Clipless pedal shopping gets strange fast. Two listings can look identical in the photos, yet one is a dual-sided combo with a flat side for sneakers and the other is a pure two-bolt race pedal. The difference decides whether you can hop on in trainers for a quick errand or need cycling shoes every single ride.
For this roundup I worked through the 7 best SPD pedals for mountain bikes listings line by line, comparing body material, bearing setup, cleat compatibility, and the tension adjustment each one actually documents. No test rides, just careful reading of what the manufacturers state and how those specs translate to real trail and commuting use.
My overall pick for best SPD pedals for mountain bikes is the ROCKBROS SPD MTB Pedals Dual Function Clipless. It pairs an SPD-compatible clip side with a studded flat platform, so the same pedal works with cleats on a trail day and flat shoes on a casual spin. My top picks are just below.
Our Top Picks
| Product | RW Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall ROCKBROS SPD MTB Pedals with Dual-Sided Platform | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for large platform MZYRH MTB Pedals with Dual SPD and Flat Platform | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for CNC alloy BUCKLOS SPD Clip Flat Combo Pedals with CNC | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for mixed riding Shimano PD-EH500 Dual-Sided Pedals with SPD | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for lightweight SPD BUCKLOS SPD Dual-Sided Bike Pedals with Adjustable | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Budget Riders BUCKLOS SPD Dual-Sided Pedals with Sealed Bearings | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Shimano PD-M520 SPD Pedals with Cleats Included | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
Full Reviews
Dual-sided pedals combining an SPD clipless mechanism with a flat platform, made from nylon and fitted with sealed bearings. Size 9/16 inch.
Key Facts
- Weight
- 0.93 lb
- Size
- 9/16 inch
- Material
- Nylon
- Color
- Black
Pros
- +Dual-sided design suits both clipless and flat-pedal riding
- +Sealed bearings add protection against dust and water
- +Eight non-slip screws improve grip on the flat side
- +Wide platform increases foot contact for power transfer
Cons
- −Nylon body cannot withstand severe impacts, per the listing
- −Tension screw needs careful adjustment to set correctly
- −Screws may loosen or go missing over time
Detailed Review
These ROCKBROS pedals pair an SPD clipless mechanism on one side with a flat platform on the other, which suits riders who want to switch between clipped-in and flat-pedal modes on the same bike. The nylon body keeps the build light, and the sealed bearings are designed to keep dust and water out on trail and outdoor rides.
The flat side carries eight non-slip screws to improve grip without cleats, and the widened platform increases foot contact for better power transfer. I'd consider this setup for mixed-terrain rides where clipped-in efficiency matters on climbs but flat-pedal control helps on technical descents.
Worth knowing before you buy, the listing states the nylon body cannot withstand severe impacts, so these are not the choice for aggressive rock gardens or heavy strikes. The tension screw also needs careful adjustment, and screws can loosen over time.
MZYRH MTB pedals are dual-function aluminum platforms with sealed 3-bearing construction, compatible with SPD and flat riding, sized 4.45 by 3.86 inches.
Key Facts
- Weight
- 1.10231131 pounds
- Dimensions
- 4.45 x 3.86 inches
- Material
- CNC aluminum alloy
- Included
- Cleats and gaskets
Pros
- +Dual clipless and flat sides for versatile riding
- +Sealed 3-bearing construction for smooth pedaling
- +Large 113x98mm platform for stable foot placement
- +Stainless steel spikes for grip on flat side
Cons
- −Single-sided clipless entry may slow frequent clip-ins
- −No stated weight per pedal beyond total 1.1 pounds
- −Cleats included but no mention of shoe compatibility
Detailed Review
The MZYRH MTB pedals pair a CNC aluminum body measuring 113 by 98mm with a dual-function design, giving one side a clipless mechanism and the other a flat platform with stainless steel anti-skid spikes. That layout suits riders who want to clip in on climbs but ride flat on technical descents without swapping pedals. The sealed 3-bearing system and gasket design are aimed at keeping water, dust, and sand out of the spindle, which matters on muddy or sandy routes where gritty bearings turn noisy.
I see this working best for touring and mixed-surface riding where one bike serves several styles. The 9/16-inch thread fits most mountain bikes, and the included cleats and gaskets simplify setup. The main trade-off is the single-sided clipless entry, which takes more attention to engage than a double-sided pedal. Weight is listed at 1.1 pounds for the pair, so it is not a featherweight choice for weight-conscious builds.
For my money, this is a reasonable pick for riders who value versatility over ultralight spec.
BUCKLOS PD-M680 dual-sided pedals with CNC alloy aluminum body, sealed bearings, adjustable clipless tension, and 10 anti-skid spikes for flat-shoe grip.
Key Facts
- Weight
- 0.895738170506 pounds
- Body Size
- 98 x 88mm
- Material
- CNC alloy aluminum
- Included
- Pedals only (cleats not included)
Pros
- +CNC alloy aluminum body for a wider 98x88mm platform
- +Adjustable entry and release tension via hex wrench
- +Sealed bearings with gasket to limit water and dust ingress
- +Dual-sided function for clipless or flat-shoe riding
Cons
- −Cleats not included, so clipless use needs a separate purchase
- −Single-sided cleat tension adjustment limits fine-tuning
- −Heavier than some dedicated race pedals at 0.89 pounds
Detailed Review
The BUCKLOS PD-M680 stands out for its CNC alloy aluminum body at 98x88mm, which gives a wider platform than many combo pedals in this class. That extra surface area matters on loaded bikepacking rigs where foot stability over rough ground keeps you in control. The dual-sided design means you can clip in with SPD cleats or ride flat in regular shoes, and the ten anti-skid spikes add grip when you are not clipped in.
I see this working best for riders who want one pedal for mixed duty, such as a gravel bike that doubles as a commuter or an ebike used on and off pavement. The adjustable clamp tension via hex wrench lets you tune entry and release feel, and the sealed bearings with gasket are a sensible touch for wet or dusty routes. Worth knowing before you buy, the cleats are not included, so factor that into your setup cost.
The main trade-off is that cleat tension adjusts on a single side, which may feel limiting if you want different release feel per foot. For my money, this suits riders who value platform width and dual function over ultralight race numbers.
Shimano PD-EH500 is a dual-sided pedal with SPD clip-in on one side and a grippy flat platform on the other, weighing 1.15 pounds and including cleats.
Key Facts
- Weight
- 1.15 Pounds
- Type
- Dual-sided SPD and flat
- Cleats
- SPD / 2-hole cleats included
- Color
- Black
Pros
- +Dual-sided platform adds versatility for mixed riding
- +Adjustable cleat tension allows personalized entry feel
- +SPD cleats included for immediate setup
- +Durable construction aimed at minimal maintenance
Cons
- −Heavier than dedicated race pedals at 1.15 pounds per pair
- −Flat side lacks pins for aggressive grip on rough terrain
- −Single color option in black only
Detailed Review
The Shimano PD-EH500 is a dual-sided pedal that pairs an SPD clip-in mechanism on one side with a flat platform on the other. That layout means I can clip in with 2-hole shoes for a commute, then flip to the flat side in sneakers for a quick errand without changing pedals. The adjustable cleat tension is a useful touch for dialing in entry and release feel, and SPD cleats come in the box.
At 1.15 pounds, it is not a featherweight race pedal, but that mass buys the second platform and a build aimed at minimal maintenance. I see this working best for urban riders and indoor cycling setups where footwear changes often.
Worth knowing before you buy, the flat side has no pins, so grip is modest on loose or wet surfaces. For my money, this suits mixed-use riding over dedicated trail abuse.
Dual-sided SPD-compatible clipless pedals in CNC aluminum alloy with sealed bearings and adjustable entry/release tension, weighing 0.75 pounds.
Key Facts
- Weight
- 0.75 Pounds
- Material
- CNC Aluminum Alloy
- Thread
- 9/16 inch
- Included
- 6mm Wrench, 2 Cleats
Pros
- +Dual-sided SPD entry for quick clip-in on varied terrain
- +CNC aluminum alloy body with sealed bearing construction
- +Adjustable tension screw tailors entry and release feel
- +Clear L/R markings speed up installation
Cons
- −Limited to SPD cleats, not compatible with other systems
- −Single black color option restricts aesthetic matching
- −No stated waterproof or dustproof rating despite claims
Detailed Review
The BUCKLOS dual-sided pedals use a CNC aluminum alloy body with sealed bearings, and the 9/16-inch thread fits most cranks. At 0.75 pounds for the pair, they sit in a reasonable weight class for a metal-bodied SPD pedal. The dual-sided design means you can clip in on either face without looking down, which suits gravel and mountain bike rides where you are frequently unclipping.
The adjustable tension screw on the side lets you tune entry and release stiffness, a useful feature for newer clipless riders or for spin bikes where you want a lighter hold. I see this working best for riders who want a straightforward SPD-compatible pedal for a hybrid, indoor trainer, or folding bike. The included 6mm wrench and two cleats mean you can install them without hunting for extra parts.
Worth knowing before you buy: the listing claims waterproof and dustproof performance but states no specific IP rating, so I would not treat that as a guarantee for wet or gritty conditions. The single black color and SPD-only compatibility also limit your options if you run a different cleat system.
BUCKLOS SPD-compatible dual-sided clipless pedals in CNC aluminum with sealed bearings and adjustable tension, plus two cleats and a 6mm wrench included.
Key Facts
- Weight
- 1.37 Pounds (pair)
- Material
- CNC Aluminum Alloy
- Thread
- 9/16 inch
- Included
- 2 Cleats, 6mm Wrench
Pros
- +Dual-sided SPD platform for fast, no-look clip-ins
- +Sealed bearing construction keeps grit and water out
- +Adjustable tension screw tunes release to rider preference
- +Cleats and 6mm wrench included in the box
Cons
- −No stated weight per pedal beyond the 1.37-pound pair figure
- −Only one color option, Black-1, limits build matching
- −Cleat compatibility limited to Shimano SPD-style systems
Detailed Review
The BUCKLOS PD-M780 is a dual-sided SPD-compatible pedal built around a CNC aluminum body and sealed bearings, which matters on gravel and MTB routes where grit and water work their way into cheaper bushings. The sealed bearing claim is the detail I'd weigh most, since it points to smoother spinning and less maintenance over a season of mixed-surface riding.
Adjustable entry and release tension via a side screw is a real asset for riders moving from flat pedals, letting you start loose and tighten as confidence builds. The standard 9/16-inch thread fits most cranks, and the included cleats and 6mm wrench mean fewer extra purchases before the first ride.
Worth knowing before you buy, the listing gives only a 1.37-pound pair weight and a single Black-1 color, so riders chasing a specific build look or a per-pedal figure will need to look elsewhere. I see this working best for riders wanting a low-cost SPD entry point for gravel, spin, or hybrid bikes.
Shimano PD-M520 SPD pedals are a dual-sided clipless mountain bike pedal that ships with cleats and weighs about 0.84 pounds per pair.
Key Facts
- Weight
- 0.8377565956 Pounds
- Dimensions
- 6.3 x 4.72 x 0.0393700787 Inches
- Color
- Black, Silver
- Included
- Cleats
Pros
- +Cleats included in the box, ready to mount
- +Dual-sided SPD design speeds up entry
- +Pair weight around 0.84 pounds
- +Compact footprint reduces pedal strikes
Cons
- −Single size and color option limits fit choices
- −Import product may carry separate warranty terms
- −No stated service rating or sealed-bearing specification
Detailed Review
The Shimano PD-M520 is a dual-sided SPD pedal that ships with cleats in the box, which matters if you are building up a bikepacking rig and do not want to chase down hardware separately. At roughly 0.84 pounds for the pair, it sits in a reasonable weight class for loaded touring where every gram on the cranks counts.
The 6.3-inch profile keeps the body compact enough to reduce rock strikes on rough fire roads, and the black and silver finish is neutral enough to disappear on most builds. I see this working best for riders who want a simple, serviceable SPD platform for mixed-surface trips rather than a race-day pedal.
Worth knowing before you buy, the listing offers only one size and color, and it is flagged as an international product with separate terms, so check local warranty and labeling expectations. Route conditions and your own judgment matter more than any single component choice.
Why You Should Trust Me
Every pick here is scored with the RW Score, a rating built from the listing details that actually affect ownership: body material, bearing protection, cleat standard, adjustable tension, and how clearly the manufacturer documents fit and installation. I do not ride these pedals for the review. I read the specs, cross-reference what each brand claims, and flag where a listing is vague or where a material choice has a real limit.
That approach matters because pedal listings are full of loose language. A sealed bearing is not the same as a fully weatherproof unit, and a nylon body will not shrug off a rock strike the way an aluminum one will. This content is informational only. Check current product details and use your own judgment for your bike, your terrain, and your shoes before you buy.
Final Thoughts
What separates a good SPD pedal from a frustrating one comes down to two things: whether the clip side releases predictably at your preferred tension, and whether the body material matches how hard you plan to ride. Everything else, from bearing count to platform width, is secondary to those two.
For most riders the best overall choice is the ROCKBROS SPD MTB Pedals Dual Function Clipless. The dual-sided layout means you are not locked into cycling shoes for every ride, and the studded flat side gives you a usable platform for casual spins or a quick trailhead warm-up. It suits riders who want one pedal to cover commuting, light trail duty, and mixed-shoe days. The one caveat is the nylon body, which the listing itself notes will not take severe impacts well, so keep that in mind if you ride rocky terrain.
If budget is the deciding factor, the BUCKLOS Bike Clip Pedals MTB Mountain Bike is the value pick. It is a dual-sided SPD-compatible pedal with a CNC aluminum body and adjustable tension, which is a lot of build for the money. It fits riders building up a first clipless setup or anyone who wants a spare set for a second bike without overspending. The trade-off is a lower RW Score than the top pick, so expect a slightly less refined feel at the clip interface.
Pick the pedal that matches your shoes and terrain, and the guesswork about clip tension and platform grip mostly disappears.
FAQs
Can you use regular shoes on SPD pedals?
Regular shoes work only on dual-sided pedals that include a flat platform side, not on pure clipless models. A combo pedal like the ROCKBROS or SHIMANO PD-EH500 lets you clip in with cycling shoes on one side and ride flat with sneakers on the other. On a pure SPD pedal, a flat shoe has nothing to grip, so plan your shoe choice around the pedal you buy.
Do you need special shoes for SPD pedals?
SPD pedals need two-bolt cycling shoes with a recessed cleat, which is the standard for most mountain and gravel shoes. The cleat bolts to the shoe and clicks into the pedal mechanism. If you only own three-bolt road shoes, those will not fit an SPD pedal without an adapter, so check your shoe’s bolt pattern before ordering.
Is it better to have dual-sided or single-sided SPD pedals?
Dual-sided pedals suit riders who switch between shoes or want a flat option for casual rides, while single-sided clipless pedals suit committed cyclists who always wear cleats. Dual-sided combos add a little weight and complexity but give you flexibility on mixed-use bikes. Single-sided models are simpler and often lighter, but leave you without a flat option.
How do you adjust clip tension on SPD pedals?
Clip tension adjusts with a hex wrench on the tension screw located on the pedal body, usually one screw per side. Turning it changes how firmly the cleat holds and how much force it takes to release. Start loose and tighten gradually until release feels predictable. On remote or technical routes, test your release tension before you rely on it, and check current conditions and local advice where the terrain is unfamiliar.