MTB pedals

Shimano automatische MTB-pedalen (Amazon.com.be)

These Shimano pedals are clipless pedals for mountain biking. The shop title is in French and does not name a specific model.

What you get

Brand Shimano
Clipless system for MTB
Model not named in the title

Why MTB pedals?

Rough terrain asks for different pedals than tarmac. You need to be able to walk when it gets too steep or technical, unclip quickly to put a foot down and put up with dirt that would clog an ordinary pedal. MTB pedals are designed for that.

The classic choice is SPD, Shimano’s two-bolt system. The cleat is recessed into the sole and the pedal is open, so mud can escape. An SPD pedal allows about 4 degrees of float and you can set the release tension. There are also versions with a wide cage or platform for extra support, useful for trail and enduro.

Flat pedals without a clip are the alternative. Your feet sit on a broad platform with small pins that grip, and you get your foot off quickly. That forgives more mistakes, and many riders feel more confident on technical sections or when learning to jump. You lose the ability to pull on the pedal, and your foot can slip off if shoes or pedals are worn.

Combination pedals have a clip mechanism on one side and a flat surface on the other. Handy if you are undecided or sometimes want to ride in ordinary shoes.

How MTB pedals compare

The choice depends on how you ride and how confident you are in technical terrain.

Type	Grip	Advantage	Drawback	Suits
XC clipless	Attached to the pedal, small platform	Light, efficient pedalling	Little support if unclipped	Cross-country, marathon
Clipless with platform	Attached, wide cage	Support even when unclipped	Heavier than XC	Trail, enduro
Flat pedal with pins	Pins bite into the sole	Foot off quickly, forgiving	No pulling on the pedal	Downhill, freeride, beginners
Combination pedal	Clip on one side, flat on the other	Flexible, also in ordinary shoes	You must find the right side	Touring and city riding

A guide. Models within a type differ in weight and platform.

Choose it if

You ride MTB and want a Shimano clip-in system.
You already own shoes that take Shimano cleats.
You ride mountain bike or gravel and want pedals that cope with mud.
You want to walk in your shoes without a cleat sticking out.

Choose something else if

If you ride in everyday shoes, flat pedals are the better fit.
You ride mostly on the road and want a stiff platform: choose road pedals.
You worry about unclipping fast enough in technical terrain. Flat pedals give more peace of mind.

How to use MTB pedals

Fit the pedals
Right is a right-hand thread, left a left-hand thread. Grease the thread and tighten firmly.
Fit the cleats
Put the cleat under the ball of your foot and align it straight. A slight angle inward or outward is fine if your feet naturally sit that way.
Set the tension
Start at the lightest release tension. You can increase it as you gain confidence.
Practise on flat ground
Practise clipping in and out on grass or a quiet path. Try both left and right.
Unclip before you fall
Unclip early at a stop or a tricky section. Your foot should be free before the bike slips away.

Good to know

The exact model is not in the title, so read the product page.
Cleats and shoes must match the system.
Clean the mechanism after muddy rides. Rinse it and apply a light lubricant now and then.
Cleats wear and eventually clip in stiffly or release unexpectedly. Replace them in good time.
Flat pedals: the pins wear and can damage shoes and shins. Wear sturdy shoes and shin protection.
Check the pedal bearings: play or a grinding noise points to wear.

What you get

Why MTB pedals?

How MTB pedals compare

Choose it if

Choose something else if

How to use MTB pedals

Fit the pedals

Fit the cleats

Set the tension

Practise on flat ground

Unclip before you fall

Good to know

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