Mountain Bike Pedals
Pedals split into flats, which let you put a foot down instantly, and clipless, which hold the foot in place. Everything else follows from that one decision.
The buying advice on this page is retained from the original article. Its 2018 product picks have been removed — the links were dead and the models discontinued. Current model tables live on the brand pages.
What decides the choice
| Specification | What it changes | Options in use |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Whether the shoe attaches to the pedal | Flat · clipless · hybrid |
| Cleat standard | What the shoe has to match | SPD 2-bolt is the mountain norm |
| Platform | Support underfoot; larger suits bigger feet and gravity riding | 95–115 mm across |
| Pins | Grip on flats — more and longer means more hold | 8–12 per side, adjustable |
| Float and release | How far the heel moves before unclipping | 4–6° float · adjustable tension |
| Bearings | What decides service life | Sealed cartridge · bushing |