6 Best Clips in Pedals for Mountain Biking 2026
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The Shimano PDM520 SPD stands out as the best overall clip-in pedal for mountain biking, delivering reliable engagement and proven durability. For riders wanting dual-sided convenience on a budget, the BUCKLOS Dual Sided Clipless offers solid performance, while the Funn Clast Dual Platform is our top pick for value without sacrificing toughness.
Choosing the right clip-in pedals can be frustrating, too stiff and you’re stuck when you need to bail, too loose and your foot pops out mid-stride. With so many designs claiming better power transfer or easier release, it’s hard to know what actually holds up on the trail.
This guide cuts through the noise by focusing on real-world feedback, build quality, and key features like float, tension adjustability, and cleat compatibility. I looked at how each model performs under rugged use, how easy they are to engage, and what long-term owners report, so you can find the pedal that matches your riding style and confidence level.
Top 5 Clips In Pedals For Mountain Biking in the Market
The Best Clips In Pedals For Mountain Biking, Reviewed
Shimano PDM520 SPD Clipless Pedals
Strengths
- Wide, stable platform
- Legendary Shimano reliability
- Smooth, consistent engagement
- Excellent sealing
- Includes cleats
Trade-offs
- Heavier than ultralight options
- Slightly slower mud shedding
The Shimano M520 pedals are the gold standard for a reason, they just work, every time. The wide platform offers excellent support, especially for larger feet, and the sealed cartridge bearings are famously durable, often lasting thousands of miles with zero maintenance. The entry and release action is smooth and predictable, with just enough resistance to prevent accidental unclipping but not so much that it strains your knees.
Owners consistently report these outlasting cheaper pedals by a wide margin, even in wet, muddy conditions. While they’re not the lightest here, their balance of weight, grip, and reliability makes them the smarter buy over flashier options. Compared to the BUCKLOS or Funn models, the M520 offers better long-term durability and a more refined feel. If you want one pedal that disappears into your ride, no fuss, no failures, this is it.
Video review
Crankbrothers Candy 1 MTB Pedals
Strengths
- Extremely lightweight
- Snappy engagement
- Customizable float
- Durable spindle
- Good mud clearance
Trade-offs
- Smaller platform
- Pricier than budget options
- Composite body less impact-resistant
The Crankbrothers Candy 1 pedals are a favorite among XC and trail riders who care about every gram. At just over 300g per pair, they’re among the lightest clipless pedals you can buy, thanks to the one-piece composite body and forged chromoly spindle. The stamped steel wings add durability without killing the weight savings, and the double-seal bearing system keeps grit out better than you’d expect.
What really defines these is the engagement feel, snappy, consistent, and with customizable float via the stainless steel springs. Reviewers note they’re easier to clip into than Shimano’s SPDs, especially when fatigued. They don’t have the widest platform of this group, so larger-footed riders might feel less stable, but for nimble, responsive performance, these are hard to beat. I’d pick them over the Shimano M520 for a race build where weight and efficiency matter most.
Video review
YBEKI Pro-Grade Spin Bike Pedals
Strengths
- High weight capacity
- Comfortable padded straps
- Excellent grip surface
- Corrosion resistant
- Easy strap adjustment
Trade-offs
- Bulky for trail use
- Not clipless
- Straps collect debris
These YBEKI pedals are built like gym equipment, not trail gear, and that’s exactly their niche. The resin-alloy hybrid body and 500lb load rating scream durability, and the 4D adjustable straps with memory foam padding are a rare comfort touch in a toe-clip design. The concave platform is said to improve power transfer by 18% on climbs, and while I can’t verify that exact number, the shape does cradle the foot better than most flat pedals with straps.
But here’s the catch: these aren’t MTB trail pedals. They’re optimized for indoor spin bikes, Peloton-style setups, or casual riders who want foot retention without cleats. The 9/16″ spindle fits most cranks, and the corrosion-resistant coating helps outdoors, but the large cage and straps make them clumsy in technical terrain. If you’re after clipless-level power without committing to cleats, these deliver, but don’t expect quick mud shedding or trail-ready agility.
Product photos
BUCKLOS Dual Sided Clipless Pedals
Strengths
- True dual-sided clipless
- CNC aluminum construction
- Sealed, quiet bearings
- Adjustable tension
- Includes tools and cleats
Trade-offs
- No flat platform option
- Plastic cleats included (upgradable)
- Less brand support than Shimano
At this price, the BUCKLOS dual-sided SPD pedals punch above their weight. Both sides are clipless, which might disappoint riders expecting a hybrid flat/clip design, but if your goal is redundancy, so you can clip in no matter which pedal faces up, these make a lot of sense. The CNC aluminum body feels solid, and the sealed bearings spin smoothly with minimal noise, a big win for budget units that often rattle or bind.
Owners praise the ease of installation and the included 6mm wrench and cleats, which is more than many competitors offer. The tension adjustment works as expected, letting you fine-tune release resistance. Compared to the Funn Clast, these lack flat usability, but if you’re committed to clipless and want reliability on a budget, these are a smarter buy than stepping up to a pricier name brand without real performance gains.
Product photos
Funn Clast Dual Platform Pedals
Strengths
- Dual-sided versatility
- Durable aluminum build
- SPD compatible
- Lightweight for dual design
- Easy maintenance
Trade-offs
- Entry/exit less refined than Shimano
- Pins can loosen over time
The Funn Clast pedals stand out in a crowded market by offering a true dual-purpose design that actually works in practice, not just on paper. One side gives you a reliable SPD-compatible clipless interface with adjustable tension, while the other delivers a no-nonsense flat platform studded with 8 aggressive pins, ideal when you’re caught off guard by a coffee stop or trail detour in street shoes. Owners consistently report solid retention and smooth engagement, and the die-cast aluminum body feels rugged without being overly heavy at 385g per pair.
What really sets these apart is the balance they strike for riders who refuse to carry two sets of pedals. The CrMo axle with bushing and cartridge bearing offers dependable spin, and while it’s not quite at Shimano’s level, it’s impressive at this price. I’d pick these over basic single-function pedals for any rider splitting time between commuting and trail riding. They’re not the lightest or the flashiest, but they deliver where it counts.
Product photos
How We Tested clips in pedals for mountain biking
My approach at TheAutoZenith is always to combine technical understanding with what real riders are experiencing. Rather than a hands-on lab test of each pedal, this selection is a research-led comparison of published specifications, features, and, crucially, extensive owner and expert reviews. I weighed information from cycling publications, retailer sites, and user forums to build a picture of performance and durability. This allowed me to rank options against criteria important to mountain bikers.
For this category, I focused heavily on build quality and adjustability. Mountain biking demands pedals that can withstand significant abuse, so materials and construction were paramount. Equally important was the ability to fine-tune the clip-in tension; a pedal that’s too tight or too loose can ruin a ride, and individual preferences vary greatly. Finding a balance between weight and durability was also key, as many riders explore clipless mountain bike pedals for performance gains.
Specifications reliably tell you about materials (aluminum alloy, chromoly steel, etc.) and dimensions, which hint at durability and platform size. However, owner feedback is where you learn about real-world performance – how easily they clip in and out, how well they shed mud, and long-term reliability. Reputation also factored in; established brands like Shimano consistently receive positive reviews across various clipless pedal systems due to their engineering and quality control. If you prefer the feel of a wider base, you might also consider looking at our guide to flat pedals for mountain biking and flat pedals.
What To Look For In clips in pedals for mountain biking
Finding the right clipless pedals can dramatically improve your efficiency and control on the bike. It’s a surprisingly nuanced choice, though, with options varying widely in price, weight, and features.
A good clipless pedal system balances secure foot retention with easy release, durability, and compatibility with your riding style. Look for pedals with adjustable tension, quality bearings for smooth rotation, and a platform size appropriate for your shoe size and preferred terrain. Cleat compatibility is also key – Shimano’s SPD system is the most common, but others exist.
Understanding Pedal Body Style
The first major decision is whether to go with single-sided or dual-sided pedals. Single-sided pedals (like the Shimano PDM520) require you to consciously position your foot for engagement, which builds muscle memory and can be very efficient once mastered. Dual-sided pedals (BUCKLOS and MZYRH offer options here) are more forgiving, allowing you to clip in from either side, which is helpful for beginners or in tricky situations like quick starts and stops. However, some experienced riders find dual-sided pedals can feel less positive in engagement. Consider how often you find yourself needing to quickly re-clip during a ride; if it’s frequent, dual-sided might be preferable.
Prioritizing Float and Release Tension
“Float” refers to the degree of rotational movement allowed between your cleat and the pedal. More float can reduce knee strain, especially for riders with alignment issues, while less float provides a more direct power transfer. Release tension, adjustable on many models, controls how much force is needed to unclip. I suggest starting with a lower tension and gradually increasing it as you become more comfortable. This is especially relevant when you’re first getting used to clip pedals.
- Beginners should prioritize easier release. A lower tension makes unclipping more intuitive, reducing the chance of falls during initial learning.
- Experienced riders often prefer higher tension for a more secure connection and efficient power transfer, especially during aggressive climbs or sprints.
- Riders with knee problems should explore pedals with more float, as this can help accommodate natural leg movement and reduce stress on the joints.
Don’t crank the tension up to eleven immediately. Start low and gradually increase it as your confidence and technique improve. A fall while clipped in is a quick way to develop a dislike for the system.
Balancing Weight, Durability, and Budget
Weight is a concern for performance-oriented riders, and models like the Crankbrothers Candy 1 demonstrate how lightweight materials can be used effectively. However, weight often comes at a cost. More affordable pedals like the Funn Clast prioritize durability and value. Think about your riding style and typical terrain. If you’re tackling demanding trails, a robust pedal with a larger platform, even if it’s a bit heavier, might be a better choice than a super-lightweight option. For a full pedal comparison, it’s also worth considering the different benefits of comparing flat and clipless options for various riding styles. Ultimately, the “best” pedal is the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Clips in Pedals for Mountain Biking Compared
Here’s a comparison of specifications for various clipless pedals designed for mountain biking.
| Product Name | Best For | Body Material | Spindle Material | Weight (per pair) | Sides | Cleat Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano PDM520 SPD | Best Overall | N/A | N/A | N/A | Single | SPD |
| Crankbrothers Candy 1 MTB | Best Lightweight Performance | Composite | Chromoly Steel | N/A | Single | SPD |
| YBEKI Pro-Grade Spin Bike | Best for Power Transfer | Resin/Alloy | Aluminum Alloy | N/A | Single | N/A |
| BUCKLOS Dual Sided Clipless | Best Value Dual-Sided | Aluminum Alloy | N/A | N/A | Dual | SPD |
| MZYRH Dual Function Aluminum | Best Budget Dual Mode | Aluminum Alloy | N/A | 380g | Dual | SPD |
| Funn Clast Dual Platform | Best Budget Friendly | ADC10 Aluminum | CrMo | 385g | Dual | SPD |
Frequently Asked Questions
What cleat type is most common for mountain biking?
Shimano’s SPD cleat system is the most prevalent, offering widespread compatibility with both pedals and shoes. While other systems exist, the availability of SPD-compatible options makes it the easiest to maintain and find replacements for.
Can I use road bike cleats with mountain bike pedals?
Generally, no. Road bike cleats and mountain bike cleats have different shapes and release mechanisms, meaning they aren’t cross-compatible. Using the wrong cleat type could damage your pedals or, more importantly, prevent you from unclipping safely, so always check compatibility before riding.
How much should I expect to spend on a good set of clipless pedals?
A decent set of clipless pedals can range from around $30 to over $200. Entry-level pedals like the BUCKLOS Dual Sided Clipless offer good value, while higher-end models from Shimano or Crankbrothers prioritize weight savings and refined mechanisms. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of compatible shoes and cleats.
What does “float” mean, and how much do I need?
Float refers to the amount of rotational play between your cleat and the pedal. Riders experiencing knee pain may benefit from pedals with more float, as it allows for more natural leg movement. However, those prioritizing power transfer might prefer less float for a more direct connection, and exploring recommended pedals for MTB can help you find the best option.
Are dual-sided pedals really better for beginners?
Dual-sided pedals are generally more forgiving for beginners because they don’t require precise foot positioning to clip in. This can build confidence and reduce frustration during the initial learning phase. However, experienced riders often prefer single-sided pedals, and you can find a selection of the best platform pedals for MTB if you’re unsure about clipless systems.
The Bottom Line
Choosing clipless pedals often comes down to balancing control with convenience. While a lighter, single-sided pedal like the Shimano PDM520 offers a refined connection to the bike and is, in my opinion, the strongest overall performer, a dual-sided option might be a better fit if you value easy engagement in challenging terrain. Ultimately, the ideal pedal isn’t about specs, but about how well it integrates with your riding style and skill level.
For those seeking a specific advantage, the market delivers. If you’re prioritizing weight and performance, the Crankbrothers Candy 1 MTB is an excellent choice. Riders new to the system, or those wanting a forgiving experience, would do well with the BUCKLOS Dual Sided Clipless; the Funn Clast Dual Platform offers a great budget-friendly entry point. And don’t forget to consider pairing your new pedals with the right footwear – finding the best mountain bike shoes for clips can make a world of difference.
Beyond the features and price points, remember that a reliable connection between your feet and the bike is built on proper setup and technique. Prioritize adjustable tension, comfortable cleats, and consistent practice. Don’t overlook the importance of flat pedal shoes either; having options for different trail conditions and riding preferences is a smart move for any mountain biker.
