Flat vs. Clipless MTB Pedals | Crank Brothers, Shimano & More

With both flat and clipless pedal options being so popular in today’s mountain bike scene, we decided to make this guide to help you choose the perfect pedals. Bike Gearheads Chris and Kendall explain the important differences between the two different pedal types, and highlight a few of our favorite top picks.  

Many riders stick with flat pedals throughout their whole riding career, but there are a few important details to consider if you’re thinking about making the switch to clipless. Follow along to learn more about the different types of pedals that we love to use!

Questions that our Gearheads get all the time that we answer in this video:

Q: How do you adjust cleat tension on Crank Brothers pedals?
Q: Are clipless pedals better than flat pedals?
Q: Why are clipless pedals called clipless?

Do you run clips or flats? Shimano or Crank Brothers? Let us know in the comments!

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Check out our Mountain Bike Buying Guide: https://www.backcountry.com/explore/h...

Check out the products featured here:  

Shimano XT PD-M8120 Pedals: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/sh...
Crank Brothers Doubleshot 2 Pedals: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/cr...
Oneup Aluminum Pedals: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/on...
Crank Brothers Stamp 7 Pedals: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/cr...
Crank Brothers Mallet DH Pedals: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/cr...
Crank Brothers Mallet E Pedals: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/cr...
Crank Brothers Mallet Trail Pedals: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/cr...
Crank Brothers Shoes: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/cr...
Shimano XTR PD-M9120 Pedals: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/sh...
Shimano Saint PD-M820 SPD Pedals: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/sh...
All Mountain Bikes: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/mo...
Everything Bike: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/

Chapter Timestamps:  

0:00 – Intro
0:38 – Clips vs. Clipless vs. Clipped-In
1:22 – Shimano XT PD-M8120 Pedals
3:09 – Crank Brothers Doubleshot 2 Pedals
4:41 – Switching To Clipless
5:14 – Oneup Aluminum Pedals
6:29 – Crank Brothers Stamp 7 Pedals
7:33 – Clips vs. Flats
10:19 – Outro

Connect With a Gearhead: 1.888.276.7130 or Email: [email protected]  

Competitive Cyclist delivers the most premium bike shopping experience. A curated collection of cycling's standout brands, hands-on expertise from our Gearheads, an assembly operation unrivaled in the industry—we offer the knowledgeable service of the best bike builders and in-house mechanics, along with selection and convenience only possible online.

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