best clipless pedal

SPD, Crank Bros, or other?
I'm a fan of the Shimano DX for all round bulletproofness, or the DMR V-twin for some extra platform...

I have been impressed with the Time Speciale 8. Specifically, I like the increased float option compared to SPD and the highly adjustable release tension. I always had issues with coming out of SPD pedals too easily, and found Crank Brothers to be somewhat inconsistent in regards to release. The Time pedals are very consistent and have a nice progressive feel as you start to push towards the release point. My two cents..

Yes, they use Brass cleats. I can't speak on the durability yet, but they appear to be well built.

Little update on the Time S8 pedals. I still really like them, but I will say they struggle some with sandy mud. Slimly mud no, problem. However, I have found they do require some kicking on the pedal to remove heavy mud before clipping in when sand or rocks are present. Kind of same thing with SPD, but in this regard Crank Brothers is a little better.

Good follow through Sir!

+1 for Time pedals.... however i prefer the MX series to the newer aluminum ones... they are cheaper and shed mud better... but most importantly they use a wire spring that is a lot heavier duty than the Speciales... the Spec. use the XC mechanism with a weaker spring which will pre-release if you ride in rocky terrain and hit the pedals on something... your foot will shoot forward and out... the MX is stiffer and that is less likely... if you weigh a lot its a consideration...

Shimano SPD will always win in terms of durability and that way, reliability. The price is nice also. My short experience a long time ago with Crank Brothers had them fail in less than an year, I also didn't like the floating thing, but I should give it a try it again to see if there are changes - my riding has also improved.

Some of my friends have tried Time and it has a simpler Crank Brothers like engagement so it's good in terms of mud clearance, but I haven't give it a try.

I reckon I've never had any major problem with my SPDs and mud, but I can surely say they're more difficult to clean "on the fly" if the mud gets to thick. I currently use Shimano XT trail pedal and the Saint's SPD, I both enjoy them a lot and have yet to fail me and the ball bearing maintenance is pretty straightforward (clean and grease).

Although many people don’t seem to like them, I’m a big fan of Crank Bros “Egg Beaters”.

They release like lightening once the technique has become second nature. “Lead with the heal” - twist - the same as all clipless pedals.

They never jam, being a simple design.

They have some float, which I don’t notice, but is potentially good for my abused knees.
Different cleats are available with zero float I believe.

The cleats are reversible depending on release angle required and though they can wear, I haven’t worn any out, and they aren’t expensive if you need another set of cleats.

They are small, so:
1. They miss a lot of rocks.
2. A stiff sole is required.

I run the optional “shoe savers” on my carbon soled Sidi’s.

I have them on 4 bikes!! Including a Ti set on my “cycleways” bike.

Currently, I’m trying flat pedals. 1 Surgeon’s orders until a tendon reattachment reaches full strength, and 2 recommend by my new coach to get a good technique. (I’ve been cheating on bunny hops with clip ins.)

I do not really like the flats after using clip in pedals since they became available. And toe clips/straps on my roadbike before that. But I’m open to new things, and am becoming more comfortable with the 5 tens and V12’s.

At this stage I expect to go back to the Eggbeaters, but we will see.

Great discussion, guys! The Vital MTB Product Guide also has several clipless pedal user and Vital reviews to consider.

PS - If anyone is keen to write a review of your pedals, you'll be eligible for our monthly $100 Jenson USA Top Reviewer Award.

My vote is for HT X2 all day long.

A wide range of usable tension settings going from none to never get your foot out again, if you’re into that sort of thing. Plus there is plenty of room if you miss the clip, they are tough as old boots and easy to get parts when it comes to service the insides. There are cleats for different float included in the box.

I think I’ve had mine through three years of UK wet hell now, not really looked after them, with a quick service probably every six months with brand new insides once a year. I have also struck them on everything you could imagine and they are still straight, the cages are very durable in my experience, and have survived some impacts I was sure were going to end the pedals life.

I would say though that clipping in to the mechanism takes a little bit of learning to start with but is no real concern if you’ve used clips before. Also I’ve had the right hand sides main nut that I have been unable to unscrew. Likely user error. It just spun on the axle but was still holding the pedal on fine. I was replacing the axles in a service anyway so minor issue and drifted it out.

Mega things though and I wouldn’t use anything else now after trying my luck with Shimano and Crank Brothers in the past. I’d recommend them to anyone.

The t1

Have ridden lots of pedals and I always come back to SPD's. I love the XT Trail pedal for value and durability. I think Mallet's are the best feeling pedals, but they break all the time or just fall apart. If you ride a lot, you've either gotta be a rich man or sponsored to run Mallets. The downside with Shimano is the limited range of float, I think it's 7 degrees vs. 13/17 degrees for Time and 17/22 degrees for Crankbrothers. That 7 degrees makes it possible to whip out of them in midair, or come unclipped doing extreme body english in tight turns, but I got used to it. The upside to the limited float on SPD's is that they're easier to learn on because it doesn't take such a big twist of the ankle to clip out. Otherwise, it's all upside with Shimano. Cheap, durable, light, and the steel cleats last forever, although I do think Shimano's quality and durability has gone down in the last five years.