Plastic BMX pedals have come a long way.
They’re light, cheap, surprisingly tough, and modern nylon platforms can give you a ridiculous amount of grip without destroying your shins quite as badly as metal pins.
I’ve ridden plenty of plastic pedals over the years, and I personally prefer a larger platform with a concave shape and plenty of molded pins.
That combination gives me more support under my shoes and keeps my feet planted during manuals, spins, drops, and regular shredding.
Below are the plastic BMX pedals I’d recommend most right now, from lightweight options to huge platforms built for maximum grip.
This post covers:
- Best Plastic BMX Pedals For Street, Park, Flatland & Trails
- My Quick Plastic BMX Pedal Picks
- What Makes A Good Plastic BMX Pedal?
- Large Vs Small BMX Pedals
- Plastic Vs Metal BMX Pedals
- Conclusion: Which Plastic BMX Pedals Should You Get?
- FAQs About Plastic BMX Pedals
My Quick Plastic BMX Pedal Picks
- Best All-Around: Odyssey Grandstand Pedals
- Best Classic: Odyssey Twisted PC Pedals
- Best Large Platform: Shadow Surface Pedals
- Best Low-Profile: Shadow Ravager Pedals
- Best Grip: BSD Safari Pedals
- Best Budget Large Platform: Stolen Thermalite Pedals
- Best Street Abuse: S&M BTM Pedals
- Best Wide Platform: Cult Dak Pedals
- Best Lightweight: Merritt P1 Pedals
Best Plastic BMX Pedals For Street, Park, Flatland & Trails
1. Odyssey Grandstand Pedals
The Grandstand V2 pedal is the second iteration of Odyssey’s extremely popular Grandstand V1 that brings key improvements to the pedal.
It was no secret that the original developed a bit of wobble, which has seen an internal redesign to reduce that “axial movement.”
These plastic BMX flat pedals utilize a heat-treated 14mm chromoly spindle and tighten with a 17mm wrench versus the conventional 15mm.
There is also a 6mm broach option for tightening.
One of the main reasons the original Grandstand pedal was so loved is the larger platform combined with its concavity.
This has remained unchanged in V2, so if you were a fan of how the V1 pedals felt, these will make your feet happy as well!
These are so solid, I created a full-blown Odyssey Grandstand pedals review for your convenience.
Odyssey Grandstand pedals specs:
- Size: 98mm x 103mm
- Weight: 13 oz
- Price: $24.99 (may vary)
2. Odyssey Twisted PC Pedals
The Odyssey Twisted PC pedals have been one of the most popular plastic pedals in the world for a LONG time. They have a very simple look with a robust compound, ensuring they’ll last a while (unless you do a ton of pedal grinds, but even in this case, they hold nicely).
Interestingly, these pedals have more central pins than some other PC pedals, contributing to the insane grip. A perfect match for my Vans slipons.
Moreover, you can get Odyssey Twisted PC pedals in two spindle sizes, 9/16″ (for 3-piece cranks) and 1/2″ (for 1-piece cranks).
Odyssey Twisted pedals specs:
- Size: 98mm x 89mm
- Weight: 14.2 oz
- Price: $17.99 (may vary)
3. Shadow Surface Pedals (My FAV Right Now!)
The Shadow Surface pedal is a plastic pedal from Shadow that features a slim platform that is also wide and long.
This platform is micro-knurled and has a concave shape to help with grip as well as comfort.
The plastic BMX pedals have 12 molded pins per side and use a heat-treated chromoly spindle with a 6mm broach.
With the slim design, these pedals come in at just 13.3 ounces for the pair.
Shadow Surface pedals specs:
- Size: 105mm x 100mm
- Weight: 13.3 oz
- Price: $24.99 (may vary)
4. Shadow Ravager Pedals
Here we have the Shadow Ravager plastic pedal. These pedals have been around for what feels like forever and have been a staple of the Shadow component lineup.
The spindle in the Ravager is heat-treated 4140 and the weight on these comes in at just 13.6 ounces.
There is also knurling present on the Ravager pedal that Shadow describes as maxi knurling. It is a bit larger than the micro knurling like on their Surface pedal.
Shadow Ravager pedals specs:
- Size: 90mm x 100mm
- Weight: 13.6 oz
- Price: $24.99 (may vary)
5. BSD Safari Pedals
Here we have Reed Stark’s signature Safari Pedal from BSD.
The Safari pedal solves a problem that Reed had noticed where when a bike hits the ground, corner pins on pedals have a tendency to grind or break.
To help with this, there are three pins in each corner of his signature plastic BMX pedals.
These extra pins bring the total count to 20 pins per side in addition to the micro knurling that is also present.
These pedals also feature a dual concave design and weigh in at 13.5 ounces.
BSD Safari pedals specs:
- Size: 98mm x 104mm
- Weight: 13.5 oz
- Price: $19.99 (may vary)
6. Stolen Thermalite Pedals
If you want tough plastic BMX platform pedals without draining your wallet, the Stolen Thermalites are a solid pick.
They’re built from Stolen’s proprietary Thermalite nylon with glass fiber for a strong, grippy, and lightweight feel.
The large concave platform (106 mm x 103.6 mm) with a micro-knurled surface and 12 molded pins per side keeps your feet planted in all conditions.
A low-profile body and recessed end cap help prevent damage from drops and grinds.
They spin on a chromoly spindle (1/2″ or 9/16″) with unsealed looseball bearings, so they’re easy to maintain and built for long sessions.
Even though they’re budget-friendly, they don’t flex under pressure and hold up well for street, park, and even grind abuse.
Available in a bunch of colors from black to neon, so you can match your setup.
Finally, don’t miss my in-depth Stolen Thermalite pedals review to gain more ins and outs.
Stolen Thermalite pedals specs:
- Size: 106mm x 103.6mm
- Weight: 13.8 oz.
- Price: $15.99 (may vary)
7. S&M BTM Pedals
I always say this, if it holds Mike Hoder, it’ll hold everyone. And the same applies to his signature S&M pedals.
Mike decided to go with only fifteen molded pins per side, but that’s the perfect number because they don’t slip.
The pedal’s platform is made of a reliable nylon/fiber blend that’s great for confident (fast) pedaling around and grinding.
The pedals weigh 14.3 oz and are compatible with 6mm Allen, 15mm and 17mm wrench for effortless installation.
Looking for more info? Read my S&M BTM pedals review then.
S&M BTM pedals specs:
- Size: 103mm x 98mm
- Weight: 14.3 oz
- Price: $19.95 (may vary)
8. Cult Dak Pedals
Are you a fan of Dakota Roche? Then his signature Cult Dak pedals might be something you’ll want to put on your bike.
These pedals feature a strong and durable nylon composite with a concave and micro knurled surface. The addition of fourteen pins on each side ensures the necessary grip so you don’t slip.
A pair of Cult Dak pedals weighs 15.4 oz.
If you’re considering these, here’s my in-depth Cult Dak pedals review.
Cult Dak pedals specs:
- Weight: 15.4 oz
- Price: $16.99 (may vary)
9. Merritt P1 Pedals (One Of The Lightest!)
P1 plastic pedals are the only ones from Marritt. But when you do things right, why would you want to make another product?
The pedals have a low profile, constructed from a special nylon/fiberglass blend that adds strength for all types of riding styles.
And they grind on rails and ledges very well, too.
You can get them in six different colors and the pedals weigh 12.9 oz.
Merritt P1 pedals specs:
- Size: 98mm x 94mm
- Weight: 12.9 oz
- Price: $19.99 (may vary)
What Makes A Good Plastic BMX Pedal?
Here are the main things I look at:
- Platform size: A larger platform gives your shoe more support and can make it easier to find the pedal again after tricks. This is especially useful if you have bigger feet.
- Concave shape: A slightly concave pedal helps your foot settle into the center instead of feeling like it’s sitting on top of a flat board.
- Molded pins: More isn’t always better, but you want enough well-placed pins to keep your shoes planted. Deep, sharp molded pins usually offer better grip.
- Surface texture: Knurling and extra texture between the pins can add even more traction, especially when your shoes or pedals get dusty.
- Spindle quality: A strong chromoly spindle is what you want on a pedal that’s going to take real abuse.
- Pedal thickness: Thinner pedals can give you a more direct connection to the bike, while thicker pedals may feel more solid underfoot.
- Weight: Plastic pedals are already light, so I wouldn’t obsess over saving every last ounce. Grip and strength matter more.
Large Vs Small BMX Pedals
Pedal platform size can make a surprisingly big difference in how secure and comfortable your feet feel.
Large BMX pedals give your shoes more surface area to land on. I particularly like this for street riding because it’s a little easier to find the pedal again after a trick, and there’s more support under your foot during hard landings.
They’re also worth considering if you have larger feet.
The downside is that an extra-large platform can feel bulky, especially if you have smaller shoes or simply prefer a more compact setup.
Smaller BMX pedals feel a little more minimal and can save some weight. Some riders also prefer the extra clearance, but you have less platform to work with when your foot comes off during a trick.
I personally lean toward larger platforms.
I’d rather have that extra support and a bigger target under my shoe than save a tiny amount of weight.
But just like grip thickness and crank length, pedal size is personal.
Plastic Vs Metal BMX Pedals
Both plastic and metal BMX pedals can work great, but they suit slightly different riders.
Plastic pedals are cheaper, lighter, and much more common on modern freestyle BMX bikes.
They’re also a little more forgiving when they smack your shin, which is always a bonus.
However, I cannot imagine riding my bike without shin pads!
Most use molded pins instead of replaceable metal pins, and good ones can still offer a ton of grip.
They’re also great for pedal grinds because they slide more smoothly and don’t hang up as aggressively as metal pedals.
Metal BMX pedals usually offer a firmer platform and sharper, replaceable pins.
That can give you excellent grip, especially in dusty/trail conditions.
They’re also more durable in some situations, but they cost more, weigh more, and a shin hit from metal pins can be absolutely brutal.
For most street and park riders, I’d personally stick with plastic pedals.
They’re light, affordable, grippy enough, and easy to replace once the pins start wearing down.
But if maximum grip and replaceable pins matter more to you than weight or price, metal pedals can still be a great choice.
Conclusion: Which Plastic BMX Pedals Should You Get?
The best plastic BMX pedals depend on how much grip, platform size, and weight you want.
If you want a solid all-around option, the Odyssey Grandstand V2 is hard to beat. It gives you a wide platform, plenty of grip, and a shape that works well for street, park, and general riding.
If you prefer a larger platform, the Shadow Surface is a great choice.
For maximum grip, I’d look at the BSD Safari, while the Merritt P1 is worth checking out if keeping weight low matters more.
And if you want something simple, proven, and affordable, the Odyssey Twisted PC is still a classic for a reason.
Before buying, check the platform size, spindle thread, pin layout, and overall shape.
Those details matter much more than chasing the lightest pedal on the list.
Pick the pair that gives your shoes the support and grip you want, and you’ll notice the difference every time you step back onto the bike.
FAQs About Plastic BMX Pedals
Are plastic BMX pedals good?
Yes. Good plastic BMX pedals are light, affordable, durable, and grippy enough for serious street and park riding.
Are plastic or metal BMX pedals better?
Neither is automatically better. Plastic pedals are lighter, cheaper, and better for pedal grinds, while metal pedals usually offer sharper, replaceable pins and a firmer platform.
Do plastic BMX pedals have enough grip?
Yes, especially when they use plenty of well-placed molded pins and a concave shape. The right BMX shoes also make a big difference.
What size BMX pedals do I need?
Most modern freestyle BMX cranks use 9/16″ pedals. Older or basic 1-piece cranks may use 1/2″ pedals, so always check before buying.
Are BMX pedals 9/16″ or 1/2″?
Most modern BMX pedals are 9/16″. The 1/2″ size is mainly used with older-style 1-piece cranks.
Are all BMX pedals the same size?
No. Pedals differ in thread size, platform dimensions, thickness, shape, and pin layout.
Are larger BMX pedals better?
They can be, especially if you have bigger feet or want more support under your shoes. Larger platforms also give you a bigger target when getting your feet back on after tricks.
Are smaller BMX pedals better for technical riding?
Not necessarily. Smaller pedals can feel more compact and save some weight, but they also give you less platform to land on.
What are the lightest BMX pedals?
Some plastic BMX pedals weigh around 12–13 oz per pair, while others are slightly heavier depending on platform size and construction.
Are plastic BMX pedals good for street riding?
Yes. They’re especially popular for street because they’re light, affordable, grippy, and work well for pedal grinds.
Are plastic BMX pedals good for park riding?
Yes. A good plastic pedal gives you plenty of grip and keeps rotating weight low, which works well for park riding too.
Can you grind on plastic BMX pedals?
Yes. Plastic pedals actually slide well on ledges and rails, which is one reason many street riders prefer them.
Do plastic BMX pedals wear out quickly?
It depends on how hard you ride. The molded pins will gradually wear down, especially if you do a lot of pedal grinds.
When should I replace plastic BMX pedals?
Replace them when the body cracks, the spindle develops excessive play, or the molded pins are worn down enough that your shoes keep slipping.
Do plastic BMX pedals work well with Vans?
Yes. Flat-soled BMX shoes like Vans usually work very well with plastic pedals because the rubber sole can bite into the molded pins.
Are concave BMX pedals better?
A concave shape helps your foot sit more securely in the middle of the pedal. I generally prefer this because it adds support and control.
Do more pedal pins mean more grip?
Not always. Pin height, placement, platform shape, and shoe sole also matter.
Are plastic BMX pedals good for beginners?
Yes. They’re cheap, light, easy to replace, and much less painful than metal pedals when they hit your shin.
How long do plastic BMX pedals last?
A good pair can last a long time, but aggressive street riding and pedal grinds will wear them faster.
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Note: This article was originally published on October 27, 2021. But I regularly review it and update it with necessary improvements for accuracy.
