Whether it’s your first time riding a mountain bike or you’re an experienced rider that shreds trails in your sleep, everyone needs a solid pair of pedals that will stand up to the test of time. No matter if your style of riding is flowy trails or gnarly downhill descents, there is a pedal out there that is perfect for you.
The mountain bike experts at The Adventure Junkies pulled together a comprehensive list of the best mountain bike flat pedals on the market, covering a variety of materials, features, and price tags so you are sure to find the right pedal for you!
For more of our top mountain biking gear recommendations, check out the Best Overall Mountain Bike Pedals.
Quick Answer - The Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedals
- Crankbrothers Stamp 2
- Race Face Aeffect
- Deity Black Kat
- Dimension Baic Heavy-Duty Nylon
- DMR V6
- Fyxation Gates Slim Platform
- Bontrager Line Elite
- Shimano GR500 Flat Platform
- Spank Oozy Trail Platform
- HT Components ME03T
Comparison Table - Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedal
For the best experience turn your device horizontally| Name | Material | Color | Weight | Spindle Thread | Price | Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crankbrothers Stamp 2 | Aluminum | Black, Raw | 470 grams | 9/16” | $$ | 5.0 | Read Review |
| Race Face Aeffect | Aluminum | Multi (Black, Blue, or Red) | 374 grams | 9/16” | $$$ | 4.3 | Read Review |
| Deity Black Kat | Aluminum | Multi (Black, Blue, Purple, Green, Red, Orange, or Platinum) | 402 grams | 9/16” | $$$ | 4.9 | Read Review |
| Dimension Baic Heavy-Duty Nylon | Nylon | Black | 330 grams | 1/2” or 9/16” | $ | 3.8 | Read Review |
| DMR V6 | Nylon | Multi (Green, Orange, Red, Pink, or Purple) | 327 grams | 9/16” | $ | 4.5 | Read Review |
| Fyxation Gates Slim Platform | Nylon | Black | 345 grams | 9/16” | $ | 4.2 | Read Review |
| Bontrager Line Elite | Nylon | Multi (Black, Grey, Olive, Orange, or Yellow) | 350 grams | 9/16” | $ | 5.0 | Read Review |
| Shimano GR500 Flat Platform | Steel, Aluminum | Black, Silver | 455 grams | 9/16” | $$ | 4.7 | Read Review |
| Spank Oozy Trail Platform | Aluminum | Multi (Black, Green, Red, or Orange) | 360 grams | 9/16” | $$$ | 4.8 | Read Review |
| HT Components ME03T | Magnesium, Titanium | Black | 218 grams | 9/16” | $$$$ | 4.9 | Read Review |
| Name | Material | Color | Weight | Spindle Thread | Price | Rating | Review |
Reviews - The Best Flat Pedals for Mountain Biking
Crankbrothers Stamp 2
Specs
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Black, Raw
- Weight: 470 grams
- Spindle Thread: 9/16”
Features
- Large Platform Is Suited To Large Feet
- Height Adjustable Metal Studs Allow You To Change The Grip Level
- Low Maintenance Design
BEST FOR: LARGE FEET
The Crankbrothers Stamp 2 Large Pedals are designed specifically for those with a foot size US 10-15. The wide footbed paired with 10 adjustable metal studs mean you’ll find plenty of grip to keep your foot in place so you feel completely in control while riding. Engineered with high-end inner components, these large pedals are low maintenance. Pair those quality components with a strong and durable pedal design, and these beasts not only look good but will stand the test of time.
Race Face Aeffect
Specs
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Multi (Black, Blue, or Red)
- Weight: 374 grams
- Spindle Thread: 9/16”
Features
- Chunky Durable Design
- Quality Internal Components
- Concave Footbed Adds Comfort And Grip
BEST FOR: ROUGH AND ROCKY TERRAIN
These pedals are suited to rough terrain including downhill style mountain biking. A sturdy aluminum platform and chunky design means these pedals can take a beating out on the trails. Even though they’re rugged, you won’t have to worry about any extra weight on your feet as these pedals weigh in at just under 400 grams. The concave footbed combined with metal studs will give you plenty of grip and comfort, so that you can shred even the gnarliest terrain.
Deity Black Kat
Specs
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Multi (Black, Blue, Purple, Green, Red, Orange, or Platinum)
- Weight: 402 grams
- Spindle Thread: 9/16”
Features
- Concave Footbed Adds Comfort And Grip
- Available In 7 Colors
- Fully Serviceable Design
BEST FOR: GNARLY DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKING
Replacing the Deity Decoy Platform Pedal, the all new Deity Black Kat Platform Pedal is lighter, thinner, and features a larger footbed. All the improvements mean that this pedal is grippier, stronger, and more comfortable than its predecessor. Although sitting at the higher end in terms of price, these updated pedals are still an exceptional value for money. They’re made with high end internal components and a fully serviceable design, making them long-lasting and durable. Every set even comes with an additional replacement pin so you can service these bad boys on-the-go. These pedals have the potential to be a one time purchase – because you will never need to buy another set.
Dimension Baic Heavy-Duty Nylon
Specs
- Material: Nylon
- Color: Black
- Weight: 330 grams
- Spindle Thread: 1/2” or 9/16”
Features
- Reflective Accents
- Heavy Duty
BEST BASIC PEDAL
New to mountain biking and looking for a budget pedal to get you started on your mountain biking journey? These pedals will do the job without any fuss. They are heavy duty and will be able to take a thrashing out on the trails. Available in two sizes, they should fit most bikes. And the addition of reflective accents mean there is an added benefit of safety while on the trails and footpaths.
DMR V6
Specs
- Material: Nylon
- Color: Multi (Green, Orange, Red, Pink, or Purple)
- Weight: 327 grams
- Spindle Thread: 9/16”
Features
- Available In 5 Bright Colors
- Studded Footbed Provides Extra Grip
- Wide Pedal Suits Larger Meet
BEST VALUE FOR MONEY
These DMR V6 Pedals are a great value for money. They may be on the low end of the price spectrum, but they come with some great features including a studded footbed for extra grip between your shoe and the pedal. The wide footbed also means they’re suitable for larger feet with less chance of losing contact between foot and pedal. These pedals are also available in a range of colors so you can match your bike to your pedals.
Fyxation Gates Slim Platform
Specs
- Material: Nylon
- Color: Black
- Weight: 345 grams
- Spindle Thread: 9/16”
Features
- Heavy Duty Construction
- Lightly Studded Footbed
BEST FOR: LIGHT USE
If you’re looking for a slim profile pedal that is suitable for light mountain biking, then look no further. The Fyxation Gates Slim Platform Pedals are lightly studded to keep your foot on the pedal. Made from an impact resistant nylon, these pedals are durable and strong. Designed with a wide footbed for maximum contact, these are a good option if you have wide feet.
Bontrager Line Elite
Specs
- Material: Nylon
- Color: Multi (Black, Grey, Olive, Orange, or Yellow)
- Weight: 350 grams
- Spindle Thread: 9/16”
Features
- Metal Studded Footbed Provides Maximum Grip
- Replaceable Parts
- Available In 5 Colors
BEST FOR: SERIOUS MOUNTAIN BIKING
The Bontrager Line Elite MTB Platform Pedals are a serious bit of kit. Designed with a nylon construction for superior comfort and metal studs for maximum grip, these pedals are well suited to serious mountain biking. They are also able to be serviced, with the ability to replace parts including the metal studs, meaning you won’t be buying all new pedals anytime soon.
Shimano GR500 Flat Platform
Specs
- Material: Steel, Aluminum
- Color: Black, Silver
- Weight: 455 grams
- Spindle Thread: 9/16”
Features
- Height Adjustable Metal Studs Allow You To Change The Grip Level
- Concave Footbed Adds Comfort
- Durable
BEST FOR: VARYING TERRAIN
Need a set of pedals that will suit trail riding right through to shredding some rough terrain? The Shimano GR500 Flat Platform Pedals may just be what you’re looking for. Made from steel and aluminum, they are super strong and durable. Featuring height adjustable metal studs, you can dial up or down the level of grip you need for your riding style. A sleek and low-maintenance design means you can spend more time riding than servicing your pedals.
Spank Oozy Trail Platform
Specs
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Multi (Black, Green, Red, or Orange)
- Weight: 360 grams
- Spindle Thread: 9/16”
Features
- Durable, Lightweight Design
- Quality Internal Components
- Metal Studs Add Grip
BEST FOR: AGGRESSIVE TRAIL RIDING
The super slim design on the Spank Oozy Trail Platform Pedal improves pedaling efficiency and stability. High quality internal components ensure strength, durability, and performance so that you can spend hours on the trails without worrying about maintenance. These lightweight pedals, fitted out with metal studs for extra grip, are perfect for aggressive trail riding where you may encounter some rough terrain.
HT Components ME03T
Specs
- Material: Magnesium, Titanium
- Color: Black
- Weight: 218 grams
- Spindle Thread: 9/16”
Features
- Ultra Lightweight
- Replaceable Metal Studs
- High Quality Internal Components
BEST FOR: THOSE WHO LOVE MTB BLING
These super lightweight and incredibly strong and durable pedals will have your friends lusting after your new purchase. They do come in at an eye watering price tag for a single set of pedals, but that’s because they’re stacked with premier features. Like the replaceable metal studs, for example. Can’t find those on a cheap-o pair of pedals from Wal-Mart! And don’t forget about the high quality internal components which make these pedal fully serviceable.
Or their ultra thin profile that will totally make all your mountain biking buddies super jealous. And did we mention that these are the lightest pedals on the market? Lastly, comfort and grip are second to none with the ME03 Pedals so you’ll feel stable and in control when shredding trails and nailing rough descents. What you pay is what you get, and paying the premium price for these pedals may just be worth the initial cost.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING FLAT PEDALS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKES
The wide variety of different types of mountain bike pedals mean that there’s also a super wide variety of things to consider before making your selection. One important thing to think about is the material the pedal is made of. You want to be sure that the pedals you choose are strong enough for the style of riding you plan on doing.
If you’re an avid mountain biker, being able to service and replace parts is also extremely important, so that your pedals can last many thousands of miles of riding. Also think about the style of riding you will be doing, as some pedals have maximum grip for gnarly trails while others have a decent amount of grip for lighter trail riding.
Of course, the price of the pedals is always a consideration too. A cheaper set of pedals means you won’t have to shell out as much cash initially, but you may need to replace them more often than if you purchased a more expensive pedal that could be serviced and was made from a more durable material.
COST
A cheaper pedal will often be manufactured from a less superior material, have low end internal components, and won’t be serviceable (meaning you’ll have to replace it if it breaks). However, if you’re new to mountain biking and just trying to get set up for your first big ride, then a cheaper pedal might suit your needs.
Your style of riding will help you understand what you want in a pedal. If you know you’re tough on your bike or prefer more rugged trails, then you probably want to consider investing in a slightly pricier set of pedals that will survive a lot of wear and tear. More expensive pedals will often be more durable and will have replacement parts available, allowing the pedal to be serviced instead of replaced. These features extend the life of the pedal, so paying a higher price for a longer-lasting set of pedals can be well worth the cost.
GRIP
Grip is provided by the studs and the shape of the pedal. Grip is needed so your foot stays in contact with the pedal which gives you control over the bike. Varying levels of grip are required depending on if you are riding rough terrain or smooth and flowy terrain.
SERVICEABILITY
Some pedals have internal components that can be serviced. Most often, higher end pedals will have components that can be maintained, serviced, or even replaced. These serviceable components extend the lifespan of the pedal and ensures that your pedals work every time.
MATERIAL
Pedals are most commonly made from nylon or aluminum, but some high end options can be manufactured from magnesium or titanium. Each material offers a different level of strength and durability, as well as weight. Nylon is cheaper to manufacture so your pedals are accordingly cheaper. Aluminum is more expensive to manufacture, though you can get very well priced pedals made from aluminum.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
STUDS AND STUDDED FOOTBED
Mountain bike flat pedals are most commonly equipped with some form of raised studs, whether they are formed into the pedal or added as metal pins. These studs offer grip between the pedal and the sole of your shoe so your foot doesn’t slip off the pedal.
The more expensive the pedal, the more likely you will be able to replace the metal studs when they wear down, which increases the lifespan of the pedal.
INTERNAL COMPONENTS
There are various internal components within a pedal, all of which help the pedal to spin. Some pedals are manufactured with internal components that can be serviced and/or replaced. Usually the more expensive the pedal, the more likely they will have parts that can be replaced.
CONCAVE FOOTBED
The top of the pedal, known as the footbed, is shaped with a curve, which gives your shoe more grip and less chance of slipping off the pedal. It also adds comfort so your foot is not unnaturally flat on the pedal.
SPINDLE THREAD
The is the round metal piece that screws into the pedal hole on the bike. Adult bike pedals are typically all 9/16” while children’s bike pedals are typically 1/2“ – the numbers refer to the diameter of the spindle.
DURABILITY
The materials and design will play a part in how durable the pedals are. When mountain biking there is the potential for the pedal to hit rocks on rough terrain which can damage a pedal. The rougher the terrain, the more likely you will need to select an aluminum pedal over a nylon pedal.
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