Guides

5 Best Mountain Bike Pedals

When looking to buy pedals for mountain biking there are quite a few things to consider. Choosing a pedal depends largely on what type of mountain biking you do and ensuring you are using the right pedal for your discipline. Do you need flats, clipless or dual-sided? We will discuss the different varieties and which are the best mountain bike pedals on the market.

Which pedal is best?

Are you a downhiller, freerider, XC racer or trail shredder? All these different disciplines require different pedals. Believe it or not, a pedal can really enhance your performance, so it is important you have the right one. For instance, you don’t want to be using a flat DMR V12 type pedal if you are an elite xc racer or Cyclocross rider.

Recommended MTB Pedals:

  1. Shimano PD-M520 MTB SPD Pedals
    £31.99 Buy now with Probikekit

    Shimano PD-M520 MTB SPD Pedals

    The Shimano PD-M520 are one of our most popular pair of clipless pedals. They’re great for all-round MTBers who ride off-road for fun but are still looking for the performance benefits of an SPD pedal.

    The majority of XC riders, trail riders and cyclocross riders wear SPD MTB shoes and use clipless pedals like the M520. They give the rider ultimate support and security over rough technical terrain whilst giving enough flexibility to clip out in emergencies.

    • Can be used with any type of SPD shoe
    • Cleat tension adjustment
    • Supplied with cleats
    • Mud-repelling design makes them ideal for year round use
    • Sealed cartridge bearing axle for smooth performance
    • Durable but lightweight alloy construction
    Buy now with free delivery
  2. DMR V8 Flat Pedal V2
    £33.99 Buy now with Probikekit

    DMR V8 Flat Pedal V2

    For downhill riders and mountain bikers that love bombing down fast trails and chucking the bike into berms, the V8 Flat Pedal V3 is perfect. A wide platform gives maximum stability when pushing hard on the pedals and the lack of cleat system allows you to ‘dab’ your foot if necessary.

    Tunable pins make it possible to adjust the level of grip to suit your riding style.

    • Large platform area
    • Serviceable bush system
    • 10 tuneable pins per side
    • Aluminium body
    • 480g per pair
    Buy now with free delivery
  3. Shimano PD-M8020 XT MTB SPD Trail Pedals - Two-Sided Mechanism
    £62.99 Buy now with Probikekit

    Shimano PD-M8020 XT MTB SPD Trail Pedals - Two-Sided Mechanism

    The PD-M8020 are similar to the PD-M520 in that both use an SPD cleat system. The difference between them is that these pedals have an integrated cage for increased stability. They’re designed to tackle cross-country trail riding as well as off-road competition.

    Excellent pedal to shoe contact make the M8020 from Shimano the best mountain bike pedals for tackling single-tracks and technical descents.

    • Large integrated cage for stability and control
    • High-performance forged alloy body
    • Slender spindle
    • Sealed cartridge axle
    • Easy entry system and tension adjustment system
    Buy now with free delivery
  4. DMR V-Twin Pedal
    £91.49 Buy now with Probikekit

    DMR V-Twin Pedal

    The V-Twin from DMR is similar to the above although arguably better suited to mountain bike riders looking to do lots of downhill riding. It is still based on SPD technology but also features an adjustable cage. Tuneable pins offer a number of different grip and feel options.

    The V-Twin is available in a wide range of colours allowing you to improve the aesthetics of your MTB.

    • SPD compatible
    • 7 tuneable pins per side
    • Heavy duty cro.mo steel axles
    • Anodised colour finish
    • Float cleats supplied
    Buy now with free delivery
  5. Shimano PD-M8000 XT MTB SPD XC Race Pedals - Two-Sided Mechanism
    £67.79 Buy now with Probikekit

    Shimano PD-M8000 XT MTB SPD XC Race Pedals - Two-Sided Mechanism

    The PD-M8000 from Shimano are designed for a range of MTB riders. They’re some of the best mountain bike pedals out there whether you’re a cyclocross rider, XC racer or trail rider. A lightweight yet durable design means they will improve performance on the bike and last for years to come.

    A revised cleat interface offers the maximum stability from such a lightweight MTB pedal.

    • Lightweight forged alloy body
    • Slim oval axle sheds mud
    • Sealed cartridge bearings for reliability
    • Simple entry system and tension adjustment
    • Perfect for a range of MTB disciplines
    Buy now with free delivery

Shop a huge range of MTB components at ProBikeKit.

 



Johnny Bowles

Johnny Bowles

Writer and expert