If you\u2019re upgrading from an old set, you can read our guide on how to change bike pedals<\/a>, while we\u2019ve also got a buyer\u2019s guide to the best mountain bike shoes<\/a> \u2013 once again with options for both clipless and flat MTB pedals.<\/p>\n This buyer\u2019s guide contains our pick of the best flat and clipless mountain bike pedals. Use the links below to jump straight to the relevant section.<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> Flat pedals are essentially just a platform for each foot. They\u2019re double-sided, so it doesn\u2019t matter which way up they are and there\u2019s usually some extra grip provided by strategically placed pins.<\/p>\n The bigger the pedal\u2019s face or platform, the greater the area you have to plant your foot and the greater the contact between you and your bike.<\/p>\n Flat pedals let you move your feet about as you please and, as a result, are preferred by some riders on technical terrain.<\/p>\n Clipless or SPD pedals<\/a>, on the other hand, are a bit of a misnomer since they clip onto special cleats mounted on the soles of your shoes.<\/p>\n The confusion with the name boils down to the fact that when this sort of pedal first appeared, its main selling point was how it enabled riders to discard the uncomfortable toe clips and straps they\u2019d been using up until then.<\/p>\n Clipless mountain bike pedals are also double-sided, unlike single-sided road bike pedals<\/a>, and since they rely on a mechanical attachment, rather than the surface area and pins to keep rider and bike connected, they\u2019re typically a lot smaller than flats.<\/p>\n Some riders prefer cycling with cleats<\/a> thanks to the feeling of improved pedalling efficiency and security of clipless pedals. Firstly, there\u2019s the confidence gained from knowing your feet are going to stay exactly where you want them through rough terrain. Then there\u2019s that connection to the bike, which makes hopping obstacles or going light over roots that bit easier.<\/p>\n If you are using clipless pedals, pay close attention to cleat position<\/a>, to maximise comfort and control on the bike.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t worry if you can\u2019t decide one way or another because caged \u2018trail\u2019 pedals provide a halfway house between clipless and flat-platform models. They marry a mechanical cleat-attachment device with a large pedal body for a \u2018best of both worlds\u2019 option.<\/p>\n Any time you\u2019re not using rigid-soled XC or gravel bike shoes<\/a>, we\u2019d recommend using clipless pedals like these.<\/p>\n For downhill, enduro and aggressive trail riding where you want the feel of a softer shoe while still being clipped in, the cage ensures there\u2019s still plenty of foot support and the bigger platform makes the mechanism easier to locate after a dab or foot-out turn.<\/p>\nFlat or clipless pedals?<\/h3>\n
Flat mountain bike pedals<\/h2>\n
Clipless mountain bike pedals<\/h2>\n
What about clipless pedals with a cage?<\/h3>\n
![\""Caged\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/01\/Caged-clipless-mountain-bike-pedals-85e988c.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413"\" "\\"\"Caged\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>The best mountain bike pedals in 2022<\/h2>\n
Deity TMAC<\/h3>