In this article I’m going to give you my top picks for the very best clipless pedals for trail riding. For all I care you power up a mountain using road bike clipless pedals, but there a number of things you might want to consider when buying a set of pedals specifically meant for trail riding.
One thing to keep in mind is that the number of times you want to release your foot from the pedal will probably be much more frequent that what the average road cyclist is going to do. Whether you’re losing your balance, want to corner with one foot clipped or simply waiting for somebody else blocking the trail. That’s why pedals for trail riding have dual-sided entry mechanisms so you don’t have to fiddle around when reclipping.
Another thing is that pedal strikes are common on the trail, so your pedal has to be able to deal with that. Not only does the pedal platform serve as protection, it’s also stabilizes your foot on rocky descents and provides an increased platform to transfer power when going uphill. Where true XC pedals have small or even non-existent pedal platforms, clipless pedals for trail riding offer a sizeable platform.
Materials used for pedals range from composite materials, to aluminum, and even titanium. But more important than that is the bearing setup. A clipless pedal for trail riding has to be able to deal with a lot of abuse, especially when you start using it in less than ideal conditions. Bearings make or break the longevity of the pedal and replacement kits, although available, not only cost money but also time to reinstall.
Enough said, let’s see what I got for you on this list of the best clipless pedals for trail riding.
Shimano Deore XT PD-M8120
The Shimano Deore XT PD-M8120 sets a benchmark in terms of value-for-money. Not as expensive as the XTR, but basically offering all the tried-and-true functionality you’ll ever be going to need from a clipless pedal for trail riding.
Shimano pedals are known for their bearing quality and longevity, with low service intervals and excellent riding quality offering many miles without worry. A dual cup-and-cone style setup is specific to the Shimano brand, and as far as longevity is concerned I don’t know any difference.
The XT pedals are slightly heavier than the XTR at 438 vs 398 grams, and also have a slightly larger stack height of 16.2 mm vs 15.4 mm. Those two figures alone aren’t enough in my opinion to make up for the difference in price. Especially considering the fact that the platform and SPD mechanism itself is almost similar.
This means that both pedals offer the extremely user-friendly SPD cleat mechanism. When attached they offer a snug feel with minimal float of 4 degrees, and reasonable release tension at 13 degrees. This is good for those people who want a super consistent pedal feeling and maximum energy transfer.
The mechanism is a dual system with a single spring, which means you engage toe-first and then clip in. Although it takes a bit of practice once you get used to it, both engaging and releasing your foot from the pedals is what makes Shimano pedals so popular, since it’s the best you could ask for.
Shimano pedals are boring. They are a single color, don’t look flashy, and don’t really stand out. But as far as functionality, there are very few pedals that come close or rival the build-quality, longevity, and user-friendliness of the Shimano Deore XT PD-M8120, except maybe the XTR version. And in the end, build quality is the most important factor of any product, including one that gets as much abuse as a clipless pedal for trail riding.
- The SPD mechanism in the Deore XT setup with the Shimano bearings is a no-brainer
- None
Shimano XTR PD-M9120
With 25 years of incremental improvements, it’s no wonder the Shimano XTR PD-M9120 can still be counted as setting the benchmark for clipless trail riding pedals.
Almost identical to the XT version they offer the same excellent SPD mechanism in a lighter 398 gram setup, with a slightly lower stack height of 15.4 mm.
The pedals offer a medium-sized platform without pins, but with excellent adjustability using an allen key. And judging from the tightness of the mechanism when cranked all the way up, you don’t really need those pins anyway, which is probably what Shimano thought themselves.
The ease of use of these pedals is what causes them to be so popular. There are no pedals that offer the same smooth engagement and ease of entry, when riding in good conditions. Shimano pedals do not have the best mud clearance, and on a slippery platform without any pins, this smooth engagement is hampered. Yet the decreased diameter of the spindle has improves=d the mud clearance ability.
A thing to note with the new XTR pedals is that the platform is longer than its predecessor, which does add weight but doesn’t offer more support since your foot does not engage with the platform. That’s weird to say the least, yet weight isn’t the biggest factor when it comes to clipless pedals.
Another thing is that, unlike the XT pedals, the protective seal pops out. And that’s far more important, since it protects the internals from stuff getting in there that’s not supposed to.
- Extremely user-friendly SPD mechanism in the lightest package
- Worrisome seal prevents this pedal for gaining the crown. Larger platform cannot be fully engaged
Hope Union Clip Pedal - TC
Ever since I bought my first pair of Hope pedals I’ve been a fan of the UK brand. And as far as trail riding is concerned the Hope Union Clip Pedal – TC is up there with the very best in terms of build quality, durability, and all round performance.
For starters, Hope does one of the most important things right when it comes to pedals, which is the quality of the bearings. Where other brands might offer a single cartridge bearing, or maybe two, Hope puts three cartridge bearings alongside a single IGUS bushing onto a hollow chromoly steel axle.
The internals are sealed tighter than what you might be used to in a pedal. And this tightness stays even after many miles, which means the bearings stay very well protected against the outside elements no matter what conditions you’re riding in. Even after many miles and the occasional pedal strike, I’ve had absolutely zero play, which is not something I can say for a number of other premium pedal manufacturers.
The quality of the bearings is pretty similar to the best Shimano has to offer as is the ride quality of the clipless system. Inside a CNC-machined platform sits a dual spring-loaded stainless steel cleat system, offering just a little more float at either 4 or 5 degrees than what Shimano offers.
Two separate sets of cleats offer either 12 or 13 degrees of release angle, which sits so close together that you just as well might use one set as a spare. Both the cleats and the bolts are proprietary and made from stainless steel as well.
Besides the mechanism itself, which is fully adjustable, there are 4 optional pins per side for those of you who want more grip. With lots of anodized colors available besides your standard black, you can find a suitable match for your rig.
- Exudes quality from every angle. Built to last
- None if you're willing to spend the money
Chromag Pilot
Gorgeous looks is one thing that catches the eye when looking at the brilliant Chromag Pilot clipless pedals, but there’s much more to like.
For starters the pedals are really comfortable with a large 110 length aluminum platform spinning on a steel axle using 3 cartridge bearings and an IGUS bushing. That’s the same setup as the Hope, meaning you can apply tons of load on them without them wearing out.
The platform also offers 4 optional pins per side and together with the large platform and adjustable cleat system it means you can set them up securely for the gnarliest of trails. Although the platform is large enough that it provides enough stability without the use of the pins. The only downside of running such a large platform might be the weight, which sits at 520 grams.
Depending how you look at it, the Chromag Pilot offers an SPD-compatible cleat system, which is great for those of you who are already running SPD clipless pedals and are familiar and comfortable with how it works. It means that the dual-spring system engages toe first after which you snap your foot into place with a solid click. The action however is not as smooth as what you’re used to with Shimano, both clipping in and getting out of the pedals.
If you want a set of great-looking, long-lasting pedals with a familiar SPD system, that’s grippy, offers lots of colors and supports those with large feet, you might want to consider the Chromag Pilot clipless pedals.
- Supports large feet, lots of colors in gorgeous design. High quality bearings
- Heavy pedals. While SPD-compatible, not as smooth as Shimano pedals
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
Crankbrothers Mallet E
Although touted as an enduro pedal (that’s what the E stands for), the Crankbrothers Mallet E are just as good on normal trail riding, especially since the 94 mm platform length provides more support than the Mallet Trail.
One thing the Crankbrothers do best is offering a pedal with great mud clearance. This pricey set of pedals’ four-point engagement system is so minimal, there’s just no surface area for anything to attach to. The downside of this otherwise excellent system is the fact that you get them as-is, without any option for further adjusting.
The pedal provides excellent stability for those riders who don’t want to commit to a larger downhill pedal. The concave design of the platform with chamfered edges has 6 optional pins per side and provide ample stability and grip. Using pins on a pedal is definitely a rider preference since it can hamper getting into the pedal, but it does provide additional grip when riding unclipped.
The build quality of these premium pedals is top-notch with stainless steel wings for the clipping mechanism inside the machined aluminum body for a total weight of 419 grams.
Crankbrother pedals have a 4-way engagement system versus the standard 2, offering a royal 10 tot 20 degrees release angle depending on the type of cleat you like to run. The cleats also offer either 0 or 6 degrees of float. Getting into the pedals is easy because of the multi-directional engagement and because the mechanism itself is extremely resistant to getting caked up with mud.
The new Mallet E comes with just a single spindle length of 57 mm, but a smaller length is available should you want it. And although you can’t configure the mechanism itself, there are both 1 and 2 mm traction pads to provide the ultimate fit between the shoes you’re using and the platform.
I’m not the biggest fan of their bearing setup, with a single sealed bearing and bushing, but they are versatile, durable pedals, which are easy enough to get into no matter the ride conditions.
- Top-notch build quality of one of the best mud-shedding pedals there are
- There are pedals with longer bearing life
Time MX 6
The Time MX 6 is the French brand top-of-the-line clipless trail pedal. The unique glass-filled composition makes it the lightest in its category, sitting at 380 grams.
The pedals use the ATAX mechanism, which is a dual leaf spring system for easy engagement providing 5 degrees of both lateral and angular float. The standard 13 degrees of release tension can be cranked up all the way to 17 degrees, a number you’re probably never used to but it’s nice to know you can.
The French composite butterfly design is definitely different from your more standard aluminum platform versions, but the overall quality of the pedal, its ATAC mechanism, and the floaty feel without ever getting unclipped has attracted a lot of fans, myself included. I would like to be less stiff than I am, but I’m not, so these pedals are the most forgiving in getting you into the position you want to ride in.
The ATAC mechanism only closes when engaged, which means they offer a larger contact area for the cleats, and this in turn results in an easier engagement. Furthermore, the pedals have just the right platform size to aid in finding them in the correct position, yet not too big when you need to rotate them to get them into that correct position. Unlike a number of other pedals the entire rear of the platform supports your shoe, instead of just hanging there doing nothing.
There is no audible or tactile click, as with the Shimano pedals, so you’ll need to get used to them to feel secure enough to pedal without wiggling your foot around first to see if you’re actually engaged with the pedal.
The chromoly axle has two sealed bearings and a single bushing, and together with the high-quality engineering of the internals, it means the longevity and durability of these pedals are above average.
I always love products that stand out in a certain way and these pedals do. Beside the low weight, which is a good thing, the stack height sits at the upper end of the spectrum at 19 mm. I don’t really care for those extra 2 to 4 mm, depending on the pedal you’re comparing with, but it’s only fair to mention it for those that do.
- High-quality engineering, fantastic engagement, lots of float
- 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
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.
Specifications clipless pedals for trail riding
Name | Price | Weight | Length | Width | Height | Body | Spindle | Bearings and bushings | Pins | float | release | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shimano Deore XT PD-M8120 | 130 USD | 438 | 16.2 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 cup and cone bearings, 1 bushing | none | |||||
Shimano XTR PD-M9120 | 179 USD | 398 | 15.4 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 cup and cone bearings, 1 bushing | none | |||||
Hope Union Clip Pedal – TC | 190 USD | 450 | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 3 cartridge bearings, 1 IGUS bushing | 8 | 4°or 5° | 12° or 13° | ||||
Chromag Pilot | 156.95 euros | 520 | 110 mm | 87 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 3 cartridge bearings, 1 IGUS bushing | 8 | 12° | |||
HT GT1 | 79 USD | 400 | 94 mm | 73.2 mm | 17 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | sealed bearings, bushings | 4 | 4°or 8° | 13° | |
Crankbrothers Mallet E | 179.99 USD | 419 | 94 mm | 75 mm | aluminium / stainless steel | Cr-Mo | Igus LL-glide bearing Enduro MAX cartridge bearing | 12 | 0°or 6° | 10° / 15° / 20° | ||
Time MX 6 | 95 USD | 380 | 19 mm | fiberglass / composite | Cr-Mo | 2 cartridge bearings, 1 bushing | none | 5° | 10° / 13° / 17° | |||
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° |
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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