Having the right pedal set for a bike can make a big difference in performance. If theres one thing a person doesnt want to happen when riding a bike, its losing traction in the sweet spot. Even worse, a broken pedal can ruin a ride and put someone in danger.
Most people will opt for a wide enough platform to use as a pedal when biking. This allows for good freedom and different foot placement from time to time.
Every new bike will come with basic entry-level or no pedals. This means that people can upgrade to a higher version for a better experience or stay with something free.
The good news is that buying a quality pedal set doesnt cost much. Its an affordable upgrade that more people should consider down the road.
DRBIKE Flat Bike Pedals
The pedal is made of nylon fibers and comes with any-skid nails to make for an easier ride.
The spindle on the pedals is made out of Cr-Mo.
The maxim weight that these pedals can withstand is 90 kilograms.
The platform of the pedals is made extra wide, which means they work well for a wider range of foot sizes.
The weight of both pedals is 325 grams, meaning they are lightweight.
The bearings are completely waterproof and dust-proof.
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Pros
- Grips Well
- Lightweight
Cons
- Fits Rough
MZYRH Bike Pedals
The bearings on these pedals are completely sealed and lubricated, with 3 bearings.
The Anti-skid pins built into the pedal prevent the foot from sliding off.
The total weight of one of these pedals is 0.45 pounds, and each measures 1.4 by 3.58 by 1 inch.
The excellent grips of these pedals are made of aluminum, which is high in strength and helps make them last, though not as long as possible.
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Sealed Bearings
- Anti-Skid Nails
Cons
- Less durable than the other options
- No Grease Recycling
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RockBros MTB Pedals
As the only company to have two different pedals featured in this article, there is no doubt that Rock Bros is doing something right in the industry. They have fantastic pedal options for people who ride bikes on any terrain.
Nothing too flashy or special about these pedals other than that they are durable and offer incredible traction.
They are made of heavy-duty nylon fiber, offering shock absorption, corrosion resistance, and more.
The platform is 4.1″ wide, enough for both men and women. The pedals also weigh only 0.8 pounds, keeping a bike as streamlined as possible. With five colors to choose from, a person can get the exact look that matches their bike.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Wide platform for secure foot placement
- Nylon fiber is built to last
Cons
- Gathers dirt and grime a little too easily in some configurations
- Not everyone is a fan of engineering plastic
RaceFace Chester Mountain Bike Pedal
RaceFace offers a few different pedals, but their Chester option may be the best. It features a very lightweight nylon composite body, offering a performance-level solution for anyone looking to upgrade.
The bearing and bushing system on this pedal is second to none. Thats why it costs a bit more than others on this list, but most people can get behind something that performs well in any condition.
From a grip standpoint, they do pretty well on different types of terrain. Their pedals have some of the longest spindles on the market, which helps people get a good grip.
Keep in mind that they are long and also a bit spiky, so wear proper shoes that wont be damaged and wont allow a person to feel the spike when pressing on them. Otherwise, they could prove to be painful when driving.
Pros
- Lightweight and designed for speed
- Long spikes for a better grip
- Available in several colors
Cons
- Spikes will tear some shoes
- Bumps can sometimes make driving difficult
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RockBros bicycle pedals
Instead of relying on nylon fiber, people may want to use an aluminum alloy material for their pedals. This gives a very stable and durable option that smooths the ride.
The platform looks more professional overall and slightly smaller than the nylon fiber option mentioned above. Thanks to the material, it doesnt need to be as thick as the engineering plastic. It also helps to improve grip, with the skid stud helping a lot.
It costs a little more to go with the aluminum alloy over the nylon fiber, but many feel it is worth the upgrade. They stay strong, have less random breakage, and carry more weight. This is an excellent solution for people looking for their first pedals or upgrading an existing set.
Pros
- Elegant and lightweight
- Very stable construction
- Aluminum alloy material is strong
Cons
- Cost a little higher than other Rock a row options
- Pins fall out a little too easily
FOOKER MTB Pedals
They may not produce the flashiest pedals on the market, but many swear by Fookers nylon fiber options. Their platform pedals work on many different types of bikes, and bike enthusiasts love that their feet can stay pretty much locked in for the duration of the ride.
As one of the most affordable pedal solutions, they hold their own against all other competitors from a durability standpoint. The nylon fiber works very well with even the heaviest cyclists, and the non-slip nails stay.
They come with extra options, but they stay in place much better than many competitors. Some might end up not needing the replacements.
Even though the company keeps things reasonably simple, they offer the most color options.
Some will try to find the exact match to their bike, while others will try to add a little variety to a rather basic bike. For example, adding a bright color to a black bike might be just what a person wants to show a little individuality.
Its hard to find people who speak ill of this pedal. Those who ride for a living often use this pedal and love it.
Pros
- Low cost
- Wide range of colors
- Nails dont fall off
Cons
- The design is a bit boring
- The platform is not as big as other companies
Shimano XT PD-M8040 pedals
Find a bike, or any bike for that matter, with Shimano components, and chances are itll be very popular. The same can be said for the companys pedals. Shimano is building itself as a true leader in many ways, and its petals are no different.
Investing in Shimano pedals will cost more than other options, but most people feel the upgrade is worth it. For starters, they are built to last a long time. If there are no major accidents, chances are these pedals will last as long as the bike itself.
They also have the look and feel of a high-end option many people want when writing a bike. Some pedals look cheap, but these look functional and feel great.
The spindles are removable with this pedal if they need to be replaced. Riders can expect a lightweight, aerodynamic option that is hard to explain without having had a chance to test it. Shimano charges a premium, but its still one of the best choices.
Pros:
- Brand recognition
- Sleek design
- Shows few signs of wear even after regular use
Cons
- Expensive
- Smaller platform
SGODDE Mountain Bike Pedals
These pedals come with 12 different pins that help to prevent the foot from sliding off the pedals.
The pedals are made with 3 bearings made of metal, and the pedal itself is made of aluminum.
Each of the bearings is completely lubricated and sealed.
The axle of the pedals is made out of Chromoly steel, and everything is made completely waterproof and dust-proof, extending their life expectancy.
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-Slip Support
Cons
- Anti-Slip Nails Corrode to Points
Clipless vs. flat pedals
Any bikes two main types of pedals are either clipless or flat. As you can see from the list above, all options are flat pedals.
There is a reason for this when it comes to mountain biking. Clipless pedals dont make much sense due to the nature of riding a mountain bike on uneven terrain.
For people to feel comfortable on the bike, they need to have the ability to jump and regroup from time to time. This takes a lot of time and effort with clipless pedals. Learning to do this can be a problem; unless you have serious time limitations, there is no reason to go as fast as possible.
Most people who use clipless pedals do so to get an efficient pedal every time. Unless a person participates in a contest or race, there is no real need to do that with the mountain bike.
Another thing to consider is that when using clipless pedals, people need to wear specific shoes (Old Man Winter Review). This means that traditional winter boots cannot be worn if the temperatures are freezing and there is a lot of snow on the ground. Flat pedals will work with the footwear, so its much more practical.
Is it really necessary to upgrade the pedals?
One of the reasons people upgrade pedals so frequently is that it is a very inexpensive way to improve the bike. Not only does a mountain bike provide excellent traction, but a foot should never slip either. People feel confident when riding by opting for a pedal that works.
For casual cyclists, they may not notice as much of a difference. The more complicated the mountain bike ride, the greater the impact of the pedals.
Lean on the pedals when they matter most
A mountain bike pedal upgrade may not seem necessary at first, but it only takes one difficult situation to see why they are so popular.
All of these options are inexpensive, and its a way to improve the bike significantly. If there are problems with the current pedals, its also a no-brainer to fix them.
Even on the high end, pedals are relatively easy to upgrade. Theyre also easy to install, so people can do all the shopping online instead of settling for local bike store prices. This is usually the best way to go, not only for the price but also for selection.