Pedals of a mountain bike are a crucial feature you need to consider when buying a mountain bike. Mountain bike pedals come in a number of styles, shapes, and sizes but you basically need to choose between either flat pedals or clipless pedals. In this article, we will review the best mountain bike flat pedals in ​​2020. We will cover the best mountain bike flat pedals and talk about the factors you need to take into consideration when looking for the perfect mountain bike with flat pedals.

#1 SHIMANO PD-A530 SPD Dual Platform Bike Pedal

Shimano is highly regarded in the bike manufacturing industry for producing quality bike products and components and these dual platform pedals are not an exception. With a wider platform and a more aggressive SPD cleat to clip into, PD-1530 pedals by Shimano allow you to enjoy an adventurous riding experience every time you go out on the trail. These pedals have an adjustable float, entry, and release which make pedaling more efficient and allow you to ride the bike regardless of the shoes you’re wearing.

Moreover, these pedals are extremely lightweight – in fact, PD-A530 are the lightest pedals Shimano makes. PD-1530 pedals have a Chromoly spindle with a durable steel body so you can rely on them for an amazing mountain biking experience for the years to come.

Pros

• Versatile
• Lightweight
• Good bearing movement

Cons

• The platform has slick sides

If you want superb performance and style packaged into a single set of pedals, Bonmixc 9/16 is your go-to choice. With a unique triangular design made out of sturdy aluminum alloy, Bonmixc pedals offer the perfect combination of lightweight and durability to serve beyond your expectations. In fact, each packed pedal weighs only 0.83 pounds.

Bonmixc pedals feature CRMO steel 9/16” spindles to further enhance their performance. 4 sealed bearings are incorporated into each pedal so that you can ride over an array of terrains with ease. This also prevents dust, grime or water from entering into the rotating shaft and hence ensures that the life of the pedals is extended. Moreover, the pedal platform has 19 replaceable pins that enhance grip and the non-slip effect to offer the best possible performance.

Pros

• Lightweight and ultra-thin
• Constructed from durable aluminum alloy
• 4 sealed bearings on each pedal

Cons

• The featured grip can be too much sometimes

#3 FOOKER Composite 9/16 Mountain Bike Pedals

These FOOKER pedals are perhaps one of the most popular platform pedals amongst mountain biking enthusiasts. Made from a combination of Chromoly steel and composite nylon, these pedals are the perfect definition of style and strength. The Chromoly bearings add durability while the nylon composites enhance the anti-skidding property of the pedals. Moreover, anti-skid nails are also incorporated in the design for increasing friction and decreasing the risk of foot slips. Also, FOOKER composite 9/16 MTB pedals have a flat, wide and long base that offers optimal control as you ride and hence make the ride safer.

The best thing about these pair of pedals is that they are fairly easy to install. Screwing them into place is not too difficult and with left and right labels for each of the pedal., you don’t need to think too much before installing them.

Pros

• Made of nylon composite and steel
• Modern and stylish
• Easily installable

Cons

• None that we could find

#4 MEETLOCKS Cr-Mo Machined 9/16" Bike Pedal

MEETLOCK’s Injection Magnesium bike pedals are another great set of MTB pedals you need to give a shot. These concave shaped platform pedals are made of magnesium alloy material which makes them much stronger yet lighter than the aluminum ones available in the market. Also, the concave design warrants pedaling efficiency and ride comfort while the Cr-Mo spindle ensures the durability of the pedals.

These CNC pedals feature DU sealed bearings and DU metal sleeves that facilitate a smooth capacity and save your energy during long riding sessions. Also, 12 replaceable pins are featured on each side of the pedal to augment grip, ensuring a smooth riding experience.

Pros

• Strong and sturdy
• Weigh only 196g/Pc
• Stylish design
• 12 replaceable pins on each side
• Easy to install

Cons

• None found

#5 ROCKBROS Flat Mountain Bike Pedals

9/16 flat MTB pedals by ROCKBROX are an essential accessory if you want to ride in style.  The 102mm wide platform offers full support to your feet and provides a comfortable riding experience. These set of pedals are made of aluminum alloy which not only makes them stronger but also makes them lightweight. A hollow surface design also maintains the lightweight while minimizing wind resistance as you ride your mountain bike.

ROCKBROS pedals feature 12 aluminum anti-skid nails to prevent the foot slipping and to enhance the grip between the pedal platform and the sole of your shoes. Extra nails are also provided in case they need replacement. Lubricated sealed bearings ensure smooth, stable and noiseless pedal operations while the Cr-Mo spindle allows for better load-bearing capabilities.

Pros

• Weighs only 422 grams
• Stylish design
• Wide platform
• 12 replacement anti-skid nails
• Easy to install

Cons

• Not identified

#6 Crankbrothers Doubleshot 2 Hybrid Bike Pedals

Combining the features of a clipless and flat pedal in one, Doubleshot 2 hybrid MTB pedals by Crankbrothers allow you to ride flat or clipped in as per your comfortability. One side of the pedal is slightly concave with a textured surface while the other one has an egg-beater clipless mechanism, offering you the best of both worlds. These pedals are super sleek and stylish and we can definitely rate them 10 with closed eyes in the design department.

However, Crankbrothers Doubleshot pedals slightly lack in performance as they offer limited adjustability – you can only swap the cleat position to adjust the release angle. Also, you might find the flat side of the platform to be a bit slippery on demanding terrains. Nonetheless, the egg-beater mechanism on the clipless side works pretty well in muddy terrains as it has amazing mud-shedding abilities. On the whole, Crankbrothers’ Doubleshot 2 Hybrid MTB pedals are a good option for those looking for an enjoyable ​biking experience under a budget.

Pros

• Head-turning design
• 2-in-1 hybrid pedals
• Durable and lightweight
• Feature premium bearings and seals

Cons

• The flat side is slippery
• Limited adjustibility

Buyer’s Guide

Mountain bike pedals are much more than a place to merely put your feet. They are responsible to drive you along terrains by propagating power from your leg to the bike’s drivetrain. And since pedals are a key contact point between your body and the bike, they need to be equipped with an appropriate interface and a reliable control element. Hence, it’s important to make an informed choice and ensure that you get a suitable set of pedals in your mountain bike according to your needs.

This comprehensive buyer’s guide is all things pedals. From the types of mountain bike pedals in the market to the things you need to look out for when buying a mountain bike flat pedals, we have everything sorted out for you. So brace yourself and keep on reading.

Types of Mountain Bike Pedals

Essentially, there are two types of mountain bike pedals, namely clipless pedals and flat pedals. Both of them have their own pros and cons and the decision to opt for one depends on your preferences.

Flat Pedals

Flat pedals consist of a wide platform and strategically placed pins to grip the sole of your shoes. A wider platform ensures that there is ample of space to plant your foot and the contact between you and the bike is maximized. For flat pedal mountain bikes, special shoes with soles made of grippy rubber are also available.

Flat pedals allow riders to get down on their feet rather easily and quickly, and thus inculcate a feeling of safety in the rider. However, the feet can slip from the pedal while riding over rough terrains which can result in severe accidents.

Clipless Pedals

Clipless pedals consist of a cleat bolted to the soles of your cycling shoes, clipped to the pedal body and contrary to what the name implies, you actually need to clip your feet in clipless pedals. Clipless pedals in mountain bikes are double sided but are a lot smaller than flat pedals.

The good thing about them is that your shoes can’t break contact with the pedal when you’re riding through technical trails as they are firmly secured to the pedals. However, it’s difficult to get your feet out of the pedals fast enough if you need to prevent a crash. In fact, it’s pretty common to see the rider tangled up with his bike while the feet are still secured in the pedals after a crash.

Why Should You Pick a Mountain Bike With Flat Pedals?

Flat pedals are fantastic to improve your technical abilities and polish your ​biking skills. A greater platform gives you enough space to stand on and balance your weight on the bike to keep it stable if you're a beginner. Moreover, the sense of security they offer allows you to ride in confidence as you don't need to worry about unclipping your feet when you need to.  And if you're inclined towards jumping, you can easily eject off the bike if things don't go as planned. With flat pedals, you can learn to weigh and unweight the bike dynamically to make your ride a lot smoother.

Things to Consider in Flat Pedals

Flat pedals have evolved over the years to maximize the benefits they can yield. Platforms are now much slimmer and stretched out for a greater surface area and stability. Similarly, the design of traction pins has also improvised for better grip and durability. When buying flat pedals, it's important that it had the relevant features to fulfill your requirements. Following are the prominent features of flat pedals you should keep in mind.

Platform Style

The platform of flat pedal mountain bikes can be broadly categorized into two groups. Standard offset parallelogram pedals completely cover the bearings and axles while the super-slim platforms use special tapered axles and bearing setups for a slimmer outlook. Consequently, they also weight lighter than the standard offset pedals which are much taller.  

Platform Shape

One of the most important factor to consider in flat pedals is the platform shape. Modern flat pedal designs are slimmer and lighter than ever before. However, the taller pedal options are not recommended as they are relatively unstable and offer less ground clearance. In fact, a higher center of gravity complicates balance and increases the chances of flipping if you spin out of control. Moreover, concave shaped pedals have a stronger grip.

Platform Size

Opting for a bike pedal of the right size is highly recommended by ​biking experts as it directly affects how you perform on your bike. Flat pedals that cover most of your shoe soles without sticking out is the best option. Smaller pedals make the ride uncomfortable while larger pedals have a greater probability of striking obstacles.

Flat Pedal Pins

The size, shape, and placement of pins are related to the traction, grip, and performance the pedals offer. They ensure your feet don't slip off the pedals while you're riding your bike. These pins protrude out of the paddle body to stick into your shoe sole and the more they protrude out, the better grip they can provide. However, this can prove to be immensely dangerous in case of a crash. The pins ideally screw from beneath the pedals or else they can get badly damaged on rough terrains. Since flat pedal pins vary in thickness, width, and height, it's vital to find the ones that work the best for you.

Conclusion

Mountain bikes with flat pedals are the perfect choice for you no matter if you’re a beginner or simply looking to amp up your riding skills. Before making the final decision, however, you need to thoroughly assess the array of options available to you and determine the best bike that perfectly fits your needs. Moreover, regular maintenance of your bike pedals will ensure you get the performance you want from them for the years to come.