Road bike pedals

The right road bike pedals give you a secure connection to your bike and help you make the most of every pedal stroke. From lightweight clipless pedals for racing to versatile options for everyday riding, there's a setup for every rider. Discover the different pedal systems, how they work and what to look for when choosing your next pair.

Your guide to road bike pedals:

• Road bike clipless pedals – what are they and how do they work?
• What types of road bike clipless pedals are available?
• Power meter pedals – measure your performance
• Are there alternatives to clipless road bike pedals?
• What accessories do you need for road bike pedals?
• How to clip in and out of road bike pedals

A Tour de France victory that changed cycling technology forever. In 1985, Bernard Hinault became the first rider to win the race using clipless pedals. LOOK had introduced the technology just a year earlier, making it one of the most groundbreaking new bike parts at the time. Hinault's victory helped bring clipless pedals into the spotlight. They quickly spread through the professional peloton before becoming popular with amateur racers and recreational cyclists. Today, clipless pedals are the standard choice for road cycling, from long-distance rides to professional racing.

Clipless pedals work much like ski bindings. A cleat attached to the sole of your cycling shoe locks into a mechanism on the pedal, creating a secure connection between your foot and the bike. This keeps your foot in a consistent position and allows you to apply force throughout more of the pedal stroke. Unlike conventional bike pedals, clipless systems also let you pull upward on the pedals when needed. The secure connection supports controlled pedaling and efficient power transfer.

One important difference: Most mountain bike pedals have a mechanism on both sides, while traditional road bike clipless pedals are usually single-sided. Their weight distribution generally helps them hang in a position that makes clipping in easier. To use them, you'll need compatible cleats mounted to your cycling shoes.

Road bike clipless pedals vary in weight, construction, intended use and pedal system. For competitive cyclists, lightweight construction and efficient power transfer are often priorities. High-end pedals frequently use carbon components, with some weighing less than 100 g. These performance-focused designs usually come at a higher price. Recreational road cyclists and touring riders can choose more affordable options, which tend to be slightly heavier. Gravel riders often prefer clipless systems compatible with off-road cycling shoes, making walking on rough terrain easier.

The biggest differences between pedal systems come down to their design. Manufacturers use different engagement mechanisms, cleat shapes and contact areas. Pedals also vary in the amount of rotational foot movement they allow, known as float, and in their adjustment options. At BIKE24, you'll find road bike pedals from Garmin, LOOK, Shimano, Time, Wahoo Fitness, XLC and other established brands. Our product descriptions help you compare the features of each system.

Two examples show how different these designs can be:

LOOK Kéo: This system uses triangular cleats with a large contact area. A spring-loaded mechanism holds the cleat securely in place, producing a distinct click when you engage. The amount of float depends on the cleats you choose.

Wahoo Speedplay: Instead of placing the engagement mechanism inside the pedal body, Speedplay integrates it into the cleat. This allows for a compact, round pedal with dual-sided entry. The cleat assembly is larger and heavier, but you can adjust float without changing cleats.

The best road bike pedals for you depend on your riding style, preferred cleat system and budget. Consider weight, float, ease of entry and compatibility with your cycling shoes before choosing.

Power meter pedals measure your pedaling power using integrated sensors. They're popular with performance-focused cyclists who want to track their output, structure training sessions and monitor progress. Like conventional road bike pedals, power meter pedals come in different designs and systems. The additional electronics can make them slightly heavier than standard pedals, but many riders consider that a worthwhile trade-off for accurate training data. At BIKE24, you'll find power meter pedals from brands including Favero Electronics, Garmin and Wahoo Fitness.

Absolutely. While clipless pedals dominate road cycling, they're not your only option. Gravel riders often choose gravel or mountain bike pedals with recessed cleats and shoes designed for walking on uneven terrain. SPD pedals for road bikes are another versatile option, particularly if you want a clipless system that's easier to walk in than traditional three-bolt road shoes. Riders building classic or retro road bikes may prefer traditional toe clip pedals, which secure the foot using a cage and strap rather than a clipless mechanism. For commuting and casual riding, road bike flat pedals are another practical choice. They let you ride in everyday shoes and put a foot down without having to disengage from a cleat. The best option depends on how and where you ride.

To use clipless road bike pedals, you'll need two essentials: compatible cleats and road cycling shoes. Cleats connect your shoes to the pedals, but they're not universally interchangeable. Different manufacturers and pedal systems use different cleat designs. Always check compatibility before buying. You'll also need road bike shoes with the correct mounting holes in the soles. Most traditional road clipless systems use a three-bolt cleat interface, while MTB-style SPD systems generally use two bolts. At BIKE24, you'll find a wide selection of cleats and road bike shoes to complete your setup.

Pro tip: Many clipless pedal systems let you adjust release tension, while the cleat design determines the available float and release angle. Check the specifications of your chosen system to find the right setup.

Clipping in and out takes a little practice, especially if you're switching from flat pedals. With most clipless systems, you engage the cleat by pressing your foot into the pedal. To release it, twist your heel outward until the mechanism disengages. Practice before heading out on the road. Start somewhere safe and stationary, holding onto a sturdy railing or post for balance. Clip in and release each foot several times until the movement feels natural. Being unfamiliar with the release mechanism can lead to falls, particularly when slowing down or stopping. Fortunately, most riders get comfortable with the process after a little practice. Once you're confident clipping in and out, give yourself a few rides to get used to the secure connection and consistent foot position. With the right setup and a little experience, clipless pedals can become a natural part of your riding.