Last update on 2021-05-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You may not think that mountain bike pedals are something you need to buy on their own. After all, they come with a bike, so why do you need more? Some people like to upgrade their pedals, or their current ones have worn out. Whatever the reason, it’s helpful to know some superior replacements on the market exist.
However, not every set of replacement pedals is going to be the right one for you. Therefore, it’s worth checking out these top-rated options below, then finding out some of the things you need to think about before buying new ones.
1. Puroma Non-Slip Mountain Bike Pedals
If you are trying to find new mountain bike pedals with superior levels of grip, then check out the offerings from Puroma. Designed to make your bike not only stylish but functional, they are well worth your inspection.
You can buy them in two colors, and they feature high-quality nylon fiber with a Chromoly steel axle bearing. They even come equipped with 12 hex-head traction pins you can replace.
People enjoy how lightweight they are, as well as how easy they are to install. They are also suitable for most bikes, which helps make your decision. Still, they are not perfect. They can make noise over time, and the color can also fade. If you’re not careful, you may find they cut your feet due to the sharp bits along the side. Weigh up the pros and cons before you buy these pedals.
Product Features
- Two color options
- Nylon fiber construction
- 9/16-inch sizing
- Concave platform
- 12 replaceable hex-head traction pins
- Chromoly steel axle bearing
Pros
- They are lightweight
- Easy to install
- You can pick a color
- They offer plenty of grip and control
- Suitable for most bikes
Cons
- They can make noise
- They are sharp
- The color fades over time
2. Sgodde Flat Mountain Bicycle Pedals
While not everyone is impressed with the narrow width of these mountain bike pedals, most others are rapt with the quality and functionality on offer. These non-slip pedals mean business.
You can buy them for nearly any type of mountain bike, and they are packed full of convenient features. They are easy to install, even with a lack of instructions, and they have an anodized, non-slip surface.
There are 14 pins per pedal, 9/16-inch sizing, and they feature sealed bearings. By sealing them, you don’t have to worry about dirt and water getting into the pedal and causing them to fail. The best part is, they are affordable. Upgrade your bike and pedal in comfort thanks to these mountain bike pedals from Sgodde.
Product Features
- Aluminum construction
- Sealed bearings
- 9/16-inch sizing
- Chromoly steel
- Anodized surface
- Non-slip surface
- 14 pins per pedal
- Universal sizing
Pros
- They suit almost any bike
- They are easy to install
- Competitive price tag
- Stylish design
- The bearings are sealed to protect them from dirt and water
- Lightweight construction
- Premium materials
Cons
- Narrow for large shoes
- Lack of instructions for installation
3. Zacro Alumium Mountain Bike Cycling Pedals
If sleek and stylish mountain bike pedals have been on your wish list for some time, then check out the offerings from Zacro. With a black and red color scheme and sleek design, there’s certainly plenty to love.
They feature high-quality aluminum with a Chromoly steel spindle, and they are of a universal design. That means you can use them for almost any bike. It’s worth noting, though, that they may not have grip in the right places for off-roading.
They of a standard 9/16-inch size and come with an anti-slip nail surface and three bearings. People also like how they are affordable to buy and straightforward to install. They are not perfect, but they are still an excellent option for many people.
Product Features
- Aluminum construction
- Chromoly steel spindle
- Universal design
- 9/16-inch size
- Anti-slip nail surface
- Three bearings
Pros
- Stylish design
- Affordable to buy
- Easy to install
- Suitable for most bikes
- They have plenty of grip
- They last a long time
Cons
- You have to work hard to grip them while off-roading
4. Shimano Mountain Pedals
Serious mountain bikers are bound to be interested in these mountain bike pedals from Shimano. Shimano is known for delivering the goods, and these pedals are no exception. They boast an impressive open-binding design which helps with mud-shedding. They are also of a superior grip level for all manner of cycling styles.
People like the unified power transfer system, not to mention how easy they are to install. They also suit different shoe types and are of a stable and comfortable design. They are, however, much heavier than several other mountain bike pedals on the market. They can also make a lot of clicking sounds. As far as performance pedals go, though, they are a standout option on the market.
Product Features
- Open-binding mud-shedding design
- Recess cleat
- A unified power transfer system
- Black color scheme
Pros
- Reputable brand
- Competitive price tag
- Easy to install
- Sleek design
- They suit a variety of shoe types
- They are stable and comfortable
Cons
- They are heavy
- They can make a lot of clicking sounds
5. Toplimit01 Platform Flat Pedals for Road Mountain Bike
When the time comes to replace your old mountain bike pedals, why not see if these ones from Toplimit01 meet the mark? Sure, they went a bit overboard with the branding, and some parts may not be well made. Still, they are affordable and have plenty of desirable features.
They grip well to your feet, tend to have durable aluminum components, and are of a standard 9/16-inch sizing. People also like how easy they are to install, and that the bearings are protected from dirt and water.
The competitive price tag is a nice touch, too, for they free up more of your cash for other bike accessory purchases. The icing on top is the five color options. Jazz up your bike so that it looks at its best.
Product Features
- Five color options
- 9/16-inch sizing
- Lubricated sealed bearings
- CNC-cut aluminum construction
- 12 pins per pedal
- Universal design
Pros
- Quick and easy to replace
- Plenty of color options
- The bearings are protected from dirt and water
- They feature high-quality materials
- Competitive price tag
- They grip well on your feet
Cons
- Some components may not be well made
- They are heavily branded
6. Rockbros Mountain Platform Flat Alloy Pedals
While there are plenty of standout features to love about these mountain bike pedals from Rockbros, there is one negative point that’s worth being aware of before you decide to buy them.
There is superior grip on these pedals, but the center spindle sticks up higher. As a result, you can feel that more than the grip while you ride. It may even impact your shoe’s shape and grip level over time.
Still, if that’s not a problem for you, there are other things to enjoy about these pedals. You get to pick from one of four colors, and they all come with four sealed bearings. The anti-skid nails are reasonably high-quality, and the pedals feature aluminum alloy with Chromoly spindles.
They are easy to install, affordable, and stylish, as well. Think about whether the grip is going to be an issue for you, then see if these pedals are worth your purchase.
Product Features
- Four color options
- Four sealed bearings
- Anti-skid nails
- Aluminum alloy materials
- Chromoly spindles
- 9/16-inch sizing
Pros
- They are easy to install
- Dirt can’t get into the bearings
- They are lightweight
- Suitable for a variety of bikes
- Plenty of color options
- Competitive price tag
- Plenty of grip
Cons
- The center spindle sticks up higher than the spikes
7. Funn Clipless Pedal Set
Even though these mountain bike pedals from Funn cost a lot to buy, you may quickly learn why that’s the case. They are a superior pair of pedals that can take your biking experience to the next level.
They are compatible with Shimano SPD cleats, and you can clip into them easily. They are also suitable for a variety of riding styles, like endure, trail, freeride, and downhill. People like being able to choose a color and that they have a premium spring-loaded angular engagement system.
The high-quality materials give you peace of mind that they are made to last the distance, as do the sealed cartridge bearings with DU bushing. As far as mountain bike pedals go, these are at the pointy end of quality.
Product Features
- Rocker clip mechanism
- SPD compatibility
- 9/16-inch sizing
- Five color options
- Spring-loaded angular engagement system
- Anodized aluminum construction
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Easy to install
- You can pick a color
- Suitable for a variety of riding styles
- You can clip in easily
- They are compatible with Shimano SPD cleats
Cons
- Expensive to buy
8. Hikenture Aluminum Colorful Road Bike Pedals
Even though these aren’t high-end mountain bike pedals, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some high-end features. In fact, some customers are impressed by how they can be so affordable, yet so well made.
They come with sealed bearings to keep out dirt, a universal fit, and high-strength aluminum alloy materials. They do install a bit differently from other pedals with a hex key, but it’s a small problem in the scheme of things.
They are comfortable to use, have a full platform to fit shoes, and don’t break the bank. Even the coloring is something special, for they are vibrant and elegant for any bike you choose. Don’t look past these pedals as your next bike purchase.
Product Features
- High-strength aluminum alloy construction
- 12 replaceable anti-skid pins
- Sealed bearings
- Universal fit
Pros
- They are of a beautiful color
- Easy to install
- Ideal for a variety of bikes
- They are lightweight
- The sealed bearings don’t let in dirt or water
- Comfortable to use
- They have a wide platform to fit shoes
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Installation is different from other pedals
9. Hepingjiangenbo Mountain Bike Pedals with Cleat Compatible
As long as you have a hex key wrench handy for installing these mountain bike pedals, you can be off and pedaling in no time. These pedals from Hepingjiangenbo have a lot to offer the average rider.
They are available in five colors, come with a Chromoly steel spindle, and have self-lubricating bearings. They require no maintenance at all once you install them. They also feature die-cast aluminum and are easy to install.
People also appreciate the Shimano SPD compatibility, not to mention the competitive price tag. Sure, they are not the most high-end pedals you can buy, but they do offer incredible value for money.
Product Features
- Five color options
- Chromoly steel spindle
- Die-cast aluminum construction
- Self-lubricating bearings
- Hex key wrench installation
- SPD structure compatibility
Pros
- They are easy to install
- You can use them with Shimano SPD setups
- They require no maintenance
- Comfortable to use
- Affordable to buy
- Suitable for most mountain bikes
Cons
- You need to buy your own installation tools
10. VP Components Pedals
Even though these mountain bike pedals can require a little bit of maintenance, that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth your money. In fact, there are plenty of standout features that are bound to pique your curiosity.
The first thing you will notice is the color variety. Unlike other pedals that are usually black, these are available in red and blue. You can make your bike stand out from the crowd. The pedals also feature CNC-machined aluminum and are of a low-profile platform design with 12 pins per side.
Enjoy a superior grip, an easy installation process, and a stylish pedal that enhances the appeal of your bike. But that’s not all you will enjoy. These pedals are rebuildable. You can buy kits to make changes, instead of buying a whole new set. Sure, they are maintenance-intensive, but there are still plenty of things to love.
Product Features
- Two color options
- CNC-machined aluminum construction
- Low profile platform
- 12 pins per side
Pros
- You can purchase upgrades for them
- They provide plenty of grip
- Competitive price tag
- You can choose a color
- Easy to install
- Comfortable to use
- They are rebuildable
Cons
- They can require a bit of maintenance
Considerations for Purchasing Mountain Bike Pedals
Buying any parts for your mountain bike can require research, and mountain bike pedals are no different. They are one of the most vital components of any bike, which means it’s worth doing a lot of homework.
Read on to find out what’s worth considering before you get out your wallet. You never know, a small amount of homework could save you a considerable sum of money.
Pedal Type
Choosing new pedals for your bike can actually be quite an overwhelming process. That’s because there are so many different options on the market. In fact, the two most common pedal types are clip-in or clipless. But then you can also purchase flat pedals, BMX pedals, road clipless pedals, mountain bike clipless pedals, and more.
Knowing the options available, and comparing them to what you already have, can ensure you make the right purchasing decision. For example, a mountain bike is bound to be more suitable for mountain bike pedals than, for example, road clipless pedals.
Clipless vs. Flat Pedals
In the line of mountain bike pedals, you still need to decide whether you prefer clipless or flat pedals. With clipless pedals, you have a lot of control and efficiency. Your shoes are connected to the pedal, so when you push down and pull up, you transfer a lot of power.
Flat pedals, on the other hand, are better suited for people who want to walk comfortably in shoes without cleats once they are off the bike. They are ideal for people who take their feet off the pedals a lot.
Materials
The materials of any bike pedal are quite important. After all, you are going to be putting a lot of weight on them, so they need to be strong and durable. Fortunately, most manufacturers put a lot of time and effort into making sure their bike pedals are strong. They use aluminum alloy, which is either die-cast or CNC-cut.
The spindle is often made of Chromoly, which is durable and made to last. However, even strong materials have their flaws. It’s worth reading through the user reviews, for you sometimes come across cases of pedals snapping or being too sharp along the sides.
The Installation Process
How easy your new pedals are to install can make all the difference to whether or not you purchase them. After all, if you are replacing them often, then it helps if it’s an effortless process. The installation method can differ from one set of pedals to the next.
For example, some have a rounded end, so require a hex key wrench. Unfortunately, most don’t come with tools for installation. So, you will need to check how they install so that you can purchase the tools you need before the pedals arrive.
Maintenance
Having pedals that require no maintenance is, of course, a preference. You already have a bike to maintain, so why do you want to put more time and effort in than you have to? Fortunately, most bike pedals for sale require no maintenance. That’s not to say all of them do, though. Some people notice that parts of their pedals are loose, so they have to spend extra time with nut locking products to make sure everything is secure.
Still, you will find that at least the bearings are enclosed and self-lubricating. You don’t have to worry about lubricating them yourself and being sealed means that no dirt or moisture can get in.
Grip Level
When you’re going on biking adventures, you can end up traveling on various terrain types. You might end up on roads, trails, or bumpy tracks. Having the best grip possible can make all the difference.
Pay attention to how many nails or spikes each pedal has, and where they are placed. If you’re not sure what that means for you, read the reviews. Customers are all too happy to talk about their experience with the grip, and whether it had enough or not enough.
What’s more, a common problem to look out for is a raised spindle. If the axle is higher than the grip, it can end up causing problems with how you grip onto the pedal. It’s a point worth considering before you buy your new pedals.
Color Options
Even though it’s not a deal-breaker, it’s nice to be able to choose a pedal color to suit your bike. While most traditional pedals are black, not all of them are. You can also buy various colors like red, blue, rainbow, and gray. If the color is important to you, narrow down your options based on the variety from which you can choose.
Warranty
Pedals for mountain bikes can be quite expensive, especially if you buy from leading suppliers and brands like Shimano. Always be on the lookout for information relating to a warranty. Given what they are used for, most manufacturers will only offer 90-day guarantees. However, not all will. Some are more than happy to provide peace of mind for up to a year, or sometimes even longer.
Weight
You might not think that the weight of bike pedals matters all that much, but it does. The heavier they are, the harder you have to work to use them. Your bike then becomes more cumbersome as a result. Pay attention to the weight listed for each set of pedals that you look at. It even helps to read user reviews and look out for mention of pedals being light or heavy.
Spindle Length
The spindle length, or axle length, is the length between the crank arm and the pedal body. While most are quite standard, some brands are starting to offer pedals with longer spindles. The reason for this is it aids in your knee cap, or patella, tracking. Typically, you can pay more for these pedals than those with a standard spindle.
Pedal Stack
If you want natural knee and ankle flex, alongside excellent stability, then you’re going to pay attention to the pedal stack. This refers to the thickness and height of the pedal. The lower the stack, the more stability you have, not to mention a more natural flex in your knees and ankles.
