In this article my main focus is to provide you with a list of the best budget MTB clipless pedals.
Clipless pedals are more expensive than flat pedals, simply because they are more complex to manufacture. Now I know that everything has become more expensive, but I found it almost shocking to see that the average MTB clipless pedal retail price hovers around 130 USD.
With that in mind I’ve established a max of 100 USD for this list. Obviously more expensive pedals can be had for less at a discount. The list is dominated by XC pedals, because they have less material hence tend to be cheaper.
The difference between budget and more premium models is usually the bearing setup (more bearings), the material used (titanium, carbon, aluminum, stainless steel) and better finish. Yet it has to be said the difference between pedals is so minimal that it’s more a marketing ploy than actual functionality you get.
With that said, let’s head over my list of the best budget MTB clipless pedals.
Shimano PD M520
Besides the top-of-the-line XTR and XT versions, the Shimano PD M520 is the last-in-line of the XC and gravel-oriented clipless pedals.
That doesn’t mean these clipless pedals lack in quality. On the contrary, considering its quality, it’s really difficult to justify some of the prices associated with more premium offerings.
There’s a bit more weight to deal with, 380 grams to be exact, which is the least important sacrifice if you ask me.
The biggest thing with these pedals is that the cleat mechanism is similar to both XTR and XT for a fraction of the price. Obviously, there is a bit less polish to these pedals in the material department to keep the price low, but looking from afar, it’s very hard to distinguish these pedals from those costing three to four times as much.
Instead of the dual bearing setup of both XTR and XT, these pedals run a single sealed cartridge bearing, which is easily serviceable if you need to. You will need a fairly cheap proprietary Shimano tool to do so.
I’ve already said anything I want to say about the tried-and-true SPD mechanism.
102 | Sean Fishpool – 44712
It’s hard to imagine ever regretting buying PD-M520s. If you lost a race by a tenth of a second you might wish you’d spent the extra £70 to save the 36g on Shimano’s XT pedals that might have got you over the line first, but otherwise, day to day, they’re just a reliable companion that keep spinning easily, and clipping in and out with a clear and definite action.
They stand up to years of all-weather abuse, rock strikes, and crashes, and though they’ll be at their best if you re-grease the bearings now and then, plenty of riders don’t. The cleats last well, too, and the fixed rear plate of the pedal is replaceable, though I imagine few riders ever do that.
- Best value clipless XC and gravel pedals with SPD technology
- None
Shimano PD-ME700
The Shimano PD-ME700 is a clipless mountain bike pedal with a pin-less small platform for trail, and enduro riding.
The platform is made from extruded aluminum and functions as both protection for the clipping mechanism and as support for easier engagement and dynamic downhill sections.
Shimano pedals in general are no lightweights and this one is no exception, sitting at 540 grams per pair.
Shimano pedals are really trustworthy pieces of equipment and their focus has never been on making nimble pedals. Although it has just one single sealed cartridge bearing, the lifespan of these pedals are years when properly serviced now and again. Which can be done easily with a Shimano pedal axle tool.
The adjustability of the pedal is decent, but you want to look for the Time MX versions if you want them to be as tight as possible. Otherwise the SPD system is confidence inspiring and offers a consistent and noticeable click when engaging the pedal.
The platform does provide that extra bit of support, but they don’t have any pins for added grip. This means that there isn’t a really distinctive difference with a non-platform SPD pedal.
Yet overall the platform is superbly capable, does what it sets out to do with flying colors, is easy to adjust and easy to service and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
40 | Katherine Moore – 44782
I felt some improvement on using the platform for security on the pedals over rougher singletrack on a mountain bike compared to platform-less SPD pedals, but I would prefer a more marked difference, especially given the weight increase of adding the cage.
Shimano’s ME700 pedals are best for riders who are looking for a little more support than standard SPD pedals, or perhaps are new to clipless systems. However, they could be further improved with even greater platform-to-shoe contact.
- Budget friendly SPD clipless MTB pedals with pin-less platform. Overall excellent value.
- Proprietary tool needed for servicing. Really heavy. No pins for added grip
Shimano PD-M647
The Shimano PD-M647 is the well-known brand’s most affordable trail, enduro, and downhill pedal. It’s basically an XC pedal within a large resin cage surrounding it.
The pedal offers a cup and cone style bearing setup on a chromoly axle, which can be replaced or serviced by removing the hex bolt. They are pretty bombproof and will last you for years with the proper care.
The huge resin cage ensures both the price is somewhat budget-friendly and the weight stays at 568 grams, which is the heaviest of all mountain bike pedals.
The reason behind the resin cage, other than weight, is that it protects the pedal, it can be replaced when overly damaged, and it snags less easily in case of a pedal strike.
The pedal can be called distinctive at best, because both the black resin body and compact design makes it less appealing than basically all of the other trail and enduro pedals.
The big plus is that it uses the SPD mechanism, which ensures in this case a relatively easy access, with the standard float of 5 degrees.
There are no pins so you don’t get as stuck on the pedal that does offer pins.
99 | McKenzie Long – 42223
This pedal has been around for a long time, and it feels outdated when compared to other manufacturer’s offerings. Shimano needs to up its downhill clip-in game. We’ve heard rumors and seen some spy photos that the company is developing something new and better, but we haven’t seen anything for sale yet. Until then, we would recommend the Crankbrothers Mallet 3 over these.
- Most affordable Shimano trail, enduro and downhill pedal with SPD mechanism
- Lacks sophistication in all other departments when compared to more premium pedals
Crankbrothers Candy 1
The Crankbrothers Candy 1 is their most budget-friendly offering with a composite platform.
This actually makes it lighter at 294 grams than the 7, 3 and 2, and in general makes for a pretty lightweight pedal.
Feeling the target audience of these kinds of pedals are beginners, the accompanying cleats have a lower release angle; 10 degrees instead of 15 or 20. This makes these pedals easier to get out of. If you’re not looking for such an easy release, be aware of the fact you’ll need to buy another pair of cleats to increase the angle of release. An investment which might warrant a different purchase.
They look really nice, as does the entire Candy lineup. But unlike composite flat pedals, clipless pedals damage more easily due to the cleats, especially these small platformed composite ones.
Another small issue is that indeed they come in a number of bright and appealing colors, but these colors get dull pretty quickly as the pedal gets dirty.
40 | Katherine Moore – 44774
While I admire the serviceability, reasonable price, mud-shedding capabilities and bright colours of the Crankbrothers Candy 1 pedals, I found the mechanism to be a significant change from Shimano, especially in terms of engagement technique, without sufficient benefits to make the change worthwhile.
- Entry-level, budget-friendly pedals with good mud-shedding capabilities.
- Damage and get dirty easily. Low release angle might not suit everyone. Takes time getting used to.
Crankbrothers Eggbeater 1
The Crankbrothers Eggbeater 1 lowers the cost even more by replacing the stainless steel body with a stamped steel version. They are the entry level version of these types of pedals.
Considering the fact that the ride quality is very similar to each other pedal in the Eggbeater lineup, they offer the best value-for-money by far, for a pedal still below 300 grams (at 290).
100 | Alan Muldoon – 42206
As with the Crank Brothers Candy, by the end of the test, the bearings had begun to show a tiny amount of play in our sample pedal. It hasn’t got any worse, but it set off alarm bells as some of the Eggbeaters I’ve tested in the past also had issues with the bearings.
It could be the inherently light design and the fact that the lightweight axle flexes more, which puts more stress on the bearings. The stamped steel body was also showing signs of rust too — another indication that the Crank Brothers Eggbeater isn’t too happy in my damp climate.
- Best value-for-money Eggbeater pedals
- Minimal design requires carbon shoes
Look X-Track
The Look X-Track is their entry-level model using an aluminum body instead of a carbon one.
At 400 grams per pair, these are some of the heaviest XC and gravel pedals out there, yet the functionality compared to the more expensive X-Track pedals comes at a fraction of the cost.
They are also some of the best-looking pedals for its price, indistinguishable from the more expensive versions.
The entire X-Track lineup uses 2 sealed cartridge bearings, with only the most expensive one having a titanium axle. This one has a chromoly one, which needs a proprietary tool to get to if you ever plan on servicing it.
The Look X-Track uses the SPD system with 6 degrees of float and two different sets of cleats to offer different ways of disengagement. The pedal design hasn’t changed for years, which is a solid indicator of its popularity and quality.
114 | Jason Mitchell – 44383
One of the most beautiful things about the X-Track Pedals is the ease of entry and exit. You can adjust the release tension, if you wish, but I kept them in the factory setting (2 clicks in) throughout my testing. With that, I could step in and out with ease. I never experienced a premature release either. That float is really nice to have as well.
It’s great having a little extra surface area both for instances where you don’t step right in and for power transmission. I really like Crank Bros Eggbeater pedals and still have several pair, but it’s hard to overlook the tiny surface area where the shoes and pedals connect — it’s minuscule. With the LOOK X-Track, you get added touch points for added power and control.
- Great alternative to Shimano
- None
Look X-Track En-Rage
Similar in look-and-feel to the Shimano PD-ME700 the Look X-Track En-Rage is the French’ brand entry-level trail pedal.
They come with cleats and are compatible with shoes using SPD cleats. Although Shimano pedals are known for their longevity, you could argue that the 2 sealed cartridge bearings and 1 Glide bearing setup of these pedals are capable of a bigger load.
If you want to service the pedal you’ll need a proprietary tool to remove the dust cap, but they are pretty cheap and come in packages alongside spare dust caps.
I like the design of Look pedals and these ones have unassuming and clean looks. The body without pins offers a bit of support and makes it somewhat easier to get into the pedal.
The pedal offers tons of adjustability, both in the setup of the mechanism as with optional cleats offering an easier release. So depending on how securely you want to attach yourself to the pedals, you have the entire range from easy out to downhill secure.
The cast aluminum body is strong, but does make a set of pedals tip the scales at 420 grams. This weight is ok for its category and to be expected from an affordable pedal such as this one.
In terms of mud clearance the pedal performs adequately enough, though the compact mechanism in combination with its aluminum body will get into trouble in really muddy conditions.
The fit is secure and snug as we’re used to from SPD systems.
89 | Robert Johnston – 44810
Comparing the Look pedals to the options they’ll surely be compared with – Shimano’s XT and XTR trail pedals – the feel of the Look pedals when clipping in and out is slightly nicer in my eyes, and of course the maximum tension can go a few notches higher, but that’s about where the benefits end for me.
The platform shape of the X-Track EN-Rage gives considerably less support when it’s needed the most; there’s slightly less real estate to give support when trying to get clipped in, and the mechanism sits lower to the ground and is therefore more susceptible to damage. In terms of value, or at least the sticker price, Look undercuts these comparable Shimano offerings by a notable amount, but for an enduro pedal I’d be saving up the extra pennies.
- Excellent value pedal with lots of adjustability for easy trail riding to aggressive enduro. SPD mechanism works flawlessly with high quality bearing setup
- Rather heavy and not the best mud clearance. Proprietary tool necessary for servicing
Look X-Track En-Rage Plus
The Look X-Track En-Rage Plus has a bigger platform and 2 pins per side, making them more suitable for maximum grip for trail, enduro and downhill riding.
The platform moves from the 63 mm width of the standard En-Rage to 67 mm for the Plus version, adding 30 grams to the overall weight for a total of 450 grams per pair. The non-Plus version wasn’t already lightweight, and these are even heavier.
Two pins at the front makes them less likely to slip when you want to quickly disengage and engage in tricky situations. It’s remarkable what these two pins can do to help you in this respect.
98 | Joshua Hutchens – 43626
Enduro riders experiencing durability issues with extruded aluminum pedals may be attracted to the forged bodies here. Riders that can’t seem to get their SPD pedals tight enough will rejoice at the death grip these pedals offer while still being compatible with SPD cleats. If you’re having clearance issues on your low bottom bracket trail rig, you might want to search out something a bit lower profile.
- Fantastic budget-friendly enduro and downhill clipless pedals. Right amount of float for dynamic riding and dual pins per side for easier engagement.
- Heavy and not the best mud clearance. Proprietary tool necessary for servicing
Time MX 2
The Time MX 2 offers a similar approach as the Shimano PD-M647, which means it’s their XC pedal with a composite pedal for a bit more support.
Unlike the Shimano pedals these ones are less than 394 grams per pair, which is over 160 grams lighter, and pretty light in general for a platform pedal.
Time offers their ATAC system for easy entry and a lot of float for those of us who’ve been around the block and want to save their knees.
The dual spring-loaded mechanism holds the foot nicely, but Time pedals are more often mentioned as having a less consistent disengagement than either Shimano or Crankbrothers pedals.
I do have to mention that these pedals offer a better engagement when actually used with enduro shoes. A carbon shoe just doesn’t make sense with such a pedal. The minimal platform provides that extra bit of support when cornering hard.
Time uses the same sealed cartridge bearing on their entire MTB lineup, so whether you’re buying this pedal or their most expensive titanium carbon versions, you get the same smooth action.
When looking at the release angles set at either 13 or 17 degrees, it’s nice that you get the top one as well, but I’d stick to 13 degrees. Clicking into your pedals is straightforward and easy.
- Excellent level of float, super-easy engagement. No need for setup. Budget-friendly. Great looks
- Not to be used with carbon shoes. 17 degree release angle is for aggressive enduro riding
Time XC 2
The Time XC 2 is the cheapest way to obtain the benefits offered from this lineup.
A composite body is used with a single sealed cartridge bearing on a chromoly axle, with the same 5 degrees of float and release angle between 10 and 20 degrees.
At 302 grams they are still pretty light, and definitely not much heavier than the more premium versions.
The ATAC mechanism is known for its above-average mud-shedding capabilities, so if you like cheap pedals for muddy XC or gravel riding, these are one of your best options
58 | Rachel Sokal – 44956
It seems counterintuitive to say but the XC 2s are both really easy to clip in and out of, yet feel really secure when you’re clipped in. What’s more, pretty much all of this happens without you thinking about it. For instance, in all the times I’ve crashed / nearly crashed my bike off road I can only remember a couple of occasions when my foot didn’t come out the pedal when it needed to and this is running the cleats at the ‘hardest’ 17o unclipping position. All the other times my foot would come straight out to save my blushes.
- Budget-friendly. Fantastic mud-shedding abilities and extremely lightweight. Large amount of float enables natural riding position more easily.
- Largest stack height of all clipless MTB pedals. Large amount of float feels disconcerting and might produce inconsistent pedal disengagement.
HT GT1
The HT GT1 is an affordable trail and enduro pedal with a large cast aluminum body spinning on a chromoly axle with a sealed bearing and bushing. That’s a lot of value for a trail pedal.
Its dual spring loaded mechanism and different cleat configuration lets you adjust how to use the pedal, with up to 8 degrees of float for those with knee troubles, or simply because you like that amount of wiggle room.
The pedals have 2 replaceable pins on either side of the platform and large smooth areas next to the mechanism. It ensures an easy engagement.
Access to the innards of the pedal is easily achieved by loosening a hex nut.
If you’re looking for an affordable trail and enduro pedal with a decent amount of build quality, make sure this one is on your list.
- Solid affordable trail pedal with large amount of float
- None
Specifications budget MTB clipless pedals
Name | Price | Weight | Length | Width | Height | Body | Spindle | Bearings and bushings | Pins | float | release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shimano PD M520 | 55 USD | 380 | 17 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 1 sealed cartridge bearing, 1 bushing | none | 4° | 13° | ||
Shimano PD-ME700 | 65 USD | 540 | 16.7 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 1 sealed cartridge bearing, 1 bushing | none | 4° | 13° | ||
Shimano PD-M647 | 85 USD | 568 | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 1 cup and cone bearing, 1 bushing | none | |||||
Crankbrothers Candy 1 | 59.99 USD | 294 | 67 mm | 74 mm | 13.5 mm | composite | Cr-Mo | Igus LL-glide bearing Enduro cartridge bearing | none | 0°or 6° | 10° / 15° / 20° |
Crankbrothers Eggbeater 1 | 59.99 USD | 290 | 32 mm | 75 mm | 15.2 mm | stamped steel | Cr-Mo | Igus LL-glide bearing Enduro cartridge bearing | none | 0°or 6° | 10° / 15° / 20° |
Look X-Track | 54 USD | 400 | 57 mm | 16.8 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 sealed cartridge bearings | none | 6° | 13° | |
Look X-Track En-Rage | 89 USD | 420 | 63 mm | 16.8 mm | cast aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 sealed cartridge bearings, 1 Glide bearing | none | 6° | 13° | |
Look X-Track En-Rage Plus | 89 USD | 450 | 67 mm | 16.8 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 sealed cartridge bearings, 1 Glide bearing | 4 | 6° | 13° | |
Time MX 2 | 63 USD | 394 | 19 mm | fiberglass / composite | Cr-Mo | 2 cartridge bearings, 1 bushing | none | 5° | 10° / 13° / 17° | ||
Time XC 2 | 42 USD | 302 | 19 mm | fiberglass / composite | Cr-Mo | 2 cartridge bearings, 1 bushing | none | 5° | 10° / 13° / 17° | ||
HT GT1 | 79 USD | 400 | 94 mm | 73.2 mm | 17 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | sealed bearings, bushings | 4 | 4°or 8° | 13° |
Sources
Founder Restoration.bike
Johan van Seijen is the founder of restoration.bike. His cycling career has seen him at the starting line of classics such as the Amstel Gold Race and Liege Bastogne Liege. Realizing his racing capacity would fall short of what was needed he obtained a MS from the University of Amsterdam in engineering. His love for cycling changed into riding in an amateur capacity with his local cycling club TFC Weesp as a roadie and supporting MTB Noordwest as a mountain biker. He repairs, restores, and builds bicycles and shares his knowledge on YouTube, Facebook and this website.
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