Best Mountain Bike Pedals: Find Your Perfect Flat Pedal

Mountain bike pedals are a crucial contact point, directly influencing your control, confidence, and overall riding experience. Whether you’re tackling technical climbs, bombing downhills, or enjoying flow trails, the right pedals can make a significant difference. Flat pedals, in particular, offer a unique blend of freedom and connection, making them a popular choice for riders of all skill levels. This guide dives deep into the best mountain bike flat pedals on the market, based on rigorous testing and real-world performance. We’ve evaluated top contenders across various categories, considering grip, platform, mobility, durability, and value to help you choose the perfect pedals for your riding style and budget. Get ready to enhance your ride with our top flat pedal recommendations.

Top Picks for Mountain Bike Flat Pedals

After extensive testing and analysis, we’ve identified the leading flat pedals that stand out in performance and cater to different riding needs. Here are our top recommendations:

Best Overall: Wolf Tooth Waveform

Wolf Tooth Waveform pedals

The Wolf Tooth Waveform flat pedals have taken the mountain bike world by storm, and for good reason. These pedals deliver an exceptional combination of grip, platform feel, and overall performance, making them our top pick for the Best Mountain Bike Pedals.

Overall Score: 81

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 and Natural Platform: The Waveform pedals feature a dual concave platform that feels incredibly natural and supportive underfoot. Testers consistently noted how “right” these pedals felt, providing a secure and connected feel.
Exceptional Grip: Equipped with 11 bottom-loading traction pins per side, the Waveform offers outstanding grip with a wide range of mountain bike shoes. This ensures your feet stay planted on both climbs and descents, boosting confidence on technical trails.
Lightweight Design: At just 373 grams per pair, these pedals are light enough for cross-country adventures yet robust enough for bike park sessions.
Interchangeable and Rebuildable: Wolf Tooth’s “Right to Repair” philosophy shines through with the Waveform. All parts are interchangeable and readily available, making servicing and rebuilding these pedals straightforward, extending their lifespan.

Reasons to Avoid:

Premium Price: The Waveform pedals come with a higher price tag than many competitors. However, the superior performance, durability, and rebuildability justify the investment for serious riders.

The Wolf Tooth Waveform excels across disciplines, from cross-country trails to demanding bike parks. If you seek top-tier performance and durability in a flat pedal, the Waveform is an outstanding choice.

Wolf Tooth Waveform mountain bike flat pedals performing exceptionally well in tests

The Waveform from Wolf Tooth excelled across the board in our tests.

Credit: Byron Adams

Best Convex Pedal: Wolf Tooth Ripsaw

Wolf Tooth Ripsaw mountain bike flat pedals

For riders who prefer a convex pedal shape, the Wolf Tooth Ripsaw flat pedals offer exceptional performance and a unique feel. These pedals prioritize platform support and stability, making them ideal for long rides and demanding terrain.

Overall Score: 81

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 and Supportive Platform: The Ripsaw boasts an impressive 118mm long platform, providing exceptional stability and support, even for riders with larger feet. Testers noted reduced foot fatigue compared to other pedals, highlighting the platform’s comfort and efficiency.
Thin Profile: Despite the large platform, the Ripsaw maintains a thin profile, minimizing pedal strikes on technical trails.
Lateral Shoe Sole Stability: The convex shape and platform design enhance lateral stability for the shoe’s sole, further improving pedaling efficiency and control.
Fully Rebuildable: Like the Waveform, the Ripsaw is fully rebuildable with readily available replacement parts, ensuring long-term value and performance.

Reasons to Avoid:

Higher Price Point: The Ripsaw is also a premium-priced pedal, reflecting its high-quality construction and performance features.
Wider Q-Factor: The 105mm Q-Factor might be wider than some riders prefer, potentially affecting knee alignment for some individuals.

The Wolf Tooth Ripsaw is a top-performing convex pedal that excels in providing a stable and supportive platform. It’s an excellent choice for riders who prioritize comfort and efficiency on varied terrain.

[Wolf Tooth Ripsaw mountain bike flat pedals with a long supportive platform

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

The Race Face Chester flat pedals consistently prove that high performance doesn’t have to break the bank. These pedals offer an outstanding price-to-performance ratio, making them our top pick for the best value mountain bike pedals.

Overall Score: 74

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 Price: The Chester pedals are among the most budget-friendly options in their performance class, offering exceptional value without compromising quality.
Tough and Durable: Constructed with a rugged nylon composite platform, the Chester pedals are built to withstand trail abuse and provide long-lasting durability.
Nice Mid-Size Platform: The 101 mm x 110 mm platform offers a comfortable and versatile size suitable for a wide range of riders and shoe sizes.

Reasons to Avoid:

Fewer Traction Pins: With only eight pins per side and no pins along the axle, the Chester’s grip is not as aggressive as some high-end pedals, especially in very wet conditions.
Platform Size Might Be Small for Large Feet: Riders with very large feet might find the platform slightly less supportive than larger options.

The Race Face Chester is a fantastic all-around flat pedal that balances performance, durability, and affordability. It’s an ideal choice for riders seeking excellent performance on a budget.

Race Face Chester mountain bike flat pedals offering good performance for a composite pedal at a reasonable price

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

Fooker Nylon Fiber mountain bike flat pedals

For riders prioritizing affordability above all else, the Fooker Nylon Fiber flat pedals deliver surprising performance at an incredibly low price. These pedals are the best mountain bike pedals if you are on a very tight budget.

Overall Score: 71

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:

Extremely Affordable: The Fooker pedals are among the least expensive flat pedals available, making them accessible to riders on the strictest budgets.
Adequate Grip: Despite the low price, the Fooker pedals offer surprisingly good grip and traction for general mountain biking.
Lightweight: At 370 grams per pair, they are lightweight and efficient for pedaling.
Good Mobility: Equipped with three sealed bearings, these pedals offer smooth and predictable rotation, enhancing foot mobility.

Reasons to Avoid:

Smaller Platform: The platform is less supportive for larger feet compared to mid-range and high-end pedals.
Questionable Long-Term Durability: While performing well in initial tests, the long-term durability of inner components might be less robust than more expensive options.

The Fooker Nylon Fiber pedals are an excellent choice for budget-conscious riders who need functional flat pedals for general mountain biking. They offer surprising performance for the price, making them a great entry-level option.

Fooker Nylon Fiber mountain bike flat pedals with a thin profile and concave shape

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

Credit: Kenji Mowrey

Best Gravity Flat Pedal: Deity TMAC

Deity TMAC mountain bike flat pedals

When gravity riding is your focus, the Deity TMAC flat pedals are engineered to deliver maximum grip, durability, and confidence on the most demanding descents. These are the best mountain bike pedals for gravity focused riders.

Overall Score: 80

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 and Concave Platform: The TMAC features a large, symmetrically designed platform with a 2.5mm concave depth, creating an incredibly secure and connected feel for aggressive riding.
Serious Grip: Equipped with 28 grub screws per pedal (14 per side), the TMAC offers tenacious grip, ensuring your feet stay locked in even on the rowdiest terrain.
Rugged and Durable: Machined from T6 Aluminum, these pedals are built to withstand the impacts and demands of downhill and freeride mountain biking.

Reasons to Avoid:

Higher Price: The TMAC is a premium pedal designed for gravity riding and comes with a higher price tag.
Thicker Platform: The thicker platform, while enhancing durability, can be slightly more prone to pedal strikes on technical climbs or tight trails.
Heavier Weight: At 440 grams per pair, the TMAC is heavier than lighter trail pedals, which might be less ideal for riders prioritizing pedaling efficiency.

The Deity TMAC is the ultimate flat pedal for gravity enthusiasts. Its exceptional grip, robust construction, and large platform make it the top choice for downhill, freeride, and enduro riding.

Deity TMAC mountain bike flat pedals providing excellent grip on rowdy terrain

Our feet stayed connected to the TMAC even in the rowdiest terrain.

Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

Best Composite Pedal: OneUp Components Composite

OneUp Components Composite mountain bike flat pedals

The OneUp Components Composite flat pedals strike an excellent balance of performance, weight, and value in a composite (plastic) construction. These are the best mountain bike pedals in the composite category.

Overall Score: 73

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: The OneUp Composite offers high-quality features and performance at a competitive price point for a composite pedal.
Well-Rounded Performance: These pedals perform solidly across various metrics, offering a good balance of grip, platform feel, and mobility for trail riding.
Lightweight: At 359 grams per pair, they are lightweight and efficient for pedaling.
Easy to Rebuild: Like their aluminum counterparts, the OneUp Composite pedals are designed to be easily rebuildable, enhancing their longevity.

Reasons to Avoid:

Less Grip Than High-End Aluminum: While offering sufficient grip, the composite platform and pin configuration don’t provide the same level of tenacious grip as some high-end aluminum pedals.
Slightly Thicker Than Aluminum Options: Composite pedals generally have a slightly thicker profile compared to aluminum pedals, potentially increasing the risk of pedal strikes in very rocky terrain.

The OneUp Components Composite is a top-performing composite pedal that delivers excellent value and well-rounded performance for trail and all-mountain riding.

OneUp Components Composite mountain bike flat pedals being light and inexpensive with solid trail performance

Light, inexpensive, and rock-solid on the trail… whats not to like?

Best For Everyday Commuting: CXWXC CX-930 Pedals

CXWXC CX-930 mountain bike flat pedals

For riders seeking versatile and budget-friendly flat pedals for commuting and light trail use, the CXWXC CX-930 pedals offer a compelling option. These are the best mountain bike pedals for everyday commuting.

Overall Score: 66

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: The CXWXC CX-930 pedals are very affordable, making them an excellent upgrade from stock pedals for commuters and recreational riders.
Solid Platform: The wide, concave platform provides a stable and comfortable base for pedaling, suitable for various shoe types.
Durable Construction: Built to withstand daily use, these pedals offer good durability for commuting and urban riding.
Built-in Reflectors: Integrated reflectors enhance visibility and safety for commuting in low-light conditions.

Reasons to Avoid:

Inferior Grip Compared to Trail Pedals: The grip level is lower than dedicated mountain bike trail pedals, making them less suitable for aggressive off-road riding.
Prone to Pedal Strikes: The platform thickness might be more susceptible to pedal strikes compared to thinner profile pedals.

The CXWXC CX-930 pedals are a practical and budget-friendly choice for commuters and recreational riders who need durable flat pedals with a comfortable platform and added visibility features.

[CXWXC CX-930 mountain bike flat pedals being tested and measured

Testing and measuring the CX-930 pedals.

Credit: Kenji Mowrey

Understanding Mountain Bike Pedal Performance: Key Metrics

To help you make an informed decision, let’s delve into the key performance metrics we used to evaluate these mountain bike flat pedals:

Grip and Traction: This measures how well the pedals keep your feet planted, crucial for control and confidence, especially on technical terrain. Factors include pedal shape (concave vs. convex), pin placement, and pin aggressiveness.

Concave vs convex mountain bike flat pedal platforms

On the left is a concave pedal, and on the right is a convex pedal.

Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

Platform: Platform assessment considers the size, shape, and thickness of the pedal body. A supportive platform enhances comfort and reduces foot fatigue. Thickness affects ground clearance and susceptibility to pedal strikes.

Measuring mountain bike flat pedal platform dimensions with digital calipers

Each pair of pedals is measured with digital calipers.

Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

Mobility: This metric evaluates how easily you can reposition your feet on the pedals and the smoothness of pedal rotation. Good mobility allows for subtle adjustments on the fly, while smooth rotation ensures predictable pedal placement.

Mountain bike flat pedal axle design and cartridge bearings

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

Servicing: Servicing ease is essential for long-term maintenance. We assessed how easy it is to disassemble, clean, grease, and replace bearings and pins, favoring pedals that use common tools and have readily available parts.

Servicing Wolf Tooth Waveform mountain bike flat pedals with Allen wrenches

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

Weight: While not the primary concern for all flat pedal riders, weight is still a factor, especially for XC and trail riders. Lighter pedals can improve pedaling efficiency and bike feel.

Weighing mountain bike flat pedals on a digital scale

Each pair of pedals is measured in grams on a digital scale.

Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Mountain Bike Pedals for You

Selecting the best mountain bike pedals ultimately depends on your individual riding style, terrain, and budget. Whether you prioritize maximum grip for gravity riding, a supportive platform for long days in the saddle, or the best value for your money, there’s a perfect flat pedal out there for you.

Consider these factors when making your choice:

Riding Style: Gravity riders will benefit from pedals like the Deity TMAC with maximum grip and a large platform. Trail and XC riders might prefer the balanced performance of the Wolf Tooth Waveform or the value of the Race Face Chester. Commuters can appreciate the practicality of the CXWXC CX-930.
Terrain: Rocky and rooty trails might warrant thinner pedals to minimize pedal strikes. Smooth flow trails might allow for larger platforms for enhanced stability.
Budget: Determine your budget and choose pedals that offer the best performance and features within your price range. Options like the Race Face Chester and Fooker Nylon Fiber provide excellent value.
Foot Size: Consider pedal platform size relative to your shoe size for optimal support and comfort. Some brands like Wolf Tooth and Crankbrothers offer pedals in different sizes.
Maintenance: If you prefer to service your own gear, choose pedals that are easy to rebuild and have readily available replacement parts.

By carefully considering these factors and exploring our top recommendations, you’ll be well-equipped to find the best mountain bike pedals to elevate your riding experience. Happy trails!

Mountain biker landing a jump, testing pedal grip and traction