Mountain biking pedals are an integral part of the rider's ability to control the bicycle. Many riders choose to use SPD or "clipless" pedals, a system binding special shoes to the pedal similar to a ski boot/binding interface, while others prefer simple platform pedals. Both have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to adjustment, freedom of movement and stability on the bicycle as well as varied costs and learning curves.
Shimano Pedaling Dynamics: M540 Pedal
Shimano Pedaling Dynamics, or SPD, refers to the common technology of clipping into a spring loaded binding system by a small cleat mounted on the bottom of a cycling shoe. This affords the rider great pedaling efficiency and more power in the upstroke of a crank revolution, according to REI.com. It also provides stability on downhills. SPD pedals do require a cycling shoe with cleat mounting slots. While many companies offer SPD pedals, Shimano's M540 SPD pedals have a specially placed coating material that allows easier entry and exit from the binding. The dual sided pedal sheds mud well and has a sealed cartridge bearing axle. Cleats are included, and the 346-gram pedal sells for about ninety dollars.
Shimano M324 SPD/Platform Option
Many companies saw a need for a user-friendly SPD pedal, after riders grew tired of struggling with SPD limitations. The resulting designs were a pedal that is SPD compatible on one side, and a simple platform on the other. This allowed riders that had difficulties engaging their cleats to use the platform side of the pedal until they found it suitable to clip in. The M324 pedal is perhaps the most versatile pedal, providing the freedom of a platform pedal that doesn't require special shoes and the power efficiency of SPD when off-road riding. This pedal can be used for any kind of riding style and is popular with casual mountain bikers and commuters.
Crank Brothers Egg Beaters
Many riders are looking for ways to shave weight and volume on their bicycles, and Crank Bother's Egg Beaters are the way to go. These clipless pedals actually resemble egg beaters, with a open design that sheds mud and four sides as opposed to two, making clipping-in a snap. According to Crankbrothers.com, the pedals have up to six degrees of float, or play, that allows for slight movement of the foot and ankle, promoting comfort. Several models are available. The Titanium Egg Beater 11 Pedal goes for about $400 and weighs about 174 grams per pair. A heavier baseline model costs about seventy dollars.
Crank Brothers 50/50 Platform Pedal
Platform pedals allow freedom. Most riders looking for that freedom spend a fair amount of time jumping their bikes instead of riding them or focusing on downhill conditions that require a quick exit from the bicycle if need be. Crank Brothers 50/50 pedals are inspired by aggressive riding, providing a huge foot platform for maximum stance options. They are made of aluminum with a steel spindle and have extra pins that insert in the body of the pedal for added grip. They weigh 585 grams and cost about one hundred dollars.
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