9 MTB pedals put to the test: Who makes the best pedals for trail and enduro use?
Stefan Frey
· 22.02.2026
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You're standing in front of the key section of the descent - it's steep, rocky and exposed. Take one last deep breath. Feet on the pedals. Release the brakes. Roll off. And then: the cleats on your shoes don't find their way into the binding on the pedals. Stopping is not an option, so you bounce through the rocky terrain like a pinball because your feet are on the "clickies" as if you were cycling in high heels. It's completely understandable if you want to switch to flat pedals after such an experience. But there is an alternative: trail pedals. They aim to combine the best of both worlds and offer a secure footing and firm grip in equal measure. We tested nine clipless pedals with an extended platform.
We have tested these trail pedals
- Crankbrothers Mallet Trail >> e.g. available here
- Funn Ripper Clip-in >> e.g. available here
- HT T2 >> e.g. available here
- Leatt AllMtn 6.0 Clip-in >> e.g. available here
- One Up Components Clip Pedals >> e.g. available here
- Sixpack Vertic X Ti >> e.g. available here
- Shimano XTR PD-M9220 >> e.g. available here
- Time Xysto >> e.g. available here
- Wolftooth CTRL Trail Pedal >> e.g. available here
The measure of all things - the best bonding mechanism?
The binding mechanism is the heart of every clipless pedal. To avoid moments of shock as described above, it must function intuitively and reliably. Put it on, click it into place, done. The measure of all things is here: Shimano Pedaling Dynamics, or SPD for short. Six out of nine manufacturers rely on the proven system from the Japanese company, which allows the release force to be finely adjusted. However, the mechanism only works as convincingly as Shimano's at Wolftooth. Although the alternatives from Crankbrothers, Time and HT offer the option of a little more or less freedom of movement, they take some getting used to in practice.
Many cages are pure dazzlers
Anyone who thinks that stability on the pedals depends on the size of the cage is mistaken. In most cases, the soles of the shoes have hardly any contact with the platform or the small pins - with the exception of Funn: here, the angled binding automatically pulls the shoe towards the fat cage when you click in and you stand as if caked.
The area to the side of the binding is crucial for a secure footing, as this is the only place where the tread rests on the pedal body. The best example: Wolftooth. The Americans do without a platform and instead increase the area above the pedal axle. The result: a snug fit and an extremely safe riding experience. The second factor is the correct height of the binding. Too high and the boot tilts like a wobbly Elvis in the windscreen. Then it can happen that your foot slips out of the pedal at the crucial moment and you lose control of your bike in the key section of all places.
I've tried all kinds of cleat systems and have always ended up with SPD - nothing works more reliably. The combination with the brand new XTR platform makes the perfect trail pedal for me. Only One Up Components and Wolftooth can keep up. - Stefan Frey, Editor BIKE
We have tested these pedals
In this article, we present a short version of all nine pedals we tested. You can find the detailed test for each individual pedal with lots of information and details under the respective link.
Crankbrothers Mallet Trail - Info & Price
- Weight pedals / cleats: 355 / 34 gram
- Footprint / stand height / axle length78 x 74 mm / 9 mm/ 57 mm
- Release hardness / angle / freedom of movement4.8 Nm / 10, 15, 20 degrees / 6, 0 degrees
- Special featuresIntegrated traction pads for improved shoe contact; 2 adjustable pins per side; bearings with double seal; extended axle for more freedom of movement, 57 mm Q-factor; flattened corners against rock contact
- Price189,99 Euro >> available here
Evaluation & conclusion
Conclusion: Crankbrothers Mallet Trail
The Mallet Trail are lightweight, compact and offer a solid stance when clicked in. The special binding with four entry positions practically cleans itself, and the contact with the boot can be fine-tuned using shims. However, entry and exit are not very well defined and take some getting used to, the release hardness is very low and not adjustable. When unclicked, you stand very unsteadily on the pedal.
Funn Ripper - Info & Price
- Weight pedals / cleats: 575 / 53 gram
- Footprint / stand height / axle length93 x 100 mm / 11 mm / 55 mm
- Release hardness / angle / freedom of movement5.0 - 14.9 Nm / 18 degrees / 5, 0 degrees
- Special featuresCompletely serviceable; large footprint; angled click mechanism; six colours available
- Price189,99 Euro >> available here
Evaluation & conclusion
Conclusion: Funn Ripper Clip-in
Hardcore pedal with an extremely snug fit and plenty of grip, with which you can still find a good grip even when unclicked. The angled binding makes it easier to get on, but is less defined than Shimano, for example. The other side of the coin: the tight fit restricts freedom of movement and gets in the way when getting out because the pins get caught in the sole. The fat platform often touches rocks and roots.
HT T2 - Info & Price
- Weight pedals / cleats376 / 64 gram
- Footprint / stand height / axle length84 x 68 mm / 8.5 mm/ 56 mm
- Release hardness / angle / freedom of movement: 5.9 - 15.3 Nm / not specified / 4, 8 degrees
- Special featuresCNC-machined aluminium body; four pins per side; six cleat options; titanium version optional
- Price159,95 Euro >> available here
Evaluation & conclusion
Conclusion: HT T2
Lightweight, compact pedal with easily adjustable release hardness. The T2 offers secure footing with good freedom of movement, which can be varied depending on the cleat. The binding system cleans itself well, entry and exit are somewhat undefined due to the two movable sides and are also rather hard in the light setting. When unclicked, the pins and base provide little support. Lots of colours.
Leat AllMtn 6.0 - Info & Price
- Weight pedals / cleats: 467 / 51 gram
- Footprint / stand height / axle length: 95 x 70 mm / 10 mm/ 56 mm
- Release hardness / angle / freedom of movement4.7 - 12.4 Nm / 15 degrees / 5 degrees
- Special featuresTriple bearing; scale and end stop for release hardness; SPD-compatible; also available with magnesium body and titanium axle
- Price179,99 Euro >> available here
Evaluation & conclusion
Conclusion: Leatt AllMtn 6.0 Clip-in
Massive looks, chic design, solid bearings - at first glance, the new Leatt is a great success. Entry and exit are easy and defined, but the pedals are quite wobbly and the release force is also low. The binding and pedal are a little high. Despite the four pins on each side and the large cage, the AllMtn 6.0 offers little stability when unclicked.
One Up Components Clip Pedals - Info & Price
- Weight pedals / cleats: 413 / 52 gram
- Footprint / stand height / axle length90 x 80 mm / 7.2 mm/ 59 mm
- Release hardness / angle / freedom of movement8.0 - 21.0 Nm / 12 degrees / 5 degrees
- Special featuresParticularly flat platform; 59 millimetre wide axle; scale for release hardness; 4 pins that can be screwed on both sides; four bearings
- Price159,99 Euro >> available here
Evaluation & conclusion
Conclusion: One Up Components Clip Pedals
Ultra-flat, pleasantly light, despite a generous footprint and robust triple bearings. Entry and exit are similarly defined as with Shimano, but not always easy to find. The full, compact seat with a large contact area creates a secure riding experience. Thanks to the large platform, you're reasonably secure even when unclicked. Only the pins could be grippier.
Sixpack Vertic X Ti - Info & Price
- Weight pedals / cleats: 354 / 53 gram
- Footprint / stand height / axle length: 95 x 70 mm / 9 mm/ 54 mm
- Release hardness / angle / freedom of movement: xx Nm / no specification / 8 degrees
- Special featuresTitanium axle; slim cage with two pins per side; scale for setting the release hardness; also available with steel axle
- Price239,50 Euro >> available here
Evaluation & conclusion
Conclusion: Sixpack Vertic X Ti
One of the lightest pedals in the test thanks to the titanium axle and compact cage. The SPD mechanism is a little hookier and less defined than Shimano. The contact surface to the pedal is also smaller, which makes it a little wobbly. This makes for a less secure ride. The small cage and the mini-pins are of little use when unclicked.
Shimano XTR PD-M9220 - Info & Price
- Weight pedals / cleats: 467 / 49 gram
- Footprint / stand height / axle length91 x 72 mm / 9.1 mm/ 55 mm
- Release hardness / angle / freedom of movement7.3 - 15.6 Nm / not specified / 3 degrees
- Special featuresFour height-adjustable pins per side; adjustable bearings; increased contact surface; raised platform
- Price: 244,95 Euro >> available here
Evaluation & conclusion
Conclusion: Shimano XTR PD-M9220
Finally a real trail pedal at XTR level: The binding mechanism is clearly defined and absolutely reliable - typical Shimano. You stand firmly, compactly and comfortably directly on the pedal, yet with good freedom of movement. The cage also offers good grip when unclicked, even if the pins could be a little longer. If weight is not an issue, the new XTR PD-M9220 is the ultimate pedal for trail and enduro.
Time Xysto - Info & Price
- Weight pedals / cleats: 457 / 43 gram
- Footprint / stand height / axle length94 x 79 mm / 10.5 mm/ 57 mm
- Release hardness / angle / freedom of movement8.5 - 10.9 Nm / 10, 13, 17 degrees / 5, 0 degrees
- Special featuresFive adjustable pins per side; large platform; adjustable release hardness
- Price: 220 Euro >> available here
Evaluation & conclusion
Conclusion: Time Xysto
The Xysto's strengths include a pleasantly firm step-in, a compact and secure position on the pedals and acceptable self-cleaning. In addition, you stand relatively securely on the fat cage even when unclicked. Getting off the pedals is a little undefined and awkward in places. The adjustment range of the release hardness is small and there are no end stops. If weight is not an issue, a great alternative for enduro and DH.
Wolftooth CTRL Trail Pedal - Info & Price
- Weight pedals / cleats: 326 / 45 gram
- Footprint / stand height / axle length67 x 73 mm / 7.5 mm/ 51, 55, 59 mm
- Release hardness / angle / freedom of movement: xxx Nm / 12 degrees / 5 degrees
- Special featuresNo pedal cage; triple adjustable Q-factor; four bearings; very flat design
- Price: 225 Euro >> available here
Evaluation & conclusion
Conclusion: Wolftooth CTRL Trail Pedal
Even without a cage, the CTRL is extremely compact. The enlarged contact area ensures a full and secure ride, while the SPD mechanism works reliably and clearly defined - XTR level. A nice feature: the adjustable axle width. However, riding unclicked is not recommended. Top: minimal weight and enormous ground clearance.
Details: What we particularly noticed in the test
CL-MT001 - What can the new SPD-Cleat from Shimano do?
There has never been a standstill in the bicycle industry. Only for Shimano's SPD system did time seem to stand still. The classic cleat remained untouched for almost 30 years. But now there is an update: a conical tip on the CL-MT001 is designed to make it easier to click in. In addition, entry is now possible from the front as well as the rear, which should bring advantages in technical terrain. A flatter design is intended to increase ground clearance and reduce noise when walking.
A revolution? Not really. None of our colleagues could feel any difference to the old SM-SH51 in a blind test, and even in practice the changes could only be provoked - if at all - by consciously clicking in. Nevertheless: SPD is and remains one of the most reliable click systems ever.
I couldn't see any difference to the standard Cleat when clicking in off-road and I would have guessed wrong even when blind-testing in the car park. However, this only goes to show how reliably the previous SPD system worked. - Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
Cleat systems in comparison
Shimano SPD system
Six out of nine pedals in the test utilise Shimano's proven SPD mechanism. This scores points above all for its good guidance of the shoe into the pedal. A screw can be used to increase or decrease the tension on the spring and thus vary the force required to release the pedal. The angle at which the pedal is released always remains the same. The freedom of movement in the pedal is somewhat restricted here, which makes precise alignment of the cleats necessary. The cleats are characterised by good durability. HT's binding works according to the same principle. However, the Taiwanese company offers the option of 4 or 8 degrees of freedom of movement.
Look Atac
The French rely on their own system, which is characterised above all by smooth, firm engagement. The spring, which determines the release hardness, also serves as a retaining bracket for the cleats. The spring hardness can only be adjusted to a limited extent. However, the release angle can be varied between 13, 17 and 20 degrees using different cleats. This also increases the freedom of movement in the pedal. The brass cleats wear somewhat faster than SPD cleats.
Crankbrothers
The American system makes it possible to click into the pedal at not just two, but four positions. This increases the hit rate. As with Look, the exit angle can also be changed using different cleats - either 10 or 15 degrees. The spring stiffness of these pedals is rather low and cannot be adjusted. The open design of the Crankbrothers pedals is characterised by good self-cleaning properties.
Stefan Frey
Editor
