As flat pedals continue to evolve in design, weight, and size we're committed to keeping you up to date on the best options out there for flat pedals. We've seen some cool new options added to the flat pedal offering, so we're updating this list.

We found some great one on one discussion regarding flat pedals over on our Components Forum.



Flat pedals or clipless?

Mountain bike pedals come in clip-in pedal style and flat pedals. This list will show you the best pedals we've tried to date.

The appeal of flat pedals is two-fold. First is that the rider can release from the bike instantly and the rider can put a foot down or jump away from the bike when needed. The other upside of riding flat pedals is it trains the rider how to properly ride a bike without yanking on it and fighting it. Since the rider is not locked on to the bike, he's forced to use proper weighting and loading/unloading techniques to maintain contact and pressure on the bike. These skills allow the rider to handle the bike more fluidly and safely much like a skateboarder or surfer.

What to look for in flat pedals for mountain biking

With all this attention, there is a growing trend now on pedal weight, grip, and pedal thickness. Thin pedals are all the rage these days as the rider is able to get lower on the bike, yet minimize pedal strikes on the ground. The pedal stroke is more efficient as well, placed as close to the axis of rotation as possible. And finally, the traditional factors of platform size, stiffness and pedal durability all still apply. We took the time to give you the actual weight, thickness, and size of each pedal.

Related Reading: Best Mountain Bike Clipless Pedals

Long or short pins?

Harold says: "100% personal preference. Yes, longer pins will chew up most shoes faster, but will also grip most shoes better. It will in part vary on the pedal, too. You may like longer pins on one pedal, but shorter ones on another, because the pedal shapes are different, and the arrangement of pins is different. You may like longer pins with one shoe, but shorter pins with another shoe, as well."

bdundee says: "I find too long of pins and/or screws like the DMR Vaults have make me disconnected from the platform itself. I went through just a crap ton of pedals before I found the combo that felt the best. I would have never thought flats would be such a personal thing."

GRPABT1 says: Longer pins fore and aft, shorter pins in the middle. Creates a kind of convex shape and more locked-in feeling.

The Best Flat Pedals For Mountain Biking In 2023

OneUp Composite Pedals

The OneUp Composite pedal is extremely grippy and durable offering tremendous value.
The OneUp Composite pedal is extremely grippy and durable offering tremendous value.​

OneUp Components introduced two pedals recently, an aluminum one for $125 and this composite model available at $54 a pair. We've been fascinated with this composite pedal not only because of its low price but also because of our experience with composite pedals absorbing rock blows without jarring the rider and without showing much damage to the pedal.

The best thing about them is the grip. Heel down, heel up or pedaling out of the saddle, the pedals always provided reliable and predictable grip. They felt very natural with FiveTen Freerider Pro shoes. These shoes don't have the stickiest sole available but they were a perfect match with the OneUp shoes providing pedaling efficiency and grip.

The platform is big at 115×110 without being too big as it extends the pedaling surface close to the crank where the axle meets it. 10 long, removable pins are placed at the outer edges and on the middle of the pedal.

The platform is fairly open so although untested in our road trip, we can see that this pedal will shed mud well. Edges are chamfered as well to deflect obstacles and rock hits.

Weight: 355 grams
Platform size: 115 x 105mm
Thickness: 18.5mm (13.3 at the leading edge)
Price: $49-$56

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Crank Brothers Stamp 3


The Crank Brothers Stamp pedals are very robust, open, grippy and they come in two sizes.​

The new flat pedals from Crank Brothers have impressed even the most devout Crank Brothers doubters with its quality. The Stamp flat pedals have a thin profile, use 10 replaceable traction pins per side and have a concave shape to cup your feet to the pedal. Available in small and large, the larger size platform is designed for shoe sizes 10 and up and the other one 10 and below. Both sizes are available in anodized black and anodized red. The two pedals are so far apart in size that we wish the Small was slightly larger in size.

Many models are available and they come with an impressive 5-year warranty

Weight: 455 grams for large and 399 for small
Platform size: 114 x 111mm for large and 100 x 100mm for small
Thickness: 16mm
Price: $100

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Race Face Chester

A plastic body not only delivers good value but also good shock absorption and durability against rock blows.
A plastic body not only delivers good value but also good shock absorption and durability against rock blows.​

Race Face surprised us with their Chester pedal. They were quite proud of it and that was refreshing since it was a nylon $50 pedal. It is a nylon pedal with 8 traction pins per side that's fairly thin and fairly wide. And it was surprisingly light at 340 grams. Was it good enough to survive and thrive in rough and diverse conditions? We took it to many road trips to find out.

Weight: 340 grams
Platform size: 110 x 101mm
Thickness: 18.4mm
Price: $49.99

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Shimano XT PD-M8140

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The PD-M8140 is available in two sizes. The small-medium (100mm x 105mm) is recommended for riders with a 36-43 size foot, while the larger platform (110 x 115mm) is best for those from 43 and up.

Both pedals have a concave platform, with 10 pins per side. The pins are available in either 3.5mm or 5mm. Claimed weight is 460g for the smaller platforms or 503g for the larger version. Retail for either is $100.

Not thin at 18mm thick, these pedals excel more in terms of smoothness and durability. The shape and mud-shedding abilities are good too. Take note though that they ship with flattish 3.5 mm pins due to a lawsuit wary manufacturer. Absolutely change them over to 5.0mm pins if you're going to ride with these aggressively.

Weight: 503 grams for large and 460 for small
Platform size: 115x 110mm for large and 105 x 100 for small
Thickness: 18mm
Price: $100
More info: bike.shimano.com
Hot Deal: Shop Here

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Race Face Atlas

Race_Face_Atlas-Pedals

The Race Face Atlas is an interesting contender indeed. It is 12mm thin at the axle and flares out to 14.5mm to the edges to form a concave footbed. It is light at 355 grams but it is long at 114 mm for maximum fore and aft surface area. But it is not too wide at 101mm to give it better side clearance on rocks, roots and other debris. The pins on the front are angled towards the back to give it better bite on the shoe. And with its BC roots, a fully sealed bearing and grease port design are designed in.

Weight: 355 grams
Platform size: 101 x 114mm
Thickness: 12mm with concave footbed
Price: $180

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Spank Oozy Trail

Spank Oozy Trail

The Spank Oozy Trail pedal is indeed thin with a 12mm pedal height not including the pins. At the same time, strength is not be compromised as this kind of pedal will be subject to a severe beating throughout its lifespan. The body itself is cold-forged for strength. Cold forging has proven itself over the years as the best way to mold metal into a shape that flexes the least and exhibits the most durability. The pedal body is beveled and polished toward the edges to give a nice look and to provide a finish that will survive the countless rock hits that it will encounter. Just like the Spank Spike, the Oozy Trail features an identical 110 x 110 platform for a secure interface with the shoe. It is 12mm thick throughout and all the edges are beveled and shaped to glance off rocks and other debris.

Weight: 360 grams
Platform size: 110 x 110mm
Thickness: 12mm
Price: $129

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