Experienced cyclists know the differences between different types of pedal, and how they can enhance riding safety and handling of the bike. Unlike some other types, flat pedals make it easier to release from the bike when necessary or to put your foot down instantly without getting hung up on the pedal.
You might have already read our round-up of the best road bike pedals, and after a reader asked us for more on flat road bike pedals we’ve designed this one specifically to help you find the best flat pedals for your road bike.
Best Flat Road Bike Pedals
Flat pedals for road bikes should be comfortable, have excellent grip and be lightweight as well as aerodynamic. We spent hours narrowing down the options to bring you a list of high quality options.
Below we’ve listed 6 of the best flat road bike pedals that we know you’re going to love.
1. Shimano Unisex PD-A530 SPD Road Dual Platform Pedal
These pedals are high performance and excellent overall quality, with spd that increases pedaling efficiency. The design is excellent and accommodates a wide range of shoe styles. They’re clipless bike pedals by design and the innovation gives you a more unified transfer of power for greater pedaling efficiency. The mud-shedding design helps keep the pedals free of dirt and debris when you step on the pedal.
This is an excellent flat road bike pedal that works for mountain bikes as well. It’s a little more expensive than many other good pedals, but the SPD system increases efficiency and comfort so drastically, it’s worth the extra cost if you do a lot of riding. These are our best rated flat road bike pedals due to their efficiency, stability, and comfort as well as the innovative spd system the rider gets greater control.
Shimano PD-A530 Highlights:
- High functionality for the cost
- Greatbike flat pedals for commuting also for casual riding
- Lightweight pedals
2. SHIMANO PD-EH500 SPD Bike Pedals
This set comes with a cleat set and it’s an excellent value for dual-sided SPD pedals. The quality and build are strong and they come with a 2-year warranty for a guarantee of durability. They’re made of aluminum and a chrome-moly steel axle which are durable materials that will hold up under frequent use for increased reliability.
Shimano even threw in a set of multi-release cleats with the set, increasing the value The binding mechanism is light action with an easy clip in/clip out feature that is convenient when you make frequent clips in and out. The pedals are ideal when used with CT and MT shoes. They’re also compatible with SM-SH51 cleats if you’re looking for a compatible pedal.
Shimano PD-EH500 Highlights:
- Good grip on the platform side
- Set screws are included and they tighten nicely
- The set screws make the traction excellent on the platform side
- These are versatile SPD dual-sided bike pedals so you get a traditional pedal on one side and the SPD step in a feature on the other side.
3. ThinkTop Trade Bike Pedals
These are a top-seller and they’re frequently out of stock because of their great value and what you get for such a reasonable price. This model is a precision pedal with 3 bearings that gives them amazing bearing smoothness and a decrease in bearing error for technical riding.
They’re extra-grippy with an antiskid nail design for better traction and increased foot comfort. The versatility is another feature that makes them a good choice for a wide range of bikes including Mountain bicycles, City bicycle, Junior Bicycle, road bicycles, MBM, TCruises, or kids’ bikes.
ThinkTop Trade Bike Pedals Highlights:
- Stable going downhill
- Strong and sturdy build for reliability
- Precision bearings for a smoother ride
- A grippy pedal on the SPD side
4. Wellgo MG-1 Magnesium Sealed Platform Pedal
These are attractive black pedals that are a good value. The DU sealed bearing gives them durability and reliability. These are BMX pedals that are made with a slightly narrow width in comparison to some other pedals.
They are exceptionally grippy and lightweight for foot comfort and the grip makes them safer for riders who may need to step down or jump off quickly. Shoes stick when you need them to, but disengage quickly. These are great pedals for the cost, which is reasonable. They provide great grip, but it’s easy to take your feet off the pedals without getting hung up on cleats. They’re light which is a big selling point, but some find them to be a little small.
Wellgo MG-1 Highlights:
- Lightweight and easy to pedal
- They grip well
- Well-made and strong for reliability
5. OneUp Components Composite Pedal
OneUp’s composite pedal is a great value given its affordable price tag. They come in a choice of black, blue, green, or red colors. These are super grippy pedals that are an excellent choice for mountain bikes.
They’re ultra-thin with a large platform for foot comfort. The safety rating is high because of their ultra-grippy feature that holds shoes firmly on the pedal until you’re ready to take them off. They’re lightweight at just 355 grams a pair with 10 rear-loading steel pins and a well-built axle system that makes them durable and reliable.
OneUp Components Composite Pedal Highlights:
- The pedals are very grippy
- Great bearing system for a smooth ride
- The large platform is comfortable for long rides
6. Alston Aluminum Strong Pedal
These have to be considered one of the best road bike pedals around. When you don’t want to spend a lot on pedals but you’re looking for reliability and good quality, these are the best budget bike pedals. They deliver a smooth ride with a 3 bearing sealed system.
You have a choice of silver, black or red colors to complement the color of your bike. CNC aluminum alloy metal makes this bikes pedal strong and durable so you can depend on them to hold up They have a super-grip with an antiskid surface that gives you an excellent grasp The large platform makes them compatible to use with a range of different shoes.
Alston Strong Pedal Highlights:
- The width is good for hard pedaling and more power
- The pedals have a smooth free spin
- Attractive pedals made with great workmanship
- Cleats hold the shoe firmly in place on the pedal
A Guide to Buying Flat Road Bike Pedals
How can you know which are the best flat bike pedals? This depends on your riding style, the type of bike that you own, and your personal preferences. Our buying guide will give you some tips that will help you to determine what you’re looking for by examining the various features found in flat bike pedals and how they affect performance and comfort. Here are some frequently asked questions about bike pedals, the different types, and how to choose the best option to suit your riding needs.
What pedals should I get for my road bike?
Pedal size
We all have our own preferences so first, figure out what yours are. Some pedals are made with a wider platform to accommodate larger shoe sizes. If you have long or wide feet you may want to consider a pedal with a wide platform vs a narrow one. If your feet are smaller then you may prefer a more narrow or smaller pedal. Size does matter when it comes to comfort and control of the bike.
Weight
Most seasoned cyclists agree that lightweight pedals are more comfortable on long rides. They’re easier to push and they don’t fatigue the feet and calf muscles as quickly. Look for a pedal that is lightweight versus a heavier type.
Do clipless pedals really make a difference?
The major difference with clipless pedals is that they do give you more power on the upstroke. They improve cycling performance because they help you to generate more power on the downstroke, and on the upstroke as well. This allows you to go faster in a shorter amount of time. The answer to this question is yes, they really do make a big difference.
Do Cleats make you cycle faster?
Cleats hold the foot firmly in place on the pedal and they allow you to use more muscles when you cycle. You get a higher level of muscle power on both upstroke and downstroke. If you apply the energy, cleats can help you to cycle faster as it employs the use of different muscle groups.
Do pedals make a difference?
The type of pedals you use does make a difference in cycling. There has been an ongoing debate over which type is best. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, and in the end, it’s a matter of preference. Clipless pedals are more efficient if you’re into technical riding. They are the safest because it’s easier to take your feet off the pedals immediately if you need to put your foot down or jump clear of the bike.
Clipless is best for mountain biking when you’re pedaling over rough terrain. They make it easier to navigate over bumps, roots, or rocks when you’re traversing mountain trails. They keep the foot firmly anchored and they do provide a degree of stability. They also give you more control of the rear wheel, particularly for lifting and sliding. They also give you the sense of being attached to the bike which increases confidence on a psychological level. These are the best mountain bike pedal choice.
Flat pedals are faster and easier to use because there are no cleats and you don’t need to spend time with the setup of the cleats. You can wear practically any type of shoe versus the cleated type that requires a more technical shoe type for the best results. Any shoe that has a sticky sole and a flat surface will do. Most flat pedals are thin and give you a low center of gravity, and they help you to develop your core skills with greater ease. One of the best features of flat pedals is that they are safer because you can clear the pedal immediately if you need to jump off the bike or to put your foot down.
Conclusion
There are a lot of benefits associated with flat pedals, especially for beginning bike riders. We’ve included some of the best flat bike pedals for road bikes in our review to highlight the different features and how they might be beneficial for you. Consider your riding style, your personal preferences, and your riding needs as you consider the different styles and their features.