Best Mountain Bike Clipless Pedals
- Best Overall: Shimano XT M8020 Trail
- Best Alternative: Shimano PD-M530
- Best Value for Money: Crankbrothers Candy
- Best Entry-Level: Shimano PD-M520
- Best in Durability: Time ATAC XC6
- Best for Stability: LOOK X-Track Race Carbon
- Best for Commuting: Shimano Deore XT PD-T8000
- Best in Floating System: Time Specials 8
- Best in Versatility: Crankbrothers Mallet
- Best in Style: Funn Ripper
- Best Lightweight Option: LOOK X-Track En-Range
The best mountain bike clipless pedals can transform your ride by boosting power and control, whether you’re tackling rocky singletrack or commuting on paved trails.
Many riders struggle with foot slippage, inefficient pedaling, and bulky pedals that add weight.
his guide helps you find clipless pedals that match your riding style, budget, and skill level—without feeling overwhelmed by jargon or aggressive sales pitches.
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Many people don’t know how to find the right pair of clipless mountain bike pedals. The good news is we looked at and reviewed all the top models today so you can find your perfect match.
These high-quality mountain bike pedals are easy to install and remove. They’re made from alloy that ensures durability while keeping them lightweight too.
Most importantly, they’re compatible with cycling shoes on the market.
Related article: How to change bike pedals
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11 of the Best Mountain Bike Clipless Pedals
Shimano XT M8020 Trail
Best Overall: Superb performance for heavy trails
- 0.31 pounds
- Forged alloy body
- Chrome-moly axle
- Revised cleat interface
- Sealed Cartridge axle system
Shimano XT M8020 is designed to take the complex and unpleasant conditions during off-road competition. Although, this is also great for cross-country trail riding.
It is lightweight and high-performance with its forged alloy body and chrome-moly axle. It also has the revised cleat interface, which is excellent in increasing stability. At the same time, the sealed cartridge axle system contributes to its reliability and simplified low maintenance.
The pedal action is very smooth. As well as the attach and detach action. With his pedal, there are no unexpected releases. It is well secured.
Shimano PD-M530
Best Alternative: Larger platform for comfort and secure foot placement on the pedal
- 0.22 pounds; 9/16-inch thread size
- Wide gear ratio
- Wide range cassette
- Superior mud-shedding design
Shimano PD-M520 has a wider gear ratio and an appropriate gear step, optimized for climbing steep terrain. It has low gear for broad tire trend open (27.5 plus). Suitable for women and youth, making them feel more comfortable during the ride.
What is great about this is the improved stability and chain retention of the drivetrain in rough terrains. It has smooth shifting of the front and rear that maintains speed and acceleration in a different landscape.
A little on the heavy side, but that makes up for its durability. Regardless of these, the pedals are easy to clip in and clip out, which you would expect on Shimano engineered pedals.
Crankbrothers Candy
Best Value for Money: Great quality with its budget-friendly price
- 0.75 pounds; 52mm thread size
- 4 sided entry
- Customized float
- Premium bearings
- Endure cartridge for outdoor bearing
- Forged chromoly-steel spindle
Crankbrothers Candy pedal comes with 1, 2, 3, 7, and 11 series, competition-oriented. These pedals are also the most accessible pedals to clip in and mindlessly easy to clip out.
This is great for commuting but also efficient for cross country or gravel bikes. It has a plastic platform that is so substantial that it could take several pedal strikes as nothing happened.
Furthermore, it is light in weight and of good quality at a budget-friendly price. They are consistent so that you could slot the cleats from any angle—making the finding of connection easier during your ride.
These pedals work well with a pair of commuter shoes that are comfortable and secure to use.
Shimano PD-M520
Best Entry-Level: Easy to clip in and clip out
- 1.1 pounds; 9/16-inch thread size
- Shimano SPD cleats and shoes compatible
- Sealed cartridge bearing spindle
- Open design
- Double-sided pop-up binding
- Dual front and rear cleat tension adjustment
- Includes Shimano SH51 cleats
Shimano PD-M520 is suitable for both beginners and intermediate riders. A quality no-frills SPD pedals. It has a solid construction which is great not only for road bikes but also for mountain bikes.
This model shows the benefit of engineering simplicity, as the pedal is lighter yet more secure on the road. Clipping in and out is flawless, easy, and gives you the confidence that you will never get stuck on it.
Shimano PD-M520 is dual-sided, meaning you can clip in on either side of the pedal. This makes it easier to clip in on the pedal.
Time ATAC XC6
Best in Durability: Long-lasting pedals and easy to use
- 0.30 pounds; 9/16-inch thread size
- Chrome steel axle and carbon body
- Stainless steel molded dual-arches
- Auto-tension adjustment
- +/-5mm Angular float
- 6mm Lateral float
If you’re a mountain biker, competitive cyclotron rider, or gravel road cyclist, this is the perfect option for you. Time ATAC XC6 has an oversized hollow steel axle and carbon body which makes it lightweight. But it is durable enough to withstand muddy conditions and harsh terrain.
The ATAC system provides easy engagement. It also ensures that your foot retention is independent of spring tension.
It has a self-cleaning frontal retention system that sheds dirt every time you clip in too!
LOOK X-Track Race Carbon
Best for Stability: Securely clipped-in in all conditions
- 0.38 pounds; 515 thread size
- Lateral contact support
- Adjustable tension screw
- SPD compatible
LOOK X-Track Race Carbon is specially engineered with its perfect weight and contact surface ratio, which is helpful for energy transmission.
It also has lateral contact support that guides your foot in finding your pedal. It provides you a point of contact even if you have not yet engaged the cleats. This wide contact area prevents your foot from sliding on the pedal body that offers consistent support.
Furthermore, LOOK X-track Race Carbon works regardless of external conditions. More space allows for the shedding of various foreign matters. These zones give you a constant and stable feeling of being securely clipped-in in all conditions.
Shimano Deore XT PD-T8000
Best for Commuting: Large enough platform for running or street shoes
- 0.86 pounds; 9/16-inch thread size
- Two-sided pedal
- Customized entry and released tension setting
- Concave cleat clearance
- High-grip pins
- Sealed cup and cone bearings
If you’re looking for a great pedal in commuting or trekking and touring around, then Shimano Deore XT PD-T8000 is a thing for you. These pedals have small spikes on the platform side, which provide a firm grip. This is functional for MTB shoes without cleats.
Moreover, the platform side is large enough for running shoes or street shoes. Plus, the platform allows you to quickly move from a standstill position without worrying about clipping it in again.
It also has a reflector integrated on the pedal, which is very useful during the night. This gives you peace of mind for your safety, catching the attention of drivers coming up from behind.
These pedals are light and well-balanced. They are also easy to clip in and out. It has the non-clip option that is great for some touchy places on the road. Even with clips on the bottom of your shoes, they sit comfortably on them because of their concave feature that could accommodate the cleats.
Time Speciale 8
Best in Floating System: Perfectly engineered float by Time
- 0.43 pounds; 9/16-inch thread size
- Aluminum body
- 4 adjustable spikes
- Micro-adjustable clamping system
- ATAC engagement system
- Hollow steel axle with steel bearings
The Time Speciale 8 is the new enduro pedal from TIME inspired by their 12mm version. The aluminum body provides you with a sturdy platform to grip.
There’s an easy-to-use micro-adjustable camping system that caters to the most advanced bikers. It also comes equipped with four adjustable spikes for optimal traction even when unclipped. So no matter your skill level, this will be right up your alley!
The specialized ATAC engagement system allows for easy insertion and positive, predictable release. Each time you step into the pedal, it clears out any debris. This also works well as self-cleaning even in the toughest conditions!
Moreover, its floats are excellent, especially with those who have knee issues. This is a significant step up for those who appreciate float and need a light, solid and durable pedal with a usable platform.
Crankbrothers Mallet
Best in Versatility: Has two options, either clipped in or used as flats
- 0.92 pounds; 110 thread size
- Compatible with 3-hole clipless cycling shoes
- 4-sided entry
- Includes a set of Crankbrothers standard release cleats
- Wide platform
The Crankbrothers Mallet pedals are the ultimate pedal for enduro riding and racing, having a longer spindle. It is customized with integrated traction pad technology for a more refined fit, feel and power transfer.
The Crankbrothers Mallet is very versatile for its clip-in and flat option – they are easy to clip in and clip out. The flat is functional for sketchy and technical terrains where you could quickly put your leg out. While, if you’re climbing smooth trails, you could just clip in the cleats on the pedal.
These are well made and last a long time. Although a bit heavy, the extra pedal surface and its use of regular shoes make them appealing. More so, the pedals are smooth and quiet.
Funn Ripper
Best in Style: Easy to clip in and out with a variety of colors to choose from
- 1.26 pounds; 9/16-inch thread size
- Large platform
- Spring-loaded angular engagement system
- 6 removable pins
- Shimano SPD system with cleats included
Funn Ripper Pedal is built for riders of all levels looking for improved pedaling efficiency and control on the trails. It is perfect for downhill, enduro, trail, freeride and cross country.
It has a large platform that gives you the confidence of not slipping out even when not clipped in. At the same time, the spring-loaded angular engagement system improves the smoothness of SPD cleat engagement action. Once you are clipped in, the raised platform offers a great pedal feel and support.
Moreover, the six removable pins add a customized grip for your perfect setup. It is also precision-made, from its alloy composition that makes it durable and light in weight. Also, the release is excellent and very adjustable, with no unexpected releases.
More so, it has a variety of colors that you could choose from. Not only are they easy to slip into, but they also look great.
LOOK X-Track En-Range
Best Lightweight Option: Relatively light in weight and good price-quality
- 0.46 pounds; 9/16-inch thread size
- Lateral contact support
- Adjustable tension screw
- SPD compatible
If you’re looking for a sturdy pedal to accompany you on your favorite trails, then LOOK X-track En-rage is what you’re looking for. Its aluminum body is designed to resist extreme conditions of trail riding.
When comfort and security are your top priority, no worries because this pedal has a 545 mm squared contact area. This tremendous contact-to-weight ratio makes your ride smooth and comfortable.
The lateral contact support guides your foot in finding your pedal and provides you a point of contact even when the cleats are not yet engaged. Its wide contact area is also great for extreme riding conditions.
Furthermore, it has two-cleat models available. The X-track Cleat is the standard version that allows a classic lateral clip out. The X-track Easy Cleat also offers a larger clip-out range with lateral and angled release possibilities.
Flat vs. Clipless Pedals
The mountain bike flat pedals have metal pins that help keep your foot in place by gripping to the bottom of a pair of shoes. They’re usually wide for climbing steep hills and maneuvering over obstacles (which is why they don’t work well with city bikes).
For the clipless pedals, you clip your shoes into clipless pedals despite its name clipless. The term “clipless” comes from the historic abandonment of toe clips and straps over the top of the shoe. This is used by road riders to hold their feet in place.
There are two main forms of clipless pedals. First is the double-sided clipless pedals, which are large enough to ride without using cleats. The other one is the single-sided clipless pedal that has a broad platform to aid stability.
Double-sided clipless pedals are designed for mountain biking, while single-sided pedals are aimed at road riders.
Statistics and Facts on the Best Mountain Bike Clipless Pedals
Clipless pedals are widely recognized for their performance benefits in mountain biking, offering increased power output, efficiency, and control compared to flat pedals.
Performance and Power Output
In a controlled study of eight mountain bikers, mean power output during a 30-second maximal sprint was significantly higher with clipless pedals (M = 617 watts, SD = 112) compared to toe-strap (M = 572 watts, SD = 77) and flat pedals (M = 566 watts, SD = 83). The difference between clipless and flat pedals was statistically significant (p < .000), confirming that clipless pedals allow for greater power generation due to the ability to pull on the upstroke as well as push on the downstroke.
Field tests have shown that using clipless pedals results in faster climbing and circuit times. On average, riders were 26.4 seconds faster on climbs and 48.7 seconds faster on circuit courses with clipless pedals compared to flats. When accounting for rider skill, the time advantage increased to 41 seconds for climbs and 65 seconds for circuits. Additionally, average wattage output was 20.2 watts higher on climbs and 10.8 watts higher on circuits when using clipless pedals.
Efficiency and Rider Experience
Clipless pedals improve pedaling efficiency by enabling riders to generate power throughout a greater portion of the pedal stroke, not just on the downstroke. This leads to reduced fatigue and more energy savings, especially over long or steep rides. Riders report greater foot stability and easier maneuverability (such as bunnyhopping and wheelies) with clipless pedals, particularly on rough terrain or when jumping obstacles
What to Look for When Buying Clipless Pedals
Cleats
Large Plastic Cleat is used for a three-bolt system. The clip-in mechanism on the pedal is one-sided only. But this provides a more stable platform on the pedal because the cleats and cleat contact area are larger.
Smaller Metal Clear is used for two-bolt mountain biking clip-in systems. The clip-in mechanism on the pedal is on both sides, making it easier to clip in. As these cleats are smaller, it makes it easier to walk around when off the bike.
Ease of Entry
For those that are new to clipless pedals, SPDs double-sided pedal is the best option. This type of pedal makes it easier for beginners to clip in. There’s no need to worry about which side you’re stepping onto. Or whether your foot doesn’t fly off when unclipping either. The SPD system has another advantage: Shimano multi-release cleats.
Beginner Tip: Look for pedals with “4-sided entry” or “dual-sided SPD” if you want to skip fumbling at stops. This helps when your feet are tired or you’re caught on uneven ground.
Release Tension
Knowing how to adjust your bike cleats is critical for avoiding inconveniences like toppling over when you stop. Major ones would include falling off the pedals.
If there’s too much tension on them, it can be challenging to smoothly disengage your feet from the pedal. This means that even small obstacles or uneven surfaces could cause you to topple over.
On the other hand, if there isn’t enough pressure, a struggle against high resistance might result in injury. There would also be difficulty in engaging again with no support whatsoever.
So find a middle ground so that both stopping safely and riding powerfully are easy. At the same time, you maintain full control at every point along the way.
Platform
You need to consider its security and control for clipless pedals. You need to check for its solid interface between shoe and pedal. While for a wide platform for flat pedals. The wider surface supports soft-soled gravity shoes and gives riders a secure platform, especially when they come unclipped.
Grip
For mountain bikes, it requires more grip for added traction necessary for rugged trails and bumpy roads. Traction pads are helpful to adjust the grips easily. While the spring retention system is designed to keep your foot stuck on the pedal for maximum paddling power.
Grip Note: If you find your foot slipping on wet rocks, look for models with removable pins (e.g., Funn Ripper) or micro-adjustable traction pads (e.g., Mallet).
Float
Float refers to the small amount of lateral rotation available once the cleat is clipped into the pedal. Without a few degrees of float, your feet will be fixed into place, which can lead to a knee injury if misaligned.
A floating pedal system allows the foot to rotate more or less at the ball of the foot, right over the center of the pedal.
Most floating pedal systems range from about 5 to 15 degrees. Some pedals allow you to adjust how many degrees of float you have and the directions in which the float occurs. Having a proper float is beneficial because it provides a degree of stability that having too much float does not.
Health Tip: If you suffer from knee pain, aim for pedals with adjustable float (like Time ATAC XC6) so you can dial in exactly how many degrees your foot moves—reducing strain on sensitive joints.
Bearings and Sealing
Pedals designed for general trail riding and enduro racing often have larger bodies to protect the clipless mechanism from damage. The larger cage protects the clipless mechanism while offering an expanded shoe-pedal contact area for added stability on technical terrain.
Weight
The average clipless mountain bike pedal weighs 372 g, while the flat mountain bike pedal weighs 385 g. A lighter set of pedals will technically make your bike go faster. It is a fact that you spend less energy on a more lightweight bike than a heavier one.
Weight Insight: If your rides include steep climbs or you race against friends, saving even 100 grams per pedal can make a noticeable difference over long ascents.
Mud Shedding Capacity
Pedals with a large degree of mud clearance are preferable because you’re going to be throwing up a lot of dirt as you ride your bike around the trails.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
How much faster do clipless pedals make you?
Clipless pedal systems allow you to produce 10% more power during short sprints and steep climbing than flat pedals.
Why do they call it clipless pedals?
Essentially, manufacturers needed a way to differentiate toe-clip and strap pedals from this new type of pedal that didn’t have the toe-clip but rather a cleat. The term “clipless” really refers to the lack of toe clips rather than the action of connecting your shoe with the pedal.
Can I use clipless pedals on mixed terrain or gravel rides?
Yes—many clipless pedals, like Crankbrothers Mallet and Time Speciale 8, offer wide platforms or flat modes so you can ride technical gravel sections without locking in every time.
How do I know if my cleat tension is set correctly?
Start with medium tension (around 6–8 on Shimano SPD) and test clip in/out while stationary. If you struggle to unclip, lower the tension; if your foot slips under load, raise it slightly until you find a secure balance.
Conclusion on the Best Mountain Bike Clipless Pedals
As a cyclist or a commuter, it is essential to consider what clipless pedal is good for you.
For heavy trails, the best performing clipless pedal would be the Shimano XT M8020 Trail Pedal. Reliable for rugged terrains and light in weight that would give you much comfort and stability during your way uphill and downhill.
While for commuting, the best would be the Shimano Deore XT PD-T800 that you could also use on cross-country bikes. Its spikes on the platform provide a good grip on your shoes, making them securely stuck on it and avoiding possible slippage.
Have fun on your ride with these tremendous gripping clipless pedals!
