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10 Best Clipless Pedals 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SHIMANO PD-EH500 Urban Riding & Cycle Touring Double Sided Bike Pedal

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,325
Pedal Type
Cleat Compatibility
Weight

Most important from
2462 reviews

Pedal Type
The double-sided design is perfect for both clip-in and casual rides, making it ideal for shared use.
Cleat Compatibility
Top quality pedals that are incredibly easy to clip into and unclip from, making transitions seamless.
Weight
The versatility between road biking and mountain biking is enhanced by the light, well-built design.
Adjustability
Super easy to install and perfect for city cycling due to the frequent need to clip and unclip in traffic.

The SHIMANO PD-EH500 pedals offer a versatile design suitable for urban riding and cycle touring. With one side featuring SPD compatibility and the other side being flat, it accommodates various riding styles. The light action binding makes frequent stepping in and out easier, which is particularly useful for city riders who often need to stop and start.

The flat side provides better grip in wet conditions, enhancing safety during adverse weather. It weighs 383 grams per pair, which is relatively lightweight, making it easier to handle without adding much bulk to your bike. Made from durable aluminum, these pedals are built to last, offering longevity and less frequent need for maintenance.

The pedals come with Shimano SM-SH56 cleats, ensuring immediate usability. The adjustability feature allows riders to fine-tune the pedals to their preference, enhancing comfort and performance. These pedals are great for dual purposes but might not be the best choice for those looking for specialized performance in either road racing or mountain biking. Suitable for adult riders and available in black, these pedals rank well in customer reviews, reflecting high satisfaction with a 4.7-star rating from over 2,200 users.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,325
Pedal Type
Cleat Compatibility
Weight

Most important from
2462 reviews

Pedal Type
The double-sided design is perfect for both clip-in and casual rides, making it ideal for shared use.
Cleat Compatibility
Top quality pedals that are incredibly easy to clip into and unclip from, making transitions seamless.
Weight
The versatility between road biking and mountain biking is enhanced by the light, well-built design.
Adjustability
Super easy to install and perfect for city cycling due to the frequent need to clip and unclip in traffic.
#2

Mallet E Black / Black Spring

Rating
8.5
Cleat Compatibility
Durability and Maintenance

Most important from
2004 reviews

Cleat Compatibility
Pedals work great with Ride Concept Transition shoes, offering flexibility in sketchy areas.
Durability and Maintenance
Durable construction withstands tough trail conditions, ensuring longevity.

The Mallet E Black / Black Spring clipless pedals by Crankbrothers offer a robust design tailored for mountain biking. They feature a 4-sided entry system which makes it easier to clip in and helps in shedding mud efficiently. The pedals come with customizable float and release angles, which means you can adjust how your foot moves on the pedal for comfort and performance.

The concave platform with six adjustable traction pins per side and ribbed body provides a secure hold and better grip even when unclipped, which is beneficial on rough trails. The pedals are constructed with durable materials like 6061-T6 aluminum and stainless steel components, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear and tear. Weighing 419 grams per pair, they strike a balance between durability and weight.

A standout feature is the premium internal components, including high-quality bearings and a double seal system, which contribute to smooth functioning and are fully serviceable with a refresh kit. A 5-year warranty offers peace of mind regarding durability and quality. However, the pedals might be on the heavier side for those who prioritize ultra-light components. Also, these pedals are specifically designed to work optimally with Crankbrothers shoes, which might limit compatibility with other brands. They are suitable for adult mountain bikers, particularly those who ride challenging trails and need reliable performance and stability.

Rating
8.5
Cleat Compatibility
Durability and Maintenance

Most important from
2004 reviews

Cleat Compatibility
Pedals work great with Ride Concept Transition shoes, offering flexibility in sketchy areas.
Durability and Maintenance
Durable construction withstands tough trail conditions, ensuring longevity.
#3

Crankbrothers Mallet DH Mountain Bike Pedals - Silver Edition - MTB DH Downhill Optimized Platform - Clip-in System Pair of Bicycle Bicycle Mountain Bike Pedals (Cleats Included)

Rating
8.2
Pedal Type
Cleat Compatibility
Float

Most important from
2004 reviews

Pedal Type
The pedals deliver excellent power transfer and control thanks to a solid, secure platform that feels both durable and reliable under tough trail conditions.
Cleat Compatibility
Compatibility with various shoe models is generally good, especially when using the appropriate cleats, though optimal fit is achieved with the Crankbrothers Match system.
Float
Adjustable cleats and pins provide customizable grip and float, allowing for a perfect balance between foot stability and comfort.
Weight
Users appreciate the combination of lightweight design and robust materials, striking a balance between durability and manageable weight.
Durability and Maintenance
The design combines sleek aesthetics with rugged construction, ensuring long-lasting performance even in challenging environments.
Adjustability
Adjustable cleats and pins provide customizable grip and float, allowing for a perfect balance between foot stability and comfort.

The Crankbrothers Mallet DH pedals are clipless MTB pedals designed especially for downhill riders who need a strong, stable connection to their bike with easy entry and release. Their four-sided clip-in system makes it simpler to clip in from any angle and helps shed mud efficiently, which is great for off-road conditions. The cleats included offer customizable float and release angles, letting riders adjust how much their foot can pivot, which is important for comfort and injury prevention.

Weighing 479 grams per pair, these pedals strike a good balance between being lightweight and durable. They are made from sturdy aluminum and stainless steel components, promising a long lifespan even under tough trail use. The platform includes 8 adjustable pins per side, improving grip when riding or walking, and the concave shape keeps your foot solidly in place at high speeds. Maintenance is user-friendly thanks to premium cartridge bearings and a service kit, plus a strong 5-year warranty backs their build quality.

One downside is that these pedals are optimized for the Crankbrothers Match shoe system, so if you use a different brand or model, the shoe/pedal fit might not be as perfect. Also, while the weight is decent, riders who prioritize ultra-light equipment might find them a bit heavy. These pedals provide excellent traction, adjustability, and durability, making them well-suited for downhill mountain bikers who want reliable, easy-to-use clipless pedals that perform well in muddy and rocky conditions.

Rating
8.2
Pedal Type
Cleat Compatibility
Float

Most important from
2004 reviews

Pedal Type
The pedals deliver excellent power transfer and control thanks to a solid, secure platform that feels both durable and reliable under tough trail conditions.
Cleat Compatibility
Compatibility with various shoe models is generally good, especially when using the appropriate cleats, though optimal fit is achieved with the Crankbrothers Match system.
Float
Adjustable cleats and pins provide customizable grip and float, allowing for a perfect balance between foot stability and comfort.
Weight
Users appreciate the combination of lightweight design and robust materials, striking a balance between durability and manageable weight.
Durability and Maintenance
The design combines sleek aesthetics with rugged construction, ensuring long-lasting performance even in challenging environments.
Adjustability
Adjustable cleats and pins provide customizable grip and float, allowing for a perfect balance between foot stability and comfort.

Buying Guide for the Best Clipless Pedals

Choosing the right clipless pedals for your bike can significantly enhance your cycling experience. Clipless pedals provide a secure connection between your foot and the pedal, improving power transfer, efficiency, and control. When selecting clipless pedals, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure they meet your riding style and needs. Here are the key specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Pedal TypeClipless pedals come in different types, primarily road and mountain bike (MTB) pedals. Road pedals are designed for smooth surfaces and offer a larger platform for better power transfer, while MTB pedals are built for off-road conditions and often feature a double-sided entry for easier clipping in and out. Choose road pedals if you primarily ride on paved roads and seek maximum efficiency. Opt for MTB pedals if you ride on varied terrain and need versatility and ease of use.
Cleat CompatibilityCleats are the part that attaches to your shoe and clips into the pedal. Different pedals use different cleat systems, such as SPD, SPD-SL, or Look. It's crucial to ensure that your shoes are compatible with the cleats of the pedals you choose. SPD cleats are common for MTB and offer easy walking, while SPD-SL and Look cleats are typically used for road cycling and provide a larger contact area for better power transfer. Match the cleat system to your riding style and shoe compatibility.
FloatFloat refers to the degree of lateral movement allowed by the cleat when clipped into the pedal. This movement can help reduce stress on your knees by allowing some natural movement. Float is measured in degrees, with common options being 0, 4.5, and 9 degrees. If you have knee issues or prefer more freedom of movement, choose pedals with higher float. If you prefer a more locked-in feel for maximum power transfer, opt for lower or zero float.
WeightThe weight of the pedals can affect your overall bike weight and performance. Lighter pedals can contribute to a more efficient ride, especially for competitive cyclists. Pedal weight can vary significantly, with high-end models being lighter due to the use of advanced materials like carbon fiber or titanium. If you are a competitive cyclist or prioritize performance, consider investing in lighter pedals. For casual riders, the weight may be less critical.
Durability and MaintenanceDurability and ease of maintenance are important factors, especially if you ride frequently or in harsh conditions. Pedals made from high-quality materials like stainless steel or aluminum tend to be more durable. Additionally, some pedals have sealed bearings that require less maintenance. If you ride in wet or muddy conditions, look for pedals that are known for their durability and ease of maintenance to ensure long-lasting performance.
AdjustabilitySome clipless pedals offer adjustable tension settings, allowing you to customize the force required to clip in and out. This can be particularly useful for beginners who may prefer a lighter setting for easier entry and exit. More experienced riders might prefer a higher tension for a more secure connection. Consider your skill level and comfort with clipless pedals when choosing the adjustability features that best suit your needs.

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