9 Best Mountain Bike Pedals for 2023

If you take a second to stop and think about it, mountain bike pedals have a pretty difficult job.

Along with being one of the only points of contact between your body and your bike, they also provide the propulsion necessary to get you where you need to be.

02/17/2024 01:53 pm GMT

Despite this, it’s surprisingly common for cyclists to overlook both the value and importance of a good set of pedals. Perhaps not at the competition level, but the rest of the cycling community in general doesn’t always give pedals the credit they deserve.

In any case, shopping for mountain bike pedals brings a whole bunch of questions and concerns into consideration. The first of which is where to start, with such an enormous range to choose from.

Why Do I Need Good Mountain Bike Pedals?

The importance of good mountain bike pedals lies in the functions they play (as outlined above).

Pedals are really the only thing between you and a bike that’s unable to take you anywhere whatsoever.

Not only this but the comfort and practicality of pedals should also be taken into account. Some pedals are designed with endurance riding in mind, providing a comprehensively comfortable experience from start to finish.

Others have the rugged durability and grip necessary to deal with even the harshest conditions while tackling difficult trails.

As with all things, the best mountain bike pedals for one rider won’t be anything of the sort for the next. But at the same time, there are certain properties that should be considered and prioritized, irrespective of the type of pedals you intend to purchase.

Let’s take a look at the two primary classifications of mountain bike pedals in more detail:

Flat Mountain Bike Pedals

As the name suggests, flat mountain bike pedals feature a flat surface on each side, meaning that the pedal can be used either way up.

Most flat mountain bike pedals have their own unique approach to grip/traction, often in the form of a series of pins or studs in various positions across the surface.

Larger flat mountain bike pedals allow for enhanced contact between the rider and bike, though some prefer slightly smaller-sized pedals. Like most pedals, flat mountain bike pedals can usually be screwed securely in place using a standard spanner.

Clipless Mountain Bike Pedals

The interesting thing about clipless mountain bike pedals is the way in which they do actually clip onto the rider’s shoes.

Typically much smaller than flat mountain bike pedals, clipless pedals tend to be a popular choice for smoother rides and endurance road riding. 

They are, however, not considered suitable for more challenging off-road trails. There is also a third classification of ‘trail’ pedals that somewhat combines the properties of these two classifications, though tends to be less popular than standard flat or clipless mountain bike pedals. 

Material Quality

Irrespective of the type of mountain bike pedal you prefer, there are a few things to prioritize when selecting a brand-new product. 

One of which is the quality of the materials used in their construction, which is something that varies enormously from one product to the next.

From the latest lightweight aluminum alloys to cutting-edge plastics and all manner of compound materials, mountain bike pedals are (literally) manufactured from anything and everything.

The difference is that while some pedals are exceptionally lightweight and impossibly durable, others are heavy, cumbersome, and prone to breakage. 

Particularly if you intend to use your bike for more challenging rides, material quality really is everything.

Grip

Likewise, the extent to which the pedals you choose provide a decent amount of grip can and will make a big difference.

More often than not, mountain bike pedals feature a series of studs or pins in different positions across the surface. Some of these provide better grip than others, while some can be downright sharp and pose a health hazard.

Personal preference plays a role here, as not everyone wants (or needs) the level of grip provided by a series of long and sharp pins. Though again, you need to think carefully about where you intend to use your bike and whether the pedals you choose will be up to the job.

Customer Feedback

Over and above almost everything else – including price – it’s essential to consult customer feedback.

This will give you a good idea of how the mountain bike pedals you intend to buy live up to the manufacturer’s claims. Not to mention, whether they represent decent overall value for money, or aren’t worth bothering with.

Before placing an order online, consult a contingency of customer reviews to establish a general consensus. Just as long as the vast majority of reviews are positive (you can’t please all the people all the time), you’re probably on to a safe bet.

And if not, ensuring the manufacturer backs every sale with an extensive warranty takes care of the rest. 

Mountain Bike Pedal Maintenance

It’s also worth considering at this stage how a decent pair of mountain bike pedals could keep your bike in action indefinitely. Just the bare minimum maintenance from time to time – primarily involving a spot of grease – is enough to keep quality mountain bike pedals in pristine condition for the duration.

As such, it’s important to consider long-term value for money, rather than the initial purchase price alone. Even where some premium mountain bike pedals are more expensive than others, they could represent a far better investment over the months and years to come.

The Best Mountain Bike Pedals of 2023

Narrowing things down to just a few front-runners, there’s a select lineup of mountain bike pedals on the market right now that are leaps and bounds ahead of the pack.

Tried, tested, and verified by hundreds (or even thousands) of satisfied customers, the following lead the field in terms of quality, performance, and value for money:

1. ROCKBROS MTB Pedals Mountain Bike Pedals

Overview

First up, these ultra-durable RockBros MTB Pedals Mountain are among the best-selling in this price bracket by a considerable margin.

Designed by a leading US-based sports specialist, these all-action pedals feature a rugged nylon fibre surface and high-strength Cr-Mo spindle for ultimate performance when things get tough.

There are also 10 custom-positioned pins on each side of the pedals for unbeatable grip and control. 

Features and Benefits

• Designed from top to bottom with durability in mind, these RockBros MTB Pedals Mountain are manufactured exclusively from the highest-grade materials.
• Precision-crafted and strategically positioned anti-skid nails maximize grip with all types of footwear – ideal for trickier trails and challenging weather conditions.
• Each pedal weighs in at an impressive 0.8 lbs and features a 4.1-inch-wide platform for enhanced control and stability.
• Suitable for most types of mountain bikes, these RockBros MTB Pedals Mountain are easy to install in a matter of seconds with no specialist tools required.
• Along with challenging mountain bike trails and competition-level downhill routes, these versatile pedals are suitable for all other types of cycling.

Verdict

The attention to detail these RockBros MTB Pedals Mountain bring to the table for such a low price really is outstanding.

Affordable enough for all types of generic pedal replacement, they’re also more than capable of dealing with competition-level trails of all shapes and sizes. Practical, comfortable, and currently up for grabs at an unbeatable price.

Pros:

• Exceptional manufacturing quality
• Premium materials throughout
• Quick and easy to install
• Suitable for most mountain bikes
• Comfortable grip with all footwear
• Strategically positioned pins
• Outstanding value for money

Cons:

• None

2. FOOKER MTB Mountain Bike Pedals

Overview

The epitome of simplicity in design, these FOOKER MTB Mountain Bike Pedals focus entirely and exclusively on what matters most.

Lightweight, durable, and available in a variety of colors, these things are all about versatility and practicality.

They also feature the kind of extraordinary build quality that guarantees years of enjoyable riding.

Features and Benefits

• Each pedal features a durable nylon fiber surface and high-strength Cr-Mo spindle, delivering the ultimate in strength and performance.
• Strategically positioned anti-slip studs on each of the surfaces ensure the ultimate grip and comfort with most types of footwear.
• With practically no maintenance required, these sealed-bearing mountain bike pedals deliver years of flawless performance.
• Suitable for the vast majority of mountain bikes, BMX bikes, and touring bikes, these FOOKER MTB Pedals Mountain Bike Pedals are easy to install in seconds.
• All purchases come backed by an extensive manufacturer’s warranty for total peace of mind.

Verdict

Recipients of thousands of positive customer review all over the web, these FOOKER MTB Pedals Mountain Bike Pedals take performance, quality, and value for money to the next level.

They’re also famed for having some of the most consistently smooth bearings of any pedals you can pick up for this kind of money.

Plus, the fact that they’re available in such an extensive range of cool colors really is the icing on the cake. 

Pros:

• Very competitively priced
• Durable and hardwearing
• Exceptional quality materials
• Secure grip with most use
• Suitable for almost any bike
• Easy to install in seconds
• Various cool colors are available

Cons:

• None

3. MEETLOCKS Bike Pedal

Overview

Next in line comes the chunky and aggressive-looking MEETLOCKS Bike Pedal, which again takes things to extremes in terms of durability and performance.

Each pedal is made of the highest-quality magnesium alloy materials alongside a Cr-Mo spindle, making them suitable for everyday rides and competition-level trails alike.

DU-sealed bearings also provide the protection needed to ensure smooth and consistent performance indefinitely.

Features and Benefits

• Boasting an advanced magnesium alloy injection body, these premium pedals weigh in at a slender 196g each.
• The innovative concave platform shape has been designed to maximize pedaling efficiency and provide unbeatable skid resistance in all weather conditions.
• Each pedal is fitted with 12 heavy-duty pins to provide the highest possible traction and control with most types of footwear.
• Reflectors have been fitted to either side of both pedals, boosting safety and visibility when riding during hours of darkness.
• The manufacturer covers each sale with a 100% quality guarantee and an extensive warranty for added reassurance.
• Lighter, stronger, and more comfortable than many comparable aluminium alloy pedals within the same price bracket.

Verdict

It’s hard not to be impressed with what these MEETLOCKS Bike Pedals bring to the table for such a low price. I

n terms of design quality, material durability, and long-term value for money, they’re just about as good as anything else out there right now. They’re also compatible with the vast majority of mountain bikes, screwing into place in seconds with a standard spanner.

Well worth checking out for casual and competition riders alike.

Pros:

• Superior magnesium alloy injection body
• Outstanding grip in all conditions
• 100% quality and satisfaction guarantee
• Unbeatable strength and lightweight properties
• Very impressive value for money
• Suitable for most types of bikes

Cons:

• Pins sometimes a little sharp

4. MZYRH Mountain Bike Pedals

Overview

One look at these MZYRH Mountain Bike Pedals is enough to want a pair of your own.

Along with being manufactured from the highest-quality aluminum alloy for unbeatable performance, they’re also available in some of the coolest color configurations of any pedals on the market right now.

If you’re looking for something that combines the ultimate in both professionalism and presentation, this is it.

Features and Benefits

• The sealed three-bearing system protects the interior components from corrosion to ensure consistent long-term performance. 
• Each pedal is fitted with a dozen anti-slip studs for maximum grip during all weather conditions and in all types of footwear.
• Weight & Size: 0.45lb, 4.1in x 3.58in x 1.0in (105mm x 91mm x 26mm)
• The high-quality aluminium alloy construction results in an exceptionally lightweight pedal, which is also durable enough for competition-level cycling.
• No other pro-grade pedal is available in such a creative and eye-catching array of color combinations and designs to suit all tastes.

Verdict

By looks alone, these MZYRH Mountain Bike Pedals have more than enough appeal to pick up a pair of your own.

Though it has to be said that they’re about WAY more than looks alone. Lightweight, durable, practical and versatile, they’re everything a pro-grade mountain bike pedal should be at an almost impossibly low price.

The fact that they look awesome is technically just a bonus!

Pros:

• Bright, bold, and colorful
• Robust aluminum alloy construction
• Sealed three-bearing system
• Very easy to install
• Suitable for most types of bikes
• Excellent value for money

Cons:

• None 

5. RaceFace Chester Mountain Bike Pedal

Overview

If you’re simply on the lookout for a no-nonsense pedal designed with pure performance in mind, the RaceFace Chester Mountain Bike Pedal could be right up your street.

No frills or unnecessary extras, just a competition-quality nylon composite pedal that weighs next to nothing and performs like a dream.

Anyone looking to keep their overall bike weight to an absolute minimum without compromising on quality should definitely check these out.

Features and Benefits

• Each pedal features eight strategically positioned pins for maximum grip and control in all weather conditions. 
• The main body of the pedal is manufactured from an advanced nylon composite material, keeping weights to an absolute minimum.
• Easy to install with no specialist tools required, the bearings are serviceable to maximize the lifespan of these premium pedals.
• RaceFace’s Chester Mountain Bike Pedals are available in an extensive range of colors to suit all tastes and preferences.
• High-performance enough for competition-level trails and endurance riding, though affordable enough as an everyday stock pedal replacement.

Verdict

By a significant margin, these RaceFace Chester Mountain Bike Pedals are among the lightest and most versatile currently available for this kind of price.

It’s almost impossible to damage the ultra-durable nylon composite body of the pedals, irrespective of how challenging the conditions become.

The pins are also among the most effective you’ll come across, making the RaceFace Chester Mountain Bike Pedal the ideal choice where compromising on quality simply isn’t an option.

Pros:

• Exceptionally lightweight
• Unbeatable durability
• Available in multiple colors
• Easy to install
• Outstanding grip and control
• Practically unbreakable
• Superb value for money

Cons:

• Some colors more expensive than others

6. SHIMANO PD-M530 Mountain Pedals

Overview

You know what to expect when picking up a premium mountain bike component from a brand like this.

As always, these SHIMANO PD-M530 Mountain Pedals don’t disappoint. Designed for those who take their cycling more seriously than others, these exceptional-quality pedals are all about stability, durability, and predictability.

Irrespective of how tough the terrain gets, they won’t let you down when you need them most.

Features and Benefits

• Precision-engineered inside and out for exceptional performance and complete control in all types of cycling conditions.
• An innovative pedal design that eliminates toe clips and integrates the pedal and outsole into a single unified power transfer system.
• Designed to maximize performance while minimizing exertion, increasing control, confidence, and stability at all times.
• Each pedal has also been designed to continuously shed as much mud, debris and moisture as possible, keeping it clean and consistent throughout the ride.
• All the pedigree and reassurance that comes with a premium-quality pedal from one of the biggest and best names in the business.

Verdict

If this is your preferred style of mountain bike pedal, there’s very little on the market that comes close to these SHIMANO PD-M530s.

Exquisitely designed and manufactured with the needs and priorities of real-life riders in mind, these SHIMANO PD-M530 Mountain Pedals represent truly astonishing value for money.

If you’re yet to experience the potential benefits of this innovative style of pedal, it could be time to see what you’ve been missing.

Pros:

• Unbeatable manufacturer and quality
• Rugged and durable materials
• Delivers unrivaled control and stability
• Easy to install in seconds
• Compatible with most mountain bikes
• An innovative and exclusive design
• Outstanding value for money

Cons:

• The white version costs more

7. Puroma Mountain Bike Pedal

Overview

These Puroma Mountain Bike Pedals represent the ultimate in simplistic sophistication.

Manufactured from nylon composite and meticulously engineered to keep their overall weight to an absolute minimum, each pedal also features 12 removable and replaceable pins for customizable grip and control.

They’re also pretty impressive to look at, which is always a bonus. 

Features and Benefits

• Oversized for unbeatable grip and control, each pedal is fitted with 12 removable studs for use with most types of footwear.
• The lightweight nylon composition of the pedals minimizes weight while enhancing durability for long-term performance.
• Easy to install with no specialist equipment required, with a sturdy Chromoly steel axle bearing to fit most bikes.
• Available in a variety of colors to suit most tastes and preferences, which are all for sale at the same low price – no unnecessary variations.
• Perfect for competition-level riding and more casual everyday cycling at a price that’s hard to beat.

Verdict

These Puroma Mountain Bike Pedals represent an impressive illustration of how you don’t have to go crazy with weird and wonderful features to produce a pedal of outstanding quality and performance.

Designed to cater to the needs of all casual and professional cyclists alike, they’re the total package of durability, lightweight design, and perfect practicality.

All of which is currently up for grabs at an exceptionally low price.

Pros:

• Exceptionally practical and versatile
• Very easy to install
• Suitable for most types of bikes
• Practically unbreakable nylon composite
• Very lightweight and comfortable to use
• 12 strategically positioned studs 
• Impressive overall value for money

Cons:

• None

8.BONMIXC Bike Pedals

Overview

Focusing more on durability and heavy-duty riding than featherweight construction, these Bonmixc Bike Pedals are designed to handle just about anything you care to throw their way.

A firm favorite among trail riders and challenging downhill bikers, every GPMTER Bike Pedal is meticulously engineered to go the distance in all conditions.

Not to mention, bring relentless quality and practicality down to a pretty unbeatable price.

Features and Benefits

• Each pedal features a special non slip surface, designed to deliver maximum traction in all weather conditions.
• High-strength aluminum alloy construction makes for a relentlessly durable pedal, which can withstand even the heaviest punishment.
• Suitable for the vast majority of mountain bikes, road bikes, touring bikes, and BMX bikes with 9/16 screw thread.
• All Bonmixc Bike Pedals are supplied complete with an extensive warranty and a total satisfaction guarantee from the manufacturer.

Verdict

It’s almost impossible to pick a fault with these things at their current price. On one hand, you could argue that yes – the studs are a little on the smooth side and don’t provide an enormous amount of grip.

On the other, you could also state (quite rightly) that not everyone likes the sharp and unforgiving grip of conventional studs and pins.

Unashamedly heavy-duty and simply designed to get things done, these things have a million and one practical applications written all over them.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty construction
• Practical and easy to install
• Suitable for most types of bikes
• Unbeatable value for money
• Comfortable in most weather conditions
• Great for all types of trails

Cons:

• Studs don’t offer much grip

9. BV Bike Pedal Set

Overview

Last in our listings comes this BV Bike Pedal Set, which is more your ‘classic’ pedal replacement set for almost any type of bike.

The difference is that unlike the stock pedals supplied with most cycles, these things are manufactured from ultra-premium materials and designed with superior performance in mind.

If you’re simply looking to boost the comfort and practicality of your pedals with something relatively simple, you won’t go far wrong with these.

Features and Benefits

• A universally compatible BV Bike Pedal Set, suitable for replacing the stock pedals on almost any type of adult bike.
• Each side of the pedal is fitted with a high-quality reflector, increasing visibility and boosting safety during darker riding conditions.
• The rigid resin body of the pedal takes durability and performance to the next level, resulting in a pedal that is practically unbreakable.
• Premium-quality bearings make a noticeable difference to the smoothness and consistency of the pedal’s performance while in use. 
• A simple and affordable option, backed by an extensive manufacturer’s warranty for total peace of mind.

Verdict

These BV Bike Pedals are pretty much the closest you’ll get to the standard pedals that ship with the vast majority of bikes, though with quality and performance taken to an entirely new level.

They’re not necessarily designed with the most challenging trails in mind but are absolutely outstanding for all other types of everyday riding.

All in all, a quality replacement for standard stock pedals at an impressively low price.

Pros:

• Suitable for most adult bikes
• Easy to install in seconds
• Simple yet effective design
• Robust and durable materials
• Bright reflectors on each side
• Comfortable and practical
• An affordable pedal replacement

Cons:

• Less grip than a premium pedal

In Summary

Once again, the most important thing to remember when picking up mountain bike pedals of any kind is that one size does not fit all.

When it comes to personal preferences and priorities, what’s right for one person could be entirely wrong for someone else.

Prior to placing your order, it’s essential to first consider when, where, and how you will be using the pedals you buy. For obvious reasons, you’ll also want to ensure that they are compatible with your cycle, which means checking the size of the screw thread. 

Other than this, taking the quality of the materials, manufacturing standards, and satisfaction guarantees (or warranties) into consideration will help you make the right choice.

As well as taking into account as many customer reviews and recommendations as possible, painting a picture of how the pedals you’re buying perform when put to the test.