Bike Pedals

Flat vs Clipless Bike Pedals

Flat pedals (platform pedals) use a wide platform to support your foot and are commonly paired with flat pedal shoes for improved grip and control. They allow quick foot placement and make it easy to step off the bike when needed.

As a side note:

Flat pedal shoes are ideal because the sole lasts longer. The pin on flat pedals can wear through soft soles on sneakers faster. Plus, sneakers have more flex. This means power isn't going to transferred to the bike as efficiently.

Clipless pedals (despite the name) use a cleat mounted to a compatible cycling shoe that clips securely into the pedal. This creates a more connected feel and can improve pedalling consistency and efficiency.

Always match your pedal system with compatible bike cleats and cycling shoes.

Flat Pedals

Best for: Mountain biking, recreational riding, commuting and riders building confidence.

Benefits

• Easy to put a foot down quickly
• Works well for technical riding and changing terrain
• Compatible with regular footwear or dedicated flat pedal shoes

Considerations

• Feet can move or bounce on rough terrain
• Grip depends heavily on shoe choice and pedal design

Clipless Pedals

Best for: Road cycling, gravel riding, cross-country MTB and long-distance riding.

Benefits

• Secure foot position
• Consistent pedalling feel
• Efficient for longer rides

Considerations

• Requires compatible cycling shoes and cleats
• Short adjustment period while learning to clip in and out

How to Choose

Choose flat pedals if you prioritise freedom of movement, versatility and confidence.

Choose clipless pedals if you want a more connected feel and ride longer distances or performance-focused disciplines.

Bike Pedals by Riding Style

The best bike pedals depend on where and how you ride.

Flat Pedals

Best for: Mountain biking, commuting, recreational riding and riders building confidence.

Flat pedals (platform pedals) provide a wide, stable surface and can be used with regular footwear or dedicated flat pedal shoes. Many riders choose flat pedals for easy foot placement and confidence on technical terrain.

Key benefit: Simple to use and easy to put a foot down when needed.

Road Clipless Pedals (3-Bolt)

Best for: Road cycling, endurance riding and performance-focused riding.

Road clipless pedals use larger 3-bolt cleats and a wider contact area to create a secure and consistent pedalling feel.

Key benefit: Efficient for longer rides and designed for dedicated road cycling shoes.

Mountain & Gravel Clipless Pedals (2-Bolt SPD)

Best for: Mountain biking, gravel riding, touring, commuting and indoor cycling.

SPD pedals use a smaller 2-bolt cleat system and are commonly paired with walkable cycling shoes. Many riders choose SPD pedals because they balance efficiency with everyday practicality.

Key benefit: Easy engagement and improved walking comfort off the bike.

Hybrid Pedals

Best for: Riders who switch between cycling shoes and regular footwear.

Hybrid pedals combine a flat pedal on one side with a clipless mechanism on the other, making them a versatile option for mixed-use riding.

Key benefit: Flexibility without committing to one pedal system.

SPD vs SPD-SL Explained

SPD and SPD-SL are Shimano clipless pedal systems designed for different riding styles.

SPD (2-bolt)

Uses a smaller cleat that sits recessed into the sole of the shoe, making walking easier. SPD pedals are commonly used for mountain biking, gravel riding, touring, commuting and indoor cycling.

Many SPD pedals are dual-sided for easier engagement.

SPD pedals are commonly paired with MTB shoes and are popular for mountain biking, gravel riding, touring and commuting because they balance efficient pedalling with practicality off the bike.

SPD-SL (3-bolt)

Uses a larger cleat and wider pedal platform designed for road cycling. SPD-SL shoes prioritise a stable pedalling feel and efficient power transfer but are generally less practical to walk in.

SPD-SL pedals are designed for road cycling and are commonly paired with road cycling shoes for a stable and efficient pedalling feel.

In general, choose SPD if versatility and walkability matter most, and choose SPD-SL if you're focused on dedicated road riding and performance.