[Wild Frontier]

Hey fellow shredders! I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect clipless pedals for my mountain biking adventures, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the ride (pun totally intended)! Whether you’re tackling gnarly trails, cruising through backcountry paths, or gearing up for a bikepacking escapade, having the right pedal can make all the difference. So, I figured I’d share my top picks along with a little buyer’s guide to help you avoid any awkward “oops, I fell over in the parking lot” moments if you’re new to clipless.

In this post, I’ll be giving you the lowdown on three of my favorite MTB clipless pedals. Trust me, these pedals have seen some action and are ready to take your riding to the next level!

• Shimano XT PD-M8120
• Crankbrothers Mallet E LS
• Time ATAC MX 6

[Wild Frontier]

Shimano XT PD-M8120

Oh boy, have I got a tale about pedals for you all! I recently got my hands on the Shimano XT PD-M8120 pedals, and let me just say, it’s been quite the ride—literally and figuratively. If you’re on the fence (or, dare I say, on the pedal) about upgrading, buckle up.

First things first, handling these bad boys is like shaking hands with an old friend. They’re sturdy, well-built, and have that classic Shimano feel. You know what I mean—it’s like they roll out of the factory already confident they’ll survive the apocalypse… or at least a weekend of my disastrous biking attempts.

I took them for a spin on some gnarly trails—think mud, rocks, and a dash of overconfidence. These pedals grip like a cat holds onto sanity in a room full of laser pointers. The SPD cleat system is super reliable, giving me the stability I desperately need since my balance is best described as “inflatable tube man on a windy day.”

And the engagement? Smooth as butter. Seriously, clipping in and out is a breeze. None of that awkward, embarrassing yanking when you’ve got an audience of amused squirrels watching your every fumble. Speaking of which, here’s a little pro-tip: practicing in an open field before hitting the busy trails can save quite a bit of dignity.

The larger platform is a godsend, especially if you’re like me and occasionally forget that smooth execution is part of the fun. It provides a bit more surface area for those moments when you’re not quite in sync with your bike. My shins have been sending thank-you notes to Shimano ever since.

In terms of durability, these are as tough as your grandmother’s Thanksgiving turkey—indestructible and able to withstand a surprising amount of force. After plowing through rocky paths and some unplanned tree-hugging sessions, they’ve held up without a hitch.

Final thoughts: if you’re into trail biking, bikepacking, or just impressing your friends with your newfound pedal prowess, the Shimano XT PD-M8120s are worth checking out. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or someone who still occasionally forgets to unclip before stopping (not that I’d know anything about that), these pedals are a fantastic partner in crime for your biking adventures. Now, go get your own pair—and maybe a trail map while you’re at it!

[Wild Frontier]

Crankbrothers Mallet E LS

Hey fellow bike nerds,

So, after much pondering and pouring over reviews, I finally took the plunge and got myself a pair of those shiny Crankbrothers Mallet E LS pedals. Spoiler alert: I think I’m in love.

First off, let’s talk about the looks. I mean, these things just scream “let’s get muddy and have fun!” The longer spindle is a real game-changer for folks like me who have feet like boat paddles. My old pedals always made me feel like I was standing on a tightrope, but the LS version has that extra bit of platform width, and it feels like I’ve upgraded from economy to business class for my feet.

Now, onto the ride. The engagement and float on these pedals are like butter with a side of precision engineering. It’s just the right balance of secure clip-ins and enough float to wiggle your foot around when the trail demands some footloose style. I’ve got to say, leaning into those tight corners feels like a dream!

One tiny gripe, if you could call it that, is the slight learning curve. If you’re coming from flat pedals, like I did, there’s that initial “oh heck, how do I clip-in without doing a modern art interpretation of a tangled kite” phase. But once you get over that—smooth sailing.

Did I mention these things are tough? I had one nasty spill where my bike and I decided to part ways mid-jump. Let’s just say the Mallets took the hit like a champ—they barely have a scratch to show for it. Meanwhile, my ego… it’s gonna need a bit of time to recover.

In summary, if you’re on the fence about splurging on these, I’d say go for it. They’re solid performers with enough oomph to make you feel like you know what you’re doing out there on the trails—even when you don’t. Trust me, your feet will thank you.

Happy biking, and may all your rides be epic!

[Wild Frontier]

Time ATAC MX 6

Hey fellow pedal pushers,

So, I finally decided to dip my toes—actually, my feet—into the clipless pedal world and got myself a pair of Time ATAC MX 6s. And man, let me tell you, it’s like discovering that peanut butter and jelly were made for each other! 🤣

First impressions? These pedals look robust enough to survive a zombie apocalypse. No kidding. The design seems like they’ve been armored with titanium…except, it isn’t, but you know what I mean. They’re solid and can handle a beating, which is exactly what I need given my affinity for unintentionally finding every root and rock on the trail.

Installation was a breeze. Even my dog, Max, looked impressed as I fumbled around with the wrench, pretending to know what I was doing. Once on, the engagement and release feel like butter. Trust me, I’ve been in those “I can’t unclip!” horror scenes — not pretty when you’re on the verge of faceplanting. With these bad boys, it’s a smooth transaction every time. Cue the hallelujah chorus.

But it’s not just about getting in and out. The mud-shedding capabilities are like magic. I’ve waded through mud pits that would make even a hippo raise an eyebrow, and the MX 6s didn’t even flinch. Bye-bye clogged pedals! I’d love to shake the hand of whoever designed that feature. Maybe even buy them a coffee. Or a beer. 🍻

Oh, and for those who like the nitty-gritty details (you know who you are), the float offers just enough wiggle room to keep my knees happy on those long rides without feeling like I’m doing the twist. My physio might start missing me, though. 😜

So, would I recommend the Time ATAC MX 6? In a heartbeat! Whether you’re a newbie to clipless or a seasoned pro, these pedals will likely make you wonder why you didn’t switch earlier.

Anyway, that’s my two cents! If you’ve got any burning questions or want to share your own MX 6 escapades, hit me up here! I’m always down for a good chat about all things bike-related. 🤘

Keep the rubber side down, folks!

[Wild Frontier]

Best MTB Clipless Pedals Buyer’s Guide

So, you’re ready to upgrade to clipless pedals for your mountain bike. Congrats! You’re about to unlock a new level of efficiency and power transfer that’ll leave you grinning (and maybe cursing a bit) on the trails. But, just like with any relationship, finding the perfect match can be tricky. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back with this guide based on my own pedal-induced triumphs and faceplants.

Let’s clip in, shall we?

• Consider the Terrain: If you’re mostly tearing up technical trails or often find yourself in mucky conditions (you mud enthusiast, you), you might want to go with platform clipless pedals. They give you some extra support and grip when you’re not clipped in, which is handy when you’re stopping to look around confused, searching for that invisible trailhead. Look for pedals with hefty traction pins and a tough build. These guys are usually heavier, but they laugh in the face of rocks and roots.
• Weight and Durability: If you’re counting grams like they’re candy at the Tour de France, more traditional two-sided clipless pedals are your jam. Lighter and generally easier on the eyes (this matters when it’s Instagram pic time, trust me), these are great for cross-country racers and those OCD riders who call their bikes “feather machines.” Pick something with a good balance of weight and durability – cracking a pedal mid-ride because you went for something that weighs as much as a feather duster isn’t the vibe.
• Cleat Engagement: Engagement and disengagement are key to a healthy relationship… with your pedals. You’ll be messing with tension adjustment screws like you’re tuning a fiddle. If you’re just starting, seek a pedal with a wide range of release tension. Start loose. It’s better to be an accidental clip-out hero than to be a tip-over anti-hero at the trailhead trying to impress someone. Trust me, I’ve earned my fair share of dirt badges this way.
• Float On: We’re not talking about a ’70s song here. Float is the rotational freedom you have while clipped in, measured in degrees. More float can protect your knees and help keep you comfy on long rides. Knee cartilage is your buddy; don’t ruin the friendship.
• Maintenance: Don’t forget: the more intricate the pedal, the more TLC it might require. Being out $100 because you couldn’t give your pedals some post-trail maintenance love will haunt you and your wallet. Opt for a pedal that’s easy to service (extra points if you can pop them open with one tool).

“The best rides always come with some slips and clips.” – Me, probably after the third clipless-crash of the month.

Recommended Pedals: While I won’t play favorites—you can explore brands like Shimano with their ever-reliable SPD systems, Crankbrothers for those lightweight beauties (with a touch more style), and Time for the ultimate float experience. Check out reviews, maybe even ask some fellow cyclists what they love, and follow your cleat-clad heart.

Ultimately, the “best” pedal is the one that makes you feel like an MTB wizard while you’re out chasing dirt and adventure. Now go make Cinderella-level magic happen—you’ve got a slipper to find! Happy riding!

[Campfire Ranger]

Alright, pedal pals, gather ’round! 🚴‍♂️ Let me regale you with my *wild* clipless pedal escapades, which include grimy trails, surprise stream crossings, and a few too many “oh-no-my-foot’s-stuck” moments. If you want your feet to feel like they’re glued to the bike while still maintaining your cool reputation on the trail, then listen up!

Here are a few bonus tips from someone who’s definitely kissed dirt more times than cooled off with a fresh Gatorade 😅:

• The Art of Unclipping: Practice makes perfect! Find a grassy area and practice unclipping *before* attempting those jaw-dropping descents.
• Pre-Muddy Cleans: Pro tip: quickly hose down your pedals after each muddy ride—less dirt equals smoother rides.
• Pedal Swap Drama: Dreaming of trying out a new brand or model? Give yourself ample time to adjust, lest a parked van suddenly looks like a credible obstacle course.
• Keep a Spare Shoe: I once met a squirrel that was more protective of my cycling shoe than I was. Lesson learned: keep an extra pair handy.

Oh, and check your shoe-pedal combo for perfect harmony. It’s like finding the peanut butter to your jelly! Spread those wings and fly, fellow biking kings and queens. 🌟

[River Rat Gear]

Hey there, pedal pushers! 🚵‍♀️ Let me add a sprinkle of pedal magic into your biking journey! If you’re anything like me, you’ve had your share of recreational parking lot acrobatics while getting the hang of clipless pedals. So, here’s my quirk-filled wisdom to help make your pedal experience smoother than a freshly paved bike path:

• The Musical Cleat: Ever tapped a beat while riding? No? Well, it’s a fun way to pretend you’re a rock star while checking for those annoying loose cleats!
• Clip Dance Routines: Grab your dance partner—aka, your bike—and do the clip-in, clip-out dance. Because nothing says “I own these trails” like smooth dismounts.
• Meeting the Ground: It’s inevitable; you’ll meet the ground. Just remember, dirt facials are nature’s way of giving you that rugged outdoorsy look 😉.
• Team Pedal and Shoe: Get the pedal-shoe combo right, and it’s like finding the perfect duet partner! Really, it’s less about function, more about fashion and feeling fabulous while riding.
• Water-Sports Ready: Stuck in a surprise water crossing? Make it a mini-adventure! Just imagine you’re a brave explorer fording rivers, minus the oxen and wagons.

So, let’s clickety-click our way to biking greatness and embrace the clipless chaos! Go get ’em, you cycle trailblazers! 🌟

[Author]

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