MTB Pedals

Q: What types are there?

Platform Pedals (Flat Pedals) The standard in Dirt Jump & Street. A large, grippy surface with small metal pins that bite into the shoe sole. Materials: Composite (Plastic): Light, slides well on grinds, shin-friendly. Aluminum: Extremely robust, thin profile, maximum grip via sharp pins. Clipless Pedals A mechanical binding fixes the shoe firmly to the pedal. You need special shoes with a plate (cleat) under the sole. Advantage: The foot never slips, you can "pull" on the pedal (efficient pedaling). Disadvantage: You cannot get away from the bike as quickly during a crash or bail.

Q: How do I install pedals?

Caution Left-Hand Thread: The left pedal (marked "L" or with a groove on the axle) tightens counter-clockwise! The right pedal ("R") has a standard right-hand thread. Grease the threads to prevent seizing. Screw the pedals in by hand first to avoid cross-threading the crank arm. Tighten them with a 15mm open-end wrench or a 6mm/8mm Allen key.

MTB Pedals FAQ

What is an MTB pedal and what systems are there?

The pedal transfers your power to the drivetrain. In freestyle, the platform pedal dominates because you can release your foot for tricks. Clipless pedals are used more in racing (4X, Pumptrack) or by Slopestyle pros who want to ensure they don't slip off the pedal during huge jumps.

What types are there?

Platform Pedals (Flat Pedals)

The standard in Dirt Jump & Street. A large, grippy surface with small metal pins that bite into the shoe sole.
Materials:

Composite (Plastic): Light, slides well on grinds, shin-friendly.
Aluminum: Extremely robust, thin profile, maximum grip via sharp pins.

Clipless Pedals

A mechanical binding fixes the shoe firmly to the pedal. You need special shoes with a plate (cleat) under the sole.
Advantage: The foot never slips, you can "pull" on the pedal (efficient pedaling).
Disadvantage: You cannot get away from the bike as quickly during a crash or bail.

Which pedal is right for me?

Type	Discipline	Properties
Plastic Flat	Park, Street, Beginners	Affordable, light, grind-friendly.
Aluminum Flat	Dirt, Freeride, Enduro	Maximum stability and durability.
Clipless	Race, Slopestyle (Pro)	Solid connection, no slipping at high speeds.

How do I install pedals?

Caution Left-Hand Thread: The left pedal (marked "L" or with a groove on the axle) tightens counter-clockwise!
The right pedal ("R") has a standard right-hand thread.
Grease the threads to prevent seizing.
Screw the pedals in by hand first to avoid cross-threading the crank arm.
Tighten them with a 15mm open-end wrench or a 6mm/8mm Allen key.

What do the specifications mean?

Specification	Explanation	Examples/Available
Axle Thread	Standard size.	9/16 Inch (Fits all MTB/BMX cranks)
Pins	Grip studs (on flats).	Replaceable steel pins
System	Connection type.	Flat (Platform), Clipless