Best Free-Rotation MTB Pedals

[merckx]

I have limited experience with MTB style pedals, but would like to use recessed cleat shoes on at least one bike. I currently use Time road pedals and enjoy the unrestricted rotation.

Is there a MTB pedal system that offers no-resistance rotation? I've tried Time and Look MTB pedals, and they don't quite cut it. Some reviews of Crank Brother Candy pedals indicate that the rotation is free, but I have no direct experience.

[tellyho]

I'm not sure what free rotation means. Are we talking about float here?

[merckx]

Originally Posted by tellyho

I'm not sure what free rotation means. Are we talking about float here?

Not float as defined as lateral movement.

I'm more interested in heel rotation alike around the points of a compass. The MTB pedals that I've used feel sticky, and I feel like I have to consciously move my foot around to find comfort.

My Time road pedals allow my foot to rotate around freely so that I am not guiding it to be comfortable. Time pedals also offer a few millimeters of lateral float, but that is less important to me.

Does that make sense?

[tellyho]

I definitely won't be of any help - I've only ever used spds, which have been comfortable for me. A pair of m520s is cheap, you could buy and try.

[EB]

SPD mountain bike pedals offer 4 degrees of free float (which is the thing you're talking about).

Crank Brothers pedals can be either 6 degrees of free float or 0 degrees, depending on which cleats you use. If you want to max out free float, I think you will want Crank Brothers, but they are generally higher maintenance than SPDs.

[Old School]

Shimano SH56 have 6 degrees float, the more common SH51 (the cleats that are always included with the pedals) have 4 degrees float. Shimano describes "float" as the heel rotation angle specifically.

Crank Brothers are death pedals to me. Ive seen a lot of injuries from failure to release.

[EB]

Ah yes, I don't think about SH56 much. They also have "multi-release" which I tend to find pretty alarming for trail riding, though I think it can be helpful for commuters.

[litcrazy]

The 56 cleat is the multi release and worth a try.
I have enough float with the standard cleats and at 200lb and size 47 shoes have enough leverage to easily disengage.
My daughter dislikes the 56 because she tends to pull up and out with those when out of the saddle climbing.
My wife likes the 56 for the float and easy release. with size 37 shoes she has a smaller lever to generate the releasing force.

The perk of having the two clear options is you can try both and see for not too much expense. Like many others I’ve happily put thousands of miles on 520s and feel like upgrading to the more expensive shimano pedals is mostly a matter of vanity when a deal comes up.

Technically, loosing the release tension isn’t increasing float, but I feel like it helps on that front too.

I have had two crank brothers pedal snap at the spindles whole climbing so I don’t endorse those at all, especially for bigger or stronger riders.

[572cv]

I like mtb style shoes, and have tried a few different pedals to go with. My go-to pedal choice has been Time Atac, 8’s or 12’s. Heel motion range has been enough to satisfy my knees, whereas spd’s haven’t for a longer ride. Easy enough to get into or out of. The 8’s have been bullet proof durable, but the 12’s (a bit lighter) in my experience have not all held together that well, though they were easy to repair. I just really like the feel of these pedals. Everyone has different preferences, though.

[dustyrider]

I wouldn’t overlook the shoe choice! There is a wide variety of fit throughout the off-road range of a shoe company like shimano. For any serious off road I prefer a polymer flat pedal with metal pins and flat shoe like 5.10 impacts. When I do ride clipped in off-road, I use ATAC pedals. I prefer the float and consistent secure engagement in all types of conditions. I’d echo other’s experience with crackbrothers, but lots of folks get along fine with shimano pedals and the proper cleat setup.

[jadmt]

i have XT pedals with specialized recons and sh56 cleats and they have a ton of float. I don't see how they would release tho coming up. never had them release except kicking the heal out. Never had an issue with them releasing from heal in either. I suppose it might happen if you crashed but not sure it would be possible releasing accidentally

[darkmother]

Originally Posted by Eli Bingham

They also have "multi-release" which I tend to find pretty alarming for trail riding.

I agree. I bought a pair of multi release cleats after I could not find the regular ones in stock. I did not like how easily those cleats disengaged from the pedal-bumpy trail would have me ejecting uninentionally.

[cmbicycles]

Crank Bros retention is similar style to Time, so they would likely feel similar. If you can find a pair of (now discontinued) Speedplay Frogs, they had the most free feeling float of any recessed pedals I tried. I had occasional trouble clipping out of my Frogs with my big feet so moved to Time. Atac years ago. Problem I had was my feet would rotate and stil against the crankarm, depending on their position, so I couldn't clip out.

[jds108]

Bebop have lots of zero effort rotation, but they're pricey.

[Alistair]

I had terrible luck with Eggbeaters. Multiple catastrophic pedal failures over 3 seasons. Always the outboard bushing. Absolutely junk design. YMMV, but buy and use with caution. Warranty replacement was great, but I lost faith in them and feared being stranded deep in the backcountry.

So, I'm now on SPDs. Use XTR on gravel and race bikes, XT on others. They just work.