Intro
If you ride MTB, you know: pedals matter. A lot. They’re your only connection to the bike when things get rowdy. Good pedals boost confidence; bad ones lead to slips, crashes, and bad days.
We tested four popular flat pedals over hundreds of kilometers of trail—XC, downhill, rocky tech, and everything between. Here’s what we found.
The Contenders
FIRE EYE PJ-ARC – The rugged workhorse
FIFTY-FIFTY DH17 – The precision favorite
Crankbrothers Stamp Large – The big platform innovator
Flyrun Test Sample – The sleek newcomer
FIRE EYE PJ-ARC
Weight: 485g
Pins: 14 per side
Build: Single bearing + metal bushing
Vibe: Tough, simple, flashy colors
The Good:
Super grippy, great for all shoe types
Durable and easy to maintain
Affordable and widely available
The Bad:
Poor sealing – hates mud and water
Pins can break and be hard to replace
Verdict: A classic beater pedal. Not the fanciest, but it works hard and looks good doing it.
FIFTY-FIFTY DH17
Weight: Not listed, but robust
Pins: 13 per side
Build: Dual nylon bushings + needle bearing
Vibe: Premium, thoughtful, trail-ready
The Good:
Excellent grip and foot conformity
Great sealing – comes with extra seals!
Feels secure on rough descents
The Bad:
Can be harsh on soft-soled shoes
Not the lightest
Verdict: If you want confidence and don’t mind a little extra weight, this is your pedal.
Crankbrothers Stamp Large
Weight: Moderate (exact not listed)
Pins: 10 per side
Build: Dual half-bushings + outer bushing
Vibe: Modern, minimalist, performance-first
The Good:
Huge platform = super stable
Surprisingly grippy despite fewer pins
Low profile and clean look
The Bad:
Limited color options
Basic sealing – not for deep puddles
Verdict: Big feet? Get the Large. It’s like landing on a platform of confidence.
Flyrun Test Pedal
Weight: 340g
Pins: 11 per side
Build: Nylon bushing + sealed bearing
Vibe: Light, sleek, well-balanced
The Good:
Lightest of the bunch
Good sealing and thoughtful design
Works well with all shoes—even minimalist ones
The Bad:
Still a prototype—availability unknown
Not as proven as the others
Verdict: A promising all-rounder. If it hits the market, it could be a dark horse.
Maintenance Tip 💡
Even the best pedals need love. Use a high-quality grease (like Shimano’s “Apple Juice”) and consider dripping heavy oil into the seal gaps occasionally to keep things spinning smooth.
Final Take
Best All-Rounder: FIFTY-FIFTY DH17
Best for Big Feet: Crankbrothers Stamp
Best Value & Colors: FIRE EYE PJ-ARC
One to Watch: Flyrun
No matter which you choose, good pedals + good shoes = more control, more fun, and fewer slips.
Ride safe, grip hard.
