Switching from flats to clipless changed how I ride. The first time I clicked into a set of SPD pedals on a steep climb, I felt the rear wheel stay planted instead of bouncing off the line. That is the promise of the best clipless MTB pedals: a locked-in connection that turns every pedal stroke into forward motion, even when the trail gets technical.
Clipless MTB pedals use a spring-loaded binding that engages with a metal cleat bolted to the bottom of your cycling shoe. You twist your heel outward to release. That simple mechanism has powered World Cup XC racers, weekend trail riders, and bike park regulars for decades. The trade-off is a learning curve, but modern pedals make clipping in and out easier than they used to be.
After three months of testing 7 pedals across rocky desert singletrack, loose gravel climbs, and a couple of rainy Pacific Northwest rides, our team narrowed down the best clipless mtb pedals for mountain bikes. We judged each on engagement feel, mud-shedding, platform support, weight, and how forgiving the release was on the days our tired legs forgot to unclip. If you are shopping for your first set or upgrading from an old pair, this guide breaks down exactly what you need.
Top 3 Picks for Best Clipless MTB Pedals (September 2026)
If you only have a minute, these three pedals cover the most ground. The Shimano PD-EH500 is our top pick for most riders because it is a hybrid that works with regular shoes on one side and clipless on the other. The PD-M520 wins on pure value. The PD-M8120 takes the premium spot for trail and enduro riders who want a wider platform.
Shimano PD-EH500 SPD/Flat Hybrid
- Hybrid SPD + flat platform
- Sealed cartridge bearings
- Includes SH-SH56 cleats
Best Clipless MTB Pedals in 2026
Below is the full comparison table covering all 7 clipless MTB pedals we tested. Use it to scan specs and features side by side before diving into the individual reviews.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Shimano PD-M520 SPD Clipless Pedal |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Shimano PD-EH500 SPD/Flat Hybrid |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Shimano PD-M8120 Trail/Enduro |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Shimano PD-M324 Dual Platform |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Crankbrothers Eggbeater |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Crankbrothers Candy |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Crankbrothers Mallet |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Shimano PD-M520 – Best Value Workhorse for Any Rider
Shimano SPD Pedal E-PDM520L (Color: silver) clipless pedals
Double-sided entry
380g per pair
Adjustable tension
SPD compatible
Pros
- Time-tested Shimano durability
- Smooth double-sided entry
- Compatible with road and MTB cleats
- Strong value at this price
Cons
- Heavier than premium options
- Tension adjustment takes a few rides to dial in
I have been running a pair of Shimano PD-M520 pedals on my hardtail for two seasons now, and they just keep working. The double-sided entry means I never have to flip the pedal to find the right side, which sounds small until you are climbing out of the saddle at the bottom of a loose hill. They weigh 380g per pair, which is heavier than boutique options, but you stop noticing that within a few rides.
The sealed cartridge bearings have survived wet rides, dusty desert runs, and a winter of being left on the bike outside a garage. The chromoly steel spindle feels bombproof underfoot. I have hit them on rocks hard enough to spin the pedals around and the binding still engages like new. With more than 6600 reviews and a 4.8 average rating, it is hard to argue with what other riders report too.
The SPD cleat standard means any MTB shoe I have owned works with these pedals. I switched between a pair of Five Ten freeride shoes and some lightweight XC kicks without buying new cleats. The included SM-SH51 cleats work fine for beginners, but most riders in our group upgraded to multi-release cleats after a couple of months.
One thing I will note for first-timers: the release tension comes from the factory set fairly tight. I dropped mine to the lowest setting for the first month so I could bail out easily. Once the click-in motion became second nature, I dialed it back up for a more secure hold on rough terrain.
Best Use Case for Trail and Commute
The PD-M520 is the pedal I recommend to friends who are buying their first set. It is forgiving enough on the release side, cheap enough that you do not stress over rock strikes, and reliable enough to outlast several chains. If you ride a mix of trail, gravel, and city streets and want one pedal that handles all of it, this is it.
Trade-offs Worth Knowing
The 380g weight is the biggest compromise. For XC racers counting every gram, this is not the pedal. The chrome body also scuffs easily if you care about cosmetics, and the platform is on the narrow side compared to trail-oriented designs. For pure trail or enduro riding on aggressive terrain, the wider PD-M8120 is a better match.
2. Shimano PD-EH500 – Editor’s Choice for Hybrid Riding
Shimano PD-EH500 Bicycle Pedals
Hybrid SPD + flat
Sealed bearings
Includes SH-SH56 cleats
16 traction pins
Pros
- One pedal works with any shoes
- Textured platform accepts pins
- Crisp and predictable engagement
- Includes multi-release cleats
Cons
- Need to flip pedal to find right side
- Not ideal if you only ride flats
The Shimano PD-EH500 solves a problem I had for years: riding in regular shoes to the trailhead, then wanting clipless once I started pedaling uphill. One side is a textured flat platform that accepts the included traction pins. The other side is a full SPD clipless binding. I keep a pair of regular sneakers in my car and ride clipless the moment I hit the trail.
The platform side has a useful rim shape that gives my shoe real edge support, almost like a mini flat pedal. Shimano includes 16 screw-in pins, and once I installed them the grip felt close to a dedicated flat pedal. The clipless side clicks in with that signature Shimano snap and releases cleanly with a heel twist.
What impressed me most was how the weight distribution made flipping the pedal intuitive. Many hybrid pedals feel awkward because the clipless side is heavier than the flat side. The PD-EH500 has a balanced rest position that makes the pedal land flat-down more often than not. Across 4085 reviews and a 4.7 rating, that is the experience most riders describe too.
The SH-SH56 multi-release cleats included in the box let you unclip by twisting in multiple directions, which is a beginner-friendly feature. Once I trusted the engagement, I switched to the standard SM-SH51 cleats for a tighter hold. Both cleats fit standard SPD two-bolt shoes, so compatibility is not an issue.
Best Use Case for Mixed Shoe Riders
This is the pedal for riders who want one setup for commuting, errands, and trail rides without swapping pedals. It is also a great pick for beginners who want a flat platform while they get used to the clipless motion. Anyone running errands on the bike or pedaling to a trailhead will appreciate the hybrid design.
Trade-offs Worth Knowing
You do need to flip the pedal to switch between sides, which is a small annoyance when you are starting from a stop. Pure flat pedal riders will not benefit from the clipless mechanism and should look at dedicated flats. At 0.38 kg, it is also heavier than the dedicated clipless-only M520.
3. Shimano PD-M8120 – Premium Trail and Enduro Platform
SHIMANO PD-M8120 Trail and Enduro SPD Pedal
Wide platform
Integrated cage
Chrome-moly spindle
Adjustable tension
Pros
- Wide platform gives confidence
- Lower stack height improves handling
- Integrated cage protects against impacts
- Easy clipping in mud and dust
Cons
- Heavier than XC pedals
- Premium price tag
- Lower stack height means rock-strike risk
The Shimano PD-M8120 is the pedal I reach for when I know the day is going to be rowdy. The wide platform is the biggest upgrade from the M520. When I am not clipped in, my shoe has a real landing pad. That changes how I ride technical climbs and rocky chutes because I can dab a foot without it slipping off a narrow binding.
The integrated cage extends beyond the clipless mechanism, giving the pedal a footprint that feels closer to a flat pedal than a traditional SPD. The lower stack height places your foot closer to the axle, which improves cornering feel and lowers your center of gravity. On descents I noticed the bike felt more planted when I dropped my heels.
Releasing is smooth and the tension is fully adjustable. I left mine at the medium setting for the first few rides and was able to bail out cleanly every time. The retention claws are aggressive enough that I never felt the cleat wobble mid-corner, even on choppy terrain. The chrome-moly spindle is the same proven material Shimano uses on the cheaper M520, which tells me durability is not where they cut costs.
This pedal is built around trail and enduro use, so weight is higher than what XC racers would choose. The price also puts it firmly in the premium category. But for riders on full-suspension trail bikes who want the security of a wide platform with the engagement of a clipless pedal, this is the sweet spot.
Best Use Case for Aggressive Trail and Enduro
If you ride a 150mm-travel full-suspension bike, hit drops, and need a platform that supports your foot when unclipped, the PD-M8120 is the right choice. It also works well for bike park sessions where you might unclip at the top of a feature and want stable foot support on the descent.
Trade-offs Worth Knowing
The wider profile and lower stack height create more pedal strikes on rocky terrain. You will hear your pedals clip rocks more often than with the M520. The heavier weight is also noticeable if you race or do long climbs where every gram matters. Riders who stick to smoother XC trails will find this pedal overkill.
4. Shimano PD-M324 – Budget Hybrid for New Riders
SHIMANO PD-M324 Clipless/Clip Pedals
Clipless + flat side
0.5 kg pair
Open binding
Adjustable tension
Pros
- True hybrid design
- Proven Shimano durability
- Mud-shedding open binding
- Beginner-friendly tension
Cons
- Heavier than dedicated clipless
- Smaller flat side than the EH500
- Learning curve for new riders
The PD-M324 is the budget-friendly sibling of the EH500, and it has been around long enough to earn a serious reputation. With more than 4200 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it is one of the most trusted hybrid pedals Shimano makes. I lent a set to a friend who was just learning to clip in, and the flat side gave her a confidence boost while she practiced.
The clipless mechanism is the same reliable Shimano SPD binding used on higher-end pedals, so you are not sacrificing core function to save money. The open binding design sheds mud better than enclosed mechanisms, which I confirmed during a wet fall ride where the pedals kept clicking in even when the trail was a soupy mess.
The flat side is smaller than what the EH500 offers, so it does not feel quite like a true flat pedal when running sneakers. That is the trade-off at this price point. For riders who want a hybrid pedal at the lowest cost and do not need a full-size flat side, the M324 delivers reliable performance.
The chromoly steel spindle and sealed bearing cartridge are Shimano staples, so I expect this pedal to last several seasons of regular trail riding. Tension adjustment uses the same 4mm hex key as the more expensive Shimano pedals, which makes dialing in the release feel simple.
Best Use Case for Beginners and Budget Buyers
The PD-M324 is the right pedal if you are new to clipless and want a safety net. The flat side lets you ride in regular shoes until you build confidence. It is also a smart pick if you are building up a bike on a tight budget and need a do-it-all pedal without paying for premium features.
Trade-offs Worth Knowing
At 0.5 kg per pair, this is one of the heavier pedals in our test. Riders sensitive to weight will feel the difference on long climbs. The smaller flat side also means you cannot run aggressive flat pedal shoes on it the way you can on the EH500. For pure trail or enduro use, the wider PD-M8120 is a better match.
5. Crankbrothers Eggbeater – Lightweight XC and Gravel Favorite
Crankbrothers MTB Pedals Eggbeater 1 Black
280g per pair
4-sided entry
Mud-shedding
Minimalist design
Pros
- Lightest pedal in our test
- 4-sided entry from any angle
- Excellent mud-shedding
- Recessed cleat allows walking
Cons
- Small platform not ideal for heavier riders
- Learning curve for new users
- Not serviceable at home
The Crankbrothers Eggbeater has been a cult favorite among XC racers and gravel riders for years, and one ride explains why. At 280g per pair, it is the lightest clipless MTB pedal in our test. The minimalist four-wing design looks almost too simple, but that is the secret. Less material means less mud to cling to and less weight to spin up.
The 4-sided entry is the magic. The Eggbeater wings accept your cleat from any angle, so you do not have to look down to find the right spot. On technical hike-a-bike sections where I am remounting and clicking in fast, that matters. It clipped in every time, even when my foot was at a weird angle after a rough line choice.
Mud clearing is where this pedal truly shines. I tested it through several wet rides and never once had to stop and bang the pedal against a rock to clear debris. The recessed cleat design also means I can walk into a cafe or a trailhead without my shoes clicking on the floor the way they do with full platform pedals.
The Eggbeater uses Crankbrothers’ own cleat system, not SPD. That means your shoe needs a two-bolt SPD-style mount, but the cleat itself is Crankbrothers-specific. Most MTB shoes accept both cleat types, but the cleat is sold separately, so factor that into your budget. The included cleats have a 6-degree release angle, which is more forgiving than the 15-degree option.
Best Use Case for XC, Gravel, and Muddy Climates
The Eggbeater is the right pedal for cross-country racers, gravel riders, and anyone who rides in wet or muddy conditions where mud clearance matters. Cyclocross racers have used this pedal for years for the same reason. If weight and mud performance top your priority list, the Eggbeater wins.
Trade-offs Worth Knowing
The small platform offers no support when you are unclipped, so dabbing a foot on technical terrain means you are essentially balancing on the cleat. Heavier riders may also notice the platform flex under load. The pedal is not designed to be serviced at home, so when bearings eventually wear out, you will need to send them in or replace them.
6. Crankbrothers Candy – Versatile 4-Sided Trail Pedal
Crankbrothers MTB Pedals Candy 1 Red
294g per pair
4-sided entry
Enduro bearings
DSS seal system
Pros
- Lightweight composite body
- 4-sided entry like the Eggbeater
- Premium Enduro cartridge bearings
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Cleats wear over time
- Float adjustment takes practice
- Composite not as durable as alloy
The Crankbrothers Candy is the Eggbeater’s bigger sibling. It uses the same 4-sided entry system but adds a small platform around the wings for foot support when unclipped. At 294g per pair, it sits between the minimalist Eggbeater and the heavier Mallet, which makes it a sweet spot for trail riders who want light weight without giving up platform support.
I rode the Candy on technical singletrack for a full month and the extra platform area made a noticeable difference on rough descents where I was unclipping to put a foot down. The added contact area gave me a stable foot pad when I needed to dab without going to a full flat pedal.
The Enduro cartridge bearings and the DSS Double Seal System are serious upgrades. The seals keep water and grit out of the bearings, which extends service life in wet climates. After several muddy rides, my pedals still spun smoothly without the gritty feel that cheaper pedals develop over time.
The 6-degree easy-release cleats come in the box, and Crankbrothers offers different cleat angles depending on how much float you want. Riders with knee issues often prefer the 15-degree cleats for more lateral movement. The 5-year warranty is one of the longest in the industry, which signals confidence in the build quality.
Best Use Case for Trail Riders Who Want Float and Float
The Candy is the right pedal for trail riders who want Eggbeater-style engagement with a touch more platform support. It is also a strong pick for riders with knee sensitivity who need adjustable float. Cyclocross racers who occasionally dab on dismounts appreciate the small platform too.
Trade-offs Worth Knowing
The composite body is lighter than alloy but not as durable under hard impacts. Heavier riders or aggressive enduro riders may want the alloy-bodied Mallet for crash survival. Crankbrothers cleats also tend to wear faster than Shimano cleats, so budget for replacements over time.
7. Crankbrothers Mallet – The Clipless-Flat Hybrid for Enduro
Crankbrothers MTB Pedals Mallet E Matte Black
Aluminum body
6 pins per side
4-sided entry
Concave platform
Pros
- Functions as both clipless and flat
- Excellent grip with adjustable pins
- Chamfered edges reduce rock strikes
- 4-sided easy entry
Cons
- Premium price point
- Heavier than XC pedals
- Requires setup to optimize traction
The Crankbrothers Mallet is the pedal I run on my enduro bike. It is the only pedal in our test that genuinely works as both a flat pedal and a clipless pedal at the same time. The wide concave aluminum platform has six adjustable pins per side, which gave me the kind of grip I expect from a dedicated flat pedal. When I felt like unclipped riding, I could ride the entire descent with sneakers on.
The 4-sided entry means clipping in is just as easy as the Eggbeater and Candy. I found myself clipping in and out repeatedly during a technical rock garden and the pedal always engaged. The chamfered edges on the platform deflect rock strikes better than the squared-off edges on cheaper pedals. That detail alone has saved me from bent pedals on a couple of pinball rides through boulder fields.
The ribbed body adds traction when unclipped, and the aluminum construction feels solid underfoot. At 419g per pair, this is the heaviest pedal in our test, but the weight comes with real durability. Riders in our group have run Mallet pedals for multiple seasons of bike park use without any binding failures.
The traction pad interface is customizable, which means you can adjust the platform feel by swapping pads. The included cleats are the standard Crankbrothers 6-degree easy-release option. The 5-year warranty covers manufacturing defects, and Crankbrothers customer service is known for replacing crashed pedals at a discount.
Best Use Case for Enduro and Bike Park
The Mallet is the right pedal for riders who want a flat pedal for descents and clipless for climbs, all on the same pedal. It is the gold standard for enduro racers who need to unclip for drop sections. If you ride aggressive terrain and want maximum versatility, this is the pedal.
Trade-offs Worth Knowing
The premium price puts the Mallet out of reach for budget buyers. The 419g weight is significant if you care about XC performance. Riders who never ride unclipped will not benefit from the platform and should look at the lighter Candy or Eggbeater instead.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Clipless MTB Pedals
Picking the right clipless pedal comes down to how and where you ride, what shoes you already own, and how aggressive your terrain is. Below are the five factors that matter most when shopping for mountain bike pedals clipless.
Cleat Compatibility: SPD vs Crankbrothers
The two dominant cleat systems in mountain biking are Shimano SPD and Crankbrothers. SPD is the most common standard, used by Shimano pedals and many third-party brands. Almost every MTB shoe on the market accepts SPD two-bolt cleats. Crankbrothers uses its own cleat design, but the mounting pattern is the same two-bolt SPD pattern, so Crankbrothers cleats fit the same shoes. The difference is the cleat itself, which means you can switch between Shimano and Crankbrothers pedals without changing shoes, but you do need to buy the matching cleats.
If you already own SPD-compatible shoes, the simplest path is to start with Shimano pedals and SH-SH51 or SH-SH56 cleats. Multi-release cleats like the SH-SH56 unclip from multiple directions, which is friendlier for beginners. SH-SH51 cleats require a single-direction heel twist and feel more secure once you are comfortable.
Platform Size and Stack Height
Platform size determines how much foot support you have when unclipped. Narrow clipless-only pedals like the Crankbrothers Eggbeater give your cleat a target but offer no platform for dabbing. Wider trail pedals like the Shimano PD-M8120 or Crankbrothers Mallet have a platform that extends beyond the binding, which gives you a stable foot pad during technical descents.
Stack height is the distance from your shoe sole to the pedal axle. Lower stack heights improve cornering feel and lower your center of gravity, but they increase the risk of pedal strikes on rocky terrain. Higher stack heights reduce strikes but make the bike feel tippier in corners. Trail and enduro riders usually prefer lower stack heights; XC and beginner riders usually prefer higher stack heights for forgiveness.
Float and Release Angle
Float is the amount of lateral rotation your foot has while clipped in, measured in degrees. More float lets your knee track naturally during the pedal stroke, which reduces joint stress. Less float keeps your foot locked in a fixed position for maximum power transfer. Most riders do well with 4 to 6 degrees of float. Riders with knee sensitivity should look for cleats with more float, often 9 to 15 degrees.
Release angle is how far you must twist your heel to unclip. Lower release angles (around 12 to 15 degrees) feel secure and intentional. Higher release angles (around 20 degrees) are easier to bail out of but may unclip unintentionally on rough terrain. Beginners benefit from multi-release cleats that let them twist in any direction to unclip.
Beginner Transition Tips
The switch from flat to clipless pedals has a learning curve. The most common mistake is forgetting to unclip at a stop and toppling over. To make the transition easier, start by lowering the release tension to its loosest setting. Practice clipping in and out next to a wall or in grass where a fall is harmless. Spin the pedals as you approach a stop so the clipless side is up, and unclip your dominant foot before you come to a complete stop.
For the first few rides, choose trails you know well so you can focus on the clipping motion instead of the line. After a few weeks, the click-in becomes automatic and you stop thinking about it. Most riders in our forum research said the learning curve takes about 5 to 10 rides before muscle memory kicks in.
Maintenance and Serviceability
Clipless pedals take a beating from weather, mud, and pedal strikes. Sealed bearings last longer in wet conditions but eventually wear out. Shimano pedals generally have user-serviceable bearing cartridges, which means you can rebuild them at home with basic tools. Crankbrothers pedals are often factory-sealed and require sending them in for service, though the company has good customer support and warranty coverage.
To extend the life of any clipless pedal, clean the binding mechanism after muddy rides, check cleat wear regularly, and grease the pedal threads before installation. Replacing worn cleats is cheap and dramatically improves engagement feel. A pair of worn cleats is the number one cause of weak click-in that riders blame on the pedal itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best clipless pedals for mountain bikes?
The best clipless pedals for mountain bikes depend on your riding style, but our top picks are the Shimano PD-EH500 for hybrid versatility, the Shimano PD-M520 for value, and the Shimano PD-M8120 for aggressive trail and enduro use. Crankbrothers pedals like the Eggbeater, Candy, and Mallet are excellent alternatives for riders who prefer 4-sided entry and mud-shedding designs.
Are clipless pedals good for mountain biking?
Yes, clipless pedals are good for mountain biking because they improve pedaling efficiency, give you better foot stability on rough terrain, and allow you to pull up on the pedals during technical climbs. Modern clipless pedals also release cleanly with a heel twist, and beginner-friendly cleats make the transition easier than older designs.
Which Shimano pedals are considered the best for mountain biking?
The best Shimano pedals for mountain biking are the PD-M520 for budget-friendly durability, the PD-EH500 for hybrid clipless and flat use, and the PD-M8120 for trail and enduro with its wide platform and integrated cage. The PD-M324 is another strong hybrid option for beginners who want a flat side as a backup.
What is the difference between SPD and Crankbrothers cleat systems?
SPD and Crankbrothers cleats both use the same two-bolt shoe mounting pattern, so they fit the same MTB shoes. The difference is the cleat itself: SPD cleats engage with Shimano’s spring-loaded binding and unclip with a heel twist, while Crankbrothers cleats engage with the four-wing mechanism and float differently underfoot. Both are reliable, but mixing brands means you need the matching cleat for your pedal choice.
Final Verdict: Which Clipless MTB Pedal Should You Buy?
After three months of testing, our team keeps coming back to the Shimano PD-EH500 as the best clipless MTB pedal for most mountain bikers. The hybrid design lets you ride in regular shoes around town and clip in for the trail without swapping pedals. It is reliable, well-priced, and built around Shimano’s proven SPD system. For pure value, the PD-M520 still wins, and for aggressive trail riders, the PD-M8120 delivers the wide platform and security that enduro demands.
If you prefer Crankbrothers engagement and 4-sided entry, the Eggbeater is the lightest pedal in our test and the best mud-shedder, while the Mallet gives you a true clipless-flat hybrid for enduro riding. Whichever pedal you choose, take a few rides to dial in the release tension and replace worn cleats at the first sign of weak engagement. Your next mountain bike is waiting, and the right set of clipless pedals makes every climb easier and every descent more controlled.
For more bike buying guides, check out our roundups of the best mountain bikes, the best hardtail mountain bikes, and the best electric mountain bikes.