Best road bike pedals in 2025, as reviewed by our expert testers

Shimano 105 R7000 pedals

The Shimano 105 R7000 pedals offer a blend of high performance and great value, making them a popular choice among cyclists. With a durable stainless-steel body plate, these pedals promise longevity and reliability. The wide platform provides excellent power transfer, which is crucial for maintaining speed and efficiency on the road.

The pedals also feature an adjustable entry and release tension setting, allowing riders to customize the engagement according to their preference, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists. Its seamless integration with Shimano’s SPD-SL cleat system further enhances their appeal.

Time XPro 10 pedals

The Time XPro 10 pedals are renowned for their lightweight design and cutting-edge technology, making them a favorite among competitive cyclists. Their carbon composite body ensures a light yet robust pedal suitable for intense riding conditions. The unique iClic system provides a fast and intuitive engagement, adding to the pedal’s high-performance capabilities.

Furthermore, the XPro 10 offers a generous float of 10 degrees, providing comfort during long rides and reducing the risk of knee strain. These pedals are perfect for riders seeking efficiency without compromising on comfort.

Wahoo Speedplay Zero pedals

Wahoo Speedplay Zero pedals bring a new dimension of versatility with their dual-sided entry and micro-adjustable float settings. Cyclists appreciate the ease of clipping in and urban cyclists find the dual-entry highly convenient during stop-and-go traffic.

Additionally, the pedals are adaptable with a range of cleat systems, adding to their universality. The interplay of durability, aerodynamics, and customizable fit makes them a viable option for a variety of cycling styles.

Look Keo 2 Max pedals

Look Keo 2 Max pedals balance performance and comfort through their extensive contact surface area, designed to enhance pedaling efficiency. The composite body bolstered by a stainless-steel platform provides durability without unnecessary weight.

Their straightforward, reliable design makes them accessible for both novice and experienced riders. An adjustable spring tension feature provides reassurance to users as they explore different performance thresholds.

Look Keo 2 Max Carbon pedals

The Look Keo 2 Max Carbon pedals take the standard model to the next level with a carbon injection process, reducing weight while maintaining structural integrity. This enhancement is ideal for cyclists who prioritize speed and lightweight components.

Durability is not sacrificed, thanks to a stainless steel wear plate that curbs any potential longevity issues. Ideal for performance-oriented riders, these pedals with an adjustable tension system provide enhanced security and comfort.

Look Keo Blade Ceramic

The Look Keo Blade Ceramic pedals offer an advanced take on their tried-and-true design, providing a streamlined integration of ceramic bearings for an ultra-smooth pedaling experience. This option caters to those looking for premium performance with minimal rolling resistance.

The carbon blade design provides a secure fit, marrying stiffness with smooth engagement. These pedals cater to dedicated cyclists competing at high-performance levels, providing durability and seamless force transfer.

Shimano PD-R550

Shimano’s PD-R550 pedals offer exceptional value, especially for new entrants into the road cycling community. Designed with a wide platform for solid foot support, they ensure excellent power transfer without demanding significant investment.

The inclusion of an adjustable entry and release tension setup fosters user comfort, making them a faultless option for riders getting accustomed to clipless systems. The secure fit ensures confidence in each ride while maintaining comfort over longer distances.

Shimano Ultegra R8000 pedals

For cyclists seeking performance-oriented components, the Shimano Ultegra R8000 pedals offer reliability and functionality akin to the top-tier models. Their carbon-composite body ensures lightweight performance, critical for speed aficionados and competitive cyclists.

The sleek, aerodynamic design also considers compatibility, seamlessly integrating with a range of Shimano equipment. An adjustable tension binder creates a customized engagement experience, placing control firmly at the rider’s discretion.

Time Xpresso 4

Offering a blend of traditional charm and cutting-edge technology, the Time Xpresso 4 pedals bring a reliable riding experience. The composite material combines lightweight design with a hardy build for longevity.

The effective iClic system enhances ease of use, making them a preferred choice for cyclists wanting intuitive engagement. This, paired with a comfortable margin of float, truly integrates commitment to comfort with performance potential.

Best power meter pedals

Favero Assioma Duo power meter pedals

The Favero Assioma Duo pedals stand out in the power meter pedal category. Offering dual-sided power measurement, these pedals provide accurate data on performance metrics that cyclists can use to tailor their training sessions.

The ease of installation and automatic calibration set them apart, allowing seamless integration without cumbersome setups. With long battery life and robust construction, the Assioma Duo pedals offer reliability for data-driven athletes.

Garmin Rally RS200 pedals

Garmin’s Rally RS200 pedals offer reliable power measurement, effortlessly integrating with Garmin devices for comprehensive data analysis. Dual-sensing capabilities ensure cyclists receive both left and right leg metrics, crucial for balancing power output.

The intuitive design crafts pedals that transition easily across different bike setups, providing athletes with flexibility in their training environments. High build quality paired with technology integration makes them a top contender in advanced cycling metrics.

How we test road bike pedals

Our testing process for road bike pedals involves an extensive and thorough approach. Initially, our team of experienced cyclists puts each product through a series of rigorous road tests, evaluating criteria such as ease of engagement and release, pedal stability, and power transfer efficiency.

We seek varied terrain and weather conditions to ensure that our recommendations hold up under diverse circumstances. Each pedal is further assessed in terms of adjustability and comfort across different wear periods, ensuring long-term reliability and user satisfaction.

Why you can trust BikeRadar

Our testing team comprises seasoned experts in the cycling industry, leveraging years of accumulated knowledge and hands-on experience. We maintain impartiality by adopting transparent review processes and refusing endorsements that may compromise our credibility.

We aim to empower our readers with comprehensive insights and honest opinions, enabling them to make informed purchasing decisions. Our integrity and dedication to quality content ensure our audiences remain well-informed and confident in their cycling endeavors.

What to look for when buying road bike pedals

What is a clipless pedal?

A clipless pedal refers to a system where the shoe is securely attached to the pedal using a cleat mechanism. Despite the name, clipless pedals allow for a positive engagement without the traditional toe-clip setup.

They offer improved pedaling efficiency and control, making them a standard choice for road cyclists. Understanding the mechanisms of clipless systems is essential for optimized riding and effective power transfer.

Cleats

Cleats are the intermediary components that bind the shoe to the pedal. Typically part of the three-bolt or SPD design systems, these pieces are vital for ensuring secure and efficient engagement.

Cyclists should carefully choose cleats that provide the desired amount of float and compatibility with their preferred pedal system, considering factors like durability and replacement availability.

Float

Float represents the degree of lateral movement allowed to the foot while still engaged with the pedal, crucial for reducing strain on joints. Different systems offer varying float degrees, with many pedals allowing for custom adjustments.

Those new to cycling might benefit from greater float to find a comfortable position, while competitive cyclists often opt for minimal float for direct power transfer.

Release tension

Release tension refers to the force required to disengage the cleat from the pedal. Adjustable tension settings enable riders to tweak this feature according to their riding style and experience level.

Beginner cyclists might prefer lighter release tension for effortless dismounts, while seasoned riders may favor blocks with higher retention for security during aggressive sprints.

Stack height

Stack height refers to the vertical distance between the center of the heat and the pedal’s surface. Lower stack heights benefit riders by enhancing stability and control, translating to efficient pedaling.

Comfort, riding style, and bike setup should inform choices regarding stack height, particularly for those with specific ergonomic preferences.

Q-factor

The Q-factor measures the horizontal distance between a bike’s pedals, impacting the riding position and overall bike fit. Ideal Q-factor setups tailor to individual anatomy and improve power efficiency and comfort.

Awareness of the Q-factor helps cyclists prevent discomfort and potential injuries while promoting an optimized pedaling experience tailored to personal preferences.

Future prospects