Quick answer: good flat pedals for mountain biking have a large, thin, slightly concave platform, 8–12 replaceable pins per side, and smooth-running sealed bearings or bushings. Pair them with flat-pedal shoes with soft, sticky rubber soles for the best grip. Nylon/composite pedals are cheap, light and slide over rocks; aluminium pedals are thinner, stronger and offer more pin adjustment.
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Why ride flat pedals?
- You can put a foot down instantly in tricky sections.
- They help build good technique for jumping and cornering.
- You can ride in any shoes (though flat-pedal shoes grip far better).
- They are popular for downhill, dirt jumping, trail and beginner riding.
What to look for
| Feature | What’s good |
|---|---|
| Platform size | About 100 × 100 mm or larger for most adult feet |
| Thickness | Around 11–17 mm; thinner pedals strike rocks less |
| Concave | Slightly dished platform keeps your foot centred |
| Pins | 8–12 per side, replaceable, ideally adjustable height |
| Body material | Aluminium (strong, thin) or nylon (cheap, light, slides off rocks) |
| Axle and bearings | Chromoly or steel axle with sealed bearings or quality bushings |
| Weight | 350–450 g per pair is typical |
Our picks
We chose these for platform size, grip, durability and value. The RaceFace Chester is a popular, tough composite pedal; ROCKBROS and other aluminium pedals give lots of grip for little money; BW USA and Puroma pedals are good budget options. For more grip, pair any of them with flat-pedal MTB shoes from brands like Five Ten, Ride Concepts or Shimano.
Tips
- Grease the pedal threads and tighten firmly; the left pedal has a reverse thread.
- Replace bent or worn pins to keep grip.
- Wear shin guards on technical trails; pins hurt when a foot slips.
- Service bearings or bushings when pedals feel rough or develop play.
Frequently asked questions
Flat or clipless pedals?
Flats for confidence, skills and quick foot-downs; clipless for efficiency on long rides and racing.
Do I need special shoes for flat pedals?
Not required, but flat-pedal MTB shoes with sticky rubber soles grip much better than trainers.
Are plastic pedals good?
Yes. Good composite pedals are tough, light and cheap, and they slide off rocks instead of catching.
Keep reading
Hi, I am Emam Hasan — founder and editor of BrokeMountain. I oversee this blog’s hiking, camping and outdoor gear guides, making sure every article is well-researched, accurate and genuinely helpful for your time on the trail. Enjoy it!
