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Difference between bmx and mtb platforms?

33K views 13 replies 11 participants last post by  Tibor  
#1 ·
I just got myself a very good deal on a pair of platforms but they're bmx. What exactly are the difference between them and mtb pedals?
 
#5 · (Edited)
The differences that I notice is the width and platform size. The trend these days for mountain bike flat pedals is to have a thin profile; most of the BMX pedals that I have seen are usually chunky looking. Also, BMX pedals typically have less pins that are not replaceable.

Basically, up to a few years ago, mountain bike flat pedals were BMX flat pedals.

On the subject of pedal threads, pretty much any modern bike, BMX or other, has 9/16 inch pedal threads; I have only noticed 1/2 inch pedal threads on some kids bikes and really old bikes.
 
#8 ·
The differences that I notice is the width and platform size. The trend these days for mountain bike flat pedals is to have a thin profile; most of the BMX pedals that I have seen are usually chunky looking. Also, BMX pedals typically have less pins that are not replaceable.

Basically, up to a few years ago, mountain bike flat pedals were BMX flat pedals.

On the subject of pedal threads, pretty much any modern bike, BMX or other, has 9/16 inch pedal threads; I have only noticed 1/2 inch pedal threads on some kids bikes and really old bikes.
Yeah, they are a bit massive but they're mag pedals so not really that heavy and came with replacement pins. I bought them 75% off from their price tag so can't really complain much. I should be alright with this on trails, right?
Image
 
#11 · (Edited)
1 piece cranks have 1/2" pedal threads, and 3 piece cranks have 9/16". It has nothing to do with BMX or MTB but does price and weight. You'll find cheaper, heavier 1 piece cranks, with 1/2" threads, on all types of bikes at lower price points.

Lotsa BMX pedals are plastic, but again, it's more about weight and price. Think for adults, or larger people, plastic is a bad idea since it can break much easier and that could hurt.

If the BMX pedals work for ya, use 'em. I have, and still do. It's more about the marketing, and many are marketed for both, or can/should be. Pretty sure that Wellgo's MG1, which is probably the most popular pinned platform pedal for MTBs, are only listed under their BMX pedals on Wellgo's website.
 
#13 ·
Those Primo pedals will probably last you forever, especially since you won't be grinding them.

There is hardly a difference between "BMX" and "MTB" platforms, just different trends really. FWIW, PC (plastic) BMX pedals are actually pretty nice, especially the Odyssey twisted pc's. The just don't do well if your feet are wet.

If I were buying new platforms, I'd buy something designed by a BMX company most likely because they are cheaper.
 
#14 ·
i used both types over ther years... what i found out is that bmx types are often more build for durabilty... while the MTB Platforms where much lighter...but didn't lasted es long especially the bearings... but i never used "high-price" platforms maybe in the upper price range there are mor equal?