When you hunt for a new set of bike pedals, you may find yourself a bit overwhelmed by the number of choices you have to pick from. Terms like “platform,” “clipless,” “float,” and “multiple releases” may come up without any explanation.
We’ve broken down these terms to help you understand your choices. The best bicycle pedals are ones that work with your bike, the type of cycling shoe you use when riding, and what is comfortable and preferred by you.
Table Of Contents
Best Bicycle Pedals Comparisons
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Brand |
Details |
|---|---|
Imrider Bike Pedals |
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RaceFace Chester Mountain Bike Pedal |
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SHIMANO PD-A530 SPD Dual Platform Bike Pedal |
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CRANKBROTHERS Mallet Enduro Pedals |
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Look KEO 2 Max Pedal |
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Importance of Bike Pedals
It’s important to understand what a bike pedal can do for you in terms of performance. First off, you have to be comfortable with your choice of bike pedal. If you feel that they’re too wide, too narrow, or create less friction than you prefer, then your ride is going to be compromised.
If you are a competitive rider, this could slow you down and even be dangerous depending on the type of riding you’re involved with.
Bike pedals are easy to change out, and finding the set that works with your own needs is well worth the little bit of time it takes to learn about your choices. Some are made for efficiency and can help with every push and pull you make to speed you through a course. Others are designed for stable foot placement to avoid slipping on the trail.
No matter which you choose, you want to make sure you are comfortable with it for a safe ride. Don’t leave home without the right pedals! Out of all the bike accessories, pedals are the most important. They propel you forward, help you maintain momentum, and stop you from hitting obstacles.
Types of Bicycle Pedals
There is a surprisingly large amount of bike pedal terminology to pay attention to when choosing a set of new pedals. For the most part, these are similar from one bike to the next. Pedals are interchangeable whether you’re shopping for a mountain bike or a road bike.
Another consideration you want to pay attention to is bike compatibility. Specialized bikes do require specialized care and add-ons. Always double check your bike can handle whatever pedal you choose.
Platform Pedals
Platform pedals are what most people think of when they picture a bike pedal. They’re a flat bike pedal that provides a surface where you rest your foot to power your downwards stroke. Wearing the right shoes helps you keep your balance and protect your feet, so make sure your shoes are up to the job!
Pedal Toe Cages/Straps
Toe cages, or toe clips, work with an adjustable strap that attaches to the front of a platform pedal to allow you to both pull up on the stroke, as well as push down for more efficient energy use.
Clipless Pedals
A clipless pedal allows you to clip your foot on top of the pedal itself. You can do this by mounting a small cleat to your cycling shoe or wearing a specially designed bike shoe that works with them. This provides a high level of control.
Clipless/Platform Dual System
This hybrid pedal allows you to ride either with or without a clipless pedal system. These pedals are designed to work comfortably with clipless bike shoe systems as well as without.
Pedal Float
The term “pedal float” refers to how much angular rotation you get when your foot is “clipped” into a clipless pedal system.
Some of these are fixed, whereas others allow for customization.
Lateral-Release Cleats
Lateral release cleats refer to how you remove your foot from clipless bicycle pedals. You must move your foot laterally (or side to side) to remove your foot from the clip.
Multiple-Release
These cleats provide different angles than a lateral release and are more forgiving overall. Depending on the type you buy, you may be able to move more outward or inward- or even up to release.
Pedal Maintenance
Pedals are made to move, but they often become dirty, grimy, and greasy. Regular bike maintenance is needed to keep your pedals moving as you expect and keep your ability to get in and out of a clipless system effortless. A cleaning brush and some good lubricant keep your pedals moving like they should.
How to Choose the Best Bicycle Pedals for Your Needs
Bike pedal choices truly are a personal choice, and not only should match your biking preference but also your comfort style. Consider the time you spend riding, what your biking goals are, and how efficient you are trying to be—whether you ride the road or trail.
Clipless bike pedals have as much power on the upstroke as down to keep you moving and in control, but they do take some getting used to. Platforms are made for quick on and off and provide maximum push.
Top 5 Bicycle Pedals Reviews
The following choices are based on consumer reviews and highlight some favored products by both bike enthusiasts and casual riders. These highlight some of the styles, shapes, and uses of various pedal designs to help you narrow down your choices.
Imrider Bike Pedals
- Weight: 0.88 lbs
- Purpose: All
- Type: Platform
Imrider bicycle pedals are made for all bike types and riding styles. Imrider produces lightweight aluminum pedals with a durable spindle to ensure a strong connection. Additionally, this platform pedal has an antiskid nail surface that provides a strong grasp to your shoe to help keep your foot from slipping. The bearing action is smooth for an easy feel when riding both the road and trail, plus the variety of colors can be paired with your bike for a fun addition to your bike look.
Pros
- Smooth bearing action
- Nail surface helps keep feet in place
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Not be the best for drops or jumps
- They’re a little narrow for some people
Who Should Purchase This Product:
Made for platform enthusiasts, these pedals grip your shoes and keep your feet where they need to be. If a lightweight, durable design is a must-have, these are worth checking out.
RaceFace Chester Mountain Bike Pedal
- Weight: 0.75 lbs
- Purpose: Mountain Bike
- Type: Platform
RaceFace makes a sturdy product, and their Chester Mountain Bike Pedal is no exception. They’ve created one of the best mountain bike pedals using an amazing composite pedal design with tons of customizability. These nylon composite pedals are incredibly durable and rely on a Chromoly steel axle for maximum use.
With 8 pins on each side, these are adjustable and replaceable to ensure you get the best grip no matter what terrain you’re tackling. (They work well with gravel bike tires, too, which are tires made especially for rough roads and untamed terrain). The breaking and brushing system is also accessible for service for a long-lasting product.
Pros
- Easy maintenance—grease and go
- Low weight and very durable
- Excellent traction
Cons
- Some pins may not adjust properly and need replacing
- Might not be wide enough
Who Should Purchase This Product:
Customize your bike with the great range of colors these pedals come in, and know your foot will be stable in just about any situation. These are made for aggressive riding and are considered an industry standard.
SHIMANO PD-A530 SPD Dual Platform Bike Pedal
- Weight: 0.84 lbs
- Purpose: All
- Type: Dual Clipless/Platform
Shimano is an industry go-to because of their wide variety of bike product options. These clipless/platform dual pedals are no exception and provide an easy platform riding experience, as well as a more aggressive SPD cleat to clip into for more serious adventures. This is considered the company’s lightest pedal and is a Chromoly spindle with a durable steel pedal body for durable use. Their product covers all the bases for your riding needs with an adjustable float, entry, and release.
Pros
- Great versatility
- Good bearing movement
- Does not flip to the heavier clip side like other models
Cons
- Platform side a little slick
- Paint can chip
Who Should Purchase This Product:
If a good all-around, lightweight pedal choice is on your list, this is an excellent consideration. The design is made to handle long, competitive rides and work for a casual trip to the store.
CRANKBROTHERS Mallet Enduro Pedals
- Weight: 0.92 lbs
- Purpose: All, Trail, Mountain
- Type: Clipless/Platform
Crankbrothers products are another popular brand in the bicycling industry. The spindle of the Mallet Enduro is of Chromoly steel for excellent durability and stability, with a lightweight aluminum pedal body and stainless steel wings for long-lasting performance. This clipless system has a 15/20 degree release angle and can be used as a platform choice that provides an adjustable hold with 6 pins per side for grip.
Pros
- Easy to clip out
- Very versatile and durable
- Comfortable platform size, good grip
Cons
- SPD cleats do not work with it
- No adjustability
Who Should Purchase This Product:
Made for aggressive riding, these pedals are a popular choice that allows a dual ride system for both clipless and durable platform grip. Available in a wide variety of colors, these are well worth your consideration.
Look KEO 2 Max Pedal
- Weight: 0.57 lbs
- Purpose: Road
- Type: Clipless
The Look KEO 2 Max Pedal has a steel wear plate and is extremely lightweight and durable. The stainless steel cleat contact area and oversized axles make this a comfortable ride. The axel is also sealed for increased longevity. They also offer a superior grip, are easy to get in and out of, and have a forgiving release.
Pros
- Very easy to get in and out of
- Durable and long-lasting
- Turns smoothly
Cons
- Winged extensions could shear off if improperly used
Who Should Purchase This Product:
If easy to use, lightweight clipless pedals are a must, these are a choice made to last that turn efficiently and are simple to maintain.
Conclusion
A good bike pedal can make a pretty significant difference to your biking experience, and allow you the power to push into a competitive state. Whether you prefer a clipless design or a platform, there are plenty of options to take advantage of to fit your personal needs. Remember to pay close attention to fit and comfort and overall make sure you get the pedal you need for efficiency and performance. If you have any questions, comments, or personal experience with any of our top picks, please share with us below!