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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
Clipless Pedals Weight Rating
Saving weight is an ever important thing to strive for when buying bicycle products, and of course you want the lightest clipless pedals available. Yet there are a couple things to keep in mind. It’s very difficult to make strong yet lightweight products. The lightest pedals are usually also more expensive than heavier ones. And you have to ask yourself how much you’re willing to pay extra to save 50 to a 100 grams or more.
The lightest pedals like the Crankbrothers Eggbeater 11 and Time XPRO 15 use titanium spindles, and a titanium or carbon body. And in general clipless road bikes, cross country and/or gravel pedals are lighter, simply because they either have a small platform, or no platform at all to add weight.
In the following graph you can find all the pedals mentioned here and their weight ranking. A ranking of 0% means you’re looking at the heaviest pedal. A ranking of 100% means it’s the lightest.
Clipless Pedals Bearing Rating
An important aspect of pedals is their internals and bearing setup. Almost all pedal manufacturers sell bearing kits, and it’s nice that you can rebuild your pedal internals if you need to.
What’s even better is that the quality of the bearings are of such a nature that you either don’t have to rebuild the internals at all, or after years of service. This saves you both time and money, and you simply enjoy your pedals more.
High-end Shimano pedals are known for their longevity and according to my personal experience pedals from Hope are at least just as good if not even better.
In the following graph you can find the bearing ratings in relation to the highest quality setup. The bearing rating is calculated based on the bearing setup and the maximum load it can endure. It’s an approximation of the quality of the setup that does not take into account how well the internals are sealed from outside elements. The setup deemed best receives a 100 percent rating.
Clipless Pedals Adjustability Rating
The better you’re able to tweak and finetune the pedal to your personal preference, the more enjoyment you can get out of your ride.
When looking at pedal adjustment a couple of factors need to be considered, the most important factor is the ability to adjust the spring tension of the retention mechanism. Crankbrothers‘ pedals are notorious for lacking in this respect, hence they score as low as they do in this metric. Shimano pedals feature somewhere in the middle and HT prove to be the most adjustable.
Then there are a number of other factors which all add up to the overall score. These are the ability to adjust float, adjust release tension, and, when applicable, configure the amount of pins. Keep in mind that float and release tension are cleat-dependant. Pedals always come with cleats, but it could be that your specific configuration requires an optional cleat purchase.
Theoretically a score of 0% would be possible. A pin-less flat pedal has no adjustability. With clipless pedals, there’s always some adjustment available, with a score of 100% reserved for those pedals offering the most adjustability you could ask for.
Specifications budget MTB clipless pedals
Name | Price | Weight | Length | Width | Height | Body | Spindle | Bearings and bushings | Pins | float | release | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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° |
Johan van Seijen
FoundeR Restoration.bike
Johan van Seijen is the founder of restoration.bike. His passion for cycling in general, and restoring older bikes turned into a website to share his knowledge with a broader audience. Starting out on his father’s road bike and riding classics as the Amstel Gold Race and Liege Bastogne Liege he has shifted his attention to trail, XC, and gravel riding since. No matter how much he loves writing about everything related to cycling, nothing beats actually using his ever-expanding bicycle collection.
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