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We tested mountain bike pedals from top brands like Shimano, Crankbrothers, Wolf Tooth, OneUp, and more to discover the best
Rest assured, we were sure to test some less-popular pedals.
Credit: joshua hutchens
By Joshua Hutchens ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Updated May 5, 2026
Pedals are two of the five contact points you have with our bike and can drastically affect your performance and confidence while you ride.
For the past ten years, we've bought and tested dozens of pairs of clipless pedals, running them through our rigorous gauntlet of testing. Our team of fanatical mountain bikers is obsessed with pedal performance. We weigh, measure, and evaluate the designs before spinning them onto our cranks and spending months smashing them over rocks and riding the hard lines.
Of these 20 sets of pedals, the recent OneUp Clip Pedal is our favorite. It combines flat pedal stability with the accuracy of an SPD. If you're reluctant to stray from the norm, the venerable XT M8120 is a solid choice that won't let you down. Despite lacking pins, this pedal has a nice platform and reliable performance.
If “pedal performance” is a foreign term and you just want a good clipless pedal at a great price, the Shimano ME700 is about as reliable and inexpensive as they come.
The OneUp Clip is an ultra-low-profile, mid-cage clipless pedal with more adjustability than an SPD. The 90 x 80mm platform feels substantial, and the adjustable traction pins let you customize the pedal's feel and grip. This pedal sweats the details and provides a performance advantage for aggressive riders.
Testers loved the 14.4mm stack height that gives you a “deeper in the cockpit” feel with less chance of snagging a rock or root along the trail. Adjustable release tension is standard, but OneUp gives you a higher range of adjustability, and visual indicators allow you to see your settings and quickly equalize them. Hollow grub pins can be adjusted from both sides of the pedal, allowing you to fine-tune their height with your shoe engaged.
The Clip pedal's low binding gives the pedal body ample interface with your sole, enhancing lateral stability and control. Since pedals provide two of your five contact points with the bike, the increase in contact gives you a more confident and connected feel like a flat pedal. We applaud the use of standard SPD cleats that provide 5 degrees of float and a 12-degree release angle. A relatively wide-open pedal body and stainless binding help the pedals shed mud and give a consistent entry feel.
The Clips weighed 414 grams with pins installed, making them lighter than Saint, Mallet DH, and even XT-8120 pedals. Available in eight colors, the Clips are our favorite new pedals.
The Shimano XTR M9200 pedals are a traditional SPD-style clipless pedal with some impressive tech hiding inside. Most trail riders have moved to pedals with a bit more platform, while XC and gravel riders can find that stability in the soles of their shoes. The 71 x 67mm platform feels adequate, but it's really only the axle casing that interfaces with your shoe. By making the center of the pedal slightly wider, Shimano gives you more stability out of the minimalist design.
The updates from the past generation are mild and in some ways underwhelming, but riding the pedal, you can feel the enhanced stability and almost legendary “ice-cube float”. Getting in and out of the binding couldn't be easier, and Shimano retains the simple adjustable release tension that has given these pedals their reputation for being so user-friendly.
The stack height is just over 17mm, so you're not sitting as deep into your bike as you could with some of the thinner pedals, but their svelte, compact shape helps to keep them off the rocks. A new multi-release cleat is available that allows you to unclip in multiple directions. It sounds a little scary, but the cleats seem to sense panic and release when needed without accidentally unclipping. The pedals come in two different spindle lengths to accommodate those wanting a narrower Q-factor. Ample space between the binding and the body helps the pedal clear mud, and even when our shoes were caked in peanut butter consistency clay, the float felt buttery smooth.
The HT T-2 is a delightful, low-profile, mid-cage clipless mountain bike pedal that our testers loved. This pedal is built tough enough for the rigors of enduro racing but is lightweight enough to consider for your XC or trail bike. Its wide platform, equally spaced grub pins, and adjustable clipless mechanism make for quick, solid engagement and predictable release. With a very low platform height, these pedals boast a sizeable surface area to rest your shoes, providing enhanced stability and control. They feature a minimalist engagement mechanism, allowing for efficient mud shedding and some lateral float. The pedals come with two sets of cleats; the X-1 cleats provide 4 degrees, and the X-1F cleats provide 8 degrees of lateral float to suit your preferences.
The T-2's CNC-machined Chromoly steel axles ride on precision stainless sealed bearings and IGUS bushings. The pedal bodies are extruded and CNC-machined from aluminum and come in an array of anodized colors, including stealth black, which has an anodized black clipless mechanism and spindle. These pedals feel like a reasonable value for the performance they provide. If you have more dollars and want fewer grams, you can upgrade to titanium axles and save 44 grams.
The Shimano ME700 is a reasonably priced entry-level small platform pedal. They look and perform similarly to the higher-end XT and XTR siblings but cost considerably less. This pedal replaces the tried-and-true M530 and features the same durable, adjustable, and proven Shimano SPD binding that Shimano has used for years. Clipping in and out of these pedals feels simple and consistent, with a wide range of release tension adjustments. The ME700 features a mid-size painted platform surrounding the clipless mechanism. The small platform helps to orient the pedal when clipping in and provides additional width for added lateral stability when you're up out of the saddle.
At 482 grams, our chief complaint about the ME700 is the gram count. Performance-oriented riders will likely prefer something a bit lighter. The pedal body features a painted finish, which is more prone to retaining mud and wears faster than the anodized finishes found on higher-end versions. Aside from that, there isn't much to dislike about these reasonably priced pedals.
Oversized fixing bolt interfaces with soles of shoes
The latest version of the XT Trail pedals, known as the M8120 XT, maintains the legendary durability the groupo is known for. They kept the previous version's dependable and predictable performance while slimming the pedal's profile and enlarging the overall platform. This resulted in more shoe-to-pedal contact and a bit more stability. With the tried-and-true SPD binding and cleats, entry and departure stay as predictable as ever. This pedal is excellent for anyone seeking consistent entry and release with a larger platform, from enduro racers to hardcore XC trail riders. While not cheap, the M8120 feels like a solid value when you consider the lifespan and performance of these pedals.
We liked most aspects of Shimano's new M8120 XT pedals, but one flaw was difficult to ignore. When tightened to the suggested torque specification, the hexagonal locknut by the spindle tended to protrude above the level of the pedal body. Consequently, there was some interference with the shoe/pedal interface. In addition, the new version is a touch heavier than the prior one. Aside from that, our love affair with the XT Trail pedals continues, particularly with the new version's improvements and updates. The bike test team at GearLab has several pairs that rotate through our test bikes, and we could only wish that other parts were as durable and reliable.
If you like to switch between clipping in and riding a flat pedal, we feel the Xpedo Ambix is the best dual-function pedal we tested. This model combines a full-featured, stable, and grippy flat pedal on one side with a lightweight and efficient mid-cage clipless pedal on the other. These versatile pedals are made with performance in mind, and the 6061 aluminum pedal body and Chromoly axles roll on three sealed cartridge bearings. Similar to a standard clip-in pedal, this pedal's clipless mechanism features a wide opening for easy entry and exit. The cleat retention force is adjustable, and the included XPC cleats allow for 6 degrees of float. The flat side of the pedal features eight evenly spaced and adjustable grub pins. If you're seeking clipless performance some of the time and want the option to ride a flat pedal other times, the Ambix does pretty well at both. Sometimes dual-purpose products are not great at either, but despite a 50% chance of getting the right side when you clip in, the Ambix operates quite well.
The pedal's platform size and pin placement work well with a clipless shoe and aren't too noticeable when pedaling on that side. We liked how you could ride either side of the pedal and forget it had another purpose. The Ambix fills a need for a pedal that can allow a clipless rider to back off from a risky scenario or add efficiency to a flat pedal rider's haul up the hill. Our only true complaint is that orienting the pedal when clipping back in with the mechanism on only one side of the pedal can be less user-friendly.
If you care more about your trail, enduro, or gravity bike's performance and stability than how much it weighs, you should check out the Saint M820. These gravity-focused pedals were stable and confidence-inspiring on the trail. The Saint is a brick-shaped, fixed mechanism, clipless platform pedal with four traction pins on each side. The forged pedal body is burly and appropriate for the rigors of gravity-focused riding. The platform is massive, helping you engage quickly and giving you a more secure, stable footing and excellent lateral support. We prefer the Shimano Saint M820 to its closest competitors in this test because they're slightly smaller, lighter, and have a lower profile height.
The Saint pedals are old; they've been unchanged for years. They're also really heavy with forged bodies, but their performance has kept them on the pros' bikes for all of these years. The enormous platform provides outstanding stability, but this may lead to more pedal strikes for riders who frequently navigate particularly rough terrain. They are the best choice for riders who frequent shuttles and lifts; they're ubiquitous in the gravity crowd for a good reason.
XC riders and those seeking the lightest-weight gear will appreciate the Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3 the most. At only 280 grams, they're the lightest-weight mountain bike pedals in our review. Named for their striking resemblance to an eggbeater, these unique, open-design models were the top performers in our mud-shedding test. They refuse to clog and allow entry on all four sides of the pedal. They also have a floaty feel that can take some getting used to, but may help alleviate knee strain for some users.
The Eggbeater 3 are the smallest pedals in the test, and we do not recommend them for beginners or those unfamiliar with clipless pedals. While not difficult to engage, the small cage requires skill and patience to line up your foot. They also have zero platform, so they should only be used with very rigid-soled shoes, and they don't offer the lateral stability found in other clipless pedals. If you really want to shed some grams, the Crank Brothers Egg Beater 11 weighs in at 179 grams per pair, but they'll cost you a pretty penny.
Even if you're not trying to fly, pedals need to be predictable. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Why Trust GearLab
Author and lead tester Joshua Hutchens is a mountain bike veteran who has held almost every job in the bike industry. From shop gopher to shop owner, bike guide to bike coach, Joshua has led cycling trips worldwide and competed in every discipline he has discovered. He rides as Lionel Richie sings, and he has a meticulous, analytical approach to testing.
We tested these mountain bike pedals in the Sierra Nevada mountains. We search out nasty, technical terrain, take the big lines, smash obstacles and ford streams, and occasionally stop for pictures. These aren't the pedals you want to buy second-hand once we're through with them. We carefully scrutinize their performance and rank them based on predetermined metrics. We evaluate them for ease of entry and exit, overall adjustability, weight, platform feel, and ability to shed mud. We fret over the results so you can kick back and read about it.
There is a lot resting on your pedals, literally. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Types of Pedals
Choosing your first set of pedals is a big milestone, but the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Before you dive into the specs, you have to choose your camp: free-moving flats or secure clipless pedals. If you've decided to go the “clipless” route (the ones you actually clip into!), we've rounded up the best of the best to help you find your perfect match.
Analysis and Test Results
Few things beat the high of “New Bike Day,” but here's a pro tip to keep that excitement from hitting a literal standstill: most new bikes don't actually come with pedals. It feels like a minor detail until you're staring at your dream machine in the garage and realize you can't actually ride it. To help you hit the trails the moment your bike arrives, here is how to handle your connection points.
What's the Best Value?
While we don't base our ratings on the price tag, we definitely appreciate a solid value when we see one! It's true that price and performance usually go hand in hand, but that isn't always the case. For instance, the Shimano ME700 and M520 are incredible bargains, coming in at roughly a third of the price of the high-scoring pedals at the top of our list. Even though the 520 is the cheaper of the two, its smaller platform can be a bit less user-friendly, which is why we think the ME700 is a better all-around option for most mountain bikers. Another standout value is the Shimano Deore XT M8120, which manages to score just behind the elite HT T-2 while typically selling for a whole lot less.
Worse Value
Better Value
We're passionate about pedals and how they affect your performance. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Ease of Exit
Ease of exit is just a fancy way of saying how easy it is to get your foot out of the pedal when you need to. If you can't unclip exactly when you want, it can lead to those classic, awkward “tipping over” moments that we'd all rather avoid. Because of that, we gave this category extra weight in our testing. After all, you aren't just unclipping at the end of the trail; you often need to throw a quick foot down to keep your balance in a loose corner or a tricky rock garden.
Generally speaking, the easiest pedals to get out of are the ones with the fewest obstacles in the way. Some of the newer models that skip the traction pins are a breeze to disengage because there's nothing for your shoe to snag on. On the other hand, pedals with lots of little grip pins and large cages can sometimes create extra hurdles when you're trying to free your foot in a hurry.
It's worth noting that some models can be a bit more of a workout to get out of because they have a lot of what we call “float.” Think of float as the amount of “wiggle room” or degrees you have to twist your heel before the pedal actually lets go. If that twist is too wide, your toe might actually bump into the crank arm before you're free, which is never a fun surprise! The XTR M9200 pedals are the absolute champions of the quick exit, and the M8120 XT is right there with its more expensive siblings. These Shimano options keep things simple and crisp with just four degrees of float and no pins to snag your shoe.
On the other hand, Crankbrothers offer a much wider 15° or 20° float, and their Mallet models include traction pins that add a bit more “stickiness” to the exit. Then you have the HT pedals, which are unique in that they offer lateral float, meaning your foot can move side to side. While some riders swear by this for saving their knees, we found that the release tension could feel a little inconsistent depending on how hard you're pushing forward. It wasn't the extra range of motion that made them a bit tougher to use—it was just that they didn't always feel the same every time you tried to step out.
Ease of Entry
This metric is all about how quickly and effortlessly you can snap your feet into place. It's a pretty big deal because the faster you're in, the sooner you can start pedaling and building momentum. Ideally, clipping in should be so seamless that you don't even have to think about it, leaving you free to focus on the trail ahead and, most importantly, keeping your rubber side down!
Models from Shimano and Xpedo are super straightforward in this department; they require very little effort and reward you with a really satisfying, audible “click” once you're in. That sound is a huge help because it's a clear signal that you're securely locked in and ready to roll. Crankbrothers pedals, on the other hand, don't always give you that same reliable confirmation. You'll often hear a dull or slightly vague sound when you engage, but it isn't always consistent. While most of the pedals in our lineup are relatively easy to get into, having that clear, confident feeling that you're definitely clipped in makes a world of difference when you're out on the dirt.
Mini-platform pedals are among the easiest to get into because the extra surface area really helps guide your feet right where they need to be. Just a quick nudge with your shoe flattens the pedal out perfectly, putting it in the prime spot to snap in. We gave our highest marks in this category to the HT T-2, Shimano XTR M9220, and Shimano XT M8120. In fact, the long body of the Shimano XTR M9220 felt almost magnetic, pulling the cleat right into place! While the large-bodied Crankbrothers Mallet E and HT D1 were super easy to find and orient underfoot, their grippy traction pins could occasionally catch on your shoe's sole, which sometimes made the actual clipping-in process feel a little more complicated than we'd like.
The large platform is a huge hit. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Adjustability
Adjustability refers to how much we can change the feel and function of each pedal. Some pedals allow us to adjust their release tension. Some allow for different degrees of float (that is, how much you can move your foot around or float side to side before the cleat releases). Others have adjustable pads or pins that interface with the shoe's sole, creating friction or helping to orient the pedal for engagement.
If you're the type of rider who loves to dial in your gear just right, you'll really appreciate the OneUp Clip pedal and the XPedo GFX. These are easily the most adjustable options we tested, giving you the freedom to tweak everything from release tension to traction pins until the pedals feel tailor-made to your style. On the other hand, some models don't offer much in the way of personalization. For example, Crankbrothers pedals don't allow you to adjust the release tension at all. While that's usually perfectly fine for the average rider, it's worth noting that beginners or lighter riders often feel a lot more confident if they can set a lighter tension for an easier exit. Likewise, if you're a heavier or more aggressive rider, being able to tighten things up can give you that extra peace of mind that you won't accidentally pop out of your pedals when you're really giving it your all.
The OneUp Clip pedals feature adjustable float, adjustable traction pins, and you can shim the cleat for additional clearance between the shoe and pedal. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Release Tension
One of the best ways to customize your ride is by tweaking the release tension, which is why it's so helpful that pedals from Shimano, OneUp, HT, and Xpedo let you dial in exactly how much effort it takes to unclip. By simply adjusting the spring tension that holds the cleat, you can make the exit as crisp or as easy as you need it to be. Crankbrothers pedals are at a bit of a disadvantage here, unfortunately, as their design doesn't offer a way to adjust that tension to fit your personal preference.
Float
Crankbrothers keeps things pretty flexible by offering standard cleats with 6 degrees of free float and a release angle of either 15 or 20 degrees, depending on how you decide to mount them. If you're the type of rider who wants to maximize every bit of pedaling efficiency, they even offer a zero-degree, no-float cleat to keep things extra stiff. Meanwhile, Xpedo cleats give you a solid 6 degrees of float, while Shimano keeps it a bit tighter at 4 degrees. A fantastic tip for beginners is that Shimano also makes a “multi-release” cleat; it lets you pop your foot out in almost any direction without changing your float, which can be a total lifesaver when you're still getting the hang of things. Finally, the HT T-2 is a bit of a standout because it actually includes two different sets of cleats right in the box, giving you the choice between 4 or 8 degrees of that side-to-side lateral float.
The length of the cleat channel compromises the mid-foot traction a bit, but the heel and toe give you the purchase you need off the bike. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Traction Pins and Pads
The traction pins on the HT T-2 and Look X-Track Plus are fully adjustable, which is a great feature for fine-tuning your ride. These pins provide extra traction when you aren't clipped in, and you can easily raise or lower them by threading them up or down. Lowering the pins makes the pedal feel a bit more relaxed and less aggressive, since they won't bite quite as hard into your shoe's sole. On the flip side, raising the pins helps them really dig in—which is awesome for shoes with soft rubber—but just keep in mind that all that extra grip can sometimes make it a little more of a puzzle to clip in or out smoothly. Notably, these pins are not intended for you to ride on while unclipped; instead, they aim to make the pedal easier to find and orient.
Amongst the most reliable of all bike parts we've used in the past 40 years. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Both the XT-M8120 and Mallet E pedals come with textured platforms that give your shoes a stable place to rest, along with built-in channels that help clear mud on messy rides. Many pedals also include thin 1mm cleat spacers that move the cleat slightly away from your shoe's sole, a clever way to reduce extra friction between the shoe and the pedal body. You can even change the whole feel of your Crankbrothers setup just by swapping which shoe your cleats are on. If you look closely, you'll see a tiny indentation on one of the cleats; if you mount that indented cleat on your right shoe, you'll have a 15-degree release angle, but if you put it on your left shoe instead, you'll get a wider 20-degree release angle.
Chromag Pilot pedals offer a bit more surface with a bit more weight. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Weight
Weight is definitely one of those things that matters more to some riders than others. If you're the type who lives for the descents and lets gravity do the heavy lifting, you probably won't mind a few extra ounces, especially if that extra weight translates to better performance or extra durability on the trail. On the flip side, the cross-country crowd and racers tend to be much more conscious of every gram, since pushing less weight means you can go faster and save your energy for the long haul. For the majority of riders, though, there are usually bigger fish to fry—performance and overall value tend to be much higher on the priority list than a tiny difference on the scale.
The heaviest pedal in our test is the DMR V-Twin at 610 grams, while the Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3 is the featherweight at just 280 grams. When you add in the weight of the cleats, that's a 351-gram gap—which is a pretty huge difference for two parts that basically do the same job! We found that the manufacturers' stated weights were usually right on the money, but whenever our scales tell a different story, we make sure to list our own observed weights instead. The HT T-2 is a real standout, weighing in at 380 grams for a high-performing pedal with a mid-sized cage. To put that in perspective, the Shimano XT M8120—another one of our top-rated mid-cage favorites—clocks in at 430 grams, making it nearly 60 grams heavier. As you might expect, price and weight often go hand in hand; for instance, the Shimano ME700 is much more budget-friendly than the XT-M8120, but it does weigh 52 grams more.
444 grams per pair before the installation of traction pins. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Mud Shedding Ability
We evaluated how well each pedal sheds mud and resists jamming in muddy conditions. The muddier the trail, the more likely you are to put a foot down. When this happens, mud gets transferred to your cleats and the pedal and may clog up the clipless mechanism. The best mud-shedding pedals have a mechanism that evacuates mud to allow engagement. Simple designs are often rewarded here.
The HT T-2, with its wide-open design, is well-built for the challenges of mud and sloppy conditions. The Shimano XTR M9200, with its machined platform, also did remarkably well when our soles and cleats got muddy.
Pedals like the Xpedo GFX and the Crankbrothers Double Shot 3, with lots of surface area, were notably worse on wet trails. Both accumulated mud as we rode.
The M9200 was a top performer in shedding mud. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Platform
We took a close look at how much a platform, that extra cage around the clipping mechanism, actually helps your performance, and it turns out there are some real pros and cons to having that extra surface area. If you're mostly spending your time in the saddle powering through miles with stiff-soled shoes on smoother trails, a platform might not do much for you. However, those platforms really start to shine when you hit more demanding terrain that requires you to move your body around or unclip more often. For example, pedals without platforms, like the Eggbeater 3, are fantastic for saving weight and shedding mud, but they don't offer much lateral support for your foot when things get rowdy.
Having a larger platform under your foot really boosts that feeling of stability and gives you much better control over the bike. Options like the Shimano Saint and HT T-2 offer nice, wide surfaces that are easy to catch with your foot and won't try to roll away from under your shoe. Similarly, the OneUp Clip Pedal and ME700 provide a really solid platform for great shoe-to-pedal contact, which improves lateral stability and gives you more leverage. Of course, there are a few trade-offs for that extra surface area—you're looking at a bit more weight, a higher chance of accidentally clipping a rock or root (the classic pedal strike), and more space for mud to pile up on those messy trail days.
The T2 pedals deserve our highest praise, excellent product from HT Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Durability
To see how tough these pedals really are, we didn't hold back—we bashed them against rocks and stumps and dragged them through everything from snow and rain to mud and sand. After several months of putting these competitors through the wringer with different bikes and riders, we did notice a few things worth sharing. While Shimano has a legendary reputation for pedals that last a decade or more, we were specifically impressed with the XTR M9200 and XTR M9220. Their seals seem much more durable than those of the older 9100/9120 models, which is a great sign for their longevity.
In our years of riding, we've found that brands like Crankbrothers, Time, and HT usually need a little TLC every year or two in the form of a rebuild. Luckily, they all sell easy-to-use kits for around $25, and the whole process only takes about an hour of your time. On the other hand, servicing the bearings in a Shimano pedal isn't something most riders ever have to worry about. We've had plenty of Shimano SPDs in our collection for years that haven't needed a single service, and we're really hoping this latest generation keeps that “set it and forget it” tradition alive!
When scoping out a line like this, you need to be able to trust your pedals and not second-guess the grip on your shoes. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
After countless miles on singletrack and high-fiving until our hands hurt, we compiled our notes and data to tabulate which pedals are best for which purposes and which are best left on the shelf. Whether you're crushing high alpine passes, counting ounces, or just looking for an affordable set to get you in the game, GearLab has you covered. We hope this review will guide you to pedals that not only mesh well with your shoes and bike but also suit your riding style. Happy trails!
