Many prefer the freedom you get when you ride flat mountain bike pedals. These give you free rein of motion, allowing you to dab on tight corners. You can even easily remove your feet from the pedals once the trail gets sketchy.
You also don’t have to worry about stability because flat pedals also have a good grip on your shoes.
But you need to choose the right pedal for you. It should have sharp pins that give a bite to your shoes. They also should be comfortable enough so you won’t feel any foot fatigue on long rides.
That’s what this article is for. Because we’ll show you the best flat mountain bike pedals. We’ll also discuss their features and show you their pros and cons.
Table of Contents
Crankbrothers Stamp
Crankbrothers is one of the leading brands in mountain bike pedals. Some might say that they sell expensive pedals. Well, they do, and it’s because they go through a rigorous production process that ensures the utmost quality. But they also have budget pedals.
One of which is the Crankbrothers Stamp. This is the favorite of many beginners because it has nine hex pattern traction pins that ensure grip on both sides.
It also has a minimal profile that measures 13 mm thick. It’s got Enduro bearings and a premium seal system. They make the Stamp from forged SCM 435. We also know this as Chromoly steel.
This one’s for you if you want a lightweight, minimalist flat pedal that keeps you stable on rough trails. It’s also not that heavy on your budget, so you don’t have to worry about spending!
Pros
- Excellent grip
- Simple design
- Large platform
Cons
- Material
- Price
OneUp Components Composite Pedal
OneUp Components is one of the leading bike component brands in the mountain bike industry. This Canadian brand ensures the best quality of all its products. This is because they focus on enduro and downhill components.
A good example of their excellence is the OneUp Composite Pedal. The renowned bike media company Mountain Bike Rider (MTBR) gave this a perfect 5/5 rating. This is thanks to its large platform that perfectly syncs with its ultra-thin width.
It measures 115 mm x 105 mm, to be exact. It’s one of the grippiest pedals out there. It’s also light because it weighs only 355 grams.
It features ten pins made from steel. And is supported by a DU-plus cartridge bearing axle system. The pedal body is made from a nylon composite, while they make the axle of Chromoly steel.
Pros
- Multiple colorway options
- Brand
- Durable material
Cons
- Design
- Grip
Race Face Chester
Race Face is undoubtedly one of the most prominent bike brands. This is because they balance durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
Take, for example, RaceFace Chester. This is regarded as their affordable but premium-quality flat pedal. Many downhills and enduro riders prefer the Chester because of its grip. It has an 8-hex pin system for optimum traction and grip. And it can still take a lot of beating, even if it’s not made from alloy. Instead, it’s made from nylon composite. This also makes it lighter and gives you a more nimble ride.
The bushing and bearing systems are fully serviceable. You’ll also find that the cro-mo axle is fully sealed. This ensures a longer lifespan compared to other brands.
Pros
- Excellent grip
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Durability
- Material
Funn Funndamental
Don’t take Funn lightly because this one’s not just about fun. It’s a brand renowned for its enduro and downhill-oriented parts packed at value-for-money prices.
The Funn Funndamental is CNC-machined with aluminum 6061 for a deep and large platform. It’s also laser-etched for an aesthetic and sleek look that makes it ideal for rugged use. You’ll also find the concave surface convenient when tackling steep trails. It even provides a better grip on your shoes.
The Funndamental features a Grease Renew System. This lets you grease and re-service it in less than 60 seconds. It’s a splendid choice to have fun on your bike. Well, its brand name speaks for itself.
Pros
- Multiple colorway options
- Decent grip
- Affordable price
Cons
- Design
- Durability
Race Face Ride Pedal Turquoise, One Size
Race Face comes with another entry with the Ride. This is one of their most affordable flat pedals to date. But it can still take on slightly rough trails, even if it’s a value budget pedal.
Its spindle is made from Chromoly steel, which lessens the chances of rusting. It also ensures durability and gives you assurance it won’t break on impact.
Meanwhile, its platform is made from nylon composite. This lets Race Face cut down the costs. Nylon composite is cheaper than the more popular alloy material used on higher-end pedals. You won’t find any steel pins here.
Instead, you’ll see small thin grooves that provide grip on your shoes. The Ride measures 4.3 in. x 3.9 in. x 0.72 in. and weighs a light 320 grams. It’s best if you limit its usage to commuting to ensure your safety.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable price
Cons
- Grip
- Durability
VP Vice
VP is not that known in the bike industry. This is because of their minimal marketing campaigns. But their lack of marketing doesn’t equate to poor quality. In fact, they are renowned for producing affordable and durable flat mountain bike pedals.
The VP Vice is a good example of this as it is made from CNC-machined aluminum. Not only is it durable, but it’s also lightweight. It also measures a decently light 406 grams per pedal pair. It has 14 pins made from steel. Note that these are replaceable!
It also has a superior grip, thanks to its low-profile platform. This is what you need if you want to focus on getting lots of grip. Or if you want to take the extra mile and tackle harsher and rougher trails.
Its full-length axle is forged and heat-treated from Chromoly. It also has sealed LSL cartridge bearings.
Pros
- Ergonomic shape
- Solid structure
Cons
- Design
- Brand
- Material
Race Face Atlas
Here is another pedal from Race Face. The Atlas is their premium and top-of-the-line downhill enduro pedal. This features a super-thin platform that lets you have a nimble ride. It also helps transition your energy directly into the pedals for a more efficient ride.
It has a concave width platform that takes the shape of your feet. This gives you a more comfortable position on long rides. It also prevents foot cramps. The Atlas features a fully sealed bearing design, so dirt and grime can’t enter it.
This also means that it won’t rust and will last for a long time. Its hex-headed threaded pattern pin design adds security on rough trails. It also ensures your feet are firmly planted on the platform. The bottom-loading pins are also aft-angled.
It’s what you need if you want to experience what a premium enduro downhill pedal feels like. It’s comfortable for the feet, has a durable construction, and looks nice and stylish.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable construction
- Excellent grip
Cons
- Price
- Design
Crank Brothers Stamp 3 Platform Pedals
Crank Brothers is here again with another one of their premium flat pedals. The Stamp 3 is a best-selling flat pedal that many downhills and enduro riders prefer. It features a minimal profit width of 16 mm.
This is one of the thinnest pedals widths, making it very nimble and light. Aside from that, it also has an optimal surface area that ensures your feet are firmly planted. Its ten pins are made from premium steel on each side of the platform.
What’s nice about them is that they are adjustable. You can extend their length if you want to get more grip. Meanwhile, you can shorten them if you feel it’ll scrape your shin. It also has premium bearings and a sealed system that ensures it’s rust-proof and leak-free.
Another nice thing about Crank Brothers Stamp pedals, including the Stamp 3, is the size options.
Depending on your shoe size, there is a small and a large size option. The spindles are made from forged SCM 435 Chromoly steel. This makes it lightweight and thin in shape and style.
Pros
- Excellent grip
- Large platform
- Multiple colorway options
Cons
- Price
- Weight
Imrider Polyamide Pedals
Imrider Polyamide Pedals is what you need if you’re looking for an affordable mountain bike pedal. But this doesn’t mean it’s bad quality compared to the premium brands. Although it’s not the best, its overall structure can keep up with the rigorous requirements of trail riding.
It has safety features such as its hard spindles that provide grip on your shoes. This prevents your feet from being removed from your pedals.
It also has an anti-skid nail surface so that your feet won’t skid. It prioritizes pedaling efficiency and comfort over design. This makes it a great idea if you’re looking for a sturdy pedal without breaking your bank.
This is made from premium polyamide material with natural abrasion resistance. Meanwhile, its platform is made from premium nylon composite.
It’s also corrosion-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about any rusting issues. It measures 125 mm x 108 mm x 18 mm. You can also install this on other bicycles such as road bikes, mountain bikes, and even BMX and city bikes.
Pros
- Design
- Affordable price
Cons
- Material
- Grip
Shimano Saint
The Shimano Saint might come in last. But this doesn’t mean it’s the least. This is one of the most popular and well-renowned flat pedals. Saint is Shimano’s line of downhill components which range from drivetrains to pedals.
And here we’ve got the Shimano Saint, specially designed for downhill riding. It features an eight-sided platform that comes with a concave design. This offers excellent grip and stability even on the roughest of trails.
It comes with 12 pins that are made from premium stainless steel material. You even have an option if you choose the shorter 3 mm pins or, the longer and more aggressive 5 mm pins. You need this if you’re looking for a large and low-profile platform.
It connects your feet to the pedals pretty well regardless of the terrain you’re riding. The axles are made from Chromoly. This makes it low-maintenance. It’s also got the standard sealed cartridge bearing mechanism present in almost all mountain bikes pedals.
Pros
- Durable constructions
- Excellent grip
- Ergonomic shape
Cons
- Price
- Design
Verdict
The best flat mountain bike pedals, in my opinion, are:
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Choosing the best flat mountain bike pedals might sound easy. But it’s trickier than you thought. You need to consider a lot of things. The most important factors to consider are its brand, durability, material, design, and price.
You must also ensure it’s specially made for your riding style and discipline. There are pedals made for enduro and downhill. While some are cross-country-oriented. There are also pedals ideal for commuting.
Whichever one you need and like, make sure it keeps you safe.
Hopefully, this article helped you choose the best flat mountain bike pedals. Doing so not only keeps you safe. But this also makes you a better and faster mountain biker. Always ride safely, improve your skills, and push yourself further.
Related:
What Are the Best Mountain Bike Pedals Out There
How to Change Pedals on a Mountain Bike
8 Best Mountain Bike Shoes for Flat Pedals
