher value than most
REASONS TO AVOID
Less ideal shoe/pedal interface
Who it is best for: This pedal is best for riders who want one clipless setup that can handle almost everything thrown at it. The M8120 XT works well for enduro racers, all-day trail riders, and hardcore XC riders who want a solid platform underfoot without sacrificing reliable entry and release. As one tester put it, “I can run these on almost any bike in the garage, from a hardtail to a squishy full suspension mountain bike.”
Why we love it: What makes the M8120 XT so appealing is how it blends stability, durability, and versatility. Shimano slimmed the profile and enlarged the platform compared to the previous version, creating more shoe-to-pedal contact and a slightly more planted feel while keeping the classic, predictable SPD engagement. “I like that I can pedal long climbs, hit rough descents, and still trust the same pair of pedals for everything from weekday trail rides to enduro races,” one reviewer noted.
Should you buy it? You should consider buying the M8120 XT if you want a good-value pedal with a solid platform and proven longevity, and you are not obsessed with having the lightest setup. The oversized hex locknut can protrude above the pedal body, which can slightly interfere with the shoe/pedal interface. The latest version is a touch heavier than the previous one, but these are relatively minor complaints. The M8120 is a reliable workhorse pedal that delivers stable support and top-scoring versatility, working well across different bikes and ride flavors.
Ideal Terrain: Everyday Trail | Platform Size: Medium
Who it is best for: The Fooker Nylon Fiber is among the least expensive pedals we've yet tested. It's a good fit for riders who want a lightweight flat pedal with enough grip and mobility for everyday trail use, though it isn't the most robust. It works best for riders with small to medium-sized feet who value an easy-to-move foot position rather than a particularly locked-in feel. One tester summed it up: “I felt like I had enough traction to stay in control but could still adjust my feet without too much fight.”
Why we love it: What stands out about this pedal is how much performance it delivers despite the bargain price. Grip and traction are above average thanks to the 16 hex-threaded pins and a slightly concave, mid-sized platform, and its 370-gram weight keeps things feeling light without feeling flimsy. “I was honestly surprised at how smooth and easy foot adjustments felt at this price point,” one reviewer noted, pointing to the three sealed bearings that help give it fluid mobility.
Should you buy it? You should consider buying the Fooker Nylon Fiber if you are on a tight budget but still want a pedal that rides well. It is not ideal for larger feet, and some of the inner components, especially the axle and protective cap, feel a bit lower in finish and quality than more premium pedals. If you can accept those compromises, this model offers impressive bang for your buck and is a solid choice for riders looking to upgrade from stock flats without spending too much.
These pedals offer tremendous value for shoppers needing a pair of flats for the lowest price possible. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Why Trust GearLab
Since 2016, we have tested over 36 models, rigorously vetting new releases and updated classics. To determine our top picks, we subject each pair to 30+ hours of head-to-head riding across diverse terrain—from the dusty Sierra to the muddy Pacific Northwest. We evaluate every pedal on critical metrics, including power transfer, grip, mobility, and mud-shedding performance.
We are meticulous about our bike pedal testing, performing thorough side-by-side examination across multiple bike seasons. We emphasize on-trial testing to make our reviews as useful as possible.
At the helm of our pedal reviews is Joshua Hutchens, who is among the most experienced bike gear experts in the industry. Joshua has been a bike shop owner, a biking guide, and, once upon a time, a professional mountain biker. He's a true “biking lifer” who also enjoys road cycling, e-bike commutes, and gravel slogs.
Joshua is also joined by Tara Reddinger-Adams, who is a professional bike coach, mechanic, and guide. Tara even owns a bike-guiding business in the Lake Tahoe area. Tasha Thomas is another key member of the review team, and began professionally riding in 2014 in downhill and enduro racing.
Our crew is made up of obsessive mountain bikers who've logged years and years on the bike saddle, thoroughly testing every bike pedal in real-world applications.
Our team also includes bike experts Sean Cronin,Pat Donahue, and Zach Lovell. Sean has been racing bikes since he was 6 years old, and Pat Donahue used to be the head of GearLab's bike department, while he is now a full-time bike shop owner. Zach has been product testing for over a decade and has been mountain biking for over 20 years. Zach leads our full-face and half-shell bike helmet reviews within the bike department.
How to Pick the Best Mountain Bike Pedals for You
Bike pedals can be a surprisingly complex piece of bike gear, but there are a few key considerations that'll help you find the right pair of pedals for you and your bike. Keep reading to learn some 101 basics and some crucial aspects to keep in mind as you shop.
Pedal Types 101
It's extremely important first to understand the difference between flat and clipless bike pedals. Until around 1890, nearly all bike pedals were simple flat platforms—place your foot on them and start pedaling. Today's flat mountain bike pedals are more refined, but the core idea hasn't changed: place your foot on the pedal and ride. A good pair of mountain bike flats typically features several traction pins on the platform to help lock your feet in place during uphill climbs or bumpier descents.
Flat mountain bike pedals are often more intuitive to newer bikers: put your feet on the pedals and ride. Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
Clipless bike pedals, despite their name, require one to click into them using bike shoes with cleats in the outsole. Why is it called clipless then? Through most of the 1900s, cyclists used straps and toe cages to latch their feet to the pedals; these were called clips. They weren't the best option, since they didn't always release in a crash, and on long uphills, one's feet occasionally slipped out of them. In the 1980s, an early version of today's clipless pedals became popular in Europe, and the world transitioned away from clips. Clipless pedals can release, and you can often even adjust the tension of that attachment, much like a ski binding.
While there are several sub-classes of clipless pedals, they all function with a bike shoe cleat clicking into the pedal, attaching the rider to the bike. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Flats Versus Clipless
While it ultimately depends on personal preference, there are a few main pros and cons to using flats or clipless bike pedals. Flats have a much friendlier learning curve for new bikers, and if you tip over on a trail, it's easy to reach out a foot to catch yourself. Most kids learn how to ride their first bike on flat pedals, and it can be nice to keep one's pedal system simple as you transition into mountain biking, regardless of age. If your feet do slide off the pedals, however, the sharp traction pins are notorious for digging into your shins.
Flat, or platform, bike pedals are simple, though the traction pins can be unforgiving if your feet flip off. Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
Clipless pedals require you to rotate out of the pedal to detach, which can result in crashes where you're still attached to the bike. While the learning curve is sharper, most bikers develop a second-nature movement of twisting out of their pedals when they need to get off their bike in a hurry. Flats aren't as efficient uphill as clipless pedals, and many experienced riders find clipless pedals offer better control and feel on the downhill. Many avid mountain bikers prefer clipless pedals, including the majority of our bike gear testers here at GearLab, but even amongst our team, we have one or two bike experts who prefer flats.
A clipless pedal offers great attachment, but you'll need to learn how to rotate out of the pedal if needing to hop off your bike. Credit: joshua hutchens
Key Attributes for a Good Bike Pedal
While it can be overwhelming to look at a manufacturer's list of pedal attributes, the primary things to consider include: platform size and shape, grip/retention, power transfer, and durability.
Platform Size and Shape
Larger platforms, whether with flats or clipless pedals, offer more stability for the rider. This is often most noticeable on the downhill, when riding in a crouched, unseated position, though uphill pushes can also be improved with a more stable pedal stroke. Flat bike pedals benefit immensely from a larger platform with a shape that increases surface area, since it can improve the shoe-to-pedal connection. The trade-off for a larger pedal is weight, as more material generally makes a heavier bike pedal.
A larger platform, whether using clipless or flats, typically offers more stability. Credit: Zach Lovell
Grip and Foot Retention
Flats rely on pins for grip, and the length of your pedal pins can be adjusted. Surface area, the number of pins, and bike shoe rubber all play a role in keeping the flat-pedal biker attached. The clipless models use a cleat-and-spring-loaded mechanism for attachment. Float means the amount of clipless wiggle room you have once attached, and is typically measured in degrees. Most clipless pedals also offer an adjustable release, so you can fine-tune how much force is required to detach from the pedal.
Longer traction pins increase grip, and sometimes these are even found on clipless models as well. Credit: Zach Lovell
Durability
Pedals are likely to strike dirt, rocks, gravel, and logs over the course of their life. If you're a frequent rider, having a longer-lasting pedal might be a worthwhile consideration. Alternatively, a lighter-weight pedal can improve uphill and cross-country bike times, but there is often a trade-off in durability, and sometimes fewer features.
Thicker or larger pedals are typically more durable, but they also weigh more. Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
You'll inevitably, at some point, run into mud in your mountain biking career, and some pedals perform better than others in such environments. Flat pedals can often shed mud quite easily, while clipless pedals offer more varied capabilities.
Mud shedding can be a crucial attribute in a mountain bike pedal, and some clipless pedals perform better than others in such situations. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
We generally suggest gravity-oriented bikers to lean more towards a durable pedal, where bike weight isn't as crucial, but bike park laps can be hard on equipment. Alternatively, we'd steer one towards a lighter-weight pedal for more cross-country riding, where weight plays a larger role.
Durability is often a huge consideration when shopping for a pair of bike pedals, though for more infrequent riders, it might not be as high a priority. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Conclusion
After extensive trail time and thorough side-by-side testing, we've identified pedals that stand out across a wide range of uses. Whether you prefer the freedom of flats or the efficiency of clipless systems, the right setup can enhance control, comfort, and confidence on every ride. With today's broad selection, it's easier than ever to find a model that fits your bike, your budget, and your riding style. From bike park laps to long, grueling cross-country efforts, there's a pedal built to match your needs.
—Joshua Hutchens, Zach Lovell, Tasha Thomas, and Pat Donahue
