8 Best Clipless Pedals – Comparison & Reviews

 

The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Clipless Pedal + Reviews

 

Checking out the best clipless pedals on the market? Having trouble deciding which ones are better than the others? Don’t worry, that tends to be a surprisingly common problem since there are so many models you can choose from nowadays, that you basically have to become an expert in order to be able to pick one. After careful consideration and taking into account many such products, we’ve decided that the SHIMANO M520 Clipless Pedals w/Cleat is the one that could qualify as a top choice. This comes as a result of the fact that it is made by a famous well-regarded brand, it was made to help you deal with mud, and it’s affordable. If that product is not available, you can try the Venzo Dual Function Platform Multi-Use Sealed Clipless Pedals, which represents another viable option in which you can confide, also thanks to various modern features it has.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

8 Best Clipless Pedals (Updated Reviews) in 2021

 

 

As not many people know how to choose the right clipless pedals for their bike, we’ve decided to lend a helping hand. Checking out various products on the market, we were able to create this list, which should help you see things in perspective and guide you to the right decision.

 

 

1. SHIMANO M520 Clipless Pedals w/Cleat

 

If you are looking for a pair of clipless pedals, a brand that is famous like Shimano is a good place to start looking – after all, famous brands didn’t get to be known internationally for nothing. This model is a prime example of the Shimano quality since it has an open binding mechanism that will help you in shedding the mud much better.

As cycling will eventually lead you to a muddy area, having such a feature is really cool and helpful. Another cool feature is the open design pedal that, in this case, you can get at a rather affordable price, giving how much these designs can usually cost, so if you are looking for something good at a good price, this is an option you can consider.

Furthermore, the product has a low maintenance sealed bearing cartridge axle so that you will not have problems with it when you are riding it.

 

Pros

The product belongs to a famous brand, which should already give you a higher level of trust in it as it increases the chances of it being a good product.

The open binding mechanism is there to help you if you get caught in the rain or in a muddy area so that you will be able to shed the mud much faster.

The fact that this is an open design pedal at this price gives it another reason to be interested in it, as these types are usually much more expensive.

The low maintenance sealed bearing cartridge axle also proves to offer you the necessary help when you are riding the bike.

 

Cons

This is more of a slight annoyance than an actual issue, but the product tends to click and pop when you are pulling upwards on it with extra strength, but it doesn’t seem to actually cause any problems.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($79.99)

 

 

 

2. Venzo Dual Function Platform Multi-Use Sealed Clipless Pedals

 

One of the most interesting things about this product is the fact that it was built to last – this is why it has an aluminum alloy body. Not only does this make the product much stronger, compared to other models, but it also makes it look better. The grip of the pedal is also superior as a result of the qualitative replaceable pins that were used in making it.

The product lets you ride with clipless shoes, and it permits a more efficient energy transfer to the pedals. The platform, which has an aluminum body, is pretty large, being 85 x 80 mm/3.3 x 3.1 inches, which is important because it makes sure that you will enjoy better riding stability, so you will feel safer at the same time.

Compared to other models, this one also stands out as a result of the fact that it is lighter than them, having a weight, without cleats, of just 320g/0.7lbs.

 

Pros

The product has an aluminum alloy body, which means that the pedals are going to be much stronger than the usual ones you can find on the market.

The model also lets you enjoy it even when you are wearing clipless shoes, and it leads to a more efficient energy transfer to the pedals.

Also worth noting is the fact that the platform is rather large, being 85 x 80 mm/3.3 x 3.1 inches, which translates into you having better riding stability so that you can always be safe.

We can’t skip the fact that the product is lighter than most models on the market, having a weight of only 320g/0.7lbs, if we don’t take the cleats into consideration.

 

Cons

The flat side of this product proves to be rather narrow, which means that if you are a person with wider feet, you may have a bit of a problem with riding it properly.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($49.99)

 

 

 

3. Funn Mamba MTB Clipless Pedal Set – Single Side Clip Wide Platform

 

This product is one that has quite a remarkable durability, which means that you can use it for all types of off-road riding, including, but not being limited, to Enduro and DH. This resistance comes from the fact that the product is made with extruded and CNC’d 6061 alloy so that you can go for as many seasons of the UCI Down Hill as you want.

The model has a single-sided clip-in mechanism on a large platform so that you have the option of either riding clipped in on just one side while, for the other side, you can use a normal flat pedal. This offers it a versatility that is rare for clipless pedals – you can go full-on adventure mode or just go for a ride with your family.

This proves to be very helpful for beginners as well, as it gives them the chance of riding clipped in but without having it done completely so that they feel safe.

 

Pros

These pedals are known for their durability as a result of the fact that they are made from extruded and CNC’d 6061 alloy, so you can use them for a long time.

The product comes with a single-sided clip-in mechanism on a large platform so that you can ride clipped in on one side and use the normal flat pedal on the other one.

This design offers you a higher level of versatility so that you can go for an adventure or for a race, or you can just go for a ride with your family.

Another thing that this design offers is the ability to feel safer as a beginner, so you can ride clipped in but also feel more in control than if you were completely clipped in.

 

Cons

In some cases, it seems like the pedals don’t always spin that easily, especially in difficult conditions, such as snow.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($285.79)

 

 

 

4.  Venzo Multi-Use Dual Platform Multi-Purpose

 

There is a pretty big chance you may like this product thanks to a series of features it comes with, like the dual function. This means that you can ride with clipless shoes as well and that you are able to transfer the energy more efficiently to the pedals, thus giving it an advantage over other products that are available on the market.

As there are instances in which you would feel like riding without using clipless shoes, you can rely on these pedals to be able to do both types of rides without any sort of problems. The cleats are included in the package. The sealed bearings axle is considered to be a better option than the ball bearings that you can find in other examples.

You will find that it is very easy to clip in and release this product, and you will most likely appreciate the exactly machined high-strength steel cleats and cleat cage.

 

Pros

The product lets you use it, regardless if you are using clipless shoes or not, thus making it a universal choice that you can depend on for however you feel like riding.

One of the things that this option results in is the fact that you will transfer the energy more efficiently to the pedals so that you will enjoy that advantage better.

Also important to mention is the fact that this product has a sealed bearings axle, which is seen by many as being superior to the ball bearings that you’ll find in others.

We can’t forget to mention the fact that it is very easy to clip in and release the product, so you will not feel like you are wasting time with this action.

 

Cons

You may not use this product on spin bikes since they are a different type of bikes when it comes to the heavy-duty spindle and body.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($39.98)

 

 

 

5. Funn Ripper Mountain Bike Clipless Pedal Set Rocker Clip Mechanism

 

Clipping has just become easier thanks to this product, which is basically a pair of double-sided cleat pedals. One of the key features of this product is the 15-degree rotation and spring-loaded Angular Engagement System, also known for short as AES. You only need to step onto the pedal, and the system will start clipping in to save you the effort.

This model of pedals was built on a chromium-molybdenum axle with sleeve bushing and cartridge bearing. If you are not familiar with the word chromium-molybdenum, it’s ok, just know that it is basically a type of steel, so you know it is a resistant product. The platform is also tough so that it can resist any kind of abuse while riding the bike.

Also available are replacement pins, and you can choose from up to seven colors, including gold, red, pink, orange, purple, green, and blue.

 

Pros

Clipping is much easier when it comes to this pair of pedals thanks to the fact that they are double-sided cleat pedals, so everything is simply easier with them.

The 15-degree rotation and spring-loaded Angular Engagement System means that the SPD will be much improved and smoother and also give you full support.

The stud installation for this product is optional, and you can choose to use it or not, depending on your riding style.

The chromium-molybdenum axle with sleeve bushing and cartridge bearing means that you are dealing with a product that was meant to be as resistant as it can be.

 

Cons

While this is not necessarily a common thing that happens to everybody who orders the product, it is worth noting that the product being delivered with one or two missing pieces has happened before, so you must pay attention to that detail when you receive it.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($130)

 

 

 

6. Funn Mamba Mountain Bike Clipless Pedal Set

 

This product is a highly durable one as a result of the fact that it was built from extruded and CNC’d 6061 alloy. As a result, you can take it for a ride on any off-road paths, including the famous Enduro and DH. The item is often used by pro riders during UCI Down Hill racing circuit seasons, so it has already developed a following.

Another important aspect is the fact that the product has a double-sided clip-in mechanism on a large platform, with its design being directly influenced by the way pro riders tend to use the pedals. You will benefit from instant pedal engagement and a higher pedal efficiency so that you can raise your speed, but also your confidence when you are racing.

This item is compatible with Shimano Pedaling Dynamics cleats, and it also includes a patented Grease Renew System so that you can do the greasing without having to get your hands dirty.

 

Pros

This is a durable product since it was created from extruded and CNC’d 6061 alloy so that it has the capacity of standing the test of time.

It is already a popular choice for pro riders when it comes to circuits such as the UCI Down Hill racing, so you can trust the opinion of experts.

This product can offer you instant pedal engagement and a higher pedal efficiency, which means that you can raise your speed when you are racing.

It presents compatibility with Shimano Pedaling Dynamics cleats, which is really good because many people are using Shimano anyway.

 

Cons

This seems to have happened to a small percentage of people, but it is worth noting that those people have reported the product breaking following a few months of usage. While this may sound worrisome, it doesn’t seem like it’s anything else than the occasional lemon that created this situation.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($120)

 

 

 

7. Venzo Pedals Compatible with Shimano SPD Mountain Bike CNC

 

This product presents a really cool and easy way to clip in and out as it has the platform on both sides. This results in the product being much easier to clip in compared to other types of pedals. The pedal, in this case, is double-sided, so you won’t have to waste time trying to figure out which one is the right side. It’s also very easy for the pedals to be clipped out from.

Unlike a typical pedal, this model is able to offer you more solid support. The fact that the CNC 6061 aluminum platform is large also maximizes the grip to which we add the fact that the product has four quality and replaceable pins on both sides so that you can truly enjoy a higher level of grip when you are riding the bike.

You have the possibility of adjusting the tension of the cleats using the screw on the side of the pedal so that you can reach the perfect clip in and out fitting.

 

Pros

You will not waste time with this product because it is a double-sided one, which means that you don’t have to spend time trying to understand which one is the right side.

This product can offer you a solid support thanks to the fact that the platform is made from CNC 6061 aluminum.

In order for you to truly enjoy the grip that you want while riding the bike, this pedal is larger than the usual one, and it comes with replaceable pins on both sides.

You will be able to adjust the tension of the cleats with ease by using the screw on the side of the pedal, so you can thus reach the ideal clip in and out fitting.

 

Cons

Some users have said that it can get a little bit tricky to clip in using Mountain Bike shoes, but that once it is in, you will enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($64.98)

 

 

 

8. Venzo Click’R Pedals Compatible with Shimano SPD Mountain Bike

 

This product is compatible with all models of SPD bike pedals systems that you can currently find on the market. This basically means that you may use the SPD cleats on these pedals or that you can rely on these cleats for usage on SPD bike pedals. The single direction release cleats are part of the package you will receive.

The SPD clipless features also offer you an advantage as you will notice the product presents compatibility with Shimano SPD. The product is lightweight since it only weighs about 560g/1.37 lbs per pair, meaning that your bike isn’t going to feel heavier once you’ve added the pedals, as it can happen with other models available now.

The strong Cromoly spindle has a thread size of 9/16” which can’t fall off as a result of the safety testing done by the company to ensure that the riders are not going to risk anything when they start to pedal.

 

Pros

One very important advantage is the fact that this product presents compatibility with all SPD bike pedals systems that you can find on the market at the moment.

You can use the SPD cleats that are a part of these pedals, or you may use the cleats for SPD bike pedals, which puts you in charge.

The product is a lightweight one, having a weight of just 560g/1.37 lbs per pair so that your bike won’t be slowed down as it can happen with heavier pedals.

For your safety, the product has a powerful Cromoly spindle that comes with a thread size of 9/16” that can’t fall off, so you will not put your safety at risk.

 

Cons

If you are a self-described color snob, you need to open the package as soon as you arrive and make sure that the product has the color that you’ve ordered, because there have been errors before.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($99.9)

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

If we’d have to choose a thing that makes the difference between new bike riders and those with experience, we would probably go with one question: do you use clipless pedals? If you respond with yes or no to that question, it will let us know how much experience you have in this domain and what info you need.

Going clipless

Making the switch from flat pedals to clipless ones is quite a difference, this is why you need the best clipless pedals out there. By using clipless pedals you are making a huge change in the way you are going to pedal from now on as you will notice an improvement in your pedaling.

Not only do the best bicycle clipless pedals make you feel different about the whole riding experience, but it is also something that newcomers to the game of riding bikes may not know about as it is a rather technical aspect of riding. This is why people postpone the decision as well, but they really shouldn’t.

It is only natural that you would feel this way about taking in something new, especially something that sounds like it’s simply going to make you unclip and fall off your bike. The reality is that the best road bike clipless pedals don’t let that happen, which makes such incidents incredibly rare and unfortunate.

You can find many types of clipless pedals in stores, but despite all of their differences, they all boil down to the same thing. A cleat is fitted to the underside of the cycling shoes, and when you are pushing down on them, it will connect with the spring-loaded jaws that are built into the pedal.

When you want to remove your shoe from the pedal, it is sufficient to simply twist your heel to one side, and the cleat will come away. Giving how simple everything is, it is a bit surprising that not many people choose to make the switch to cycling clipless pedals sooner.

This process will soon enough become a natural one for you. Some models come with a little adjustment screw, which aims to let you fine-tune the force that you will need for the clicking and unclicking while on the road bicycle clipless pedals. The level of movement your feet can make can also vary from model to model.

While foot movement is important, naturally, we also must mention the fact that you may indeed enjoy a bit more comfort when you are riding, but it also leads to having less of a direct connection between your feet and the pedal. This is why you need the best bicycle clipless pedal.

 

Tips and tricks

So, where should you start exactly? In case that this is your first time, we would suggest starting with some affordable clipless pedals that have the SPD system as SPD cleats are not that hard to install – they are, in fact, quite simple – on your shoes, and such a system also lets you easily click in and out of the pedals.

As you gain experience, you may want to try something different, like MTB clipless pedals that have outsoles that are grippier, making them a good option for when you are going off-road. Things change as you become better at this, but all through your journey, the SPD cleats and pedals will stay with you.

Naturally, you can also be an out-and-out road rider who just wants to go clipless so that you can have better speed and more efficiency. In this case, you can make the change from SPD pedals to various road-specific bicycle clipless pedals that you can find on the market. Just read a clipless pedals review or two before making any purchase.

The whole cleat with a pedal story is rather exact when it comes to the road bike system, and this also makes the shoes harder to walk in when you are not riding the bike. Even the best clipless pedal won’t help you in this case, so you would better get used to wobbling a bit every now and then.

Despite this, pedals and mountain bike clipless pedals will give you a much better pedaling platform than you have ever experienced before. This will let you put a lot more power on the pedals, especially if you have road bike clipless pedals and rigid carbon-soled shoes that are pretty easy to find.

Fitting the shoes for bicycle clipless pedals

So, let’s say you’ve got the best mountain bike clipless pedals, and now you need cycling shoes that go with them. The fitting is very easy. All you have to do is keep in mind that the left-hand pedal is reversely threaded, and if you apply some grease on the spindles, you will be able to remove them faster when you need to.

You will have to tighten the road bike clipless pedals with a 15 mm pedal spanner. Then, you will have to fit the cleats to the shoes you plan on buying. It may sound like a complicated affair, but, in reality, especially if you buy the best clipless pedals for road bikes, things can go rather smoothly.

Some models of the best clipless pedals for MTB are created so that they will be compatible with more than just one product, which will save you money and a lot of trouble in the long run, as you don’t have to go through a long fitting process again and again, for years to come.

 

Is the price important?

The saying is that you get what you paid for, so if you buy a cheap clipless pedal, you risk being disappointed in its quality. To avoid this, but also not spend a lot of money, you need to find the best MTB clipless pedals that are in a certain price range and are made by a well-known brand.

The cheap clipless pedals from a famous company are often better than the best clipless pedals for mountain bike from an unknown company, but there are exceptions to that as well. An affordable clipless pedal shouldn’t cost you too much, especially as a beginner, when you are not sure about what to invest in.

Read as many clipless pedals reviews as you can, if you really want to find the best road bicycle clipless pedals, and you will be done in no time.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

 

Q: What are clipless pedals?

Clipless pedals can easily be seen as some of the most important bike innovations of all time. Inspired by the technology used in skiing, with clipless pedals, you will be more efficient as pedaling because you will have a superior foot-to-pedal connection but also be safer, thanks to the immediate foot entry and release.

You can use clipless pedals for both road and mountain bikes so that you can rely on them when you are going for a race, when you are commuting, when you want to experience nature, etc. You can even use them for Spinning classes, that is how efficient clipless pedals can be!

Clipless pedals are made of special pedals and cleats, making for a new system that you have to get used to, which you will attach to the soles of clipless cycling shoes. This basically means that you have to buy both pedals and shoes so that you can properly use the clipless system.

In order for you to decide if you really should make this investment, take into consideration your cycling habits. If you don’t cycle over 10 miles often, the investment may not be worth it, but if you do, then you should go for it.

Q: Are clipless pedals dangerous?

Many people are afraid of making the upgrade to clipless pedals as a result of the perceived danger that comes with such a product. After all, you are, so to say, tying your shoes to the pedals of your bike, and while that may give you better speed, if you need to take your shoes off the pedals, there will be impending doom, right?

Well, no, not really. Accidents can happen, it is true, and nobody can deny that, but, at the same time, using clipless pedals doesn’t really increase your risk of injury – or, at least, not by as much as you would think. There haven’t been any studies on this, but we’re sure we would have heard if such a big danger existed.

One thing people fail to take into account when talking about clipless pedals is the fact that you can unclick your shoes from them in just a second and by using a single move. You can practice this before going for a ride so that you can be sure that everything will go smoothly.

With that being said, don’t worry about it, it’s about the same thing as riding with a flat pedal, so don’t let that spoil your fun!

 

Q: What are the differences between clipless pedals and flat pedals?

Despite what the name suggests, clipless pedals actually involve you clipping your footwear into clipless pedals, basically locking your feet on them. The name was based on the historical use of the terms toe clips and straps over the top of the shoe, which is what bike riders used to rely on for keeping their feet in place.

In the 1980s, the toe clips were replaced with a more modern system that has a cleat screwed to the bottom of your shoes that works with a locking mechanism that you can find in the pedal to offer you more security and comfort but also better speed when you are riding the bike.

Flat bike pedals are the classic ones that you already know. They come with a large surface area that has metal pins on it so that your feet will be held in one place by creating a small connection between the sole of the shoes and the pedal. While flat pedals don’t involve a real connection, clipless ones do.

When you use clipless pedals on your bike, you will have to click and unclick to get on and off of them, while flat pedals have only a small connection between the pedal and your shoes.