Video: Pedals Buyer's Guide
Pedals are one of the most important contact points on your bike. They affect comfort, control, power transfer, and how connected you feel while riding.
The main choice is between flat pedals and clipless pedals, with different systems designed for road, mountain, and gravel riding.
Flat Pedals
Flat pedals use a wide platform with texture, molded grips, or metal traction pins to hold your foot in place.
Their biggest advantage is simplicity. You can use almost any shoe, step on naturally, and remove your foot without learning a special motion.
Flat pedals are a strong choice for:
- Beginners
- Casual riders
- Mountain bikers
- Riders who frequently put a foot down
- Anyone who values ease of use
Popular options include DEITY Deftrap, Crankbrothers Stamp, and Race Face Chester pedals.
Clipless Pedals
Clipless pedals connect a cycling shoe to the pedal using a dedicated cleat.
This gives you consistent foot placement, a more secure connection, and a stiffer pedaling platform. Clipless systems can also help with bike fit because your foot returns to the same position every time.
The downside is that they require compatible shoes and a twisting motion to release your foot.
Understanding Float
Float is the amount your foot can rotate before the pedal begins to release.
Some riders prefer a locked-in feel, while others benefit from more movement. The best amount of float depends on comfort, fit, and individual biomechanics.
Road Clipless Pedals
Road pedals typically use a large platform and a three-bolt cleat for a stiff, supportive feel.
Common options include:
- Shimano SPD-SL: Available at several price points with 0-, 2-, or 6-degree float options.
- Look Keo: Similar large-platform design with 0-, 4.5-, or 9-degree float options.
- Wahoo Speedplay: Offers dual-sided entry and extensive float adjustment from 0 to 15 degrees.
- SRM X-Power Road: Uses a low-stack design for a direct pedal feel but requires compatible Q36.5 shoes.
Road cleats sit outside the shoe, making them less comfortable for walking and more vulnerable to damage.
Mountain Bike Clipless Pedals
Mountain bike systems use a smaller, recessed two-bolt cleat. This makes the shoes easier to walk in and better suited to rough terrain.
- Shimano SPD is a durable, reliable option with adjustable release tension and two-sided entry.
- Crankbrothers pedals offer four-sided entry and lightweight designs, making them popular for cross-country and gravel riding.
- Wolf Tooth offers SPD-compatible pedals with adjustable Q-factor on select models, along with larger platform options for added shoe support and control.
What About Gravel?
Most gravel riders use mountain bike shoes and pedals because they offer better walkability, durability, and easier engagement.
Road pedals may provide a lighter and stiffer setup, but exposed plastic cleats can be damaged when walking on rocks or loose gravel.
Bottom Line
Pedal choice comes down to how and where you ride. Flat pedals prioritize simplicity and confidence, while clipless systems create a more secure and consistent connection to the bike.
For most road riders, we recommend a road clipless system for its stiff platform, efficient power transfer, and stable pedaling feel. However, riders who want easier engagement and release, or better walkability, can use a mountain bike clipless pedal and recessed two-bolt shoe on a road bike.
For mountain biking and gravel, durability, walkability, and easy engagement often matter more. The right system is the one that gives you the best balance of comfort, control, and confidence on your typical rides.
