Best Road Bike Pedals

Review & Comparison, Last Update May 14, 2024
Every modern bike, including road bikes, is equipped with a pair of pedals, which serve for transferring the pedaling energy into the drive wheel rotation energy. While there are a great many pedal models on the market we‘ve chosen the best 5 to ease your search. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Intended Purpose
Design
Material
Convenience features
Weight
Warranty
 
PROS
Extremely lightweight and durable pedals, which provide a superb control and foot-pedal coupling. In addition, this model has a stylish look.
CONS
The blue spraying may wear off with time.
OUR VERDICT
If you go in for the MTB or like long-distance rides on your bike we highly recommend putting the Shimano PD-A600 into your pedals considerations list. Because buying these road bike pedals will not make regret a single time even after riding a thousand miles.
detailed parameters
Type
Clipless SPD road bike pedals
Intended Purpose
MTB and Touring
Design
Extra-wide pedal platform for efficient power transfer
Material
Aluminum
Convenience features
Adjustable entry and release tension setting
Weight
10.09 oz
Warranty
2 years
PROS
The wide platform of the pedals is capable of supporting the sole of your shoe in a most effective and comfortable way.
CONS
The bearings of Flat Road Pedals are hard to spin.
OUR VERDICT
If you love extreme bicycle riding then the Onedayshop pedals are your cup of tea. Their rigid structure and wide platform will allow you to unleash your mettle in such disciplines as MTB and BMX or have a comfortable ride on a highway.
detailed parameters
Type
Platform road bike pedals
Intended Purpose
MTB, BMX, Road, Cruisers
Design
Wide platform design, the shell is made of exquisite CNC production
Material
Aluminum
Convenience features
Simple and elegant design
Weight
15.9 oz
Warranty
Amazon's 30-day return policy
PROS
These pedals by Shimano are a stunning combination of a high versatility of use, reliable and lightweight cone bearings with serviceable cups.
CONS
The platform pedal side has no cleats, which may worsen the foot-pedal coupling.
OUR VERDICT
Shimano A530 are reference-quality pedals. Their innovative design and rugged body make them a number one choice for the fans of bike riding in the wild as well as for lovers of cycling in a city.
detailed parameters
Type
Clipless SPD
Intended Purpose
Cycle ride and cycle touring
Design
SPD clipless platform on one side and a curve in platform on the other
Material
Aluminum
Convenience features
Cleat adjustment, possible to use with both clipped and regular shoes
Weight
13.5 oz
Warranty
1 year
PROS
The PD-R540 pedals have a dual-purpose design and combine several manufacture materials for achieving the maximum reliability of use.
CONS
The surface of the plastic elements may get scratched after some time.
OUR VERDICT
Requiring minimum maintenance efforts Shimano PD-R540 bike pedals offer a maximum feel of comfort during use. The conformity to the SPD-SL standard ensures a very firm shoe-pedal coupling and improves the efficiency of your pedaling.
detailed parameters
Type
Clipless SPD-SL
Intended Purpose
Cycle ride and cycle touring
Design
Single-sided cleated platform
Material
Aluminum / Chrome / Plastic
Convenience features
The platform of the pedals is built around a spindle with cone bearings, which do not require servicing and offer a spring tension adjustment
Weight
11.6 oz
Warranty
2 years
PROS
These modern road bike pedals are priced very moderately and are compatible with all bicycle types. The are manufactured from corrosion-resistant materials.
CONS
Despite the modern materials used these pedals are a temporary solution.
OUR VERDICT
The low price and high compatibility allow pairing these Schwinn road bike pedals with nearly any bike. The reflectors make this model equally good for daytime and night use.
detailed parameters
Type
Flat / platform pedals
Intended Purpose
Cycle ride
Design
Monolithic platform with cleats
Material
High-hardness engineering plastic
Convenience features
Feature the CPSC-approved reflectors for an increased visibility in low light conditions
Weight
12.8 oz
Warranty
Amazon's 30-day return policy
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Shimano PD-A600 SPD

Professionals Recommend

The Shimano PD-A600 clipless pedals are the road bike pedals model by the famous brand, which combines a high manufacture quality with a maximum practicality and suit perfectly all those fond of MTB racing fans or long-distance cycle riding fans. PD-A600 Shimano road bike pedals refer to the so-called clipless pedals, which implies their use together with special cycle shoes that are to be clipped in special concealed clips on the pedals to provide a user a maximum control and ensure a bike riding efficiency. As these pedals are made entirely of a robust yet lightweight aluminum they are reliable and durable exhibiting a weight of only 10.09 oz. All the while each pedal offers a wide platform for your foot to step on and to transfer the energy of your pedaling to the driving wheel of your bike. It will be rational to concern yourself with buying the appropriate pair of shoes for using with the pedals after buying the pedals themselves. Obviously the Shimano SH-RT82 Shoes - Men's model is a perfect fit in this case.

Review of Shimano PD-A600 SPD Road Bike Pedals

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B003N3RUFY

VIDEO
Test Ride Shimano A600 Clipless Pedals Review Commute Bike Blogger

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

I like the light weight and it fits with the rest of the Ultegra components.

Features

Pedals bearings may seem stiff at first but loosen up with use overtime.
 

Onedayshop Flat

An Obvious Choice for Extreme Biking Fans

If you are a fan of MTB and BMX types of cycling we highly recommend you to consider pedals with a wide platform and high rigidity. One of the prominent models of road bike platform pedals is the Flat Pedals by Onedayshop manufacturer. These pedals are a platform or flat type ones. With that, the road bicycle pedals give you the major benefits of their flat design owing to their maximally wide platform for stepping and thus ensuring a secure support for your feet. This ergonomic design is combined with an overall structure rigidity, which enables you to apply force on the pedal platform unevenly and in different areas without risking to injure your feet and lose a firm pedal-shoe contact. The versatile mounting of these road bike platform pedals allows their installation on a large number of bikes, including Kids’ bikes. As for the material, these platform pedals are made from a lightweight and strong aluminum alloy that allowed for improving their weight and usability. As high-quality road bicycle pedals, this model offers high reliability and many years of operation. Despite the fact that the pedals do their part, you still need to address the issue of maintaining a proper blood circulation in your buttocks to feel comfortable during long bike rides. To address this issue manufacturers have developed a range of bike saddles, which make it possible to enjoy even long roads and keep a normal blood circulation in the lower part of your body. One of these comfortable saddles is the OUTERDO Bike Saddle Mountain Bike Seat Professional Road MTB Gel Comfort Bicycle Seat Cycling Seat Cushion Pad 27*15cm.

Review of Onedayshop Flat Road Bicycles Pedals
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B013S9YMPS

 

Shimano A530 SPD Pedals

Combining the Advantages

The feature that makes all the difference for the A530 Shimano road bike pedals is their dual purpose. This advantage is produced by the implementation of different pedal types on different sides: one pedal side has an SPD cleat design, which allows for using in combination with clipped shoes, the another pedal side is a flat platform suitable for the use with ordinary shoes. With that, these dual purpose road bike pedals are very good for everyday use as they serve well both for short rides within a city and long cycling trips. This approach is highly valued by cycling amateurs, who plan to move to clipless pedals from the flat ones and by long ride fans. This dual-function road bike pedals by Shimano, as well as the other Shimano products are known for their durability. The pedals contain hermetically sealed bearings in their spindles, which do not require user maintenance even after riding your bicycle through a dusty or dirty road. Please, remember that pedals, however reliable they are, constitute only a part of your bike while the other parts may fault. To avoid these possible faults taking you by surprise when on the road consider buying the versatile Topeak Mini 9 Bike Tool.

Review of Shimano A530 SPD Pedals

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00AAOIAQC

VIDEO
Shimano A530 SPD Single Sided Touring Pedals - Unboxing - Fitting - Review
 

Shimano PD-R540 SPD-SL

Maximum Coupling

Shimano PD-R540 are the road bike pedals conforming to SPD-SL standard, which were designed for achieving a maximum speed when riding a road bike. This model stands out from its contenders for a fast and easy clip in and an excellent foot-pedal stability and convenience, which contribute to improving the pedaling efficiency. These factors are of a great importance because when doing a long-distance riding you will not experience a discomfort in your feet due to the special design of these Shimano road bike pedals and their cleat-dependent float that reduces a foot load and prevents pain and injury in leg muscles and tendons in your knees and ankles. The overall durability and usability of these road bicycle pedals are ensured in particular by the case bearings, which also do not need maintenance and servicing. Rather than making this model a uniform in terms of a build material Shimano decided to combine aluminum and chrome with plastic elements, which enabled the company to reduce the weight of the pedals to 11.6 ounces. One can say that these are one of the lightest road bike pedals that offer a nice usability. We also suggest a useful addition to your gear, which will provide a tight handle bar grip. This accessory that positively impacts the riding experience is the Giro Bravo Gloves.

Review of Shimano PD-R540 SPD-SL Road Pedals

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B004XG5XNG

VIDEO
Shimano SPD SL Pedals PD R540 being fitted
 

Schwinn Universal Pedal

A Comprehensive Approach and a Simple Solution

These Schwinn road bike pedals may have a simple look but offer much versatility and will not hit fans of unhasting bicycle rides in the pocket. While these beginner road bike pedals can’t boast a full-metal body their composite body is durable enough to serve you for several years and does, which is also important does not rust. Of course, if you are an avid mountain bicyclist or a fan of some other extreme biking type you should consider other pedal options. This universal model of road bike pedals by Schwinn feature the CPSC approved reflectors that are intended for an increased visibility in low light conditions thus improving the safety of riding. The platform of the pedals has a cleat pattern, which provides a firm coupling of your shoes with the pedals and prevents shoe slipping. However, despite the fact that these beginner road bike pedals perform well we recommend considering a bike saddle to cover the riding comfort issue. One of the low-budget yet practical options is the Zacro Gel Bike Seat - BS031 Extra Soft Gel Bicycle Seat - Bike Saddle Cushion with Water&Dust Resistant Cover (Black).

Review of Schwinn Universal Pedal
Last updated price $15.86
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0089WYT5I

 

What is are Road Bike Pedals

Bicycle pedals are among the top-priority parts for any bicyclist as they affect both the efficiency of pedaling and comfort of driving. Bike pedals are key components that provide a firm support for the feet and serve for transferring kinetic energy from the feet to a chain wheel and further on to the wheel of a bike. That is why choosing a pair of bike pedals that suit your pedaling mechanics best among the multitude of options is not a trivial task.

If you're an addicted cyclist on guard of all novelties, our review on the Electric Bikes will surely be interesting for you. If you don't think you're ready to give up on cycling but for any reason can't go outside for a ride, make sure to read about Bike Trainers and choose one to keep on cycling at home right in front of TV. 

Sources:

1. Bike pedals buying guide, Wiggle.

2. Bike Pedals: How to Choose and Use, REI. December 8, 2015.

3. Ben Delaney How to choose clipless road pedals, BikeRadar. June 17, 2014.

4. Jeff Barber How to Choose the Best Mountain Bike Pedals, Singletracks. July 12, 2016.

5. David Fiedler What Kind of Bike Pedals Should You Use? About. August 25, 2016.

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