There are a lot of factors to consider when buying new MTB pedals. Weight is just one of them, but it's an important one. The lighter your pedal set-up, the easier it will be to get up hills and enjoy your ride more. I've compiled a list of the best options for you!
Whether you're looking for aluminum or titanium, clipless or flat pedals, I have found something that will work perfectly with your needs and budget. These are some of the best options on the market today that I've tested:
What are the lightest mountain bike pedals worth buying?
- Crank Brothers Egg Beater - 179g
- Time ATAC MX 8 Carbon - 210g
- LOOK KEO 2 MAX - 130g
- Time ATAC XC 12 Titan Carbon - 124g
- Crank Brothers Candy 11- 249g
- Shimano PD-ES600 SPD - 279g
- SHIMANO PD-M9100 XTR Flat - 310g
- Funn Mamba Mountain Bike Lightweight Platform Pedals - 450g
- SHIMANO PD-M530 MTB Pedals - 455g
- Mallet Outdoor Clipless Pedals - 419g
- SHIMANO Ultegra PD-R8000 - 248g
Before I jump into my review of the top five pedals, there are a few things you need to know.
Why should you care about the weight of my bike pedal?
Pedal weight is one of the most overlooked factors when people are buying bikes. Furthermore, there are so many pedals out there that it's just something no one takes into consideration. Most bike manufacturers won't even include the pedal weight in the weight of their bikes.
Some riders do not care about how heavy their bicycle components are, especially if they are not competitive. But if you are serious about biking, you know that even one extra pound can greatly decrease your bike's performance. As such, having lighter components will be better all the time if you want to be faster.
What factors did I consider when Selecting the lightest MTB pedals?
When selecting the lightest mountain bike pedals, the two most important factors are their weight in grams/pounds and style. Another important factor to take into consideration is the width of the pedals. With wide pedals, you will have a larger contact surface, allowing you to transmit more force. But, at the same time, wider pedals mean that they will weigh more. So I had to ensure that the lightest mtb pedals I found had a good mix of width and weight savings.
With any of these options, outside of the weight savings, you can expect all of them to be reliable and durable enough not to break easily. In addition, they have all been thoroughly tested by different users over many months, so they are the best options out there for light mtb pedals.
But, just like everything else in life, there is no such thing as a "perfect product," so you'll have to vet each one to see if it's exactly what you need based on the pros and cons for each.
Crank Brothers Egg Beater
Crank Brothers is a bicycling-focused manufacturing company. The company originally started as a manufacturer of cranksets for BMX bicycles in 1977. The next year, it produced its first BMX racing frame. In the 1980s, Crank Brothers widened its product line to include parts for mountain bikes. They've since produced a great number of high-quality mtb pedals with various lightweight options, such as this Crank Brothers Egg Beater, which has been around since 2009.
The Egg Beater 11 is one of the lightest pedals on the market. With a weight of just 179g per pair, I found that they aren't only light for a pair of spd pedals, but it's also incredibly durable with a stunning design of an actual egg beater.
These lightweight spd pedals have received almost exclusively positive reviews from cycling experts and customers alike. They've praised the Eggbeater pedals for having a simple design with an attractive, ergonomic shape that helps prolong its durability in addition to ensuring optimal power transfer when riding.
When looking at the Egg Beater 11 online, you'll find a variety of models and color options. Of course, you can choose between the standard colors, but you can also buy them with a stealth look or even a custom paint job. These lightweight pedals for mountain bikes are available in 5 colors black, red, green, blue, and titanium colors and are compatible with all cycling shoes. And you can even buy cheaper variants from the early model egg beater 1 to the current Eggbeater 11s.
Furthermore, they are highly suitable for XC or any mountain bike you feel would need the lightest mountain bike pedals.
Pros
Cons
Pros
- Durable with a stunning design
- A simple, attractive shape that maximizes power transfer
- Available in 5 colors and compatible with all cycling shoes
- Super light design
- Optimized power transfer
- You can use it on road bikes or mountain bikes.
- They are easy to clip in and clip out.
Cons
- Some reviewers have complained that they only received one pedal, so they seem to have shipping issues sometimes.
Time ATAC MX 8 Carbon
Time Sports is a brand that was founded back in 1986 in France. They are mainly known for their high-quality time pedals and other products. And based on their products and customer reviews with riders using them for more than 20+ years, it's safe to say that the items they make are well worth buying. As such, once I found the Time ATAC MX8, I decided to give it a test.
Is there anything unique about the Time ATAC?
These pedals feature a self-cleaning design, 6mm lateral float, and +/- 5 angular float, which helps maximize comfort. They also feature a highly durable design so that you can rely on these pedals for the long run. And an
Are they good lightweight mtb pedals?
The ATAC pedals from Time are extremely lightweight, meaning they are one of the lightest pedals for mountain biking. This is a great option for mountain bikers if you're looking to shed some weight without sacrificing durability or performance and also want a good price.
Is there something to love about its style and function?
The one thing to love with the Time ATAC MX8 is the lightweight design. The pedals come in at 210 grams and are made from metals, which means they are very durable and well built.
The ATAC MX8 also comes with some cool features, one of them being that it comes with both 13-degree or 17-degree release cleats. This is great if you're looking for what suits you best. They can be a great addition to your biking shoes and allow you to bike in comfort without lacking functionality or performance.
How much does it Weigh?
These pedals weigh in at just 364 grams, making them one of the lightest mtb pedals around right now.
How about durability?
Durability is one of the ATAC MX8's strongest points. Because it features a chrome steel axle and carbon body, it ensures durability for cyclists who don't want to worry too much about their pedals.
Related: 6 Best Flat Pedals for Road Bike: The Ultimate Guide
Is there a variety of options available for this item?
The limitations of the Time ATAC MX8 are that it is only available in one size and color. This can be inconvenient for some cyclists, but if you are looking to get a simple pedal with a straightforward design without too many bells and whistles, these pedals will work perfectly for your biking needs.
Who would it suit best?
The Time ATAC MX8 pedal is lightweight, meaning it will suit cyclists looking for an easy way to shave some weight and are not too concerned with having the best features. It's also perfect for mountain bikers who don't need all the bells and whistles but want durability in a light package.
Is it affordable?
Yes, they are considerably more affordable, but you may be sacrificing some durability and performance.
Does it offer a good warranty?
Time Sports offers a 1-year warranty on all their products, making it an attractive option. In addition, the pedals are made from metal which is great for durability and long-term performance.
How does it compare to the competition?
The Time ATAC MX8 is lightweight and sturdy, but it does not offer the same performance as other heavier pedals. However, for mountain bikers who want a good mix of weight reductions with durable materials that will last them long-term, these pedals can be an attractive option.
Pros
Cons
Shimano PD-ES600 SPD
Shimano is one of those well-known names in the cycling world with a great reputation for quality. As such, they've been one of my go-to choices whenever I'm looking for cycling gear that will be sure to last. I've had a pair of the Shimano PD-ES600 SPD pedals, and they feel much lighter than my other pedals, and they have held up quite nicely over time. So it'd be a shame if you never gave them a shot!
How much does this pedal Weigh?
The PD-ES600 features a lightweight design and weighs in at 279g per pedal. This weight is a lot lighter than other SPD pedals out there, which can weigh up to 500g per pedal. The lighter weight of this pedal makes it much easier for you to ride longer distances and enjoy your rides without feeling bogged down.
Are they good lightweight mtb pedals?
Yes, I would say that they are great lightweight mtb pedals! They're lightweight and easy to clip into. I've had mine for a couple of years now, and I'm really happy with them. I haven't run into any problems with the pedal, and it's still running like new.
Is there anything unique about the Shimano PD-ES600?
The unique feature of these lightweight spd pedals is the fact that they feature a single-sided design. For some people, this is a deal-breaker; for others, it's a non-issue. If you decide that these pedals aren't for you, then there are plenty of other options out there, like the Shimano PD-M324 and many other brands to consider.
Furthermore, these pedals even include a pair of Shimano SM-SH51 cleats, so you won't need to get your own cleats.
How about durability?
These mountain bike pedals offer impressive durability. I've had them for a couple of years now, and they're still going strong. They haven't shown any weakness to me, nor have I seen anyone else complaining about them.
Is there a variety of options available?
The Shimano bike pedals are only available in one color, which is black. Once again, I like to emphasize that it's just aesthetics here - the pedal can still do everything it needs to do for you no matter what the color is! So if you're worried about specific colors matching your bike and/or clothes, then don't worry!
Is it affordable?
These pedals are a little cheaper than some of the other lightest SPD pedals on this list, but they also aren't drastically cheaper. I'd say that they're priced somewhere in-between some of the more affordable options and some of the pricier ones.
How does it compare to the competition?
Compared to other mountain bike pedals, these lightweight SPD pedals are pretty evenly matched with their competition. They all have a lightweight design and can hold up for years of riding. The only difference may be in their design, but that shouldn't affect their performance at all!
What Are Reviewers Saying?
A lot of customers have been saying a lot of great things about these pedals! The first person I met that used these are the best lightweight mountain bike pedals says that he would highly recommend them to anyone in the market for a good pedal set. In addition, he says that they are cheap and reliable, which is awesome to hear!
One other reviewer said that he loves these lightweight pedals! He's had them for a while now (almost three years) and has been very impressed with their durability. Anthony told me that he rides his bike many miles on average every day, plus he has a few significant bike tours under his belt. He said that these mountain bike pedals have held up great!
Pros
Cons
LOOK KEO 2 MAX
The Look Keo 2 Max pedals are another pair of lightweight mtb pedals with a whole lot to offer. They're great for people who want a better range of motion and bearing during their rides and people who care about the weight of their pedals.
The new Look Keo clipless pedals are a great choice for an avid cyclist like myself. I have had many different models and can say, without hesitation, that these pedals will work perfectly on your bike. This pedal is perfect for those long rides with an improved contact area under the foot, thanks to its wider design!
How much does this pedal Weigh?
The Look Keo 2 Max mountain bike clipless pedals weigh just 130g each! That is great for me because it doesn't add a lot of weight to my bike, and I still get all the performance out of them that I need to have a great time on my bike.
Is there anything unique about the LOOK KEO 2 MAX?
It has a wider contact area under your foot for better stability and range of motion. This makes it just as comfy to use as a lightweight platform pedal.
How about durability?
These pedals are more durable than other spd mountain bike pedals for a couple of reasons. One is that they are made of high-quality materials so they can last longer and not be damaged as easily, and the second reason is that they have Look's two-year warranty if anything were to go wrong with them!
Is there a variety of options available?
These pedals come in two color options, black and white.
Pros
Cons
Crank Brothers Candy 11
Looking for an alternative to the Eggbeaters? Crank Brothers Candy 11 lightweight mtb pedals are a great option for serious cyclists. They're light, functional, and will work well with your bike! What sets the Candy 11 apart from other mtb pedals is that they offer you the freedom to remove your cleats when you need to do some free riding. That feature alone makes them a great option for people that want to do some off-roading.
How much Weighs the Crank Bros Candy 11 Lite?
The Crank Brothers Candy 11 lightweight pedals weigh just 234g per pair! That is incredibly light, and it makes me badly want to swap out my old clipless mountain bike pedals so I can use these bad boys. They're even lighter than some of the more expensive pedals, so you're going to feel like a pro after installing these pedals!A
What do you get by buying Crank Brothers Candy 11 Lite?
The Candy 11 mountain bike pedals come with one set of steel-reinforced cleats. It also comes with washers and pins to help you make sure that they fit well onto your bike. They're very easy to install and use once they arrive.
Is there anything special about the Crank Brothers Candy 11 pedals?
These pedals have a wider platform than the eggbeaters, with a design that offers excellent mud shedding. Plus, they are beautifully designed so that you can put them on any bike.
How about durability?
These pedals are built with durability in mind! They're made of high-quality materials that will hold up well over time. The body is light aluminum which can get damaged, but there's no real danger of it happening since they aren't exposed to damage very often.
These feature bodes well for their longevity when compared to other mtb spd pedals designed similarly. Should anything happen to them, Crank Brothers offers a 5-year warranty on manufacturing defects.
Pros
Cons
SHIMANO PD-M9100 XTR Flat
The Shimano PD-M9100 XTR Flat Cyclocross Clipless mountain bike Pedals are a favorite among cyclists for their weight, durability, and performance. These pedals feature flat aluminum bodies with extra-wide surfaces to provide solid footing when cycling across all terrains, mud, or sand. The aluminum construction also protects from dents and scratches caused by rocks throughout your adventures.
The extra durable steel spindle helps prevent the metal pedal body from bending during shock absorption resulting in even more control on the trail, which is perfect for those fast descents. To make sure you can install these pedals quickly and easily, Shimano includes a multi-language installation guide. These mountain bike pedals also come with a 3-year warranty through Shimano to help ensure your investment stays in good working condition for many years.
Pros
Cons
How to Choose the Best Mountain Bike Pedals?
Choosing the best mountain bike pedal for your bike is a no-brainer when you have the right set of information. And even though the number of options available for mountain bike pedals today can make it quite confusing to figure out which among them is the best option for you, it can easily be done if you know what to look for when searching.
The major factors that one needs to consider while choosing the pedal are weight, durability, pedal type (flat pedal or clipless pedals), and grip. These may seem like trivial factors, but they hold great importance in determining how useful a pedal will be.
Each pair has many different features and specifications. It is only possible to choose what suits you by reading about them carefully and deciding how much importance to give each factor.
In the case of the best lightweight mountain bike pedal option, you should make weight and durability your top priority. You'll also want to consider whether you prefer riding with lightweight flat pedals or you'd rather go for the best clipless pedal to suit your needs.
Flat pedals offer riders the greatest versatility; as such, they are preferred by professional riders and amateurs alike. When choosing a flat pedal, you must ensure that it has a large surface area to give you better control over your bike when riding downhill or on rough terrain.
On the other hand, clipless pedals allow you to clip in and out of your bike easily and are especially useful if you plan to engage in more competitive or faster-paced riding.
Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Daniel White