MTB pedals

How to choose mountain bike pedals

The first choice isn't the brand but the type: clipless or flat. That also determines your shoes, as the two systems need different soles. Many riders end up with both sets and switch depending on the ride.

Clipless or flat pedals

• Clipless pedals : your foot is attached to the pedal. More efficient climbing, no feet bouncing off over rough ground, and stronger bursts of acceleration. You'll need shoes with cleats and a few rides to get used to them.
• Flat pedals : your foot stays free and can be put down instantly. Essential for demanding descents, dirt jumping and building technical skills with confidence.
• Flat pedals only work with shoes with grippy rubber soles : with everyday trainers, your foot slips and you lose the benefit.

The three clipless systems

• Shimano SPD : the mountain bike standard. The SH51 with sideways release, or SH56 multi-release, much easier to unclip — the right choice for beginners.
• Time ATAC : a wide release angle and plenty of float, known for being kind to knees and highly effective at shedding mud.
• CrankBrothers Eggbeater and Candy : four-sided entry makes them unbeatable in muddy conditions when you're trying to find the pedal without looking.
• Cleats are not not interchangeable between systems: changing pedal brands means changing cleats.

Flat pedals: what really matters

• Platform size : the wider it is, the more support it provides. Some brands offer S, M and L sizes to suit different shoe sizes.
• The pins : their number, height and adjustability determine the grip. That's the real deciding factor, well ahead of the brand.
• Thickness : a slim pedal reduces the risk of striking an obstacle and places your foot slightly lower.
• The axle and bearings : this determines how long the pedal lasts. A well-designed composite body often outlasts an aluminium one with poor-quality bearings.

Adjusting release tension

Release tension is adjusted with a screw at the back or side of the pedal, depending on the model. Start at the easiest setting while you build the reflex, then gradually increase the tension. Setting it too high at first is the number-one cause of falls when stopping — the kind that put people off clipless pedals.

Replaceable parts

Cleats, pins, complete axles, bearing kits and seals can all be ordered separately. A good pedal is worth servicing rather than replacing, and a new set of cleats alone solves most problems with unpredictable release.

To find out more: How to choose mountain bike pedals

See also: MTB cranksets and crank arms · Mountain bike power meters · MTB bottom brackets