The 8 Best Mountain Bike Pedals

Our Picks of MTB Clipless Pedals

Best Overall Mountain Bike Pedal

OneUp Clip pedals

Weight: 414-grams | Profile Height: 14.5mm

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 14.5mm 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.

Read more: OneUp Clip Pedal review

Best XC / Gravel Pedal

Shimano XTR M9200

Weight: 320-grams | Profile Height: 17mm

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.

Read more: Shimano XTR M9200 review

An excellent lightweight option

HT Components T2

Weight: 380-grams | Profile Height: 17mm

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.

Read more: HT T-2 review

Best Bang for the Buck

Shimano ME700

Weight: 482-grams | Profile Height: 19mm

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 been using 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.

Read more: Shimano ME700 review

Another Great Trail Riding Pedal

Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD

Weight: 430-grams | Profile Height: 18mm

The latest version of the XT Trail pedals, known as the M8120 XT, maintain 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.

Read more: Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD review

Best Dual-Function Clipless and Flat Pedal

Xpedo Ambix

Weight: 384-grams | Profile Height: 19mm

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, the clipless mechanism on this pedal uses 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 good 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.

Read more: Xpedo Ambix review

Best for Enduro and Downhill Riding

Shimano Saint SPD M820

Weight: 550-grams | Profile Height: 19mm

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 yesrs. 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.

Read more: Shimano Saint M820 review

Best for Weight Savings

Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3

Weight: 280-grams | Profile Height: 21mm

XC riders and those seeking the lightest weight gear will appreciate the Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3 most. At only 280 grams, they're the lightest weight mountain bike pedal in our review. Named for their striking resemblance to an eggbeater, their unique, open design made them the top performer 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 is the smallest of the pedals tested, and we do not suggest them for beginners or those unfamiliar with clipless pedals. While not difficult to engage, the small cage requires skill and patience to get your foot lined up. 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 weigh in at 179 grams per pair but they'll cost you a pretty penny.

Read more: Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3 review

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 like Lionel Richie sings and has a meticulous and 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, ease of exit, overall adjustability, weight, platform feel, and how well they can shed mud. We fret over the results so you can kick back and read about it.

Types of Pedals

There is no shortage of things to consider when buying a pair of mountain bike pedals. There are many types of pedals for different styles of bikes and riding. You'll first need to decide whether to clip into clipless pedals or ride on flats. This review focuses on the full spectrum of clipless mountain bike pedals.

Analysis and Test Results

There are few things as exciting as buying a brand-new bike. New bikes, however, rarely come with pedals. Although a seemingly minor part of the bike, you can't ride without them. When considering a new bike purchase, we recommend thinking ahead and buying pedals in advance if you don't already own a set. It's also a great time to get some new shoes to optimize your connection to your new bike. Likewise, upgrading or replacing your old pedals can enhance your bike's performance and riding experience.

What's the Best Value?

We don't rate the products we test based on price, but we always appreciate a good value. Price and performance often go hand in hand, but that is not always the case. The Shimano ME700 and M520 are great values. They're roughly a third of the price of the pedals that score higher. The 520 is less expensive than the ME700, but it has a smaller platform and is less user-friendly. We feel the ME700 is a better all-around option for most mountain bikers. Another great value is the Shimano Deore XT M8120. It scores just behind the HT T-2 but typically sells for considerably less.

Ease of Exit

Ease of exit refers to how easy it is to unclip your foot from the pedal. If you cannot unclip when you want to, it can create an unsafe situation that may result in the rider falling over in awkward and sometimes dangerous ways. As such, we weighted this metric a bit heavier than others. Unclipping isn't something you do only at the end of the ride; technical sections and loose corners often call for a quick foot dab to maintain balance.

Generally speaking, the easiest pedals to exit are those with the least obstruction or interference. Some of the newer pedals without traction pins are easier to disengage because there's nothing for your shoe to hang up on when unclipping. Those with multiple grub pins and larger cages can create obstacles to freeing your foot.

Some models that can be more challenging to get out of are those with lots of floatation. Floatation refers to the number of degrees to twist your foot before the cleat releases from the retention mechanism. If too much heel movement is required to disengage, the toe of the shoe can engage the crank arm before the cleat releases. The Shimano XTR M9120 and XTR M9200 pedals were the easiest to exit. The M8120 XT is right up there with its more expensive siblings. Shimano pedals have four degrees of float and no traction pins. The Crankbrothers have 15 or 20-degrees of float and the Mallet pedals have traction pins.

The HT pedals are the only ones in the test to use lateral float, allowing your foot side-to-side movement. Some riders swear by lateral float and claim that it can aleviate existing knee issues but we sometimes find their release tension changes based on how much forward pressure you're exerting. It wasn't the full range of motion that made them difficult — it was the lack of consistency.

Ease of Entry

This metric assesses how quickly and easily a rider can clip into a pair of mountain bike pedals. This is important because it determines how fast you can start pedaling your bike. Ideally, clipping in should be a simple process that doesn't require too much thinking or effort so you can focus on the trail and on not falling over.

Engaging the Shimano or Xpedo models requires little effort and produces an audible click. This helps you know that you're engaged and ready to roll. Clipping into the Crankbrothers pedals doesn't reliably produce the same audible confirmation. There is a dull, somewhat vague sound that often accompanies the engagement, but not always. Overall, most of these pedals are relatively easy to engage, but knowing that you're securely clipped in aids in confidence.

The mini-platform pedals are the easiest to engage in. The extra bit of material helps guide your feet, and kicking the cage flattens them out underfoot, putting them in the prime spot for engagement. We rated the HT T-2, Shimano XTR M9120, and the Shimano XT M8120 highest in this metric. With its long body, the Shimano XTR M9120 felt almost magnetic with the cleat. The large-bodied Crankbrothers Mallet E and HT D1 were easy to find and orient, but their sticky traction pins could hang up on your sole and complicate the engagement process.

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.

The most adjustable pedals are the OneUp Clip pedal, and XPedo GFX. These pedals feature adjustable tension and traction pins that allow you to customize their performance in various ways. Some models we tested didn't let us personalize the feel or adjust for performance. The Crankbrothers pedals don't allow you to adjust the release tension, which is likely fine for the average rider. Beginners and lightweight riders, however, may benefit from less release tension and an easier exit from the pedal. Similarly, heavy or aggressive riders can lessen their chances of accidental release by having a pedal that can accommodate their level of force.

Release Tension

The Shimano, OneUp, DMR, HT, and Xpedo pedals allow the rider to increase or decrease the effort required to release by adjusting the amount of spring tension holding the cleat. Crankbrothers pedals have a slight disadvantage since they don't allow for adjustable tension.

Float

The Crankbrothers standard cleats provide 6 degrees of free float and a 15 or 20-degree release angle based on how they're mounted (more on that below). Crankbrothers also offers a zero-degree or no-float cleat intended to enhance pedal efficiency. The Xpedo cleat allows for six degrees of float, and the Shimano cleats provide four degrees. Shimano sells a multi-release cleat that allows for release in any direction without changing the float, which is a great option for beginners. The HT T-2 includes two cleats offering 4 or 8 degrees of lateral float.

Traction Pins and Pads

The traction pins (or grub pins) on the HT T-2 and Look X-Track En-Rage Plus are all adjustable. These pins provide unclipped traction and can be raised or lowered by threading them up or down. Lowering the pins makes the pedal feel less aggressive, with less bite into the shoe's sole. Raised pins engage the soles more, particularly on soft rubber shoes, but can complicate entry and exit to the engagement mechanism.

The XT-M8120 and Mallet E pedals feature textured platforms. These platforms give your shoe a stable platform and have channels for evacuating mud. The DMR V-Twin uses nylon bumpers that sit fore and aft of the cleat mechanism under the traction pins. Spacers beneath the bumpers will raise the pads and pins toward your shoe. Some pedals also include thin, 1mm cleat spacers that push the cleat further from the shoe's sole, lessening the friction between the shoe and pedal.

You can also adjust the feeling of the Crankbrothers by swapping the orientation of the cleats on your shoes. There is a small indentation on just one cleat. If you mount the cleat with this indent on your right shoe, you will have a 15-degree release angle. If the cleat with the indent goes on your left shoe, you will get a 20-degree release angle.

Weight

Weight is an important metric for certain riders and riding styles. Those who prefer pointing their bikes downhill while gravity does most of the work probably don't mind adding a few ounces here and there, particularly when there is a performance benefit. Cross-country riders and racers, on the other hand, tend to be more weight-conscious. The less weight you're pushing, the faster you can go and the fewer calories you expend. For many riders, though, there are criteria more important than weight — performance and value come to mind.

The heaviest clipless pedals we tested are the DMR V-Twin, at 610 grams, and the lightest pedals are the Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3, at 280 grams. When you factor in the additional weight of their cleats, there is a 351-gram difference between the two. That's a significant weight difference between two parts that perform roughly the same function. The manufacturer's stated weights corresponded closely to the weights we observed on our scales. When that's not the case, we note and list our observed weights. The HT T-2 weighs 380 grams for a high-performing pedal with a mid-sized cage. For comparison, one of our other most highly rated mid-cage pedals, the Shimano XT M8120, weighs in at 430 grams, nearly 60 grams heavier. Many times, price and weight go hand in hand. For example, the Shimano ME700 costs significantly less than the XT-M8120 and weighs 52 grams more.

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.

Platform

We analyzed how effectively the presence or absence of a platform surrounding the clipless mechanism supports performance. The pedals in this test vary widely in the amount of platform provided, and there are advantages and disadvantages to more surface area. If you're spending your time in the saddle hammering away at the pedals with stiff shoes and not riding much technical terrain, a platform might be of little benefit. However, a platform becomes more important when you find yourself on more demanding terrain, which can often require more body movement and frequent unclipping. Pedals with small platforms like the Eggbeater 3 are lightweight and resist mud well but don't provide much lateral support for the foot.

A larger platform increases your feeling of stability and gives your feet more control. The Shimano Saint M820 and HT T-2 both offer wide, stable surfaces that are easy to find with your foot and are less likely to roll beneath your shoe. Likewise, the Shimano XT M8120, XTR M9120, and ME700 also provide a substantial platform that provides ample shoe/pedal contact and improved lateral stability and leverage. The downsides of the larger platform include added weight, increased incidence of pedal strikes, and more surface area for mud to accumulate.

Durability

To test durability, we rode these pedals hard. We bashed rocks and stumps and rode them in snow, rain, mud, and sand. We swapped them between many bikes and riders. In the several months we spent abusing these competitors, we found some unexpected issues with our XTR pedals. Shimano pedals have been renowned for their durability, often lasting a decade or more. We tested the XTR M9100 and XTR M9120 pedals. However, all had their seals pop out by the third ride, and by the end of the test, they required readjustment. Interestingly, the new XT M8120 did not experience this same issue despite appearing to have a nearly identical design.

Throughout our riding careers, we've noticed that Crankbrothers, Time, and HT pedals all require rebuilds every year or two. They all sell kits for this, which generally cost around $25. The service process takes about an hour. Servicing a Shimano pedal's bearings, however, isn't typical. We have had many SPDs in our stables for years without servicing. Let's hope the latest generation of Shimano pedals hasn't changed that.

Conclusion

After countless miles on the single track and high-fiving until our hands hurt, we compiled our notes and data to tabulate which pedals are the best for which purposes and which ones 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 that this review will guide you to the pedals that not only mesh well with your shoes and bike but also fit your individual riding style. Happy trails!

Searching for more bike beta? We've tested a variety of mountain bikes and bike accessories over the last decade. If you're looking for flat pedals, our flat pedal review may also interest you. We've tested top-rated mountain bike shoes for men and women's mountain bike shoes, as well as flat pedal shoes. We've also reviewed essentials such as half-shell helmets, our favorite bike racks, bike multi-tools, and more to get you outfitted for your next adventure.