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MTB Pedals

(16 products)

MTB pedals come in 2 types: flat pedals & SPD (clipless) pedals.

MTB flat pedals have a specific shape that creates a lot of grip between the pedal and a proper flat pedal shoe (like the Fox Union).

Sneakers and plastic pedals are fine for bike paths but they are not suitable for mountain biking.

Clipless MTB pedals need to be used with a dedicated shoe. This shoe can't be used with flat pedals. Shimano MTB pedals call this system SPD.

The shoe and pedal lock-in together, creating a more secure connection to the bike.

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Types of MTB pedals

MTB pedals give you better control, power transfer, and stability on rough terrain. They are not just designed for mountain biking though.

We sell them to riders who want a larger pedal platform to improve support and minimise the foot slipping off the pedal.

There are 3 main types:

  • Flat pedals
  • Clipless (or, clip-in, SPD) pedals
  • Hybrid pedals

MTB Flat Pedals

MTB pedals give you better control, power transfer, and stability on rough terrain. They are not just designed for mountain biking though.

Ideal for beginners, recreational riders, mountain bikers. Or anyone who wants to quickly put a foot down.

Recreational bike path riders and commuters can use these pedals with casual shoes. However, mountain bikers or anyone looking for better pedalling efficiency should use these with with flat pedal shoes.

These shoes have a much stiffer sole.

Stiffer soles help riders transfer power efficiently. Especially compared to casual shoes.

Clipless Pedals (SPDs)

Despite the name, you clip-in to these using cleats on your MTB shoes.

The cleats bolt to the underside of your shoes. And it's the cleats that allow you to clip into the pedal.

Clipless MTB pedals lock your feet in for the most efficient pedalling connection.

Riders who have good bike control, should consider these.

That's because it's a little harder to clip-out in surprise moments. But once you adjusted to them the clipping-out motion becomes second-nature.

Dual-Sided / Hybrid Pedals

One side of hybrid pedals are flat and the other is clip-in.

Situations where this pedal is useful:

In stop-start traffic situations. Constantly, clipping-in and out can be annoying. The flat side, easily allows you to rest your foot. For sections where you're constantly pedalling, then use the clip-in side.

Do MTB pedals make a difference?

Yes.

MTB flat pedals use a much broader platform. The platform has traction pins located at specific parts of the pedal that stop your foot from sliding.

Keep in mind that mountain biking is tough on components.

So, the construction of MTB flat pedals are more robust than your average recreational pedal.

The platform is often 1-piece. The bearings are better quality and the axle is stronger.

If you're preference is to clip-in:

Clipless MTB pedals will deliver a locked-in feel. The advantage here is you get to take advantage of the pulling phase of the pedal stroke; (slightly) increasing efficiency.

The second, more noticeable advantage is for fast, aggressive riders.

Your feet are more stable as you're riding through rock gardens, tree root sections and over jumps.

What pedals should I use for mountain biking?

If you're starting out, we'd suggest MTB flat pedals paired with proper flat pedal shoes.

These are safer because you can step-off the platform quickly to stabilise and balance.

There really isn't much of a loss in efficiency compared with clipless SPD pedals.

It's all about your pedalling technique.

If your bike skills are good but you're having issues with feet sliding off the pedals, or just want a more secure feeling to the bike then Clipless SPD will be the answer.

It's worth noting though that Shimano does use a Light Action pedal.

Light action pedals are a safe option for riders new to clipless pedals; they make clipping-in and clipping-out so much easier and quicker.

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