In this article I’m going to give you an overview of the best clipless pedals for XC racing.
When looking at the contestants there’s a clear pattern that can be seen at the top range. Besides Shimano’s offerings, all pedal manufacturers use titanium for their most expensive pedals. That’s because titanium is the go-to solution to lower the weight without impacting strength or stiffness.
It means that when strictly looking at pedal characteristics all of the top clipless pedals for cross country riding use titanium spindles. The downside of this approach towards creating a list is that the weight gains are almost always marginal, while the costs of these titanium versions skyrockets.
It’s my assumption that only a small portion of riders are really interested in paying the extra cash to save those last bit of grams on their racing bikes. And if you’re one of those, you’ll find what you are looking for on this list. But the far majority is better off saving their money and riding with an extra 100 grams on their bike, while enjoying exactly the same ride quality as those opting for the titanium versions.
So with that out of the way, let’s head over to my list of the very best clipless pedals for XC racing.
Shimano XTR PD-M9100
There is no best of list without Shimano XTR, and the Shimano XTR PD-M9100 is the best, most minimalistic clipless pedal in their lineup.
Where every other manufacturer offers versions with titanium axles to reduce weight, Shimano does not, which means these pedals are light enough at 310 grams, but not the lightest. Third-party titanium axles are available that enable you to get these pedals below 300 grams, but it’ll cost you multiple dollars per gram to do so.
At 15.1 mm the XTR pedals have one of the lowest stack height of all clipless pedals, which means a very low risk of pedal strikes.
The rear part of the mechanism is spring-loaded, which means you engage the pedals toe first. This takes a bit getting used to, especially when you’ve never used clipless pedals before. 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 pedal comes in two different axle lengths, 52 and 55 mm, and are the only pedals that offer a dual cup and cone bearing setup. Such a bearing setup enables the pedal to enable a higher load.
The SPD system is outstanding with definite clicks to let you know you’ve either engaged or disengaged the pedal. There are multi-release cleats available, of which I’m not a fan, that allow you to disengage both ways and upwards.
Mud shedding is excellent with a minimal round machined body where debris has little change to pack. The platform is rather small, which means that I’d opt for the larger M9120 or other more trail-oriented pedals when moving away from XC or gravel riding.
The XTR pedals have been the benchmark against which all other pedals are measured, and these pedals ensure they keep that status.
- The benchmark clipless XC pedals ticking all necessary boxes
- Minimal float offers tight feel. Small platform less suitable for trail riding
Shimano Deore XT PD-M8100
XTR and Deore XT are always very closely related to each other in terms of functionality, but of all Shimano’s products I feel their pedals are the closest.
The Shimano Deore XT PD-M8100 differs only slightly from its XTR counterpart. And the difference is a few grams, 32 to be exact, and 6 mm of stack height. It does mean the XTR is better, but ever so slightly.
I don’t need to repeat everything I’ve already mentioned with the XTR PD-M9100 because in terms of ride quality these are exactly the same. And nobody’s going to convince me that they can possibly discern the weight and stack height difference while riding.
- Offering Shimano reliability almost similar to the XTR version
- Minimal float offers tight feel. Small platform less suitable for trail riding
Hope Union Clip Pedal - RC
Hope’s approach to bicycle parts manufacturing is straightforward and refreshing. The UK brand designs what it feels is the best approach to a certain part, and brings it to life with stellar craftsmanship.
You can clearly see that approach reflected in the Hope Union Clip Pedal – RC pedal. It’s a very expensive pedal indeed, but if it’s the quality you want you absolutely get what you pay for.
For starters, it offers a standard titanium spindle with the best bearing setup of all mountain bike brands. Not only are there 3 cartridge bearings and a IGUS bushing enabling a tremendous amount of load, but the pedal is assembled in such a way that its tight rotation isn’t diminished after prolonged use and shows zero play.
The wonderfully machined aluminum body with stainless steel clips and cleats are built to last and are dual spring-loaded, ensuring easy entry from multiple angles, with a tad more float than the Shimano XTR pedals. And there are multiple anodized options to choose from.
2 sets of stainless steel cleats offer minimal configuration between 4 and 5 degrees of float, and a release angle of either 12 or 13 degrees. I wonder if you can actually feel the difference, which would mean you get a free set of cleats to be used as spares or for different shoes.
There are a number of lighter options available, yet at 323 grams this is still a light enough pedal. And taking into consideration it’s the heaviest clipless mountain bike pedal with titanium axles, it says something about the build quality as well.
I’m sure you could fault these pedals from a certain perspective, especially if you’re used to other brands offering significantly more float. But if you do, you move into the area of rider preference instead of trying to attain a certain amount of subjectivity necessary when reviewing products.
The Eggbeater 11 may steal the crown in the weight department, and the Shimano XTR pedals set the standard, but from a manufacturing perspective these are the best pedals you can find.
- Best build quality of any clipless race pedal
- None
Crankbrothers Eggbeater 11
Among each product category there are always a number of items that jump out, and the Crankbrothers Eggbeater 11 is definitely one of those products.
Before I say anything else about this pedal, let me state that it’s one of the best clipless mountain bike pedals on the market for sure. It’s absolutely stunning, the lightest one by a huge margin, and exquisitely crafted.
And we can talk all day long about the ease-of-use of this pedal versus your standard SPD one, float, release tension, what have you, but the fact is they are too expensive when compared to other titanium offerings.
What sets these Eggbeaters apart from the rest of its namesakes is that everything is made from titanium, meaning the spindle, wings, and body. It ensures it’s the only mountain bike pedal below 200 grams (claimed 179 grams).
They’ve long since taken care of bearing issues, which means the single needle bearing and cartridge bearing still perform smoothly after prolonged use. If I would create the ultimate XC racer, this pedal would probably be on that bike.
That being said, if money is even somewhat of a concern, you’re better off buying the Eggbeater 3, which is a third of its price.
- Leaves the competition in the dust from a weight perspective
- Too expensive
Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3
The Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3 is one of the lightest mountain bike pedals on the market at a claimed weight of 280 grams.
The minimalistic design of these clipless mountain bike pedals is known for its mud-shedding ability, because there’s hardly anything to cling to, and the single glide bearing and cartridge bearing ensures smooth action, with the proper care. Its body and wing are both made from stainless steel, with a chromoly axle.
It’s recommended to use Crankbrothers cleats, which are a tad bit more expensive than the standard Shimano ones.
They offer an industry standard float of 6°, and a release between 15° or 20°. The 4-point engage system, versus the traditional 2 takes a bit of getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, getting in or out of the pedals will feel natural and easy.
The pedal doesn’t have any platform at all, so it’s recommended you use them with carbon shoes.
- Lightweight XC or gravel pedals
- Minimal design requires carbon shoes
Crankbrothers Candy 11
The Crankbrothers Candy 11 is similar in almost all aspects to the Crankbrothers Eggbeater 11. It means that the same pros and cons apply to this pedal.
Obviously the platform of this pedal differs, because this pedal actually has one, where the Eggbeaters are meant to be ridden with carbon shoes. I would argue the size of the platform, which is very minimal, still places this pedal into the XC category compared to other pedals with bigger platforms and pins. But these pedals perform just as adequate for trail riding.
There’s no tension adjustment, but instead float and release is configured using different cleats. Another thing you will need to take into consideration is that you have to ensure the wings actually support your shoe instead of floating above them. So you’ll need to adjust the position of the cleat in relation to the pedal accordingly. This is nothing new with respect to clipped pedals, but it can impact your pedal experience negatively if not properly set up.
The pedal features a titanium axle with needle bearings and Enduro Max cartridge bearing in an aluminum housing with titanium platform. All nicely decked in black and gold and weighing a claimed 249 grams.
They are as gorgeous as they are expensive and just as with the Eggbeater 11, the weight gain hardly justifies its exorbitant price in comparison to the Candy 7. The Candy 7 has stainless steel wings and a chromoly axle, which adds 70 grams to the overall weight and more than cuts the price in half.
- Gorgeous and extremely lightweight XC, gravel, and trail clipless pedals.
- Finicky to set up. Far too expensive.
Crankbrothers Candy 7
The Crankbrothers Candy 7 is the non-titanium version of the Candy 11, swapping the wings and axle for respectively stainless steel and chromoly.
The jump from this pedal to its titanium version is too big if you ask me. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars for a 70 gram reduction in weight, because that’s the difference. And it doesn’t mean these are not very expensive pedals, for they are similar in price to the Shimano XTR PD-M9100.
When compared to the next in line, the Candy 3, the Candy 7 get’s a more machined body with chamfered edges, and a bash cover for the lock nut.
So if you want the ride characteristics from the Candy 11, yet still want to be able to put food on the table at the end of the month, consider buying these pedals instead.
- Everything the Candy 11 offers with an added 70 grams. Chamfered edges, and bash cover.
- Finicky to set up.
Crankbrothers Candy 3
The Crankbrothers Candy 3 is probably the best value clipless pedal in the Candy lineup.
It offers the same bearing setup as the most expensive Candy 11, adds an extra 20 grams over the the Candy 7, but still sits at a respectable 340 grams.
It has the same stainless steel and aluminum body, this time without chamfered edges and bash guard. And it’s the cheapest pedal which offers the best ride characteristics that the Candy pedals are all about.
A quality clipless mountain bike pedal which can be used in diverse conditions from XC, gravel and trail riding.
- Best value-for-money Candy pedals
- None
Time XC 12
To create a weight of just 248 grams the Time XC 12 uses both a carbon body and titanium axle, which is a unique combination for a pedal.
Where the Eggbeater pedals don’t have any body for debris to cling to, all of the Time mountain bike pedals use their ATAC system. This unique system sheds debris out the front when engaged, which makes this pedal a go-to option for cyclocross or bad weather aficionados.
The carbon body is obviously more prone to wear than an aluminum or steel one, and with a large stack height of 19 mm the chance of a pedal strike is larger. By comparison the Shimano XTR PD-M9100 has a very low stack height of 15.1 mm.
The most important design feature of these XC pedals is the amount of float you have, which sits at the extreme end of the curve (a lot). Besides your standard 5 degrees angular float you also have 6 degrees of lateral float, unique amongst MTB pedals. This is excellent if you often have to deal with knee pain, because the pedal enables you to achieve your natural riding position more naturally. But the feel of movement can be disconcerting to those not used to it, and pedal disengagement is more inconsistent, than with pedals with a more fixed cleat position.
- Fantastic mud-shedding abilities and extremely lightweight. Large amount of float enables natural riding position more easily.
- Very expensive when compared to the XC 8. Largest stack height of all clipless MTB pedals. Large amount of float feels disconcerting and might produce inconsistent pedal disengagement.
Time XC 8
The Time XC 8 is the more budget-friendly version of the titanium XC 12, offering the same carbon body, but with a hollow chromoly axle instead.
With a price less than half that of the XC 12, it’s hard to not opt for these pedals, considering the fact the chromoly axle only adds 40 grams to the overall weight of 286 grams.
It offers exactly the same pedal characteristics and is still a very lightweight pedal for XC, gravel, and trail riding, with its floaty feel, and excellent mud-shedding ability.
- 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.
Look X-Track Race Carbon Ti
The Look X-Track Race Carbon Ti excel at the weight level and are great-looking pedals that offer standard SPD cleat engagement.
The combination of a carbon body and titanium spindle means the pedals only weigh 290 grams. Of all the pedals offering titanium axles, these ones feel like the price hike is the most reasonable for those who’re serious about shedding as much weight as possible. They are still very expensive but not two or three times as much as its non-titanium counterparts.
There’s no denying that since its inception the SPD system has been known for its ease-of-use and these pedals excel in that department. Engagement is so quick that before you know it you’re good to go.
And although the Time XC pedals might be known as best-in-class with respect to mud-shedding, these pedals perform admirably in that department as well. 2 sealed cartridge bearings are used across the entire X-track lineup.
Although it uses a standard SPD interface, it does not use a standard dust seal, for which you’ll need a special tool to remove.
Another difference between these pedals and Shimano ones is that they offer a bit more float, 6 degrees versus Shimano’s 4.
- Standard SPD interface, with a bit more float versus Shimano pedals. This lightweight titanium version is pricey but reasonable for weight weenies.
- None
Look X-Track Race Carbon
The Look X-Track Race Carbon is the non-titanium version offering the same functionality as their more premium counterpart.
I’ve stated for the Look X-Track Race Carbon Ti that it’s the pedal that offers the most reasonable upgrade price for its axle. Yet it’s still very much debatable whether or not the 60 grams reduction in weight is worth the premium.
- Standard SPD interface, with a bit more float versus Shimano pedals. If you don't mind the added 60 more grams versus the titanium version.
- 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 clipless pedals for XC racing
Name | Price | Weight | Length | Width | Height | Body | Spindle | Bearings and bushings | Pins | float | release | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shimano XTR PD-M9100 | 179 USD | 310 | 15.1 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 cup and cone bearings, 1 bushing | none | 4° | 13° | |||
Shimano Deore XT PD-M8100 | 130 USD | 342 | 43 mm | 16.5 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 cup and cone bearings, 1 bushing | none | 4° | 13° | ||
Hope Union Clip Pedal – RC | 190 USD | 323 | aluminium | titanium | 3 cartridge bearings, 1 IGUS bushing | none | 4°or 5° | 12° or 13° | ||||
Crankbrothers Eggbeater 11 | 499.99 USD | 179 | 32 mm | 75 mm | 15.2 mm | titanium | titanium | Enduro sealed needle bearing Enduro MAX cartridge bearing | none | 0°or 6° | 10° / 15° / 20° | |
Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3 | 149.99 USD | 280 | 32 mm | 75 mm | 15.2 mm | stainless steel | Cr-Mo | Igus LL-glide bearing Enduro MAX cartridge bearing | none | 0°or 6° | 10° / 15° / 20° | |
Crankbrothers Candy 11 | 499.99 USD | 249 | 67 mm | 74 mm | 13.5 mm | titanium / aluminium | titanium | Enduro sealed needle bearing Enduro MAX cartridge bearing | none | 0°or 6° | 10° / 15° / 20° | |
Crankbrothers Candy 7 | 179.99 USD | 320 | 67 mm | 74 mm | 13.5 mm | aluminium / stainless steel | Cr-Mo | Igus LL-glide bearing Enduro MAX cartridge bearing | none | 0°or 6° | 10° / 15° / 20° | |
Crankbrothers Candy 3 | 149.99 USD | 340 | 67 mm | 74 mm | 13.5 mm | aluminium / stainless steel | Cr-Mo | Igus LL-glide bearing Enduro MAX cartridge bearing | none | 0°or 6° | 10° / 15° / 20° | |
Time XC 12 | 317 USD | 248 | 19 mm | carbon | titanium | 2 cartridge bearings, 1 bushing | none | 5° | 10° / 13° / 17° | |||
Time XC 8 | 137 USD | 286 | 19 mm | carbon | Cr-Mo | 2 cartridge bearings, 1 bushing | none | 5° | 10° / 13° / 17° | |||
Look X-Track Race Carbon Ti | 220 USD | 290 | 60 mm | 16.8 mm | carbon | titanium | 2 sealed cartridge bearings | none | 6° | 13° | ||
Look X-Track Race Carbon | 145 USD | 350 | 60 mm | 16.8 mm | carbon | Cr-Mo | 2 sealed cartridge bearings | none | 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.
You might also like
The 7 most important criteria on how to choose clipless pedals
One of the more confusing aspects about clipless pedals is the name. Alongside the reason for that name I’ll be covering everything you need to
The top 11 best clipless pedals for commuter bikes
In this article I’m going to delve into the best clipless pedals for commuter bikes. Since I run single-sided clipless pedals on my own commuter bike, they are heavily featured in this article as well
The top 7 best one sided clipless pedals
I have been both a fan and user of one sided clipless pedals for years. And I thought it would be a good idea to commit my thoughts on the subject to paper and provide you with a list of the best the
The top 16 best clipless pedals for bikepacking
With this article I’m going to share some insights in what I feel are sensible choices when choosing the best clipless pedals for bikepacking.
As is often the case, one’s perception of a certain cycl