The 10 Best Clipless Mountain Bike Pedals of 2023
By: Colin Edwards: Bike Buyer | July 11, 2023
New This Year:
2023 brings to light a new wave of clipless MTB pedals that are changing the game. This year, expect a blend of high tech, rider-friendly features, with an emphasis on lightweight designs, enhanced durability, and adaptable cleat systems. Join us as we explore these cutting-edge options, each promising to give you that extra edge on the trails. Gear up for a transformational ride, and let's start pedaling towards your best year on the bike yet!
This Year's Best Clipless MTB Pedals:
Shimano PD-M520L Pedals
Shed mud like a champ and crush the trails with the Shimano Shimano PD-M520L Pedals. Adjustable entry and release tension settings and a chrome-moly spindle combine for seamless transitions and durable construction. You’ll be cranking – on the dirt or on the pavement – with seamless strokes.
| Weight per Pair | Material | Original Price |
| 380 g | Cr-Mo | $50.00 |
Shimano XTR PD-9120 Pedals
You want to go fast? For a long time? Shimano XTR PD-9120 Pedals carry the pedigree of all XTR components before them, and they're holding up their end of the bargain. The choice of fast racers and slower admirers of well-made gear, XTR pedals never disappoint.
| Weight per Pair | Material | Original Price |
| 398 g | Chromoly Steel/Aluminum | $190.00 |
Shimano PD-M540 SPD Pedals
Want all the convenience and durability of Shimano's legendary SPD pedal system without breaking the bank? The Shimano PD-M540 SPD Pedals feature all of the performance of the top-of-the-line XTR pedals with a minuscule 42 gram increase in weight at an extremely attractive price. Perfect for an all-mountain, XC or commuter road pedal, the M540 has easy to use double sided entry, a smooth release action, and allows you to walk normally on slippery linoleum floors when you stop for coffee.
| Weight per Pair | Material | Original Price |
| 352 g | Chromoly Steel/Aluminum | $85.00 |
Crank Brothers Egg Beater 3 Pedals
Crank Brothers calls the Egg Beater 3 Pedals their "elite level" XC pedal, and its performance is certainly that. With super durable cast stainless steel body and wings and a chromoly steel spindle, the Egg Beater 3 is even more bomber than the lighter Crank Bros. Egg Beater 11 pedal and perfect for the XC rider who hits it hard on the downhills and is willing to carry a few more grams of weight. Unbeatable mud shedding and four-sided entry make this pedal tough to beat for dirt riding, but this makes a fantastic commuter pedal as well.
| Weight per Pair | Material | Original Price |
| 290 g | Stainless Steel | $149.99 |
Shimano PD-ME700 Pedals
Shimano PD-ME700 Pedals are designed for XC and trail use, as tough as they are dependable. If they look familiar, it's because this general design has been working seamlessly with SPD shoes for decades. They shed mud and hold up to the abuse of multiple years, so get used to them! With adjustable tension, these dual-sided pedals are the smart racer's choice, worth every penny!
| Weight per Pair | Material | Original Price |
| 540 g | Cr-Mo/Aluminum | $65.00 |
Crank Brothers Candy 3 Pedals
Treat yourself before spinning all day with the Crank Brothers Candy 3 Pedals. Known for their durability and excellent mud-shedding abilities, these are very customizable too. With the Crank Brothers system, your feet are free to pivot much more than other clip-ins, with up to 20° of wiggle to work with. Dual bearings and bomber materials make these favorites year after year.
| Weight per Pair | Material | Original Price |
| 340 g | Aluminum/Steel | $149.99 |
Crank Brothers Mallet DH Pedals
When you're clipped into your DH bike, everything's a nail and your bike is the hammer. Crank Brothers Mallet DH Pedals keep you locked in and secure as you pound through heavy sections, with a wider-than-average 57mm Q-factor making for a solid platform. In the event that the chamfered edges do hit a rock, burly CrMo spindles stay straight, spinning smoothly on the dual bearings. With 8 adjustable pins on each face, these babies grip even when you're clipped out.
| Weight per Pair | Material | Original Price |
| 479 g | Stainless Steel | $179.99 |
Crank Brothers Eggbeater 2 Pedals
Crank Brothers Eggbeater 2 Pedals are known for ease of use: they don't clog with mud, so clipping in and out is a breeze. Once you're in, the amount of leeway they offer is as close to flats as you can get, with customizable float and release angles that let you move around on the bike as the trail dictates. With sealed bearings and a simple design, these come with a five year warranty.
| Weight per Pair | Material | Original Price |
| 285 g | Stainless Steel | $99.99 |
Crank Brothers Mallet E Pedals
A recipient of the 2016 Design & Innovation Award, the Crank Brothers Mallet Enduro Pedals provide incredible up AND downhill performance. Clipless design paired with a concave platform and six adjustable pins for added security, these pedals deliver top-notch traction whether clipped in or not -- no need to panic after a styled out, foot-drag corner. Forged from a combination of high-end steel and aluminum, the Crank Brothers Mallet Enduro Pedals are setting a new precedence for enduro racing.
| Weight per Pair | Material | Original Price |
| 419 g | Aluminum/Steel | $179.99 |
Learn More With Our Other Bike Guides:
How to Choose a Mountain Bike
Mountain Bike Sizing and Fit Guide
How to Get Started Mountain Biking
How to Choose a Mountain Bike Wheel Size
Mountain Bike Suspension Basics
Women's Mountain Bike Buyer's Guide
How To Get Started Gravel Biking
Electric Mountain Bike Buyer's Guide
Classes of eBikes
Travel Guides - Where to Mountain Bike
Travel Guides - Where to Ride eBikes
Mountain Bike Cockpit Setup & Seat Height
How to Choose a Mountain Bike Dropper Post
How to Choose Mountain Bike Tires
How to Choose Mountain Bike Handlebars
How to Choose Mountain Bike Pedals
How to Choose Clipless Pedals, Shoes & Cleats
How to Choose a Bike Seat / Saddle
Women's Mountain Bike Gear & Clothing Guide
How to Choose MTB Knee Pads
Bike Helmet Size & Fit Guide
How to Choose Bike Shoes
Shimano Groupset Hierarchy Explained
SRAM Groupset Hierarchy Explained
SRAM vs Shimano Groupsets Compared
What to Bring Mountain Biking
What to Wear Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike Tire Pressure Guide
Mountain Bike Maintenance Schedule
How to Clean a Mountain Bike
How to Change Bike Pedals
How to Bleed SRAM Brakes
How to Bleed Shimano Brakes
How to Convert to Tubeless Tires
How to Replace Internal Cable Housing
How to Adjust Your Rear Derailleur
How to Replace a Bike Chain
How to Fix Bike Creaks & Noises
Our bike buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things bike stemming from years of experience in the bike industry in tandem with their countless hours out on the dirt, gravel, and tarmac. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Colin Edwards
Meet Colin Edwards, evo's in-house Bike Buyer and mountain biking aficionado. With 15+ years of e-commerce buying experience under his belt, Colin is the go-to guy for all things related to "Riding Dirt." He's worked across various categories, including bike, snowboard, travel, climbing, and surfing, giving him the know-how to recognize and select top-notch mountain biking products for evo's customers.
Colin's been shredding trails since he was a kid, starting on his trusty hardtail Trek 800 Sport. Born and raised in Utah, he recently made the move to Bellingham, WA with his partner, Kenz. Colin's real-world biking experience, combined with his background in product trends, relationship building, and sales analysis, makes him an invaluable asset to the evo team.
When he's not busy handpicking the raddest gear, you'll find Colin ripping through PNW trails or hunting for the world's best dirt. And when the snow falls, he's all about snowboarding. Colin also loves trail running and exploring the PNW's stunning landscape with his two dogs and Kenz.
With Colin's expertise and passion fueling evo's mountain biking selection, you can trust that his recommendations are spot-on and tailored to the evo community's adventurous spirit.
