Best Clipless Mountain Bike Pedals for 2026: 6 Picks for Wasatch Climbs and Chunky Descents

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October in the Wasatch means hero dirt and shorter days. The climbs at Corner Canyon and Big Cottonwood stay tacky, and every watt matters a little more. That is where the right clipless pedals pay off: a solid pedal and shoe connection keeps your feet planted through rock gardens and makes long fire road grinds noticeably more efficient.

Still deciding on footwear? Our best clipless mountain bike shoes for 2026 guide pairs with this one, since shoes and pedals work as a system. Not sold on clipping in? Our flat pedal shoe guide covers the other side.

The 6 best clipless mountain bike pedals for 2026

1. Shimano Deore XT PD-M8100: Best Overall

The XT pedal is the sweet spot of the Shimano lineup and our top pick for most Wasatch riders. The offset binding gives a wider shoe contact area than the budget M520, which means better power transfer on seated grinds up Millcreek’s Pipeline Trail. Release tension is adjustable, so you can run it loose while you learn and tighten it as confidence grows.

Specs: $140, 342 g per pair, SPD 2 bolt, 4 degrees of float, chromoly spindle, SM-SH51 cleats included.

Pros: Excellent mud shedding, adjustable tension, durable sealed bearings, wide shoe platform for SPD.

Cons: No platform cage, so less support than the Mallet E on rough descents.

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2. Shimano PD-M520: Best Budget

If this is your first set of clipless pedals, stop here. The M520 has been the default entry point for two decades because it simply works. The open binding sheds Wasatch mud and dust, the dual sided design means you never flip the pedal hunting for the clip, and the sealed cartridge bearings survive seasons of gritty Corner Canyon laps. At about $55 it costs less than a single tire.

Specs: About $55, 380 g per pair, SPD 2 bolt dual sided, adjustable release tension, chromoly spindle, SM-SH51 cleats included.

Pros: Unbeatable value, proven durability, replacement cleats available everywhere.

Cons: Heavier than the XT, smaller shoe platform, bearings are good but not as refined.

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3. Crankbrothers Mallet E: Best for Enduro and Chunky Descents

For riders who point it down the Wasatch Crest or session the rock gardens at the top of Big Cottonwood, the Mallet E blends clipless efficiency with flat pedal support. The concave platform carries six adjustable pins per side, so you still have real grip when you are unclipped through a sketchy section. The 4 sided mechanism clips in from any angle, which matters when you dab on a technical climb and need to re-engage fast.

Specs: $169, 419 g per pair, Crankbrothers 4 sided mechanism, 15 and 20 degree release angles, 6 pins per side, premium brass cleats with shims included, 5 year warranty.

Pros: Platform support plus clipless, easiest entry here, great for riders coming from flats.

Cons: Heaviest pedal on this list, brass cleats wear faster than steel SPD cleats.

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4. Shimano XTR PD-M9120: Best Trail Race Pedal

The XTR M9120 is Shimano’s trail focused race pedal, with an integrated cage that protects the binding and gives your shoe a bigger landing zone on step in. The longer and wider contact area spreads load across the shoe, which your feet will appreciate on a five hour Wasatch Crest to Millcreek day.

Specs: About $200, 405 g per pair, SPD 2 bolt with integrated cage, adjustable release tension, chromoly axle, SM-SH51 cleats included.

Pros: Top tier bearings and finish, cage aids step in and protects the mechanism.

Cons: Premium price for gains most riders will not feel over the XT, heavier than the non cage XTR race pedal.

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5. Crankbrothers Candy 3: Best All Rounder

The Candy 3 sits between the minimalist Eggbeater and the brawny Mallet E, and for many trail riders it is the right compromise. The ribbed aluminum body adds a small platform for support without the weight penalty of a full cage, and the 4 sided mechanism keeps entry easy in dust and mud.

Specs: $149.99, 340 g per pair, Crankbrothers 4 sided mechanism, 15 and 20 degree release angles, 6 degrees of float, brass cleats with shims included, 5 year warranty.

Pros: Light for a platform pedal, easy 4 sided entry, traction pad tech adds shoe grip.

Cons: Platform is smaller than the Mallet E, brass cleats need periodic replacement.

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6. Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3: Lightest Pick

At 280 grams per pair the Eggbeater 3 is the lightweight choice that still survives real trail riding. The open minimalist design is nearly impossible to clog with mud, which makes it a smart pick for spring riding in the Cottonwoods. There is no platform to speak of, so shoe stiffness matters more here than with any other pedal on this list.

Specs: $135, 280 g per pair, Crankbrothers 4 sided mechanism, 15 and 20 degree release angles, cast stainless body with chromoly spindle, premium brass cleats included, 5 year warranty.

Pros: Lightest pedal here, unbeatable mud clearance, simple and rebuildable.

Cons: No platform support, demands a stiff shoe, small contact area can cause hot spots on long rides.

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Quick comparison

SPD or Crankbrothers: pick your system

The six pedals above split into two systems, and the choice matters more than the model. Shimano SPD uses a small steel cleat with adjustable release tension and a familiar click on entry. Cleats last a long time and every shop stocks them. Crankbrothers uses a brass cleat and a 4 sided mechanism with no tension to set. Entry is easier and mud clears better, but the brass cleats wear faster and there is more float.

For Wasatch riding, think about your trails. If your season is dusty Corner Canyon laps and dry Millcreek descents, either system works and SPD’s long cleat life wins on value. If you ride spring mud in the Cottonwoods or dab a lot on technical climbs, the Crankbrothers easy entry earns its keep. Either way, commit to one system across your bikes so one pair of shoes works everywhere. Our dusty trail traction guide covers the setup side.

Frequently asked questions

Are clipless pedals worth it for trail riding?

For most trail riders, yes. Being connected to the bike improves climbing efficiency, keeps your feet in place through rough sections, and lets you lift the rear wheel over obstacles. Start with the release tension set loose and practice on grass first.

What is the difference between SPD and Crankbrothers cleats?

SPD cleats are small steel plates with adjustable release tension and about 4 degrees of float. Crankbrothers cleats are brass, offer 6 degrees of float, and release at 15 or 20 degrees depending on how you mount them. The two systems are not cross compatible.

Do I need special shoes for clipless pedals?

Yes. Clipless pedals require shoes with a 2 bolt cleat mount. Our clipless shoe guide walks through what to look for, including sole stiffness, which matters most with small platform pedals like the Eggbeater 3.

How do I set the release tension on Shimano pedals?

Each Shimano pedal has a small Allen bolt on the binding that adjusts spring tension. Start at the loosest setting, then add tension a quarter turn at a time until the release feels secure but never sticky.

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