Your pedals are one of the three points of contact between you and your mountain bike, along with the saddle and handlebars. They are also where your pedalling power is transferred to the bike, so choosing the right pedals can make a surprisingly big difference to your confidence, control and comfort on the trail.
But there is no universally “best” mountain bike pedal. A teenager racing cross-country has very different requirements from a rider in their sixties who enjoys technical singletrack at a more relaxed pace. An enduro racer needs something different again, while a recreational rider may simply want a pedal that is comfortable, reliable and easy to use.
The good news is that there are excellent options for virtually every type of rider. Lynnwood Cyclery’s current pedal range includes both clipless and flat pedals from brands such as Shimano, Crankbrothers, LOOK and Specialized.
So, where do you start?
First decision: flat or clipless?
This is the biggest decision when choosing mountain bike pedals. Flat pedals give you a large platform underneath your shoe. There is no mechanical connection between your shoe and pedal, which means you can move your feet easily and put a foot down quickly when you need to. They are particularly popular with riders who prioritise bike-handling confidence, technical riding, downhill, dirt jumps and general trail riding.
They are also an excellent choice for youngsters learning to ride and for anyone new to mountain biking. Being able to concentrate on balance, body position and line choice without worrying about unclipping can be a major confidence boost. Shimano similarly recommends flats as a good starting point for new mountain bikers.
Clipless pedals, despite their slightly confusing name, are the pedals you attach to using cleats mounted to the soles of compatible cycling shoes. The result is a secure connection between rider and bike.
This connection is particularly useful for cross-country racing, marathon riding and riders who value pedalling efficiency and a consistent foot position. You can also lift and reposition the bike more effectively when riding aggressively.
Neither system is inherently better. Many very experienced mountain bikers happily ride flats, while others would never consider racing without clipless pedals.
If you choose clipless, which type?
Most mountain bike clipless pedals use a two-bolt cleat system. Shimano SPD is the most widespread, but Crankbrothers and LOOK also offer alternatives. The important thing is to make sure your shoes and pedals use a compatible cleat system.
Lynnwood Cyclery stocks a broad selection of these systems, including Shimano SPD pedals, Crankbrothers Candy and Eggbeater pedals, and LOOK X-Track models.
The next question is how much pedal you want around the mechanism.
Lightweight XC pedals
Cross-country racers generally prioritise low weight and efficient pedalling. A relatively small pedal body is perfectly adequate when you are clipped in and trying to save every possible gram.
The Shimano PD-M8100 Deore XT and the more affordable PD-M520 are good examples of this type of pedal in the Lynnwood Cyclery range.
Crankbrothers Eggbeater pedals take the minimalist concept even further, with an extremely open design that provides four-sided entry and excellent mud clearance.
For a rider racing XC where weight matters, these are compelling choices.
Trail and marathon pedals
If racing is not your only priority, a slightly larger pedal can make sense.
A trail-style clipless pedal has a platform surrounding the mechanism. This provides additional support beneath the shoe and offers greater protection for the mechanism when you encounter rocks, roots and other obstacles.
The Shimano PD-M8120 XT Trail SPD is a good example. LOOK's X-Track En-Rage Plus offers a similar philosophy: more platform and protection without becoming a huge gravity pedal.
For marathon and long-distance riders, this can be an excellent compromise between the efficiency of clipless pedals and the extra support and robustness of a larger platform.
What about riders who are older?
Age shouldn't determine whether you ride flats or clipless pedals. Confidence should.
For an experienced rider in their sixties or seventies who is comfortable clipping in and out, a good clipless pedal can provide an excellent connection to the bike.
But if getting out of the pedals quickly is becoming a concern, there is absolutely nothing wrong with choosing flats. Modern flat pedals provide excellent grip and support, particularly when paired with proper mountain bike shoes.
For riders who do choose clipless, release tension can usually be adjusted on many systems. It is worth having the pedal and cleat setup checked properly rather than simply assuming that a stiff, difficult-to-release pedal is “more secure”.
Float is another consideration. This refers to the amount your foot can rotate while remaining clipped in. Some float can provide useful freedom of movement and accommodate natural foot movement, while the amount that feels comfortable varies considerably between riders.
If you have any doubts, this is an area where talking to the Lynnwood Cyclery team can be more useful than simply choosing the most expensive pedal.
Choosing the right flat pedal
Flat pedals have become considerably more sophisticated. The basic idea remains simple, but platform size, thickness, shape, bearing quality and the number and position of traction pins all affect how a pedal feels.
A larger platform generally gives your foot more support and makes it easier to find the pedal, particularly when riding aggressively. The downside is additional weight.
A smaller, lighter pedal may appeal to an XC rider or someone who values weight, while a bigger platform is generally more attractive to trail, enduro, downhill and bike-park riders.
Lynnwood Cyclery's range includes the Specialized Bennies and Boomslang platform pedals, offering different approaches to the flat-pedal concept.
Don't underestimate the importance of the pins, either. A good flat pedal should hold your shoe securely without requiring you to consciously keep your foot in position. The combination of appropriate pins and proper mountain bike shoes can provide remarkable grip.
Think about how you actually ride
One of the easiest mistakes is choosing pedals based on the type of riding you think you should be doing rather than the riding you actually enjoy.
Ask yourself:
Do you race XC? A lightweight clipless pedal makes sense. Weight, efficient engagement and a secure connection are priorities.
Do you ride marathon or long-distance events? A clipless trail pedal can be a great choice, particularly if you value additional support and durability.
Do you ride technical trails for fun? Either system can work. If confidence and freedom of movement are more important than maximum pedalling efficiency, flats deserve serious consideration.
Do you ride enduro or downhill? A larger flat pedal or a clipless pedal with a substantial platform can provide useful support and protection.
Are you still learning? Start with flats. You can always move to clipless later.
Are you returning to riding or simply becoming less comfortable with clipping in and out? Don't feel pressured into clipless pedals. The best pedal is the one that makes you more confident on the bike.
Don't forget the shoes
Pedals and shoes should really be considered as one system. Clipless pedals require compatible cleats, and the position of those cleats on the shoe can influence how your feet feel while riding. Flat pedals work best with shoes designed specifically for flat pedals, with a relatively stiff sole and rubber compound designed to grip pedal pins.
Using ordinary running shoes on aggressive flat pedals may work, but it won't give you the same level of support or grip as a proper MTB shoe.
More expensive doesn't necessarily mean better
The Lynnwood Cyclery pedal range spans from relatively affordable Shimano PD-M520 pedals through to premium options.
Spending more can buy lower weight, better bearings, more sophisticated materials, improved durability or other refinements. But those benefits only matter if they suit your riding.
For many riders, a mid-range pedal is the sweet spot. A reliable Shimano SPD pedal, for example, can provide years of dependable service without the need to spend substantially more on a race-oriented model.
The best pedal is the one you trust
Ultimately, choosing mountain bike pedals is less about finding the “best” model and more about finding the best match for you.
A teenage XC racer may want the lightest clipless pedal possible. A seasoned marathon rider may prefer a slightly larger platform. An older trail rider may discover that a good flat pedal gives them more confidence. And another rider of exactly the same age may be perfectly happy racing with clipless pedals.
That's why Lynnwood Cyclery's advice is simple: tell us how and where you ride, what bike you ride, what shoes you use and what you want from your pedals.
From there, we can help you choose the pedal that gives you the right combination of grip, efficiency, support, confidence and durability – rather than simply selling you the most expensive pedal on the shelf.
See our range of mountain bike pedals here.
by Sean Badenhorst