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Pedals Guide

Close-up of bike pedals on the trail

Find bike pedals that support your riding—whatever the terrain.

See which pedal type works best for road, MTB, gravel and commuting.

Overview

Pedals are a small upgrade that can completely change how your bike feels. The right set boosts confidence, improves stability and makes every ride smoother and more enjoyable.

This guide breaks down the main pedal types so you can choose the setup that best suits your riding style, terrain and goals.

Selection of different bike pedal types

Which type of pedal do I need?

Choosing pedals starts with understanding the kind of riding you do. Use this quick guide to find the style that fits your needs, then dive into the detailed sections below.

  • Flat Pedals – great for beginners, trail and gravity MTB riders who want freedom of movement and easy foot repositioning.
  • Clipless MTB Pedals – best for MTB and gravel riders who want efficient power transfer and secure engagement on rough terrain and climbs.
  • Clipless Road Pedals – ideal for road cyclists focused on speed, endurance and pedalling efficiency with a wide, stable platform.
  • Power Meter Pedals – perfect if you train with data, offering accurate power readings and easy swapping between bikes.
  • Cage Pedals – simple and practical for hybrid and city bikes, working well with everyday footwear.

Flat MTB Pedals

Confidence and control on every trail

Flat pedals are simple, intuitive and ideal for beginners through to advanced riders. They offer full freedom to position your feet, making them great for developing technique and riding challenging terrain.

Modern flat pedals use long, sharp pins for exceptional shoe grip, while adjustable pin height lets you fine-tune how locked-in or movable your foot feels. Larger platforms spread pressure for comfort on long rides, and some brands offer multiple platform sizes to better fit larger or smaller feet.

Thinner pedal bodies reduce the chance of pedal strikes on rocky trails. Many pedals use a concave profile to cradle your shoe and keep you centred when riding aggressively, while sealed bearings and quality bushings keep the pedal spinning smoothly even in muddy conditions.

PNW Flat mountain bike pedal on a trail bike

What to look for in flat MTB pedals

Here’s a quick overview of the key features to compare when choosing flat MTB pedals.

Pedal thicknessThinner pedals reduce pedal strikes and keep your weight lower and more stable on rough terrain.
Platform sizeLarger platforms improve comfort and security. Some brands offer different sizes to better suit larger or smaller feet.
Platform materialComposite bodies are light and affordable, while alloy pedals are tougher, repairable and often shaped for extra grip and stability.
Pin layoutRemovable metal pins offer the best grip and customisation. You can replace worn pins and tune height and placement to adjust how locked-in your foot feels.
Bearings & durabilityHigh-quality bearings and seals spin smoothly and last longer, especially for year-round or wet-weather riding.
Clipless MTB pedals on a mountain bike

Clipless MTB Pedals (including Gravel)

Secure and efficient off-road riding

Clipless MTB pedals give a strong, connected feel to the bike. They improve pedalling efficiency, keep your feet centred and make climbing feel smoother and more controlled. Most MTB systems use the SPD format, known for reliability and consistent performance across trail, XC and gravel.

Adjustable release tension lets you set a lighter feel while you learn or a firmer hold for aggressive riding. Platform-supported pedals add extra stability on rough ground or when you’re briefly unclipped. Cleat float – the small rotation your foot can make while clipped in – helps your knees track naturally and reduces fatigue on long days.

Different clipless systems offer distinct characteristics. SPD pedals use a solid, enclosed mechanism that creates a planted, predictable feel with adjustable release tension and strong durability. Eggbeater-style systems use an open, four-sided design that sheds mud extremely well and allows very easy engagement from any angle, which suits riders who race or ride in all conditions.

Some clipless MTB pedals also come in a single-sided SPD design, with a clip-in mechanism on one side and a flat platform on the other. This hybrid style lets you choose between clipped-in efficiency and flat-pedal freedom, making it ideal for varied terrain or stop-start riding.

What to look for in clipless MTB pedals

Here’s what to focus on when choosing clipless MTB or gravel pedals.

FloatFloat allows natural foot rotation while clipped in, reducing knee strain and improving comfort on longer rides.
Release tensionAdjustable tension helps newer riders unclip easily and lets experienced riders dial in a firmer, more secure feel.
Platform supportWider bodies add stability and confidence on technical terrain or when riding briefly unclipped.
SPD vs EggbeaterSPD offers a stable, predictable feel with a robust mechanism. Eggbeater systems prioritise mud clearance and easy, multi-angle engagement. The best choice depends on your preferred feel and conditions.
Cleat optionsDifferent cleats provide varied float and release characteristics, so you can match the feel to your riding style.

Clipless Road Pedals

Maximum efficiency for tarmac miles

Road clipless pedals use wide, stiff platforms and large cleats to spread pressure evenly across the foot. This reduces hot spots and improves long-distance comfort, while the efficient interface maximises the power you transfer to the pedals.

Different road systems let you fine-tune float and cleat position so your knees track comfortably during extended efforts. Shimano SPD-SL uses colour-coded cleats to set float levels, Look offers cleats with different float and release characteristics, and Speedplay/Wahoo systems allow micro-adjustable float at the cleat for a highly precise fit.

Larger platforms and stiffer materials enhance stability during sprints and climbs, while high-quality bearings keep everything smooth. They’re the natural choice for riders focused on speed, endurance and structured road training.

Road clipless pedals on a road bike crank

What to look for in clipless road pedals

Here’s what to consider when comparing different clipless road pedal systems.

Float adjustmentMore float helps joint comfort on long rides; less float provides a more locked-in, performance-focused feel.
Cleat optionsCleats control float and release feel. Choose the style that suits your pedalling and comfort needs.
Platform sizeWider platforms give better support under heavy pedalling loads, improving comfort and control.
Material choiceCarbon and alloy bodies increase stiffness and reduce weight, which benefits climbing and acceleration.
Bearing qualityHigher-end bearings offer smoother rotation and longer life, especially for riders training year-round.
Power meter pedals on a road bike

Power Meter Pedals

Train smarter with real power data

Power meter pedals are one of the easiest ways to bring accurate training data to any bike. They install quickly, swap easily between bikes and are available for road, gravel and MTB/SPD systems.

Unlike crank or spider-based systems, pedal power meters work across multiple bikes without worrying about crank compatibility. They provide reliable data for tracking progress, planning workouts and comparing your efforts across different routes and conditions.

You can choose single-sided pedals if you want simple, consistent power numbers, or dual-sided models if you’d like detailed left/right balance for fine-tuning your technique.

What to look for in power meter pedals

Here’s a quick guide to the main features to compare when choosing power meter pedals.

Road vs MTB optionsRoad versions prioritise stiffness and efficiency, while MTB/SPD versions add stronger seals and mud resistance.
Single vs dual sidedDual-sided measures each leg separately. Single-sided offers consistent power data at a lower cost and weight.
Cleat compatibilityCheck that the pedal system matches your existing shoes and cleats, whether road or SPD.
Battery or rechargeableChoose between replaceable batteries and USB-rechargeable designs depending on how you prefer to maintain your kit.
Accuracy & calibrationLook for models known for consistent accuracy and simple calibration so your training data stays reliable.

Cage Pedals (Hybrids & City Bikes)

Simple and practical for everyday riding

Cage pedals are lightweight, reliable and ideal for everyday riding. Their open metal frame works with any footwear and provides a stable platform for relaxed commuting and leisure rides.

They suit riders who want simplicity and low maintenance rather than technical performance. If you mainly ride in casual or work shoes and value easy “step on and go” usability, cage pedals are a solid choice.

Cage pedals on a hybrid or city bike

Shoe compatibility

Choosing the right pedals goes hand-in-hand with choosing the right shoes. Each pedal type works best with a specific shoe design, which affects comfort, grip and overall performance.

Flat pedal shoes (sticky rubber soles)
Flat pedals work best with dedicated flat-pedal MTB shoes. These use sticky rubber outsoles that grip pedal pins securely, improving control and stability on rough terrain. Skate-style soles can work for casual rides, but sticky-rubber MTB soles give noticeably better traction, especially in wet conditions.

MTB / gravel clipless shoes (2-bolt SPD)
For clipless MTB pedals, you’ll need shoes that accept a recessed 2-bolt SPD cleat. This design makes walking comfortable and keeps the cleat protected. These shoes suit MTB, gravel, cyclocross and commuting – anywhere you want efficient pedalling with off-bike practicality.

Road clipless shoes (3-bolt SPD-SL / Look)
Road pedals use a 3-bolt cleat system that provides a wide, stable interface for maximum efficiency. The stiff sole and large cleat help transfer power smoothly. These shoes are best for road cycling, endurance rides and performance-focused training.

FAQs

Got questions before you choose your pedals? Here are some of the most common things riders ask us about bike pedals and set-up.

Which pedals are best for beginners?

Flat pedals offer grip, confidence and easy foot movement, making them perfect for new riders who want to focus on balance, braking and basic skills.

Which pedals are best for gravel riding?

Most gravel riders choose SPD-style clipless pedals for stability, mud-shedding and efficiency over mixed terrain. Grippy flat pedals can also work well for more relaxed gravel adventures.

Which pedals are best for trail and all-mountain riding?

Flat pedals are popular for technical trails thanks to their freedom of movement and easy foot repositioning. Many riders also use SPD clipless pedals for added efficiency and climbing support.

Which pedals are best for downhill or bike-park riding?

Flat pedals are the go-to choice for downhill because they let you move freely, adjust your stance instantly and step off quickly if needed. Some gravity riders also use clipless pedals for extra security.

Which pedals are best for MTB racing?

For XC, enduro and downhill racing, many riders choose clipless MTB pedals for efficient power transfer, secure foot placement and consistent feel on rough terrain. Some downhill riders still prefer flats for maximum freedom of movement.

Which pedals are best for road cycling?

Clipless road pedals (SPD-SL/Look style) offer the most efficient and stable platform for long rides, training and performance road cycling.

Which pedals are best for commuting?

Cage pedals or flat pedals are ideal for commuting, especially if you ride in everyday shoes. SPD clipless pedals are also popular with riders who want more efficiency.

Which pedals are best for e-bikes?

Flat pedals with strong grip work well for most e-bike riders. Clipless MTB pedals are also great for e-MTB riders who want stability and smooth power delivery.

Do I need special shoes for flat or clipless pedals?

Flat pedals work best with sticky-rubber MTB shoes for strong grip and control. Clipless pedals require matching cleats: 2-bolt SPD shoes for MTB and gravel, or 3-bolt SPD-SL/Look shoes for road cycling.

Are power meter pedals worth it?

Yes – if you follow structured training or want to track performance over time. They’re accurate, easy to move between bikes and available for both road and SPD systems.

Can I use MTB clipless pedals on a road bike?

Yes. Many riders prefer SPD pedals on road bikes for commuting, touring or bikepacking because the shoes are easier to walk in and more versatile off the bike.
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