Looking for the perfect pedals for your road bike , mountain bike (MTB), or gravel bike ? The right pedals can significantly enhance your riding experience, whether you're aiming for top speeds on the road or off-road adventures. Below, we'll discuss the differences between road bike pedals and MTB/gravel pedals , the leading brands in this segment, and the cleat requirements for clipping in.
Differences between Road Bike Pedals and MTB/Gravel Pedals
Road Bike Pedals
Road bike pedals are designed for speed and efficiency. They often have a lower profile and a stiffer construction, which provides better contact with the shoe and ensures better power transfer. Shimano SPD-SL , Look Keo , and Time Xpresso are some of the leading brands for road bike pedals . These pedals usually feature a larger contact plate for better contact with the shoe, which is essential for long rides and maximum energy transfer.
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Cleats : 3-bolt cleats are often used for racing bike pedals (e.g. Shimano SPD-SL or Look Keo ), which are securely clicked into the shoe and guarantee stable, efficient power transfer.
MTB/Gravel Pedals
MTB pedals and gravel pedals are designed for more demanding terrain and offer better grip and stability in rough conditions. They usually have a double-sided click-in system for quick and easy engagement and disengagement, even in muddy or wet conditions. Shimano SPD , Crankbrothers , and Time Atac are popular brands in this category. These pedals often have a more open design, making them less likely to collect dirt or mud, which is important for off-road riding.
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Cleats : 2-bolt cleats (such as Shimano SPD ) are used for MTB/gravel pedals . These cleats are smaller and offer more freedom of movement, which is useful for trail riders who frequently want to stand in different positions or move their feet quickly.
The importance of bicycle pedals
Pedals are essential for efficiently transferring power to the drivetrain. The drivetrain moves the bike forward through the chain , cassette , crank , and derailleur. The power you apply to the pedals is ultimately transferred to the wheels . By choosing the right pedal system, such as road bike pedals for maximum efficiency on the road or MTB pedals for stability on rough terrain, you can significantly improve your bike's performance. The right pedals ensure you maximize the power you apply, leading to better speed, control, and less wasted energy while cycling.
Major Brands of Bicycle Pedals
Shimano
Shimano is one of the largest brands for both road bike pedals and MTB pedals . Shimano SPD pedals are an excellent choice for mountain bikers and gravel riders due to their durability and reliable operation in muddy conditions. For road cyclists, Shimano offers SPD-SL pedals, which are known for their light weight and efficient power transfer.
Crankbrothers
Crankbrothers is another popular brand, best known for their MTB and gravel bike pedals . The Crankbrothers Eggbeater system offers excellent mud clearance and makes clipping in and out easier, which is crucial in off-road conditions.
Look
Look is a leading brand for road bike pedals and offers the popular Look Keo series. These pedals are known for their performance, lightweight design, and user-friendly click mechanism.
Time
Time pedals, such as the Time Xpresso , are also very popular with road cyclists and offer a wide range of adjustments for optimal power transfer and comfort. The Time Atac system is also an excellent choice for MTB and gravel riders looking for durability and performance in all weather conditions.
Cleat Supplies: Choosing the Right One
To use bicycle pedals effectively, you need cleats that match the mounting points of your pedals. There are two main categories:
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3-bolt cleats : Used on road bike pedals such as Shimano SPD-SL , Look Keo , and Time Xpresso . These cleats offer greater stability and efficiency, ideal for long rides.
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2-bolt cleats : Used on MTB and gravel pedals such as Shimano SPD , Crankbrothers , and Time Atac . These offer greater freedom of movement, which is important for off-road riding.
Make sure you choose the right cleats based on your bike type and the pedals you use. When fitting the cleats into your shoes, you need to position them correctly for optimal comfort and performance.
Buying Bicycle Pedals: Choose the Best Pedals for Your Bike
Whether you have a road bike , mountain bike , or gravel bike , choosing the right pedals is essential for your riding experience. Browse our collection of top brands like Shimano , Crankbrothers , Look , and Time and choose the pedals that best suit your riding style and needs.
