Finding the perfect bike pedals can significantly impact your riding experience, from comfort and efficiency to overall performance. This comprehensive review dives deep into the best and worst pedals across various categories, helping you navigate the often-confusing world of pedal choices. We'll examine road, mountain, and even combination pedals, highlighting both top performers and models to avoid. Our analysis considers factors like build quality, durability, adjustability, and rider feedback, providing a clear picture of what to expect from each model.This guide isn't just a list; it's a detailed comparison of various brands and models, covering everything from entry-level options to high-end professional choices. We explore the pros and cons of each, pinpointing specific strengths and weaknesses to ensure you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and riding style. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a new enthusiast, this review will equip you with the knowledge to choose the pedals that best suit your riding experience.
Pros And Cons
- Comes in three different stance options
- Historically neutrally balanced, leading to accidental disengagement
- Previously had poor bearing quality and lacked adjustability
- Available in different stances and axle lengths
- Extremely expensive cleats
- Cleats wear out quickly
- Excessive shoe rock and foot instability
- Many small parts prone to issues
- Available with 8mm and 15mm extended axles
- Good fit solution for those needing 15mm axle extensions
- Not a great pedal
- Uses a Kio pedal cleat ripoff
- Larger target area for easier foot placement, even if not clipped in
- Heavy
- Cheap bearings
Read more: 5 Best Child Bike Pedals for Smooth Rides
Shimano SPDSL Pedals: A Mixed Bag
The Shimano R540 SPDSL pedal, while budget-friendly, suffers from poor aluminum construction and excessive cleat float. This instability can lead to a destabilizing riding experience and ultimately, I wouldn't recommend it.
However, the rest of the Shimano SPDSL range, from the R550 upwards, shines with superior build quality and performance. The resin and higher-end models offer stable platforms, durable bearings, and excellent adjustability, making them a desirable choice for cyclists.
A notable exception is the extended axle SPDSL version, available in Ultegra and Dura Ace. This significantly improves comfort and stability, especially for riders with wider foot placements. This is a top-selling option and well worth the investment.
Shimano MTB Pedals: A Tale of Two Models
The Shimano M520 mountain bike pedals are plagued by inferior bearings. They quickly degrade, leading to a complete system failure—a major drawback that makes them a poor investment.
In stark contrast, the Shimano M540, the next model up, significantly improves bearing quality. It boasts increased longevity and offers performance comparable to higher-end models in the Shimano range.
This highlights that investing in better quality bearings, as in the M540 and other higher-end models such as XT and XTR, is essential for long-term use and performance.
Look Kéo Pedals: Performance and Durability
The Kéo Classic, Look's entry-level model, is largely constructed of plastic, making it prone to cracking and quick wear. Its lack of a metal stability plate is a significant weakness.
In contrast, the Kéo 2 Max offers superior durability and adjustability. Available in plastic or carbon fiber, it provides a versatile option with replaceable bearings and adjustable float options, catering to various rider preferences.
The Look Kéo Blade system introduces a carbon leaf spring, offering different tensions. However, higher tensions can make it difficult to release, and the neutral weighting makes it less user-friendly for beginners.
Wahoo Speed Play Pedals: Expensive and Flawed?
Wahoo Speed Play pedals offer customizable axle lengths and stances but suffer from extremely expensive cleats and alarming wear rates. The cleat retention spring degrades rapidly, resulting in excessive rock and instability.
While offering many adjustment options, the excessive need for adjustment often points to other biomechanical issues that should be addressed. The complexity and frequent issues with the small bolts and screws are significant drawbacks.
The Wahoo Speed Play power meter introduces a large pod that interferes with some shoes and cleats, requiring additional spacers. This negates some of the system's benefits and negatively impacts hip movement during pedaling.
Time XPro 12 Pedals: A Potential Contender
Time pedals have historically been less favored due to neutral balance, accidental disengagement, and limited adjustability. However, the Time XPro 12 offers three different stance options, a marked improvement.
While not as wide as ideal, the axle options offer better adjustability than previous models. The availability of various stance options makes this pedal a more competitive choice.
Although previously criticized for inferior bearing quality and accidental disengagement, the XPro 12 addresses these issues with improvements in bearing quality and stance options.
Crank Brothers Pedals: Mud Shedding and Float
The Crank Brothers Egg Beater, known for its excellent mud shedding and float, sacrifices some durability. The smaller pedal size can compromise stability in demanding conditions.
The Crank Brothers Candy series, with its larger body, retains the positive aspects of the Egg Beater—easy entry, dual-sided engagement, and excellent mud shedding—while providing a more stable platform.
Both Egg Beater and Candy systems offer great mud shedding and float, however, stability is better with the Candy series due to the larger platform. This makes them attractive, especially for off-road riding.
SQlab Pedals: Niche Solutions for Wide Stances
SQlab pedals, while less common, offer unique solutions, particularly the 511 and 512 models with extended axle options for SPD and Look Kéo systems. These cater to riders needing wider stances.
However, bearing quality and overall finish could be improved. They are a viable solution for those requiring significant adjustments, but not ideal if you’re prioritizing premium pedal performance.
The 511 (SPD) and 512 (Look Kéo) models from SQlab are valuable for riders who need extended axle lengths to accommodate wider stances. However, their overall quality and finish are average.
Keywin KC850 Pedals: Low Stack Height and Wide Interface
The Keywin KC850 stands out with its exceptionally low stack height and wide cleat interface. It also offers 3mm and 6mm axle adjustments for personalized fit and stability.
The wide cleat interface and low stack height make the Keywin KC850 a compelling option for cyclists seeking optimal power transfer and comfort.
With its unique features, this pedal represents a strong contender for cyclists seeking performance and customization options. It’s a niche choice but very valuable to the right users.
Flat Pedals: DMR V12 vs. The Rest
Avoid cheap plastic flat pedals at all costs; they are prone to cracking and failure. The DMR V8, while an improvement, falls short due to inferior bearing quality.
The DMR V12, with its sealed cartridge bearings, boasts vastly superior durability. This superior quality makes it a more reliable and long-lasting option for flat pedal users.
For reliable and durable flat pedals, the DMR V12 excels with its sealed cartridge bearings, ensuring longevity and smooth performance. Consider material choices carefully; aluminum and magnesium versions are available.
Shimano SPD Trail Pedals: Versatility for Mountain Bikers
Shimano SPD trail pedals, particularly the XT trail version, provide a larger platform and increased stability. This larger platform makes them easier to re-engage quickly, useful when off-road.
While heavier and less refined than other SPD models, their larger surface area is beneficial for off-road riding, acting as a stable base even if you accidentally unclip.
The Shimano ME700, though heavier and featuring cheaper bearings, offer a wider platform. This makes them a worthwhile choice for off-road or mountain biking where re-engagement is crucial.
Combination Pedals: A Verdict on the EH500
Combination pedals like the Shimano EH500, with SPD on one side and a flat pedal on the other, are generally ill-advised. The design often makes it awkward to clip in or use the flat side.
The EH500 and its cheaper counterpart, the M324, suffer from poor design. The awkward orientation of the pedals almost always results in difficulty with either the SPD or flat side.
Unless your needs are truly unique and this combination is unavoidable, I strongly advise avoiding combo pedals. The inconvenience often outweighs the perceived advantages.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Pedal System
Choosing the right pedal system hinges on individual needs and riding style. Road cyclists seeking high-end performance will appreciate Shimano's upper-tier SPDSL pedals or the Look Kéo 2 Max.
Mountain bikers value durability and stability; the DMR V12 stands out for flat pedals, while Shimano's higher-end SPD trails provide security and versatility.
Budget constraints should not compromise quality. Investing in well-made pedals, even if more expensive initially, delivers long-term benefits through improved performance and durability.