Best MTB Flat Pedals [Top 3 Picks 2023]

As the saying goes, flat pedals win medals. Whether you’re riding competitively or not, the best MTB flat pedals can offer many benefits over other clipless options.

MTB flat pedals can provide great trail feedback, and the larger surface area means a more even distribution of force, and a more comfortable riding experience.

Unsure where to start? Our guide explores what features make a great MTB flat pedal, and we review the top four models on the market.

Top Four Best MTB Flat Pedals Buying Guide

The ANSJS 3 are Amazon’s Choice for bike pedals and present an excellent lightweight option for technical terrain or downhill racing.

The high-strength aluminium alloy provides amazing durability for MTB pedals, however, they can be used on BMX, exercise, or road bikes as well. So you really get your money’s worth with this set.

They feature 12 anti-skid aluminium pins to keep your foot firmly planted on the pedal to increase efficiency, and the 3 sealed and lubricated ball bearings ensure a smooth and noiseless rotation of the pedal, and as with the other models on our list, are suitable for all-weather cycling. 

The Cr-Mo spindle offers a better load-bearing capacity than other steel options meaning they can be bashed and thrashed without affecting performance.

These pedals feature a unique hollow design that reduces overall rotation resistance which makes them perfect for downhill racing.

Who was it made for?

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or a pro, if you’re into downhill racing these pedals are for you. Even though these are perfect for downhill MTB racing, the manufacturer also states they can be used as pedals for BMX, exercise, and road bikes as well. Just make sure your bike fits the 9/16” spindle.

The RockBros pedals are an inexpensive, well-rounded MTB pedal option. The anti-skid replaceable pins keep feet nice and secure, even in wet, muddy slippery conditions, you’ll still have good traction.

The corrosion-resistant pedals feature sealed bearings that add to wet weather safety. And the abrasion-resistant, shock-proof material provides reassurance for riding in all conditions. Speaking of material, these pedals are constructed from nylon fibre and Cr-Mo (Chromium-Molybdenum) so they are lightweight yet tough enough to tackle any trail.

The pedals are decently sized without being obnoxious and getting in the way, and they are well suited to the average rider. These pedals feel great underfoot and will provide good trail feedback.

Who was it made for?

These pedals are made for the everyday trail rider who wants to upgrade their MTB experience with a flat pedal. They’re well built and offer great grip all at an excellent price point.

Entity has a great lineup of MTB pedals that cater to most riding terrains, however, the PP15 flat pedal is incredibly thin and lightweight for a full-size pedal, and the low weight is achieved through the anodised Cr-Mo spindle. Basically, this means the pedal offers an excellent surface area for grip and is lightweight making the ride more enjoyable.

The aluminium construction means the 12 pins are replaceable, so you can be assured you won’t need to replace the whole pedal if any accidents occur. This pedal features a slightly concave design that is traction-friendly and will keep your foot secure and in the same place throughout the ride.

The pedal also runs on sealed sleeve bearings so it’s suitable for the harsh conditions of all-terrain and all-weather rides.

As with all Entity products, it comes with a 12-month Australia wide warranty for added peace of mind.

Who was it made for?

Because these pedals are so lightweight and rotationally efficient, they are best suited to someone who has a bit of MTB experience behind them and wants a pedal that can handle aggressive speeds.

The CT30 pedals were actually designed for the high-performance requirements of the NSW police, so they are sure to deliver outstanding durability and performance.

This pedal offers the best of both worlds, one side features an ultra-grippy platform to secure any shoe type and the other side has the SPD (Shimano Pedal Dynamics) cleat retention system. 

The platform side is slightly concave and contains 8 replaceable pins to keep your foot secure in absolutely any condition, you don’t need to worry about your foot slipping at the first sign of moisture. The SPD system has an easy release tension adjustment, so even if you’ve never clipped in before you’ll easily be able to get the hang of the pedals.

Performance is enhanced through the lightweight machined aluminium body and Cr-Mo axle, and the sealed bearings are suitable for all conditions.

Who was it made for?

These pedals offer versatility and performance all in one. If you’re ready to try clipping into the pedal but also want the flexibility of a flat pedal for speedy downhill descents then these will be perfect for you.

Best MTB Flat Pedals Buying Guide

Choosing the best MTB pedals doesn’t need to be complicated but there are a few things you should take into consideration when riding with these pedals.

Size & Weight

One important factor when choosing MTB flat pedals is ensuring the size of the pedal matches the shoes you’ll be wearing when riding, if the pedal is too large your shoes won’t integrate with the pins correctly and you’ll lose grip. The other disadvantage to oversized pedals is that they’re more likely to hit any outlying obstructions. It’s important to balance overall size with functionality [1].

Finding the right balance between weight and performance is important for overall ride comfort and durability. You don’t want to sacrifice quality for weight, after all, they’ll be prone to a few knocks and bumps.

Read mtb flat pedals for large feet if you’ve big feet.

Pins

The pins are what help the sole of your shoe grip to the pedal, and the idea is the higher number of pins the better the grip.

Pin placement is just as important as the number of pins, if they are haphazardly spread out on the pedal it will further impede your performance. The final thing to think about with pins is whether they’re replaceable or not, it may mean the difference between a new pedal or just a replacement part.

Material & Structure

Many flat pedals are actually slightly concave, this design feature helps you to easily feel where the edges of the pedal are so you can easily reposition your foot while in motion.

A streamlined pedal structure means it’ll collect less mud and debris during the ride and is easier to clean.

Finally, pedals can be made from either plastic or aluminium. Many of the more premium options are aluminium and can offer advantages over polymer such as durability when riding in tough conditions. If you’re likely to encounter a few pedal hits during a ride, the aluminium pedal would be a better option.

The spindle thread, which is what attaches the pedal to your bike, is usually made from a heat resistant alloy such as Chromium-Molybdenum (Cr-Mo) and also is corrosion-resistant and provides tensile strength [2].

As you can see there’s a bit that goes into the best MTB pedals, but if you follow our guide you’ll be making the right choice in no time.