MTB Clipless Pedals - Which Brand is Right For You? (Our Top Picks!)

Just like all things in the MTB world, there are a ton of choices when it comes to clipless pedals. And while Crank Brothers and Shimano have typically dominated the market, smaller companies like HT Components, iSSi, and Time are stepping up with some seriously impressive offerings for pedals that you clip in to. What differentiates these pedals from one another? Which is best for cross country vs enduro? In this video, we talk about the key differences and compare the common clipless pedals styles. Shimano SPD vs. Crank Brothers vs. Time Vs. HT X2 and we talk about how they feel on the trail, who each brand is for, the pros and cons and hopefully everything else you need to know and would expect in a clipless pedal shootout comparison.

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[johngibson]

Nice that you keep a picture of your Mom up on the screen in your studio.

[paulhsu]

I am shopping for pedals and this is really helpful, GREAT video!
01:29 Crank Brothers Egg Beater Pedals
02:28 Crank Brothers Candy Pedals
02:39 Crank Brothers Mallet E Pedals
03:06 Pro & Con of Crank Brothers pedals
06:15 Shimano XT M8020 Trail Pedals
09:12 Time Speciale 12 Pedals
10:35 HT X2 Pedals

[bighornwill]

Rode Crank Brothers for two years. Kept struggling with getting out in bail out situations. Switched to flats for a year. Didn't like them even though I had good shoes and pedals. Went to Shimano XTR this year and I am in love. Keep me locked in and when I have to bail out I can get unclipped. SPD for me.

[mohyla]

In my experience with 5 yrs on Shimano SPDs - no, they don't clear thick mud as nicely, but even when they were covered in mud completely, I was still able to clip in and out nicely.
So yes, maybe few more seconds back at home when cleaning with garden hose but no troubles on the trail.

[onythebst]

Loved the intro and somehow stayed until the end even though I'm a flats guy, very in-depth and well thought out video keep em rolling!

[jeffwertz]

Outstanding video! I went from feeling overwhelmed and clueless on how to decide on a clipless pedal to feeling confident on what I wanted after watching this video. I purchased one online the very same day. Well done and thank you very much!

[lilboaty]

Watching this in 2021:
Jeff: "I'm not that concerned about weight."
Also Jeff: cuts off the largest ring on a 12-speed cassette for weight purposes.
LMAO

[MrSchwendinger]

I bought my pair of XTR spd pedals (no platform) for my first cross country hardtail in 2006 or so. I transfered them to my all mountain fully in 2011, which i still ride today (even though the days on the trail have become more rare). I have used those spd-pedals with the same cleats since i first bought them (the replacement cleats I bought for the transalp tour are still sitting on the shelf). They have been deep through the mud and I NEVER had a problem getting in or out of them! No matter how dirty, the cleat finds the pedal and clicks right in! So, mud clearance is not an issue!

[JamesNoBrakes]

Crank Brothers makes the best disposable pedals.

[MrStoutfool]

This is the best video explanation I’ve seen so far! Thanks for getting into the differences/ pros and cons. I’m still not sure which ones to go with, but I’m way more informed after watching this video! Cheers!

[highland-oldgit]

Time ATAC since late 1990's. Tried Shimano one winter, lasted two weeks, clogged with mud and slush. Back to Time ATAC. Recently trying out flats too :)

[thStreet]

This was an awesome video! Actually really cool to hear about how different all these pedals work.

[christopherdavidson]

This was such a great unbiased video. I was looking for one type of system for my road bike and MTB (so I only need 1 pair of shoes) and this made it easy to decide which would be best!!

[dolaniw]

I have been riding my original Time ATAC XC pedals since 2004 and still have them to this day with all the original parts, no replacements. They're a little more minimalist for my liking as I transition more into a more Trail/Enduro riding style but they're still great all around pedal. Even though these pedals are still in good condition, I am considering the Time ATAC MX line of pedals instead of the Speciales which are shown in the video since they provide a solid foundation for XC shoes which I still like to ride with and are a little more affordable. Time pedals provide a firm connection every time and allow some float and I have never had an issue with mud clearing the cleat mechanism. I don't see myself ever trying out another pedal given my more than positive experience with Time pedals over the last 14 years.

[danielsnyder]

Hey Jeff! I’ve been a bike mechanic since 1995 and raced DH in the NORBA national 96-2000. I love the HTs with the combination of adjustability from the spd platform and the mud clearing from the crankbrothers platform. I use a thin plastic shin to get the cleat height set to allow platform support without engagement interference. Tried everything from shimano to TIme and am sold on HT. Thanks for the great review.

[promodsteve]

That intro was priceless. Great video.

[flowinnature]

One nice feature of spd’s is multi release cleats, it gives me a peace of mind going into rocky sections 👍

[petee]

I used SPDs for decades. Coming back to cycling after a few years, I switched to egg beaters for the extra float. So much more comfortable for my knees. Everything else is secondary to the comfort for me.

[thetruelefty]

I have been running Time for 18 years and own 4 sets. Never ever had a problem with them in mud, sand or snow. They take rock strikes like a hammer. The bearings seem bulletproof. My first set has about 8k miles on them between 5 bikes and work awesome. Even riding with one prosthetic leg.

[sohaibyounus]

I ride flats, but this video is really informative. Really like how in depth these videos are, you can tell that he is talking out of experience. Keep it up Jeff!