Which Mountain Bike Pedals Should You Get?

Mountain bike pedals are an essential component of your bike and play a vital role in your overall performance and safety. 

Choosing the right pedals for your mountain bike can be a daunting task, with a wide variety of options available in the market. 

In this article, we will discuss the different types of mountain bike pedals, their features, and their advantages and disadvantages.

Mountain Bike Pedal Types: Advantages & Disadvantages 

Firstly, let’s look at different types of mountain bike pedals:

Flat Mountain Bike Pedals 

Flat pedals, also known as platform pedals, are the most common type of mountain bike pedals. They have a flat surface that provides a wide base for your foot to rest on. 

Flat pedals are typically made of metal or plastic and have pins on the surface to help keep your feet in place. 

They are easy to use, and you can wear any type of shoe with them, making them popular among beginners and casual riders.

Advantages

• They provide a wide base for your feet, which makes them more stable and easier to use.
• They allow you to wear any type of shoe, making them convenient and versatile.
• They are affordable and require little maintenance.

Disadvantages

• They don’t provide as much control and power as clipless pedals.
• Your feet can slip off the pedals in wet or muddy conditions.
• They are not suitable for aggressive riding styles or technical trails.

Clipless Mountain Bike Pedals

Clipless pedals, despite their name, actually clip onto a cleat on the bottom of your cycling shoes. They require special shoes with cleats on the soles that attach to the pedals. 

Clipless pedals are popular among experienced mountain bikers who want more control and power over their pedals. 

They allow you to pull up on the pedals, in addition to pushing down, which increases your pedaling efficiency and power. 

Clipless pedals are available in two types: two-bolt and three-bolt cleats.

Advantages

• They provide more control and power than flat pedals.
• They allow you to pull up on the pedals, increasing your pedaling efficiency and power.
• They keep your feet securely in place, even on rough terrain.

Disadvantages

• They require special shoes with cleats, which can be expensive.
• They can be difficult to use for beginners.
• Your feet can be difficult to remove from the pedals in emergencies, such as a fall.

Combo Mountain Bike Pedals

Combo pedals, also known as hybrid pedals, combine the advantages of both flat and clipless pedals. 

They have a flat surface on one side and a clipless mechanism on the other side. This allows you to choose the type of pedal that best suits your riding style and conditions. 

Combo pedals are popular among riders who want the flexibility of using both flat and clipless pedals.

Advantages

• They provide the versatility of using both flat and clipless pedals.
• They are suitable for both casual and aggressive riding styles.
• They are relatively affordable and require little maintenance.

Disadvantages

• They are heavier than single-sided pedals.
• They can be difficult to use for beginners.
• The flat side can be slippery in wet or muddy conditions.

What To Look Out For When Buying Mountain Bike Pedals? 

Here is what you should look out for when buying pedals.

Material

Mountain bike pedals are made of various materials, including aluminum, steel, titanium, and plastic. Each material has its unique characteristics and affects the weight, durability, and price of the pedal.

Aluminum pedals are the most common and affordable type of mountain bike pedals. They are lightweight and durable, making them a popular choice among riders. 

Steel pedals are heavier than aluminum pedals but are more durable and can withstand more abuse. 

Titanium pedals are the lightest and most expensive type of mountain bike pedals, making them ideal for high-performance riding.

Plastic pedals are the most affordable but are less durable and can crack easily. They are best suited for casual riding and not recommended for aggressive or technical trails.

Size

The size of mountain bike pedals varies, but they are typically larger than road bike pedals. The size of the pedal platform affects the stability and grip of the pedal. 

A larger platform provides more stability and allows for better foot placement, especially on technical terrain.

Most mountain bike pedals are available in different sizes, and it’s essential to choose the right size based on your foot size and riding style. 

Pedals that are too small can be uncomfortable and reduce stability, while a pedal that is too large can be heavy and difficult to maneuver.

Shape

The shape of mountain bike pedals can vary depending on the type of riding you do. Some pedals have a concave shape, while others have a flat or convex shape. The shape of the pedal affects the grip and comfort of the pedal. 

Concave pedals have a depression in the middle of the platform, which allows your foot to sink into the pedal. This shape provides more grip and stability and reduces foot fatigue. 

Flat pedals have a flat surface and provide a wide base for your foot, making them ideal for casual riding. 

Convex pedals have a raised center, which provides more grip and support.

Grip

The grip of mountain bike pedals is essential for maintaining control and stability on the trails. Most pedals have pins or studs on the platform to provide grip and prevent your foot from slipping off the pedal.

The number and placement of the pins can vary, and some pedals have adjustable pins that allow you to customize the grip level. 

The length of the pins can affect the grip, with longer pins providing more grip but also increasing the risk of injury in a fall.

Conclusion

Mountain bike pedals are a critical component of your bike, and choosing the right pedals can significantly impact your performance and comfort on the trails. 

When selecting pedals, consider the material, size, shape, and grip to ensure you choose a pedal that meets your needs and riding style. 

Remember to test out different pedals to find the one that works best for you and provides the control and stability you need on the trails.