The 7 Best Flat Pedals for Mountain Biking

Name: Wolf Tooth Waveform
Brand: Wolf Tooth Components

We tested 24 mountain bike flat pedals in a head to head to find the best, with models from Wolf Tooth Components, 5 Dev, OneUp, Race Face, Deity, and more.

We've put the top mountain bike flat pedals through head-to-head testing to determine the best of the best.

Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

By Tara Reddinger-Adams, Kenji Mowrey, Sean Cronin, Pat Donahue, and Al Morrison ⋅ Oct 30, 2024

The Best MTB Flat Pedals

Looking for new mountain bike flat pedals? We've reviewed and researched the newest and most popular mountain bike flat pedals on the market and purchased 24 pairs for testing. Our team includes riders and friends from various riding backgrounds who live in different locations. We tested these pedals for weeks, from dusty desert rides in Arizona, to Midwest flow trails, and janky roots and rock in British Columbia. After each ride, our team takes expensive notes and analyzes each pedal in our five metrics. Our recommendations are based on our real-world testing and real-world measurements. Our goal is to help you find the best mountain bike flat pedal for your needs, budget, and riding style.

Having the right pair of flat pedal mountain bike shoes can help your feet stay planted on your pedals. Check out our comprehensive reviews of flat pedal shoes for men and flat pedal shoes for women for the best performing models from our testing. If you prefer to be clipped in, check out our mountain bike pedals review.

Editor's Note: This review was updated on October 30, 2024, to include new models from WolfTooth Components and 5Dev and updated scoring.

Top 24 Mountain Bike Flat Pedals

Displaying 1 - 24 (scroll right)

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	#1 Wolf Tooth Waveform	#2 Wolf Tooth Ripsaw	#3 Deity TMAC	#4 Race Face Atlas	#5 HT Components AE03 Evo	#6 OneUp Components Aluminum	#7 Race Face Chester	#8 Chromag Dagga	#9 OneUp Components Composite	#10 Nukeproof Horizon Pro	#11 Deity Bladerunner	#12 Fooker Nylon Fiber	#13 HT Components ANS10 Supreme	#14 DMR Vault	#15 HT PA03A	#16 CrankBrothers Stamp 7	#17 Spank Spike	#18 CXWXC CX-930 Pedals	#19 RockBros CNC Aluminum	#20 RockBros Nylon Fiber	#21 PNW Loam Pedal	#22 5Dev All Around	#23 Mongoose Alloy Pedal	#24 BV Universal
Awards	Best Flat Pedal	Best Convex Pedal	Best Gravity Flat Pedal				Best Pedal for your Buck		Best Composite Pedal			Best On A Tight Budget						Best For Everyday Commuting
Price	$199.95 at REI Compare at 3 sellers	$199.95 at Backcountry	$180 List $179.99 at Backcountry	$151.94 at Amazon Compare at 4 sellers	$160 List $149.99 at Amazon	$150.00 at REI Compare at 4 sellers	$29.73 at REI Compare at 3 sellers	$188 List	$50.00 at REI Compare at 4 sellers	$136 List	$150 List $149.99 at Backcountry	$27 List $24.99 at Amazon	$119.00 at REI	$118.08 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers	$70 List $55.00 at Amazon	$129.27 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers	$115 List $115.00 at REI	$22 List $23.98 at Amazon	$30 List $29.99 at Amazon	$37 List $24.89 at Amazon	$99.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers	$190 List Check Price at Backcountry	$17.00 List $16.58 at Amazon	$15.00 List
Overall Score	81	81	80	79	77	75	74	74	73	72	72	71	71	71	70	70	68	66	63	62	61	55	52	49
Star Rating	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5
Pros	Natural feeling platform, exceptional grip, replaceable parts, low weight	Excellent foot support, thin, stable platform, replaceable parts	Maximum grip, large concave platform, built with high quality parts, versatile	Great grip, easy to service, large platform, quality construction, smooth rotation	Super slim profile, solid grip no matter where your foot is positioned, lightweight	A tremendous amount of grip, reasonable price tag, easy to service, versatile, large platform	Tough and durable, won’t break the bank, good mid-range size	Outstanding grip, high-quality construction, large platform, smooth rotation	Excellent price point, well-rounded performance, service kits readily available	High grip, strong build, reasonable price	Slim profile, slick styling, grub screw pins, strong stubby axle, lightweight, lots of available colors	Lightweight, excellent mobility for price point, thinner profile	Easy to find good foot placement, supportive platform, smooth spinning	Smooth spin, foot mobility, interchangeable pins	Large platform, sealed bearings, classic BMX style	Huge platform, easy to service, concave design	Smooth rotation, thinner profile	Solid Value, durable, built-in reflectors	lightweight, thin profile, inexpensive	Inexpensive, functional, lightweight	Slim profile, easy to service, better for larger feet	Lightweight, nice size 106mm x 110mm platform, thin, smooth spinning bearings	included adapters for multiple size cranks, built in reflectors for commuting	Budget in mind, included reflectors, durable nylon
Cons	Expensive	Expensive, requires 18mm deep socket to service	Expensive, sometimes too grippy, thick profile, top loading pins, heavier weight	Expensive	Moderate size platform, pin heads are somewhat exposed, a bit pricey	Limited foot mobility, almost too much grip, convex shape may not be for everyone	Smaller platform, Only 8 traction pins, No traction pins along the spindle	Heavy, expensive	Convex shape might be polarizing, not the grippiest	Hard to relocate foot mid-decent, heavy if you do a lot of pedaling, not ideal for dirt jumping	Fairly expensive, axle can be felt underfoot, concavity achieved with pins not platform	Only eight pins per side, questionable quality and finish on inner components	Thick platform, axle nut is easy to overtighten during servicing	Less grippy, weight, price	Slippery when wet, composite plastic body, shoe chatter in rock gardens	Moderate levels of grip, expensive	Marginal grip, does not feel stable, servicing the bearings requires special tools	Lackluster grip, thicker profile leads to pedal strikes	lack of grip, poor mobility	Questionable durability, not the grippiest	Platform too large for smaller feel, heavy, bearings spin too freely, small hex heads on pins	Lots of foot mobility, no traction pins at axle, expensive, no rebuild instructions	Heavy, lower quality loose ball bearings, marginal grip	lower quality internals, small platform, insufficient grip
Bottom Line	One of the best-feeling and best-performing pedals that we have tested; we’re impressed with its grip, platform, and ease of service	This lightweight pedal offers exceptional foot support and stability while maintaining a thin profile that helps prevent ground strikes, and is very quick and easy to service	These burly, quality flat pedals have next-level grip	This top-performing pedal has excellent grip, and a well-rounded performance and is a great choice for a variety of terrain	These low profile pedals are lightweight and super thin	An all-around solid flat pedal that delivers good on-trail performance at a competitive price	Overall an affordable, well-built, and durable pedal that will last a long time	A burly, confidence-inspiring design keeps your feet glued to the pedals, ideal for charging the downhills	A well-rounded and effective composite pedal at an unbelievable price point	Beautifully machined CNC finish combined with high durability makes this pedal one tough trooper	A modern, slim profile, flat pedal with top-notch performance in a strikingly beautiful package	A budget oriented pedal that offers adequate grip and a midsize platform but may be less apealing compared to established brands	An overall solid-performing pedal with a smooth rotation and a supportive platform. A word of caution, it's easy to overtighten the axle nut after servicing	This pedal gets the job done but does not stand out in a crowded field of competitors	While not built to take abuse from technical terrain, these composite pedals are great for the flow trails	An above-average pedal with a huge platform that is great for riders with large feet	A 12 millimeter thick platform helps prevent rock strikes, but with only seven pins per side grip and stability are marginal	An inexpensive pedal that works great as a commuter, but less suitable as a true mountain bike pedal	Does not match up with similar priced budget pedals in terms of grip and mobility but still finds value within commuter style applications	An inexpensive but functional pedal that does well on most trails for those on a tight budget	Reasonably priced and cool looking, but these pedals don't stand out in a competitive field	These beautifully machined but expensive pedals have a comfortable, thin, and supportive platform that feels great underfoot but have a bit too much foot mobility to provide confidence on chunky terrain	Most ideal for commuter and electric bikes where value is placed on adaptability and less aggressive traction for street shoes	Will work in a pinch but may lack the features of similiar priced budget pedals catered towards commuter biking
Rating Categories	Wolf Tooth Waveform	Wolf Tooth Ripsaw	Deity TMAC	Race Face Atlas	HT Components AE03 Evo	OneUp Components Al...	Race Face Chester	Chromag Dagga	OneUp Components Co...	Nukeproof Horizon Pro	Deity Bladerunner	Fooker Nylon Fiber	HT Components ANS10...	DMR Vault	HT PA03A	CrankBrothers Stamp 7	Spank Spike	CXWXC CX-930 Pedals	RockBros CNC Aluminum	RockBros Nylon Fiber	PNW Loam Pedal	5Dev All Around	Mongoose Alloy Pedal	BV Universal
Grip and Traction (25%)	9.0	8.0	9.0	8.0	8.0	8.0	7.0	9.0	6.0	8.0	7.0	7.0	7.0	7.0	7.0	7.0	6.0	6.0	5.0	5.0	7.0	5.0	4.0	3.0
Platform (25%)	8.0	9.0	8.0	8.0	7.0	7.0	7.0	8.0	7.0	7.0	7.0	6.0	7.0	7.0	7.0	7.0	7.0	7.0	6.0	6.0	6.0	7.0	6.0	4.0
Mobility (20%)	8.0	8.0	8.0	8.0	7.0	8.0	8.0	8.0	8.0	8.0	7.0	8.0	8.0	8.0	7.0	7.0	8.0	6.0	5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0
Servicing (15%)	7.0	8.0	9.0	8.0	8.0	6.0	7.0	7.0	8.0	7.0	8.0	7.0	6.0	7.0	5.0	7.0	7.0	6.0	7.0	8.0	7.0	1	5.0	4.0
Weight (15%)	8.0	7.0	5.0	7.0	9.0	8.0	8.0	3.0	8.0	5.0	7.0	8.0	7.0	6.0	9.0	7.0	6.0	8.0	10.0	8.0	5.0	9.0	6.0	10.0
Specifications	Wolf Tooth Waveform	Wolf Tooth Ripsaw	Deity TMAC	Race Face Atlas	HT Components AE03 Evo	OneUp Components Al...	Race Face Chester	Chromag Dagga	OneUp Components Co...	Nukeproof Horizon Pro	Deity Bladerunner	Fooker Nylon Fiber	HT Components ANS10...	DMR Vault	HT PA03A	CrankBrothers Stamp 7	Spank Spike	CXWXC CX-930 Pedals	RockBros CNC Aluminum	RockBros Nylon Fiber	PNW Loam Pedal	5Dev All Around	Mongoose Alloy Pedal	BV Universal
Measured Weight (per pair)	373 g	381g	440 g	383 g	345 g	370 g	358 g	494 g	359 g	426 g	380 g	370 g	379 g	423 g	348 g	380 g	422 g	365 g	301 g	367 g	444 g	345g	402 g	274 g
Traction Pins (per side)	11, 3 mm head bottom loading	12, 3mm hex head bottom loading	14, 2 mm hex head top loading	10, 3 mm hex head bottom loading, adjustable height	10, 2.5 mm hex head bottom loading	10, 3 mm hex head bottom loading	8, 2.5 mm hex head bottom loading	12, 3 mm hex head bottom loading, adjustable height	10, 2.5 mm hex head bottom loading	10, 2 mm hex head bottom loading with 1 mm washers per pin	10, 2.5 mm hex head bottom loading	8, 2.5 mm hex head bottom loading	10, 2.5 mm hex head bottom loading	11, 2mm hex head flip pins	10 total: 8, 2.5 mm hex head bottom loading & 2 fixed composite traction pins	10, 2.5 mm hex head top loading	7 bottom load T10, 3 top load 4 mm	8, e4 torx top loading	8, e4 torx socket top loading	10, 2.5 mm hex head bottom loading	11, 2 mm hex head bottom loading	10, 3mm hex head bottom loading	11 non removable molded pins	molded skid nodes (no pins)
Measured Platform Dimensions (millimeters)	105 mm x 99 mm	118mm x 102mm	110 mm x 105 mm	111 mm x 107 mm	102 mm x 107 mm	114 mm x 104 mm	110 mm x 101 mm	111 mm x 116 mm	114 mm x 104 mm	100 mm x 105 mm	100 mm x 103 mm	110 mm x 100 mm	102 mm x 101 mm	105 mm x 105 mm	107 mm x 105 mm	115 mm x 112 mm	102 mm x 111mm	104 mm x 102 mm	99 mm x 94 mm	99 mm x 99 mm	115 mm x 113 mm	106mm x 110mm	100 mm x 95 mm	99 mm x 85 mm
Platform Profile (millimeters) - not including pins	13.96 mm perimeter, 12.63 axle	8.24mm at edge, 12.65mm at center	19 mm leading and trailing edges, 14 mm at axle	14.8 mm leading and trailing edges, 12.8mm at axle	9 mm leading and trailing edges, 11 mm at tapered end of spindle	8.8 mm leading and trailing edges, 12.1 mm at axle	14 mm leading and trailing edges, 17 mm center of spindle	15.75 mm at edges, 15.5 before service cap, 17.5mm at axel end cap	13.8 mm leading and trailing edges, 16.9 mm at axle	18 mm leading and trailing edges, 16 mm at axle	11 mm leading and trailing adges, 14mm at axle.	14 mm at edges, 18 mm at axle	17.4 mm leading and trailing edges, 16.2mm at axle	17.6 mm at edges,16.8 at axle	18 mm leading and trailing edges, 17 mm at center of spindle	13.6 mm leading and trailing edges, 11.6 mm at axles	12 mm perimeter, 13mm axle	15.5 mm at edge, 18mm at axle	9 mm at edges, 17 mm at axle	16.25 mm at leading edge, 14 mm at axle	11.22 mm at edges, 15.9 at axle	8mm at edge, 13mm at axle	20 mm at edges, 25 mm at axle	19 mm at edges, 22 mm at axle
Concavity	Dual concave 1.5mm difference permieter to center	Convex, 4mm difference from axle to efffective edge	5 mm difference from effective edges to center axle. Super concave 2.5mm pedal profile per side.	1mm from edges to axle	3.5 mm difference from effective edges to tapered end of spindle	slight convexity	3 mm difference from effective edges to center of pedal	.25mm, but bulges at axel end cap	slight convexity	2 mm difference from effective edges to middle of axle	3 mm difference from effective edges to center of axle	4 mm difference from effective edge to center of pedal	Concave	1 mm difference from effective edges to middle of axle	1 mm difference from effective edges to middle of axle	2 mm difference from effective edges to center axle	Concave	5mm difference from effective edge to center of pedal	8 mm difference from effective edge to center of pedal	2.25 mm difference from effective edges to axle	Convex	Convex pedal body, but pin height makes slightly concave	5 mm difference from effective edge to center of pedal	3 mm difference from effective edge to center of pedal
Q Factor / Distance from cranks to furthest pin	100mm	105mm	113 mm	117mm	105 mm	107.6 mm	103 mm	117 mm	106 mm	110 mm	111 mm	103 mm	109 mm	113mm	114 mm	108 mm	108 mm	104 mm	102 mm	103 mm	110 mm	103mm	102 mm	109 mm
Bearings	Three sealed cartridge bearings and one igus bushing	3 sealed cartridge bearings	Multi micro sealed bearings and Deity DU bushing internals	6802 sealed cartridge bearing	EVO + and dual DU bushing bearings	4 double-sealed cartridge bearings	Cartridge bearings and DU bushings	Sealed cartridge bearing	DU cartridge	4 per pair	Multi micro triple sealed bearings and Deity DU bushing internals	3 sealed cartridge bearings	Sealed bearings with IGUS bushings	High load DU bushing and cratridge bearing	Dual sealed bearings plus one DU bushing	Igus LL-glide bearing	Sealed bearings with IGUS bushings	sealed cartridge bearing	Sealed bearings	"High-Speed Bearings"	Sealed cartridge and roller bearings	4 sealed cartridge bearings	Loose ball bearings	Loose ball bearings
Body Material	6061-T6 Aluminum	CNC Aluminum	Forged 6061-T6 aluminum	6061 Aluminum	Aluminium	Forged 6061-T6 aluminum	Nylon Composite	6061-T6 Aluminum	Nylon Composite	Forged 6061-T6 Alloy body with CNC finishing	Extruded 6061-T6 aluminum	Nylon Fiber	aluminum extruded / CNC machined	6061 Aluminum	Nylon reinforced composite	Forged 6061-T6 aluminum	Forged alloy body	CNC Aluminum	CNC Aluminum	Nylon + Molybdenum Steel	6061 Aluminum	6061-T6 Aluminum	Alloy Steel	Nylon
Pedal Wrench Type	8 mm hex	8mm hex	15 mm pedal spanner, 8 mm hex	8 mm hex	8 mm hex	8 mm hex	15 mm pedal spanner, 8 mm hex	8 mm hex	15 mm pedal spanner, 6 mm hex	15 mm pedal spanner, 8 mm hex	15 mm pedal spanner, 8mm hex	8 mm hex	8 mm hex	6 mm	6 mm hex	8 mm hex	8 mm hex	8 mm hex	6mm hex	15 mm pedal spanner, 6 mm hex	8 mm hex	6mm hex	6 mm hex	6 mm hex

Best Flat Pedal

Wolf Tooth Waveform

$200 at REI (before member cash back!)

$200 at Amazon

Check price at Backcountry

OVERALL
SCORE

Grip and Traction 9.0
Platform 8.0
Mobility 8.0
Servicing 7.0
Weight 8.0

Weight per pair: 373 grams | Traction Pins: 11 per side

REASONS TO BUY

Supportive, natural feeling platform

Exceptional grip

Low weight

Interchangeable parts

REASONS TO AVOID

Price

Wolf Tooth entered the crowded mountain bike flat pedal market this year with the Waveform and knocked it out of the park. The dual concave platform creates an incredibly natural feeling underfoot, and as our testers noted, “it just feels right.” These pedals performed exceptionally well in our grip, traction, platform, mobility, and weight metrics. The Waveform's 11 bottom load traction pins provide exceptional grip with various shoes, which helps keep your feet locked in on both the climb and the descent. The Waveform is made in two sizes, small and large, so you can dial in the right size for your foot. Repositioning the foot is easy, even with sticky rubber soles. The three low-friction, fully sealed cartridge bearings spin smoothly and predictably, and your pedal will not spin away from you when you lift your foot off. Rock strikes are kept to a minimum thanks to tapered edges and a slightly smaller width, which we appreciate on rocky trails. Servicing the pedals is easy and takes about 10 minutes, but it requires three different-sized Allen keys. However, unlike many pedals, the bearings can be replaced without special tools.

The Waveform's biggest drawback is the price tag. However, the pedals are fully rebuildable, meaning replacement parts are available through Wolf Tooth's website. They call it the “Right to Repair.” The Waveform is a great pick if you're looking for a pedal to take you from cross-country laps to the bike park and everything in between.

Read more: Wolf Tooth Waveform review

mountain bike flat pedals - the waveform from wolf tooth excelled across the board in our tests. — The Waveform from Wolf Tooth excelled across the board in our tests.
Credit: Byron Adams

Best Convex Pedal

Wolf Tooth Ripsaw

$200 at Backcountry

$200 at Amazon

OVERALL
SCORE

Grip and Traction 8.0
Platform 9.0
Mobility 8.0
Servicing 8.0
Weight 7.0

Weight per pair. 381-grams | Traction Pins: 12 per side

REASONS TO BUY

Long, supportive platform

Thin profile

Lateral stability for the shoe's sole

Fully rebuildable

REASONS TO AVOID

Pricey

The WolfTooth Ripsaw's 118mm long platform impressed our testers with its stability, support, and excellent traction regardless of foot size. We noticed a reduction in foot fatigue with the Ripsaw compared to other pedals in our line-up, and all testers, even those with a US men's size 13 shoe, remarked on the pedal's stability. WolfTooth uses 12 stainless steel rear loading traction pins per side with a 3mm head, which makes the heads harder to strip. While not as “grippy” as some of the downhill-specific pedals in our lineup that use grub screws, our feet stayed firmly planted on landings and while riding through chunky roots and rocks. The Ripsaw features a slightly convex aluminum body, which measures 8mm on the leading and trailing edges and 12mm at the axle on our digital calipers. None of our testers felt the convex shape was detrimental, and the soles of our feet comfortably matched the pedal body, regardless of the shoe. Little adjustment was needed to find an ideal foot position, and the Q-Factor is comfortable. The pedals roll smoothly on three sealed, low-friction bearings that provide the appropriate amount of drag and never spin away from you when unweighted. Basic service to regrease the axle and replace the seal takes less than five minutes per pedal, and the online written instructions and video instructions are very easy to follow. In addition, a complete offering of replacement parts includes pins, bearings, bushing, pedal bodies, and more.

While we found little fault with the Ripsaw's performance, its price point is steeper than many other pedals in our review. However, all parts are replaceable, which helps extend the pedal's life. The Ripsaw's 105mm Q Factor may be a deterrent for riders. The Ripsaw also requires a deep 18mm socket to service; a standard 18mm socket is not long enough to reach the cartridge, as our testers found. If you're in the market for a similar pedal that is easier on the wallet, we recommend looking at the budget-priced OneUp Components Composite pedal that also has a convex platform but with a nylon pedal body and ten traction screws per side.

A 118mm long platform provides loads of support for the foot, while 12 traction pins provide great grip.

Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

Best Pedal for your Buck

Race Face Chester

$30 at REI (50% off!)

$32 at Amazon

$39 at Backcountry

OVERALL
SCORE

Grip and Traction 7.0
Platform 7.0
Mobility 8.0
Servicing 7.0
Weight 8.0

Weight per pair: 358 grams | Traction pins: 8 per side

REASONS TO BUY

Affordable

Tough and durable

Nice mid-size platform

REASONS TO AVOID

No traction pins along the axle

Only eight pins per side

The Race Face Chester is an affordable flat pedal with an excellent price-to-performance ratio. It is one of the least expensive models we tested, yet it scored admirably across all our rating metrics. This lightweight model tips the scales at 358 grams and has a rugged nylon composite platform. The platform is moderate in size at 101 mm x 110 mm with a 14 mm profile and sloped leading edges that help reduce pedal strikes. 16 replaceable pins per pedal (eight per side) provide a relatively good grip with proper foot placement. Servicing the internals is straightforward, and removing and replacing pins couldn't be easier. They also have a timeless style and are offered in many different colors.

The Chester's are great, but they aren't perfect. With only eight pins per side and none along the axle, they do not have the strongest grip and can feel a little slippery in wet conditions. The moderately-sized platform also may not be ideal for those with larger feet. Beyond that, they are a good option for those who value a little foot mobility and riders on a budget.

Read more: Race Face Chester review

mountain bike flat pedals - the race face pedals offer good performance for a composite at a... — The Race Face pedals offer good performance for a composite at a reasonable price.
Credit: Al Morrison

Best On A Tight Budget

Fooker Nylon Fiber

$25 at Amazon

OVERALL
SCORE

Grip and Traction 7.0
Platform 6.0
Mobility 8.0
Servicing 7.0
Weight 8.0

Weight per pair: 370 grams | Traction pins: 8 per side

REASONS TO BUY

Adequate grip

Lightweight

Great mobility

REASONS TO AVOID

Not ideal for larger feet

Questionable inner component quality

The Fooker Nylon Fiber exceeded expectations when analyzing its performance. The pedal was above average in grip and traction metrics and provided a solid mid-size platform. At 370 grams per pair, this pedal is lightweight while still maintaining a degree of durability. The Fooker pedal uses 16 hex-threaded traction pins (eight per side). The concave platform is on the thinner side, and we had no obvious issues with pedal strikes during testing. Their mobility was a surprising quality at this price point thanks to the three sealed bearings inside, making foot adjustments easy and smooth. Within the context of the budget pedals we tested, the Fookers scored above the rest.

The Fookers share many similar characteristics as the Race Face Chesters and appear to imitate their design. As far as performance goes, these pedals are similar. However, when analyzing some of the inner components, the Fookers are noticeably lacking in finish and quality, particularly in regard to the axle and protective cap. These pedals pack an impressive punch, making them a great choice for those on a tight budget.

A thin profile and relative concave shape highlight the characteristics of the Fooker Nylon

Credit: Kenji Mowrey

Best Gravity Flat Pedal

Deity TMAC

$180 at Backcountry

OVERALL
SCORE

Grip and Traction 9.0
Platform 8.0
Mobility 8.0
Servicing 9.0
Weight 5.0

Weight per pair: 440 grams | Traction pins: 14 per side

REASONS TO BUY

Large concave platform

Serious grip

28 grub screws per pedal (14 per side)

REASONS TO AVOID

A little spendy

Thick platform prone to pedal strikes

Heavier weight

The Deity TMAC is a rugged pedal built for burly descents and hard riding. The TMAC was designed and tested to meet the demands of Tyler McCaul, one of the sport's most talented downhill and free riders. These pedals beautifully blend thoughtful engineering and exquisite looks. The symmetrically designed pedals are machined from T6 Aluminum for strength and durability. They offer excellent balance, a large platform, and loads of grip with 14 pins per side. Their two-and-one-half millimeter concave depth enhances grip and foot comfort while climbing and descending. The symmetrical shape of the pedals delivers a balanced feel and helps distribute weight evenly across the platform. Riders will find that these pedals work great across many forms of riding, and their versatility should not go unnoticed.

While we loved these pedals for their incredible grip, we admit they may be too grippy for some riders. Those who like a little foot mobility should look elsewhere. Additionally, we found the large symmetrical pedal body and thicker profile of these pedals to make them slightly more prone to pedal strikes. That said, for riders who want a burly pedal with high levels of grip, durability, and style, the TMAC is a fantastic choice.

Read more: Deity TMAC review

mountain bike flat pedals - our feet stayed connected to the tmac even in the rowdiest terrain. — Our feet stayed connected to the TMAC even in the rowdiest terrain.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

Best Composite Pedal

OneUp Components Composite

$50 at REI (before member cash back!)

$50 at Evo

$50 at Backcountry

OVERALL
SCORE

Grip and Traction 6.0
Platform 7.0
Mobility 8.0
Servicing 8.0
Weight 8.0

Weight per pair: 359 grams | Traction pins: 10 per side

REASONS TO BUY

Excellent value

Well-rounded performance

Easy to rebuild

Lightweight

REASONS TO AVOID

Less grippy than some

A little thicker than aluminum options

The OneUp Components Composite is a solid product at an impressive price. OneUp delivered a quality composite (plastic) pedal with features synonymous with high-end aluminum models. At first glance, they look like their aluminum sibling, with a relatively large platform and ten bottom-loading traction pins. The Composite is highly functional on the trail and performs solidly across our performance metrics. These pedals offer a relatively lightweight design that blends a solid grip with some foot mobility. If you are looking for a composite pedal that does its job well and won't blow your budget, the Composite might be the ticket.

However, don't be fooled. These are still budget-oriented pedals; the grip and traction can't match the same levels as some high-end performers. Yes, they offer sufficient levels of grip, but there is no comparison to some of our review's best options. Still, these are a fabulous option for the rider with a spending limit.

Read more: OneUp Components Composite review

mountain bike flat pedals - light, inexpensive, and rock-solid on the trail... whats not to like? — Light, inexpensive, and rock-solid on the trail... whats not to like?

Best For Everyday Commuting

CXWXC CX-930 Pedals

$24 at Amazon

OVERALL
SCORE

Grip and Traction 6.0
Platform 7.0
Mobility 6.0
Servicing 6.0
Weight 8.0

Weight per pair: 365 grams | Traction pins: 8 per side

REASONS TO BUY

Great value

Solid platform

Durable

REASONS TO AVOID

Inferior grip

Prone to pedal strikes

The CXWXC CX-930 provides a surprisingly attractive option for those on a budget. While it does not have an overly impressive grip, the wide concave platform and built-in reflectors make it a worthy pedal. We tested it on both mountain and commuter bikes and found it can be used as a serviceable flat pedal but is better suited as a full-time commuter pedal, as it excelled on electric and commuter bikes. The larger size provides a rigid platform, which is ideal for generating better power transfer between you and the bike. While the traction is not overly grippy, the hex pins provide enough to accommodate a wide range of different shoe types, which is ideal for commuters. The CXWXC is a step above what you would find equipped on a bike from the factory and has a place for those who need a larger platform with better durability and increased traction.

Worth noting with the CXWXC CX-930 Pedals is that they must be installed using an 8mm hex Allen key. Unlike most pedals that provide the ability to install using a wrench, these pedals do not accommodate for that. Additionally, the grip is not on par with comparable flat pedals in the entry-level category. The tradeoff is having a larger platform and built-in reflectors for your commute, as well as being able to use a variety of shoes without damaging the soles. While there are some minor nuances with these pedals, they still have a valuable place in the market for those needing a flat pedal to use on their e-bike/commuter bikes.

Testing and measuring the CX-930 pedals.

Credit: Kenji Mowrey

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Score	Product	Price
81	Wolf Tooth Waveform Best Flat Pedal	$200
81	Wolf Tooth Ripsaw Best Convex Pedal	$200
80	Deity TMAC Best Gravity Flat Pedal	$180
79	Race Face Atlas	$180
77	HT Components AE03 Evo	$160
75	OneUp Components Aluminum	$150
74	Race Face Chester Best Pedal for your Buck	$60
74	Chromag Dagga	$188
73	OneUp Components Composite Best Composite Pedal	$60
72	Nukeproof Horizon Pro	$136
72	Deity Bladerunner	$150
71	Fooker Nylon Fiber Best On A Tight Budget	$27
71	HT Components ANS10 Supreme	$120
71	DMR Vault	$140
70	HT PA03A	$70
70	CrankBrothers Stamp 7	$180
68	Spank Spike	$115
66	CXWXC CX-930 Pedals Best For Everyday Commuting	$22
63	RockBros CNC Aluminum	$30
62	RockBros Nylon Fiber	$37
61	PNW Loam Pedal	$99
55	5Dev All Around	$190
52	Mongoose Alloy Pedal	$17
49	BV Universal	$15

Each pair of pedals is tested on a variety of terrain and with different shoes to determine how they perform in the real world.

Credit: Byron Adams

Why Trust GearLab

The pedal you use can make or break your ride, and we aim to help you find the best flat mountain bike pedal for your riding style and budget. Since 2016, we've tested over 36 different flat pedals, including the latest on the market, as well as updated models of past award winners and long-time favorites. Each year, we look at new pedals on the market and narrow down our options for rigorous head-to-head testing. Our expert testers then test each pair of pedals in our five test metrics, evaluating each pedal's grip, stability, mobility, ease of servicing, and weight. Our testing process begins with measuring the weight of each pair of pedals on a kitchen scale in grams and then measuring the pedal platform with digital calipers. We then take to the trails, where we evaluate how well the pedal spins on the axle, its grip on various types of shoes, and the stability they provide underfoot. Lastly, we disassemble each pair of pedals and determine how easy they are for the home mechanic to service. Each pair of pedals is tested with at least three different brands of shoe, two different shoe sizes, and is ridden for at least 30 hours in conditions ranging from desert dust to slick and wet. Our scoring of mountain bike flat pedals is divided across five rating metrics:

Grip and Traction (25% of total score weighting)

Platform (25% weighting)

Mobility (20% weighting)

Servicing (15% weighting)

Weight (15% weighting)

Our test team comes from a wide range of riding backgrounds, from back-flipping free riders to enduro riders, trail riders, and former racers. Having testers from various riding disciplines helps ensure that these pedals are tested in any possible scenario. Our review team has decades of experience in the industry with backgrounds in racing, gear testing, and even shop ownership. Our test team is led by Tara Reddinger-Adams, who spent over 11 years working in a bike shop and worked as a professional coach and guide for five years. She is joined by Sean Cronin, who grew up racing BMX and has a passion for two-wheeled adventures, professional enduro and downhill racer Tasha Thomas, Al Morrison, former bike shop owner Pat Donahue, Annie Clark, and Byron Adams also provided input for this review.

The connection between the pedal and the shoe's sole is important... — The connection between the pedal and the shoe's sole is important, and we test each pair of pedals with at least three different models of shoes.

We tested each pair of pedals on smooth and rocky terrain to see how... — We tested each pair of pedals on smooth and rocky terrain to see how well they gripped our shoes and supported our feet.

Each set of pedals is measured on a kitchen scale to see what the... — Each set of pedals is measured on a kitchen scale to see what the actual weights are compared to the manufacturer's listed weights.

Analysis and Test Results

Our team of experts evaluated some of the most popular, best-rated, and newest pedals to determine the best performing mountain bike flat pedals in the market. Each pair of pedals went through rigorous testing on a variety of terrain and conditions, including the coastal rainforests of British Columbia, the plains of Minnesota, the California mountains, and the Arizona desert. We became experts at swapping pedals as we installed and removed them on different types of bikes, frequently riding with a different pedal on each crank arm to discern differences in grip, mobility, and platform stability. After riding, we examined each pedal for damage to the pedal body and pins to see how well they were holding up. Lastly, we serviced each pair of pedals to see how easy the task was for the home mechanic to complete. We scored our findings and experiences in our five performance metrics, which, weighted appropriately, combined to give a pedal its overall score.

What's the Best Value?

With so many mountain bike flat pedals on the market at various prices, which do you buy? Extensively CNC'd models are certainly appealing but can also be expensive, and frequently less expensive models can perform just as well. Our team has tested pedals across various prices, ranging from budget-priced to high-end models, to better gauge the mountain bike flat pedal market and find the best options available. We used and abused each pedal to test its durability and ensure that consumers get a good value when they purchase. While the most expensive models can often be the highest performing, some reasonably priced options also score well for their performance.

A few pedals are standouts in our testing metrics, including offerings from WolfTooth Components such as the Waveform, whose unique dual concave platform cradles the foot, providing superb grip, traction, and stability, and the Ripsaw, whose thin convex platform has excellent foot support, stability, and grip. While these are some of the more expensive pedals in our review, both carry a five-year warranty and are fully rebuildable, meaning you can replace any individual part, no matter how small. The HT Components ANS10 Supreme impressed us with its traction and grip on technical terrain and its supportive platform; however, its grip and support are not quite as balanced as the Waveform; they are close and cost considerably less, making them a very good value.

mountain bike flat pedals - some pedals are fully rebuildable with replacement parts ranging... — Some pedals are fully rebuildable with replacement parts ranging from the pedal body to the axle and pins being readily available. Being able to service a pedal extends its life and can prevent you from needing to replace the pedal completely.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

The budget-minded OneUp Components Composite is also worthy of mention, for it provides smooth rolling, supportive convex nylon platform, and good grip at a much more wallet-friendly price. The Race Face Chester is also a budget-friendly model that offers good traction and mobility in a slightly smaller platform than the OneUp, making it a great choice for riders with a smaller shoe size.

mountain bike flat pedals - the shape of the pedal's platform and its pins all affect its grip... — The shape of the pedal's platform and its pins all affect its grip and performance.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

For those seeking an even more budget-friendly option, the Fooker Nylon provides a solid amount of grip and mobility and can tackle technical and steep terrain as well as daily riding. The CXWXC CX-930 also impressed testers with its features at such a friendly price point and is a great pick for those who commute. Built-in reflectors on the larger-sized platform make for a great combo and provide a worthy upgrade over the factory pedals that come with most bikes.

mountain bike flat pedals - we also tested pedals where budget comes first, these pedals... — We also tested pedals where budget comes first, these pedals highlight the group of budget-oriented pedals.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey

Grip and Traction

Having a good connection between your shoe's sole and your pedal is an important aspect of being able to control your bike and ride confidently. If a solid connection does not exist, you may find your feet bouncing or slipping off the pedals, especially in wet conditions, or riding through chunky terrain. Losing a pedal can not only break your focus and confidence, but it can also lead to loss of bike control, crashing, and sharp pedal pins hitting your shin or calf. In this metric, we test the grip and traction of each pedal with at least three different shoes to see how the pins interact with different soles. During this time, we ride various types of trails, ranging from cross-country to enduro, to determine how well the pedal pins grip our shoes as we push into corners, climb and descend technical terrain, and land high-impact drops and jumps. Some pedal pins are designed to allow more foot movement than others, and this is covered in our mobility metric.

Most pedals on the market have a concave or convex profile to help increase traction. A concave platform is higher at the leading and trailing edges than in the middle, allowing your foot to sink into the pedal's body. The Wolf Tooth Waveform stands out in this metric and uses a unique dual concave design, meaning the pedal has a cup shape from side to side and front to back. Our testers immediately noticed how natural this design felt underfoot and how well it cradled our feet, providing optimal traction and an incredibly balanced grip with 11 pins per side. The Waveform is a great pick for daily riding and is available in two sizes to best match your shoe size.

mountain bike flat pedals - on the left is a concave pedal, and on the right is a convex pedal. — On the left is a concave pedal, and on the right is a convex pedal.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

The Deity TMAC also scored very highly in this metric. The TMac has a high degree of concavity (2.5mm) with 14 pins per side for ultimate traction and grip. This design increases contact between the shoe and pedal, improving grip on all terrain. However, with 14 pins per side, the TMAC does not have the best mobility and is most at home on high-speed descents, where the connection between your shoe and pedal is imperative, making them a great pick for gravity-fueled riding. The Chromag Dagga is also designed for more gravity-fueled riding and has a tenacious grip, meaning you must intentionally lift your foot off the pedal to make adjustments.

mountain bike flat pedals - sometimes it's hard to tell the difference in grip between two... — Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference in grip between two pedals, so in these circumstances, we rode with a different pedal on each crank arm.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

The Race Face Atlas has 10 pedal pins per side that measure about 6mm long, which are some of the longest in our review. These pins are only around the perimeter of the pedal body but dig into the soft rubber sole of your shoe and create a very strong grip. But, a word of caution: these pins can also gouge your shin and calves when you slip a pedal.

Pedals with a convex platform are generally taller at the axle and taper to the leading and trailing edges. They are designed to mimic the shape of the foot's natural arch. Companies claim this shape has a greater connection with the pedal as the shoe's sole bends to match the shape of the pedal platform, thus increasing traction. The WolfTooth Ripsaw has a slightly convex platform and impressed our testers with its no-slip grip and highly supportive platform, which reduced the amount of foot fatigue we felt on long descents. The OneUp Components Composite and OneUp Components Aluminum pedals also feature a convex shape, but we found their grip and traction to not be as strong as the Ripsaw.

Platform

The pedal's platform should fully support your foot without feeling like it's sinking into the void between the perimeter and the axle or falling off the side of the pedal. The pedal body's platform should provide a solid foundation whether you're riding heels down, toes down, or in a wedged position. We test a pedal's platform by measuring its size with digital calipers, measuring the depth of leading and trail edges and axle, and measuring the length and width of the platform. Ideally, the platform balances its length and width with its thickness. A thick pedal body can be more prone to pedal strikes against roots and rocks versus a thinner pedal body. This has become increasingly important as bikes have become longer and slacker with lower bottom brackets.

We then closely examine the pedal's shape: is it concave, convex, or flat? Some pedals have a flat profile to the pedal body and use the pin height to create a concave or convex shape. Each pedal is ridden by riders with two very different-sized feet to see how well the platform supports the foot. During our testing, we compare the support and balance the pedal provides our foot from front to back and side to side. We also note if the pedal's platform gets hung up on rocks and how frequently we strike rocks, which can be caused by the pedal's width or depth.

mountain bike flat pedals - each pair of pedals is measured with digital calipers. — Each pair of pedals is measured with digital calipers.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

The WolfTooth Ripsaw provided the most supportive platform of any pedal in our lineup, thanks to its 118mm long platform that is incredibly stable and helps to reduce foot fatigue on long descents by supporting more of the foot from toe to heal and the relatively thin ( 8.24mm at edge, 12.65mm at axle) pedal body paired with tapered edges helped reduce pedal strikes. The RaceFace Atlas features an impressive amount of grip on top of a well-balanced surface area that works well for a range of foot sizes and has chamfered edges and tapered sides that help it brush off impacts that may otherwise bring a pedal to a halt. The 5Dev All Round has a very thin platform, measuring just 8mm at the leading and trailing edges and 13mm at the axle, helping reduce rock and root strikes while riding. The All Round's pedal body measures convex, but the pins along the leading and trailing edges are higher than those nearest the axle, creating a concave shape.

mountain bike flat pedals - a comparison of how much of the sole is supported by a size small... — A comparison of how much of the sole is supported by a size small Waveform pedal. The shoe on the left is an EU46 and on the right is an EU40. Despite being labeled “*small*” the pedal provided excellent support for both sized shoes.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

Some pedals, such as the CrankBrothers Stamp 7 and the Wolf Tooth Waveform, come in small and large sizes, meaning you can find the right platform for your shoe size. We tested the Wolf Tooth Waveform in the small size and were impressed by how well the platform not only supported an EU40 shoe but also an EU46, despite it being optimally designed for a smaller foot.

In general, pedals designed for gravity or bike park riding have a larger platform that allows for greater contact with the shoe's outsole. The Deity Components TMACand Chromag Dagga stand out in this metric. The Dagga's platform measures 111mm x 116mm, meaning it is both long and wide and provides ample lateral and medial foot support. The Dagga is also one of the flattest pedals in our lineup, with only a slight bulge at the service cap. In contrast, the TMAC's 110mm x 105mm platform is paired with 5mm of concavity, meaning your foot really sinks into the pedal as you push into them, creating a strong bond for high-speed riding.

mountain bike flat pedals - pedal platforms come in different shapes and sizes. the ripsaw on... — Pedal platforms come in different shapes and sizes. The Ripsaw on the left is 118mm long compared to the All Round on the right, which is 110mm. The extra 8mm was noticeable on the trail, especially when riding with a different pedal on each crank and provided more foot stability.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

Pedal Mobility

Pedal mobility refers to how easy it is to move your foot around on the pedal and the rate and quality by which the pedal spins around its axle. Some riders prefer to have their feet firmly planted on the pedals, while others desire more mobility to adjust their foot on the fly. Mobility is important for freeriders and dirt jumpers who take their feet off the pedals for tricks. Over time, your mobility preferences may change, but in general, riders prefer a level of mobility that allows for small adjustments without their feet moving off the pedals completely with a shift of the foot. We measure mobility while riding on the trail and determine how easily we can reposition our feet or how easily our foot position moves due to high-impact landings or by riding through chunky terrain. This is done by wearing a variety of shoes, as rubber compounds can interact differently with pedal pins. We prefer a pedal where we can slightly adjust our foot fore and aft without having to physically lift it off the pedal.

A smooth spinning pedal lets you concentrate on the trail instead of worrying about the pedal's orientation when you put your foot back onto it. Don't be confused into thinking that pedals that spin the easiest are the best in this category. Many cheaper pedals spin too freely on the axle and make repositioning a pedal after a slip difficult. Cheap bearings and bushings and poorly machined materials that don't mate together perfectly will do little to increase your confidence while riding. We also spin the pedal while it is mounted to the crank arm to see how many revolutions it makes and at what speed, watching for drag and observing its smoothness and speed. We also see if the axle design prevents it from freely spinning with crank booties. Pedals who spin predictably with appropriate drag score higher than those who spin freely like a top for multiple revolutions.

Most pedals in the test had similar rotation speeds, falling under the desirable “not too fast or not too slow” description. Repositioning the foot on pedals such as the Wolf Tooth Waveform and WolfTooth Ripsaw only requires a slight unweighting of the pedal. The pedal spins very smoothly on its axle, with no drag, and is usually in the same or similar place as you left it when you take your foot off. The bearings are inside the axle, meaning no binding to crank boots.

mountain bike flat pedals - the axle design works well with crank boots and does not bind. in... — The axle design works well with crank boots and does not bind. In addition, the three cartridge bearings are smooth spinning.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

The beautifully machined 5Dev All Round Pedal spins smoothly on its bearings and is designed for those who prefer a bit more foot freedom on the pedal, and our testers found this to be true. Unlike models that provide a locked-in feeling, we experienced far more foot movement with the All Round, especially in rooty and rocky terrain where our feet would slip and move a few millimeters on the pedals.

mountain bike flat pedals - some pedals are designed to allow more foot movement, and some are... — Some pedals are designed to allow more foot movement, and some are designed to have a more locked-in feeling. The All Round is designed to allow more foot movement, which we noticed while riding.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

The Race Face Atlashas a large outboard bearing that spins smoothly and is compatible with crank boots, thanks to its new design. The Atlas is one of the easier pedals to reposition your foot on by slightly unweighting the foot. The pin height is also adjustable, allowing you to dial in your foot's mobility on the pedal. The HT Components AE03 Evo allows you to adjust the tension on the axle by adjusting a nut at the end of the spindle. This allows the rider to dial in the pedal's mobility to their liking.

We do a basic spin test on each pedal to see how well it spins on its axle and the amount of drag the bearings have.

Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

The Fooker Nylon uses three sealed bearings, something you would not usually find at such a budget-friendly price point. This means the pedal has a predictable and smooth rotation around the axle. During testing, we found it easy to reposition after lifting your foot off the pedal and stay in the same position when readjusting. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the PNW Loam, which spins freely like a top on its bearings and will move when unweighted, which can be unnerving when trying to quickly place your foot back on the pedal or when doing tricks where you take your feet off the pedals.

mountain bike flat pedals - the fookers three sealed bearings provided solid mobility... — The Fookers three sealed bearings provided solid mobility characteristics that pairs well with its reliable traction.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey

Servicing

Mountain bike pedals are fairly simple and should not require much servicing, but when they start to squeak or chirp, it is usually a sign they need to be regreased, and this is a task most riders should be able to do at home. Many companies provide online videos or instructions on how to perform maintenance on the pedals and take you step by step through the process. We test servicing by disassembling the pedals to see how easy they are to grease and replace the bearings. We understand that most folks do not have access to a whole bike shop worth of tools, such as blind eye bearing pullers or bearing presses, so we look for pedals that can be serviced using more common tools such as a hex or Allen wrench. Thus, pedals that require basic tools and service guides score highest in this metric. We also remove and reinstall the pins and make note of if replacement pins, bearings, and other parts are available.

The redesigned Race Face Atlas scores very well in this metric and only requires a 30mm socket and wrench or Knipex pliers to service. The bearing and axle are all behind a large cap on the inboard side of the pedal, making it the easiest pedal to service if you have the right tools.

mountain bike flat pedals - once the cap is removed the axle of the atlas pulls away from the... — Once the cap is removed the axle of the Atlas pulls away from the body.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

The OneUp Components Aluminum are quite easy to service, with detailed instructions easily accessible on the manufacturer's website. This quick job only requires a couple of tools to pull the axle/bearings from the pedal body. Likewise, the Wolf Tooth Waveformis relatively easy to service but requires a pick in addition to 3mm, 6mm, and an 8mm hex, which most mountain bikers have at their disposal. A word of caution, though: you will be using the hexes in tandem, so one multitool won't quite be enough for the job. Wolf Tooth also recommends a torque wrench, but it is not necessary. Their instructional video is very easy to follow, and each individual part of the pedal, from the aluminum body to the pins, are available as replacement parts. We were also impressed with how easy the Ripsaw is to service, however it does require a deep 18mm socket to unthread the axle, which is not noted on the tool list, but is shown in their video. Once the cartridge is loosened from the pedal body, the bearings are easy to remove using a 6mm and 8mm hex, and then the axle easily pulls out. We did find that after two months of riding, our right pedal had little grease left and needed to be freshened up.

mountain bike flat pedals - despite needing three different-sized allen wrenches, servicing... — Despite needing three different-sized Allen wrenches, servicing these pedals is very easy. Once the axle is removed, you can use it to push the bearings out, eliminating the need for a bearing puller and press.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

Our testers can make assumptions on how to service pedals based on our knowledge gained from past experience; however, we understand not all riders have serviced a pedal before and that instructions are helpful. If no service guide or video is available online is available a pedal will score lower in this metric. We were surprised that no service guide is available online for the 5Dev All Round Pedal; thus the low score in this metric.

Removal of the Ripsaw axle is quick and easy. Just make sure you have a deep 18mm socket.

Credit: Byron Adams

Weight

The average flat pedal rider is generally not too concerned about saving grams, but there is nearly a 150-gram weight difference in the pedals in our review, which is a third of a pound. Some riders, especially those who are racing, may opt to find the best performing, lightweight flat pedal available.

The materials used to construct the pedal body, pins, axles, and bearings all affect the pedal's weight, strength, and durability. Pedals designed for downhill and gravity applications generally weigh more than all-purpose trail pedals. However, each year pedals become lighter and thinner. To test this metric, we measure the weight of each pair of pedals in grams on a digital scale.

mountain bike flat pedals - each pair of pedals is measured in grams on a digital scale. — Each pair of pedals is measured in grams on a digital scale.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

The three lightest pedals in our review were the HT Components Evo and 5Dev All Round Pedal, which both came in at a svelte 345 grams per set, followed closely by the composite Race Face Chester at 358 grams, and the Puroma Nylon at 359 grams. When considering what pedals to purchase, we recommend not focusing too much on weight and instead on factors such as grip and the pedal's platform, which will affect your performance more than saving a few grams.

mountain bike flat pedals - each set of pedals is measured on a kitchen scale, and their weight... — Each set of pedals is measured on a kitchen scale, and their weight is recorded. Frequently, there are small differences from manufacturers listed weights.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

Conclusion

A great mountain bike flat pedal can make your ride more enjoyable, instill confidence, and allow you to progress your riding. Just like your grips and saddle, you want your pedals to be something you are comfortable using on every ride. It's easy to get sucked into buying the pedal that best matches your bike's color scheme or the one your friends are riding without considering your riding needs and foot size. Consider if you want to be able to slide your foot around freely or have more of a locked-in feeling. Also, think about the type of terrain you'll be riding most often. If you have a lot of roots or rocks on your home trails, you may benefit from a thinner profile pedal that gives a bit more clearance. We suggest measuring the sole of your shoe and comparing it to the size of the pedal platform and consider if the platform provides enough support for your shoe size. Also, consider if you want your pedals to be a long-term investment or something that you replace. Pedals with replaceable parts can be a great choice for those looking to make a longer-term investment. Our top pedal picks were the best performers in our test metrics and include various price points and pedal styles to help you find the best mountain bike flat pedal for your riding style and budget.
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