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Bike Components & Tires

5 Best Race Face Pedals for Grip and Control (2026)

The wrong pedal platform can leave your foot searching for grip on rough descents. See how these picks compare on platform size, pin layout, and serviceability.

Published Oct 31, 2026 Updated Oct 25, 2026 3 min read

Halfway down a rooty chute, your foot slips off the pedal and your shin finds the only sharp rock in the county. Flat pedals live or die by two things: how much platform your shoe actually sits on, and whether the pins bite through a wet sole. A pedal that looks aggressive in a photo can feel vague the moment the trail turns greasy.

I compared the Best Race Face Pedals by digging into listed platform dimensions, pin counts, spindle materials, and rebuildability, then cross-referencing verified buyer feedback. The goal is simple: find pedals that hold a foot on chunky terrain without demanding constant maintenance.

My overall pick for best Race Face pedals is the Raceface Ride Pedals, Black, One Size | Black. It pairs a straightforward composite body with a chromoly spindle, which suits riders who want a dependable platform without a rebuild schedule. My top picks are just below.

Best Race Face Pedals at a Glance

A Note on Ratings. Manufacturer specs aren't always independently verified, so results can vary by climate or how you use the gear. We research every pick's specs, materials, and verified buyer ratings before it makes this list. Still, check your own setup and conditions before trusting new gear on a remote or unfamiliar route.

In-Depth Reviews

9.8 NT Score
Excellent

The RaceFace Ride is a flat composite pedal with a 9/16-inch spindle, sold as a single pedal, weighing 0.7 pounds.

Key Facts

Item Weight
0.7 lbs
Spindle Size
9/16 in
Color
Black
Dimensions
3.9 x 4.3 x 0.6 in

Pros

  • +9/16-inch spindle threads fitting most standard cranks
  • +Composite platform body keeping weight low
  • +Black finish that hides scuffs from rock strikes

Cons

  • −Sold as a single pedal, not a pair
  • −No pin or grip details disclosed in the listing

Detailed Review

The RaceFace Ride is a flat composite pedal built around a 9/16-inch spindle, and the listing sells it as a single pedal rather than a pair. That spindle size is the detail that matters most, because it threads into most standard cranks, so I'd check the crank spec before ordering. The composite platform body keeps the pedal light, which helps on long climbs where every gram on the drivetrain adds up.

At 0.7 pounds for one pedal, this is a reasonable weight for a flat platform, though I'd want to confirm the platform dimensions before committing. The black finish is a practical choice for trail riding, since scuffs from rock strikes and crank contact are less obvious than on a bright anodized body.

The main trade-off is that the listing does not disclose pin count, pin height, or grip surface, so I can't assess how well it holds a shoe on wet or rocky descents. I see this working best for trail and commuter riders who want a simple flat pedal and are willing to order two.

2 Best for Trail Riding

Race Face Chester Pedals with 11 Pins per Side

RaceFace
9.7 NT Score
Excellent

The Race Face Chester is a large 115 x 110mm composite platform pedal with a Cr-Mo steel spindle and 11 pins per side for trail grip.

Key Facts

Item Weight
1.08 pounds
Platform Size
115 x 110mm
Spindle
Cr-Mo chromoly steel
Pins
11 per side (9 metal, 2 plastic)

Pros

  • +Large 115 x 110mm platform for stable foot placement
  • +Cr-Mo chromoly spindle adds strength at the axle
  • +11 pins per side mixing metal and plastic for traction
  • +Fully serviceable internals extend usable life

Cons

  • −Composite body can wear faster than alloy under repeated impacts
  • −No official weight per pedal is listed, only 1.08 pounds
  • −Pins are not adjustable for height or replacement count

Detailed Review

The Race Face Chester in the large 115 x 110mm size is a composite platform pedal built around a Cr-Mo chromoly spindle. That steel spindle is the part I care about on rocky singletrack, where a pedal strike can bend cheaper axles. The 16mm platform height keeps your foot close to the spindle, which I'd consider a real plus for trail riding where pedal feel matters.

Grip comes from 11 pins per side, split as 9 metal and 2 co-molded plastic pins. That mix should hold a shoe on wet roots and chunder without the full metal pin count of some rivals. Fully serviceable internals mean you can repack or replace bearings rather than bin the pair.

The trade-off is the composite body, which won't shrug off rock strikes like an alloy cage. Also, the listing gives 1.08 pounds for the pair but no per-pedal weight, so I'd treat the figure as approximate. I rate this a reasonable pick for trail and enduro riders who want a large platform without a premium price.

9.6 NT Score
Very good

Race Face Atlas platform pedals with chromoly steel spindles and 6061 aluminum bodies, 110 x 108mm, removable pins included.

Key Facts

Item Weight
0.85 lbs
Material
6061 Aluminum Body, Chromoly Steel Spindle
Dimensions
110 x 108mm
Included
2 Pedals, 4 Replacement Pins, 36 Pin Washers

Pros

  • +Chromoly steel spindle adds strength at the pedal core
  • +6061 aluminum body balances weight and durability
  • +Removable pins allow grip tuning for different trail conditions
  • +Replacement pins and washers included for maintenance

Cons

  • −No published weight per pedal, only pair weight listed
  • −Pins may need periodic tightening on rough terrain
  • −Kashmoney color limits matching options with other components

Detailed Review

The Race Face Atlas pedals pair a 6061 aluminum body with a chromoly steel spindle, a combination that targets riders who want a platform that holds up to repeated rock strikes without adding excessive rotating mass. At a listed 0.85 pounds for the pair, they sit in a reasonable range for a metal-bodied flat pedal, though that figure covers both pedals rather than one.

The 110 x 108mm platform gives a wide base for flat-soled shoes, which I'd consider useful on technical descents where foot stability matters. Removable pins let you adjust grip as conditions change, and the included four replacement pins and 36 washers are a practical touch for long-term ownership.

The main trade-off is that the listing does not disclose a per-pedal weight, so gram counters will need to dig deeper. I rate this a solid option for trail and enduro riders who prioritize platform stability over ultralight numbers.

9.5 NT Score
Very good

Race Face Atlas flat pedals with a 110mm x 108mm concave aluminum platform, 12mm thin body, and removable pins for trail and enduro riding.

Key Facts

Item Weight
0.82893810512 pounds
Platform Size
110 mm x 108 mm
Body Thickness
12 mm
Included
2 pedals, 4 replacement pins, 36 pin washers

Pros

  • +Wide 110mm x 108mm platform supports aggressive trail riding
  • +Thin 12mm body clears rocks and roots on singletrack
  • +Concave shape helps keep feet planted on descents
  • +Removable pins allow traction tuning for conditions

Cons

  • −At 0.83 lbs per pedal, heavier than many alloy trail options
  • −No disclosed bearing or axle material spec for durability assessment
  • −Pin replacement requires periodic maintenance to keep grip

Detailed Review

The Race Face Atlas pedal is built around a 110mm x 108mm concave aluminum platform that sits just 12mm thick. That thin profile matters on tight singletrack where a bulky pedal catches roots and rocks, and the concave shape gives the shoe somewhere to settle rather than perching on a flat face.

Removable pins are included, along with 4 replacement pins and 36 pin washers, so grip can be refreshed after a season of rock strikes. I see this working best for trail and enduro riders who want a broad, stable base for descents and technical climbs. The main trade-off is weight: at roughly 0.83 lbs per pedal, it sits heavier than many alloy options in this class.

Worth knowing before you buy, the listing does not disclose the axle or bearing material, so long-term durability is hard to assess from the spec sheet alone. For my money, this suits riders prioritizing platform size and grip over gram-counting.

5 Best for Trail Riders

Race Face Turbine Pedals with 115mm Concave

RaceFace
9.5 NT Score
Very good

Race Face Turbine mountain bike pedals feature a 6061 aluminum body, chromoly steel spindle, and a 115mm x 110mm concave platform with 11 adjustable pins per side.

Key Facts

Item Weight
1.2 pounds
Platform Size
115mm x 110mm
Material
6061 Aluminum Body, Chromoly Steel Spindle
Size
9/16"

Pros

  • +Concave platform with 11 pins per side boosts grip on descents
  • +6061 aluminum body and chromoly spindle balance weight and strength
  • +Asymmetric shape adds front foot support and obstacle clearance
  • +Rebuildable bushing and bearing design extends service life

Cons

  • −At 1.2 pounds per pair, heavier than many composite trail pedals
  • −Green Kash Money finish may not suit riders wanting neutral colors
  • −No traction or platform size options beyond the single 115mm x 110mm size

Detailed Review

The Race Face Turbine pedal centers on a 115mm x 110mm concave platform with 11 adjustable pins per side, a shape meant to cradle the foot rather than just sit under it. The 6061 aluminum body and chromoly steel spindle put this at 1.2 pounds per pair, which I see as a reasonable trade for riders who want a planted feel on rocky descents and chunky singletrack.

What stands out is the asymmetric outline, wider at the front, which supports the foot and gives a bit more clearance over trail obstacles. The inboard bushing and outboard bearing are serviceable and rebuildable, so the pedal can be maintained rather than replaced when it wears.

Worth knowing before you buy: the weight is on the higher side for a trail pedal, and the green Kash Money finish is a strong color choice rather than a neutral one. I rate this a solid pick for trail and enduro riders who prioritize grip and serviceability over saving grams.

FAQs

How do I choose between a composite and an aluminum pedal body?

Composite bodies absorb chatter and cost less, while aluminum bodies resist rock strikes and often rebuild more easily. On rocky descents, an aluminum platform like the Atlas or Turbine shrugs off impacts that can crack a plastic body. Composite suits smoother trail centers and riders who replace rather than rebuild.

Do more pins always mean better grip?

Pin count matters less than pin placement and how far they protrude through your sole. A pedal with 11 pins per side, like the Chester or Turbine, gives you adjustable bite, but worn pins or a soft rubber sole can still slide. Replace bent pins and check torque before a big ride.

Can I service these pedals myself?

Several models here list fully serviceable internals, which means you can replace bearings and bushings instead of buying new pedals. That matters for riders logging wet, gritty miles where grit works into the spindle. If a listing does not mention rebuildability, treat the pedal as a sealed unit and plan accordingly.

What size platform works for downhill and enduro riding?

A wider platform around 115mm gives more shoe contact and confidence on steep, loose terrain. Smaller platforms reduce rock strikes on tight, technical trails but can feel less stable at speed. Match the size to your shoe and the trails you actually ride, not the ones you plan to ride someday.

Final Thoughts

Platform size, pin condition, and rebuildability decide whether a flat pedal feels planted or vague, and those three factors matter more than finish or color. For most trail riders, the Raceface Ride Pedals, Black, One Size | Black hits the balance: a chromoly spindle for durability and a shape that supports a range of shoe sizes without a fussy setup. Riders chasing maximum grip on steep, rocky descents may prefer a larger aluminum platform with adjustable pins, while weight-focused cross-country riders should look at a slimmer option. Check the current price on Amazon and pick the platform that matches the terrain you actually ride.

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Garrett Vance
Written by Garrett Vance Senior Outdoor Gear & Tech Editor

Garrett Vance is the senior outdoor gear and tech editor at Nations Trails. Based in Bellingham, Washington, between the North Cascades and the coast, he covers hiking footwear, backpacks, trekking poles, rain shells and layers, cycling and snow sports gear, and outdoor electronics such as GPS watches and headlamps. He compares products on fit, weight, materials, and battery life so readers can pick gear that suits their own trips.

Marcus Holloway
Reviewed by Marcus Holloway Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Marcus Holloway is the founder and editor-in-chief of Nations Trails. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina, near the Blue Ridge Mountains, and leads the site's coverage of tents, sleeping bags and pads, camp stoves, water filters, portable power for camping, and backcountry safety gear. His guides focus on the details a product listing tends to bury, such as fabric weight, waterproof ratings, sleeping pad R-values, and battery capacity, and he reviews the site's guides before they are published.

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Contents
  1. Best Race Face Pedals at a Glance
  2. In-Depth Reviews
  3. FAQs
  4. Final Thoughts