MTB Pedals That Grip

MTB Pedals: Clipless vs Flats and What Actually Matters

The pedal debate has gotten complicated with all the opinions flying around. As someone who’s ridden both clipless and flats extensively, I learned everything there is to know about the real tradeoffs. Today, I’ll share my take: there’s no wrong answer, just different tradeoffs.

Flat Pedals

Your feet aren’t attached. You can bail instantly. That matters on technical terrain where unplanned dismounts happen.

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Good flat pedals have pins that grip your shoe soles. With proper technique, your feet stay planted through rough sections. The key word is proper technique — flats force you to learn bike handling because you can’t rely on being attached.

Race Face Chester: The default recommendation. Around $50, composite material, great grip.

OneUp Composite: Similar quality, slightly larger platform. Good for bigger feet.

Shoe pairing matters hugely. Flat-specific MTB shoes (Five Ten, Ride Concepts) have soft rubber soles that grip the pins. Regular shoes slip constantly.

Clipless Pedals

That’s what makes clipless endearing to us efficiency-focused riders — your foot is always in the optimal position, and you can pull up as well as push down. More efficient power transfer, especially for long climbs.

The downside: you can’t bail as easily. Learning to clip out takes practice, and everyone falls at least once.

The Real Answer

New riders: start with flats. Learn to handle the bike properly. Switch to clipless later if you want efficiency gains. Experienced riders: use what works for your riding style. Neither is objectively better.