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MTB pedals for the best performance

Reliable MTB pedals are the heart of mountain bike equipment. Only when firm footing and secure hold are guaranteed, you can show your skills and moves without losing control of the bike. If you want to buy MTB pedals, you have the choice between two pedal systems, which we present here.


Why are MTB pedals important?

For non mountain bikers and occasional cyclists the question of suitable bicycle pedals hardly arises. What differences can there be between pedals that you just pedal? But for mountain bikers proper mountain bike pedals are essential. Only if MTB shoes and MTB pedals form a unit and correspond to your riding behaviour, a fluent riding on demanding trails is possible.

The strain on bikers and bikes should not be underestimated on rough ground, steep slopes or strenuous ascents. For drops and bunny shops you need to be able to release your feet from the pedal quickly, while for long uphill passages you need a non-slip grip. Especially in falls it is important that shoes and pedals are easily separated from each other.

So not all pedals are the same. Good grip, secure stand and resistant material make good MTB pedals.


Which MTB pedals are there?

The most widely used pedals for mountain biking are platform pedals, or flat pedals, and click pedals.


Flat Pedals

Flat pedals offer reliable grip in technically demanding terrain thanks to their large contact surface and grippy pins. The pins are distributed across the pedal and function according to the same principle as studs on football boots. Unlike click pedals and standard pedals, only one side of the pedal can usually be used. However, there are also platform pedals with a two-sided pedal surface and pin distribution.

The pins of platform pedals can vary in size, length and material. So grub screws, twisted pins and regular screws are used for more grip. Pins are usually easy to replace. It is important that they are tight and give your sole grip, but do not get caught. Soft soles are therefore suitable for platform pedals.


Click pedals

Click pedals are also known as system pedals. They connect your feet to the pedals with a snap-in mechanism. This is done via so-called cleats made of brass, plastic or steel, which are attached to the soles of MTB shoes. The result: You can not only pedal your MTB pedals, but also pull them upwards. Thereby you achieve a "round kick" on difficult trails. You can easily loosen the connection between shoe and pedal by a lateral turning movement. This way you avoid injuries in case of falls.


What are the differences with click pedals?

Click-in pedals are differentiated into pedals with two or three threads according to the engagement and disengagement mechanism. Three threads are mainly used on racing bikes. The cleat mechanism can be a hindrance when running here, as running paths are not intended for racing cyclists. Click pedals with two threads are much more comfortable to run. The threads are better integrated into the sole of the shoe and hardly disturb.

System pedals are divided into different systems depending on the manufacturer. Unfortunately, due to a lack of standardization, the systems are usually not compatible with each other and spare parts are not always easy to obtain.


SPD (Shimano Pedal Dynamics)

SPD pedals are beginner-friendly and comfortable. Two threads can be integrated into the sole of the shoe and do not interfere with walking. When cycling, the sole is firmly anchored, but still has room to move (float). SPD pedals are especially recommended for MTB and trekking.


SPD-SL

SPD-SL pedals are a system specially designed for racing bikes with more standing surface. The cleats are mostly made of plastic, have three threads and are widely used. The float is lower than with SPD pedals, but can be adjusted. This means that the feet can be moved slightly when riding, which is why we also talk about clipless pedals. SPD-SL is more suitable for racing and triathlon.


Look Keo

In 1984 the first clipless pedal from the French company Look was launched on the market. Since then Look has been considered the mother of the clipless pedal. Look Clipless MTB pedals are beginner-friendly and offer three levels of cleats depending on the desired freedom of movement. The pedals are made of carbon, are comparatively light and allow a smooth entry and exit. They are suitable for road and MTB.


ATAC

ATAC pedals are robust and very light thanks to their hollowed, chrome-plated steel axle. They are particularly suitable for Gravel and Cross-Country biking.


Speedplay

Speedplay pedals can be used from downhill to road bikes and impress with their secure anchorage and low weight. Thanks to an optimal float technology, the pedals offer freedom of movement without unintentionally loosening the connection during wild passages.


MTB pedals: Also a question of taste

Which MTB pedals are suitable for you is not only a question of your riding technique, but also of your preferences. If you don't want to attach your shoes firmly to the pedals, you should opt for platform pedals and use shoes with soft soles. If you want better riding control and a round kick, you should buy MTB pedals that use click systems.

However, keep in mind that shoe plates wear quickly due to the high load, so that a change is necessary from time to time. Practice engaging and disengaging the cleats sideways before riding and wear special MTB shoes that allow for the integration of cleats.