In this article I’m going to give you my thoughts on what the best flat pedals for xc racing are.
There are those who would argue that there are no best flat pedals for xc racing, because you should always ride clipless. But not everybody is comfortable riding clipless pedals, especially not when you’re venturing into cross country mountain biking for the first time.
And personally speaking, I really like flat pedals for their convenience. It simply takes time getting used to clipless pedals and unclipping your feet by moving the heel outwards. And a lot of people, myself included, have feet with toes pointing outward. Being forced into a certain position on the pedal might feel unnatural and uncomfortable, especially on longer rides.
So with that out of the way, what pedals are supposed to be the best flat pedals for xc racing? That’s not as straightforward as it might seem at first. While a cross country mountain bike clearly sits at the other end of the MTB spectrum than a downhill one, it’s less so the case with pedals.
Since there’s no use of carbon for high-quality pedals, the average weight of both a nylon composite or a more premium aluminum pedal hovers around 400 grams per pair. That means there really isn’t that much weight saving to do with a few exceptions you’ll find on this list.
At the same time price-wise, there’s a huge difference between flat pedals, with the cheapest ones sitting at 50 dollars or lower, and the most expensive ones going over 200 dollars.
In the end they all kind of do the same thing, so apart from true downhill pedals, I’ve chosen a variety of budget-friendly nylon composite flat pedals and top-of-the-line ones that will save you a precious couple of grams.
Whatever you choose, cheap, expensive, or somewhere in between, all of them will help you keep your feet in place and enjoy your next XC race. So without further ado, here’s my list of the best flat pedals for xc racing.
HT AE05
The HT AE05 flat pedal is one of HT’s premium offerings in the pedal department.
The aluminum platform measuring 100 x 96 x 17 mm dips to 12 millimeters at the axle, which makes for a 2.5 mm concave platform to seat your foot. E.g. a very grippy pedal, which is also one of the smaller on the market.
Deviating from industry standards, HT offers their proprietary EVO+ bearing setup, which is a single bushing and bearings seated between two races. It all spins on a chromoly axle.
- Well designed, grippy platform pedal
- Not for big feet
HT AN14A
The HT AN14A is a high-quality platform pedal with a rather small body.
That means the 94 x 95 x 17 mm CNC’d body is better suited for smaller feet up to size 10.
If you fall into that category the 20 pinned, rear-loading body will prove to have ample grip in a smattering of anodized colors.
On top of that you’ll also get a CNC machined chromoly axle with dual cartridge bearings and a single bushing, which is above the industry standard of a single cartridge and bushing setup.
For its size it’s not the lightest, weighing 475 grams.
- Small platform pedal with dual bearing setup
- Not for big feet
HT PA03A
The HT PA03A is a premium nylon composite MTB flat pedal.
It’s the most expensive on this list for good reasons. It has a big concave platform measuring 105 x 107 x 18 mm.
Weighing 345 grams, the platform has 16 rear-loading pins, and 4 nylon ones sitting at the axle.
The machined chromoly axle holds dual cartridge bearings and a single bushing, which sets these pedals apart from the rest of the competition. These dual bearings ensure a longer lifespan, because the load get’s spread out.
The concave design and relatively large platform is simple but very effective in keeping your foot in place.
- Only composite pedal with dual bearing setup
- None
Crankbrothers Stamp 1 Small
The Crankbrothers Stamp 1 Small is the nylon composite version of their aluminum counterpart.
It measures 100 x 100 x 13 mm and offers a chromoly axle with both a glide and cartridge bearing.
Slightly concave with 18, rear-loading pins, it’s one of the best-looking and lightest nylon offerings out there, weighing only 299 grams.
- Tried-and-true design in an affordable composite setup with quality internal setup
- None
Crankbrothers Stamp 1 Large
The Crankbrothers Stamp 1 Large is the larger version measuring 114 x 111 x 13 mm.
This makes this pedal more suitable for riders with size 10-15 (us) or 43-49 (eu).
The large version is slightly heavier, but still very light, sitting at 329 grams.
- Tried-and-true design in an affordable composite setup with quality internal setup
- None
Crankbrothers Stamp 2 Small
The Crankbrothers Stamp 2 Small is one of the best sub-100 dollar flat pedals you can buy.
The reason is that they come in two sizes with this small one measuring 100 x 100 x 16 mm, perfect for feet up to size 10 (43).
The body is made from durable aluminum, with a chromoly axle holding not 1 but 2 cartridge bearings, and a single bushing to spread the load.
20, front-loading pins are used on a slightly concave 439 gram platform to add a firm grip and keep your foot into place. And all Crankbrother pedals including this one are fully serviceable.
- High quality, mid-tier aluminium pedal, with lots of grip and dual cartridge bearings
- None
Crankbrothers Stamp 2 Large
The Crankbrothers Stamp 2 Large is the larger version with a platform measuring 114 x 111 x 16 mm. It’s perfect for size 11 (44 EU) and up.
The pedals weigh a total of 494 grams.
- High quality, mid-tier aluminium pedal, with lots of grip and dual cartridge bearings
- None
Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Small
I don’t know why, but Crankbrothers is the only company offering their pedals in two separate sizes.
The Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Small is obviously the smaller version of their most popular Stamp 7, which for years has been one of the best-selling flat pedals in the market.
It makes sense, because many riders have found the 100 x 100 x 13 mm body to fit their feet perfectly and hold just enough grip with 20, front-loading pins.
The easy-to-service chromoly spindle with 2 glide bearings ensures a long-lasting life and is very durable.
- Best-selling premium flat pedal. Available in 2 sizes. Great design, grip, colors, and fully serviceable premium dual glide bearings
- None
Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Large
If my sources are correct, the Crankbrothers Stamp 7 pedals are probably the most used premium mountain bike flat pedals on the market.
It looks great. Crankbrothers offers two different sizes for all their pedals, with the Stamp 7 large aluminum pedal body measuring 114 x 111 x 13 mm.
The Stamp 7 works with two glide bearings on either side of the chromoly axle. These bearings are much wider than your average sealed cartridge bearing, ensuring a flatter platform and a larger contact area. With proper maintenance it means the Stamp 7 could probably last you a lifetime (pedal strikes not included).
The pedal body has a very slightly concave shape, which aids in keeping your foot in place. And 20 front-loading pins enable a nice symmetric design.
The combination of design, color options, and bearing setup with service kits makes this flat pedal a winner among the competition.
- Best-selling premium flat pedal. Available in 2 sizes. Great design, grip, colors, and fully serviceable premium dual glide bearings
- None
Burgtec Penthouse MK5
UK’s Burgtec Penthouse MK5 is a very high-quality premium mountain bike flat pedal.
The aluminum body with chromoly axle runs on 2 bushes, not one, and a single cartridge bearing. It means each rotating part gets a lesser amount of load from the pedal which ensures a longer lifespan. A characteristic offered only in the best pedals.
Personally I like the square design very much, and the CNC machined body is simply stunning. It hold 16, rear-loading pins, and weighs in at 379 grams for the pair. It dips at the axle enabling a concave design for more grip.
One of the best for sure.
- Gorgeous, angular design
- Not the grippiest
RaceFace Aeffect
The RaceFace Aeffect is a premium high-quality performance pedal.
Measuring 101 x 100 x 16.9 mm with 20, rear-loading pins, it offers dual cartridge bearings and dual bushings on a chromoly spindle.
That means many miles with this sturdy, great-looking pedal weighing a decent 375 grams.
The aluminum pedal body is available in a number of colors, as is a service kit, should you need one.
- Excellent pedal with dual cartridge and bearing setup for many miles on the trail
- None
RaceFace Chester
We at least know that the design of the RaceFace Chester was deemed nice enough to be copied. And it’s a nice-looking mountain bike flat pedal.
It has a big non-concave shape measuring 110 x 101 x 18.4 mm, with 18, rear-loading pins.
The weight is average, sitting at 360 grams.
It offers the same single cartridge bearing and bushing on a steel axle as many of the competitors.
- Very affordable, classic-shaped flat pedal
- It will forever be linked with the cheaper Fooker pedal
Reverse Escape
I like the Reverse Escape very, very much, if not for the fact that it seems they don’t offer service kits. They should get that in order. You can get it serviced for 25 euros, but it means sending it off to Germany.
Apart from the lack of service kit, the Escape flat pedal has a lot going for it. Great design in a 100 x 100 x 16 mm aluminum body, running on a CNC machined chromoly axle with a classic setup of bearings and a single bushing.
Once Reverse starts offering a service kit, this pedal could truly be one of the best sub-100 USD offerings.
- Nice looking pedal with machined aluminium body, and dual bearings.
- No service kit
VP Vice
The VP Vice is one of the best budget mountain flat pedals on the market.
For less than 50 USD you get a CNC machined aluminum body measuring 105 x 96 x 13 mm, with a total of 24, front and rear-loading steel pins.
The pedal is finished with a chromoly axle running inside 2 cartridge bearings and a single bushing, and weighs 406 grams.
It means this pedal has no equal within its price category.
- Most affordable aluminium flat pedal with 2 cartridge bearings
- None
VP Aim
The VP Aim is another great product from this Taiwanese giant.
A barrel-polished aluminum body weighing 445 grams, comes equipped with 20, front-loading steel pins.
Just like many other MTB flat pedals from this brand, 2 cartridge bearings and a single bushing spin around a CNC machined chromoly axle.
A very durable pedal for people who don’t mind the extra bit of weight.
- Clean-looking dual bearing, single bushing aluminium flat pedal
- None
Flat Pedals Weight Rating
As with any other aspect of a bicycle product, weight is always an important component of a high quality product. When looking at flat pedals, there’s an important tradeoff to make between the strength of the pedal, versus how much weight you’re trying to save.
And unlike many other products that use carbon, which is very expensive, budget-friendly composite pedals are actually both cheaper to produce and lighter than aluminum versions.
A popular way to lose weight is to use titanium spindles. It makes the pedals extremely expensive however, so you have to wonder how much money you’re willing to spend to save 100 grams.
In the following graphs you find the weight rating of flat pedals, which is calculated based on the place between the heaviest and lightest pedals researched. A 0 percent rating means you’re looking at the heaviest pedal, and a 100 percent rating the lightest.
Flat 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.
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.
Flat Pedals Grip Rating
Obviously the biggest difference between clipless pedals and flat pedals is that you’re not stuck to the platform. To have better grip than your standard flat pedal, pins were introduced. They dig into the soles of your shoes and provide the grip necessary on rocky trails.
The grip rating calculated here is based on the amount of pins in combination with platform size. Another factor is pin height. Since pins can be replaced, whereas platform size cannot, I didn’t factor it into the equation.
Another factor is how concave a pedal is, and how much you’re able to naturally place your foot on the platform. Feet with shoes on them aren’t totally flat, especially not when you’re actually starting moving or pedaling.
The grippiest pedal, even without pin height taking into consideration, is the Chromagg Dagga. Those pedals have set the baseline against which all other pedals are measured. You can see the respective flat pedal grip ratings in the graph below.
Specifications flat pedals for XC racing
Name | Price | Weight | Size | Length | Width | Height | Body | Spindle | Bearings and bushings | Pins | Service kit | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HT AE05 | 160 USD | 360 | 100 x 96 x 17 mm | 100 mm | 96 mm | 17 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | EVO+ bearing, 1 bushing | 20, rear-loading | ||
HT AN14A | 80 USD | 475 | 94 x 95 x 17 mm | 94 mm | 95 mm | 17 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 cartridge bearings, 1 bushing | 20, rear-loading | available | |
HT PA03A | 69 USD | 345 | 105 x 107 x 18 mm | 105 mm | 107 mm | 18 mm | nylon composite | Cr-Mo | 2 cartridge bearings, 1 bushing | 16, rear-loading | available | |
Crankbrothers Stamp 1 Small | 49.99 USD | 299 | 100 x 100 x 13 mm | 100 mm | 100 mm | 13 mm | nylon composite | Cr-Mo | 1 glide bearing, 1 cartridge bearing | 18, rear-loading | available | |
Crankbrothers Stamp 1 Large | 49.99 USD | 329 | 114 x 111 x 13 mm | 114 mm | 111 mm | 13 mm | nylon composite | Cr-Mo | 1 glide bearing, 1 cartridge bearing | 18, rear-loading | available | |
Crankbrothers Stamp 2 Small | 99.99 USD | 439 | 100 x 100 x 16 mm | 100 mm | 100 mm | 16 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 cartridge bearings, 1 bushing | 20, front-loading | available | |
Crankbrothers Stamp 2 Large | 99.99 USD | 494 | 114 x 111 x 16 mm | 114 mm | 111 mm | 16 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 cartridge bearings, 1 bushing | 20, front-loading | available | |
Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Small | 179.99 USD | 345 | 100 x 100 x 13 mm | 100 mm | 100 mm | 13 mm | magnesium | Cr-Mo | 2 glide bearings | 20, front-loading | available | |
Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Large | 179.99 USD | 375 | 114 x 111 x 13 mm | 114 mm | 111 mm | 13 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 glide bearings | 20, front-loading | available | |
Burgtec Penthouse MK5 | 99.99 pounds | 379 | 102 x 100 x 15 mm | 102 mm | 100 mm | 15 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 1 cartridge bearing, 2 bushings | 18, rear-loading | available | |
RaceFace Aeffect | 119.99 USD | 375 | 101 x 100 x 16.9 mm | 101 mm | 100 mm | 16.9 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 cartridge bearing, 2 bushing | 20, rear-loading | available | |
RaceFace Chester | 59.99 USD | 360 | 110 x 101 x 18.4 mm | 110 mm | 101 mm | 18.4 mm | nylon composite | Cr-Mo | 1 cartridge bearing, 1 bushing | 18, rear-loading | available | |
Reverse Escape | 79.9 euros | 405 | 100 x 100 x 16 mm | 100 mm | 100 mm | 16 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 cartridge bearings, 1 bushing | 20, front and rear-loading | not available | |
VP Vice | 44.99 USD | 406 | 105 x 96 x 13 mm | 105 mm | 96 mm | 13 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 cartridge bearings, 1 bushing | 24, front and rear-loading | ||
VP Aim | 60 USD | 445 | 105 x 105 x 18 mm | 105 mm | 105 mm | 18 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 cartridge bearings, 1 bushing | 20, front-loading |
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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