Manufacturers toss around a lot of marketing jargon, which can make it hard to determine which products are worthy of being considered the “best.” One good measure of whether it’s worth its weight is how many of our coworker’s bikes you find it on. Everyone at Fanatik has spent their share of time thrashing components in the woods and, unsurprisingly, broken a few parts along the way. The parts found on our bikes are the ones we trust. In an effort to share that insight, I’ve compiled some of their personal component choices.

While each component plays an integral role in creating a complete, rideable bike, one thing is for sure; it would be impossible to pedal a bike without the pedals. In a similar vein, a bad set of pedals can ruin a ride, leaving you riding with a fraction of your usual confidence. Below are five different pedals that our staff trust day in and day out. It’s worth noting that every product on this list can be found across several other employees’ bikes.

Deity TMAC

Profile: 110mm x 105mm 

Pins: 14 (per side) 

Weight: 440g

Warranty: 1 Year

“I could talk about how the concave profile and pin placement makes for some insanely grippy pedals, but what really comes to mind is how many rocks and surprise tree stumps they’ve absolutely eaten up in the last two years. They’re bombproof.” - Max, Shipping. 

Designed in collaboration with Tyler McCall as his signature pedal, the TMAC is a good choice for those looking for the most traction possible. Their concave profile, paired with their oversized frame, make for a pedal that is insanely secure underfoot. Created with fourteen pins per side, they aren’t lacking for grip even in the wettest conditions. 

The TMAC provides reliability season after season to go along with their confidence-inspiring feeling underfoot. Max can attest to their robust construction, having put a two-year beating across on them. Aside from the typical cosmetic wear and term, his TMAC pedals perform and feel as nice as the day he purchased them.

Chromag Dagga

Size: 110mm x 105mm

Pins: 12 (per side) 

Weight: 409g

Warranty: 1 Year

“I’ve always loved Chromag as a company, and these pedals are nothing short of fantastic. I don’t have to second guess my feet staying connected to the bike, which lets me focus elsewhere. It doesn’t hurt that they look great on the bike.” -Nick, Service.

Chromag Dagga pedals are notorious for their sharp pins, which will dig deep into any shoe’s sole. They are so sharp that I’ve seen them stick through a set of softer skate shoes, so I’d recommend wearing purpose-made riding shoes on these. They offer so much grip that you have to fully lift your foot off the pedal to reposition it. While this makes micro-adjustments on the trail more tedious, typically, once your foot is set in position, it stays there until you reach the bottom.

Of course, being CNC’d in Whistler, B.C. by the crew at Chromag, these pedals are also some of the most visually striking in this list. Thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted, from fit to finish, to performance out on the trail, the Dagga doesn’t leave anything to be desired. The advice “Just buy Daggas” can be heard around the shop regularly. 

Race Face Atlas

Size: 110mm x 108mm 

Pins: 10 (per side) 

Weight: 386g

Warranty:  Lifetime 

“I knew the new Atlas pedals were a solid product after following Eric Olsen across Europe on my mountain bike. Between the brutal tracks he was racing (and I was riding for fun) and the endless road miles pushing a loaded-up 60-pound bike from race to race, it was not an easy trip on those pedals. They’ve lived on my bike the year since with no maintenance at all and without giving me any grief whatsoever.” - Dan, Marketing. 

With the North Shore at their doorstep, Race Face is a long-time player in the industry and has been making components since 1993. Their latest take on the Atlas flat pedal is another high-quality component in their storied product line. With one of the largest platforms on the market at 110mm x 108mm, the Atlas makes finding your footing easy. It features ten hex-style pins that provide the right balance between outright traction while still allowing for small foot adjustments on the trail. 

Dan is one of the best to stress test these pedals, having relied on them for everything from massive bike-packing missions across Europe to local laps on his trail bike. While his pedals have held up flawlessly, Dan can ride at ease knowing Race Face offers a lifetime warranty on their pedals. This  security alone makes this a product worth considering, as they could be the last pedals you ever buy. 

Anvl Tilt V3

Profile: 105mm x 105mm

Pins: 10 (per side) 

Weight: 407g

Warranty: case by case 

 “I have really enjoyed the grip I have with the ANVL Tilt pedals with my Five Ten Freerider Pro shoes. The concave shape keeps my feet in place, and the price is a great value for a pair of aluminum pedals.” - Mathias, Financial Controller. 

Transition’s components brand Anvl has been quietly churning out high-quality components at a digestible cost for years. Their handlebars and stems are regularly seen on Transition’s complete builds but are also a favorite around the shop for alloy components that punch well above their price point. Their Anvl Tilt V3 pedal can be found on numerous employees’ rides. Now on its third iteration, the Tilt has been thoroughly refined. 

When looked at in comparison to other similarly concave pedals, such as the DMR Vault, the Anvl maintains a lot of the same sure-footed riding experience at a fraction of the price, making them an excellent option for more cost-conscious riders. They also feature a highly chamfered, rounded-edged design that helps in limiting harsh pedal strikes that might result in a crash. Complete with robust internals facilitated by a DU bushing and a dual-sealed bearing; the Anvl Tilt is a smooth, easily serviceable pedal. 

Crankbrothers Mallet DH

Size: 100mm x 78mm

Pins: 8 (per side)

Weight: 479g

Warranty: 5 Years

“Mallets are the only pedals that give me the float I need to comfortably weight the bike the way I want to. Combined with just enough flat pedal feel for confidence whether I’m clipped in or not. With adjustable pins, friction plates, and different spindle lengths, I can fine-tune my setup to make clipping in easier without losing grip.” - Ian, Marketing

For years, Shimano and Crankbrothers have been the two most prominent players in the clipless pedal game, and while both are exceptional clipless platforms, their users are set in their ways based on personal preference as to which a rider will choose to run. Our graphic designer Ian has been a lifelong Crankbrothers fan and has sworn by the Mallet DH when he’s not messing around on flats or debating what frame size he should buy next.

If Ian’s word isn’t enough to convince you to try a set of Mallet DH pedals, it’s worth mentioning that Mallet DH is widely used by some of the fastest DH riders in the world. A staple on the World Cup circuit, these pedals have been piloted to victory by Finn Iles, Loic Bruni, Amuary Peirron, Greg Minnaar, and many more. With a highly adjustable feel thanks to 8 adjustable grub screws per side, adjustable plates, and differing cleat tensions, the Mallet DH can be tailored to any clipless user’s liking. Knowing these pedals will see severe abuse, Crankbrothers backs this product with a five-year warranty, keeping you on track for numerous seasons and rock strikes to come.