Road bike pedals are must-have items if you want to ride on a road bike. Without this component, your bike cannot run. Generally, when you purchase a road bike, it will be equipped with a pair of pedals.
However, in case your bike doesn’t have pedals or you want to upgrade the old pedal, there are plenty of best road bike pedals on the market.
To help you save your time and effort in choosing the best road bike pedals for your own, I have written this review of 16 greatest products in 2021. Let’s get started!
Why Do You Need Road Bike Pedals?
There are some reasons making road bike pedals necessary for you:
- Road bikes don’t equip pedals, in general. Thus, you have to purchase them separately.
- Not all pedals are suitable for road bikes. If you have a pair of mountain bike pedals, they might be useless with your road bike. However, If you own road bike pedals, they could be more versatile and match a wide range of bikes.
Read more:
- Top 15 Best Mountain Bikes Under 500 In 2021
- Top 14 Best Bike Rack For Jeep Wrangler Reviews In 2021
- Top 16 Best Bike Racks For Suv Reviews In 2021
- Top 15 Best Hitch Bike Racks Reviews In 2021
- Top 14 Best Bike Racks for Garage Reviews In 2021
What Are The Best Road Bike Pedal Brands?
Among hundreds upon hundreds of road bike pedals on the market, it’s difficult to find your match. You should know what are the leading brands in this industry to purchase standard products. Some in my opinion are:
- Shimano: it’s no doubt if I say Shimano is the best road bike brand recently. They always offer the best material, components and quality products for customers. Shimano has released a wide variety of road bike models so you can find your match easily.
- BONMIXC: received tons of positive feedback from customer, BONMIXC is a reputable road bike brand for you to consider.
What Are The Best Road Bike Pedals?
I will give you some best road bike pedals for specific riding purposes in the following list. It will be much better if you determine what you prefer before picking a model in my top-list.
- Best Overall: Imrider Road Bike Pedals
“High–quality waterproof material and nylon composite construction; strong platform and heavy-duty structure”
- Best Budget: GPMTER Road Bike Pedals
“Designed for both mountain bikes and road bikes; large platform and high-quality alloy spindle making it comfortable to ride”
- Best with Clips: SHIMANO M520 Road Bike Pedals
“Designed with clip construction; open structure to shed mud effectively; made of premium material, these models are highly bombproof, dust-proof, and water-resistant”
- Best for Beginners: LOOK Keo Classic 3 Road Bike Pedals
“Wide contact – area platform design; a rugged surface in the middle enhancing the grip even when you ride in wet condition”
- Best Lightweight: BONMIXC Road Bike Pedals
“Total weight of a pedal is just 0.37 pounds, much lighter than most other flat pedals on the market”
- Best on Amazon: Puroma Road Bike Pedals
“It is the Amazon’s Choice for flat pedals section and it stands at the 4th position on the rank of best bike pedals”
- Best Look: Hikenture Road Bike Pedals
“Stylish, trendy but still effective, durable road bike pedals; unique rainbow color on the surface making them shiny and striking”
- Best Rated: SHIMANO SPD Road Bike Pedals
“One of the cheapest models of Shimano; premium Shimano cleats for ease of clip in and clip out”
- Best for Knee Pain: Shimano Ultegra R8000 SPD-SL Road Bike Pedals
“Incredible six-degree cleats included to reduce knee pain; lightweight platform”
Best Road Bike Pedals Comparison Chart 2021
According to some significant features of these 16 best road bike pedals including item dimensions, weight, type, and material, I make this comparison table to offer you an overview of these products.
Top 16 Best Road Bike Pedals Reviews In 2021
An in-depth review is really important to help you make the right decision. Based on the outstanding features of these 16 best road bike pedals and my research, I have created this thorough review below for you.
Best Overall: Imrider Road Bike Pedals
Pros
- Easy to install
- Lightweight
- High-quality, durable material
- Concave platform for better grips
- Replaceable pins for convenient uses
- Versatile
- Inexpensive
Cons
- The pins are quite sharp
The most impressive features of these pedals are high–quality waterproof material and nylon composite construction, making these items be able to withstand harsh conditions effortlessly and last longer. Moreover, this nylon fiber material is very durable, shock-proof, and corrosion-resistant.
Thanks to the strong platform and heavy-duty construction, these best road bike pedals 2021 are very versatile. You could use them not only for your road bicycle but also for mountain bikes, cruiser bikes.
The large platform shape will offer you a smooth, comfortable feeling when riding in the long-term. Along with that is the anti-skid nail surface which keeps your feet stable on the pedals.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 125mm x 108mm x 18mm |
| Weight | Not available |
| Type of Pedals | Flat pedal |
| Materials | Polyamide |
| Colors | Black; Blue; Orange; Red |
| Brand | Imrider |
Best with Clips: SHIMANO M520 Road Bike Pedals
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Good price for the quality
- Bombproof
- Lightweight
- Great mud-shedding ability
Cons
- Not the most universal option
SHIMANO M520 road bike pedals are designed with clip construction. That means you could install these pedals quickly and effortlessly. Also, you could clip in both two sides flexibly. Thus, you could ride faster with the same power putting on the pedals.
Moreover, these pedals are designed with an open structure to shed mud effectively. However, this construction might not be as comfortable as solid platform designs. Premium materials are highly bombproof, dust-proof, and water-resistant making them more durable and last longer.
Other attractive points about these SHIMANO M520 road bike pedals are their weight and economical price. With a total weight of just 380 grams, this model is one of the lightest pedals of SHIMANO manufacturer.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | Not available |
| Weight | 380 grams |
| Type of Pedals | Clipless pedal |
| Materials | Not available |
| Colors | Black |
| Brand | Shimano |
Best on Amazon: Puroma Road Bike Pedals
Pros
- Lightweight
- Concave platform offers great grips
- Waterproof
- Installing is a snap
- Replaceable pins
Cons
- Not very durable
These Puroma pedals are designed with a slight concave platform and 12 removable pins on each side. Thanks to that, these could give you better grip and control when biking. While the concave platform makes these pedals comfortable to use, the traction pins will keep your feet in place.
Furthermore, they come with strong, durable, waterproof Nylon composite and the sealed bearings which keep the axle safe from harsh weather. Thus, these best road bike flat pedals could go through difficult riding conditions easily.
With all excellent features above, this model is one of the best road bike pedals on Amazon. It is the Amazon’s Choice for flat pedals section and it stands at the 4th position on the rank of best bike pedals.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 4.8 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches |
| Weight | 6.28 ounces |
| Type of Pedals | Flat pedal |
| Materials | Nylon composite; Chromoly steel |
| Colors | Black; Blue; Orange; Red, Yellow-Blue |
| Brand | Puroma |
Best for Knee Pain: Shimano Ultegra R8000 SPD-SL Road Bike Pedals
Pros
- Wide platform for more stability
- Light in weight
- Durable
- Attractive design
Cons
- Quite pricey
Shimano Ultegra R8000 SPD-SL model is one of the best road bike pedals for knee pain thanks to its incredible six-degree cleats. These high-grade Shimano cleats could offer you a smooth riding experience even when cycling on bumpy roads.
Also, if you consider weight as a significant factor when picking road bike pedals, these lightweight platform pedals for road bikes are the way to go. The total weight for two Shimano Ultegra R8000 SPD-SL Road Bike Pedals is just 248 grams, much lighter than other clipless pedals from Shimano.
Another feature making this pair of pedals outstanding from previous versions is the low profile platform road design. The stack height is decreased by 0.7 mm that helps you cycle more effectively. Also, your energy from the leg will be transferred more quickly into the pedals thanks to this small change.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 8.66 x 4.72 x 2.36 inches |
| Weight | 248 grams |
| Type of Pedals | Flat pedal |
| Materials | Carbon |
| Colors | Black |
| Brand | Shimano |
Best Budget: GPMTER Road Bike Pedals
Pros
- Premium material
- Durable
- Very grippy with non-slip design
- Universal pick
- Lifetime warranty
- Very affordable
Cons
- Make noise
GPMTER models are actually designed for the mountain bikes. However, the manufacturer always keeps the versatility in mind so I could say that these are the best MTB pedals for road bikes. With a large platform and high-quality alloy spindle, these models are very comfortable to ride on both smooth surfaces and rough terrains.
The most attractive point of these GPMTER Road Bike Pedals is the non-slip design. These best road bike pedals come with a ball bearings system which matches almost any type of platform stroke and offer smooth riding experience. Along with that is the aluminum axle that is corrosion – resistant and very durable for long-term use.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 3.5 x 3.5 x 0.78 inches |
| Weight | Not available |
| Type of Pedals | Flat pedal |
| Materials | Aluminum Alloy |
| Colors | Black |
| Brand | GPMTER |
Best Lightweight: BONMIXC Road Bike Pedals
Pros
- Ultra lightweight
- Triangular Design for extra sturdiness
- Durable material
- Anti-Skid pins offer incredible grips
- Attractive outlook
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Metal pins might tear your shoes
These BONMIXC Road Bike Pedals are considered one of the best lightweight options in my top-list. The total weight of a pedal is just 0.37 pounds, much lighter than most other flat pedals on the market. Thanks to that, you can ride 30% faster with the same effort compared to other products.
Furthermore, these pedals come with a low profile platform and a unique triangular design that makes them more stable and comfortable to ride in the long-term. Especially, the X-shape connections around the spindle will ensure the strength of the structure.
There are 16 durable and well-spaced pins on the surface of these items that will enhance grips and traction when you ride.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 3.98 x 4.60 x 0.75 inches |
| Weight | 0.74 pounds |
| Type of Pedals | Flat pedal |
| Materials | Cr-Mo; AL6061 Aluminum alloy |
| Colors | Black; Blue; Red; Titanium |
| Brand | BONMIXC |
SHIMANO PD-RS500 SPD-SL Road Bike Pedals
Pros
- Value for the money
- Compatible with SPD-SL cleats
- Easy to install and adjust
Cons
- They need better cleats
SHIMANO PD-RS500 SPD-SL Road Bike Pedals might be one of the best value picks that you can get from Shimano. Unlike other Shimano products which are released at high price tags, this one comes at a very affordable price that could match all budgets.
One of the best features of these best SPD pedals for road bike is the ease of installation. You could clip them on and off effortlessly in seconds. Also, with single-side design, it’s stable and comfortable to use these pedals for long-term rides. Also, these SHIMANO PD-RS500 models are compatible with SPD SL cleats so you could use them with almost all types of Shimano cleats.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 6.69 x 6.3 x 1.97 inches |
| Weight | 1.73 Ounces |
| Type of Pedals | Flat pedal |
| Materials | Carbon; Chromoly steel |
| Colors | Black |
| Brand | Shimano |
Best for Beginners: LOOK Keo Classic 3 Road Bike Pedals
Pros
- Simple to assemble and adjust
- Stable and comfortable to use
- Ideal for beginners
- High quality bearings
Cons
- Poor packaging
If you are looking for the best road bike pedals for beginners, LOOK Keo Classic 3 pedals might be the worthiest consideration thanks to their wide contact – area platform design.
They come with a composite platform with a rugged surface in the middle which could enhance the grip even when you ride in wet condition. Moreover, with a wide contact area, you will feel more comfortable when using these pedals.
They are equipped with a ball bearing and a needle bearing that work as protectors for the spindle and axle. Thanks to them, your pedals will be more durable and last longer.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 2 x 3 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 1.41 Ounces |
| Type of Pedals | Flat pedal |
| Materials | Composite; Chromoly |
| Colors | Black |
| Brand | LOOK |
Shimano 105 PD – R7000 SPD Road Bike Pedals
Pros
- Large contact area for more stability
- Durable materialShimano
- Adjustable tension
- Very light in weight
Cons
- A little bit expensive
Shimano 105 PD – R7000 SPD Road Bike Pedals are the top popular products of Shimano manufacturer because of their high-quality material and great features.
Firstly, they come with a carbon body that is heavy-duty and very durable. Unlike some road bike pedals that are made of cheap plastic, this model is sturdier and you could use it on a rough surface without worrying about cracking or breaking. Also, carbon is known as the lightest metal material so these pedals are not hard to ride or uncomfortable at all.
Secondly, if you get trouble with your traditional SPD pedal, it’s high time to upgrade your bike with these best road bike flat pedals. The wide platform and contact area will create a perfect space for your shoes to put stably on the pedals.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 6.69 x 5.91 x 1.97 inches |
| Weight | 265 grams |
| Type of Pedals | Flat pedal |
| Materials | Carbon |
| Colors | Black |
| Brand | Shimano |
Best Look: Hikenture Road Bike Pedals
If you prefer some stylish, trendy but still effective, durable road bike pedals, these Hikenture pedals are the way to go. I could say that these pedals have the most attractive design on the market, with lollipop style. The unique rainbow color on the surface makes these Hikenture road bike pedals shiny and striking.
Also, the flat platform with durable material and narrow shape will enhance your control and stability when your feet contact these pedals. Moreover, they come with a 9/16” sealed bearing which protects the axle from water and dust perfectly.
Finally, if budget is your consideration, these Hikenture will match your requirements since they come at a very affordable price.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 3.94 x 3.35 x 0.78 inches |
| Weight | 0.68 pounds |
| Type of Pedals | Flat pedal |
| Materials | Aluminum alloy; Cro-Mo |
| Colors | Rainbow |
| Brand | Hikenture |
SHIMANO Dura-Ace 9100 Road Bike Pedals
Pros
- Three – year limited warranty
- Adjustable tension settings
- Stable with extra-wide platform
- Durable but lightweight
Cons
- Come at high-end price tag
SHIMANO Dura-Ace 9100 Road Bike Pedals come with a high-end design that is made of carbon composite body and stainless steel plates on the surface. These plates are very strong and durable which could not be removed. Thus, these pedals will be protected from cracking and wearing completely.
Along with that is the hollow axle which is made of high-quality, heavy-duty Chromoly steel and protected by a needle bearing and two ball bearings. Thanks to that, these pedals could roll smoothly on rough terrains. The extra-wide platform is very beneficial in keeping your feet stable on the pedals and offering a comfortable riding experience.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 8 x 5 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 239 grams |
| Type of Pedals | Flat pedal |
| Materials | Stainless steel; carbon composite; nickel chromoly steel |
| Colors | Black |
| Brand | Shimano |
GLHMOGM Road Bike Pedals
Pros
- Easy to install
- Durable material
- Offer strong grips
- Ideal for universal purposes
- Sturdy design
Cons
- They might not be the best road bike pedals for foot pain
If you prefer easy-to-install road bike pedals, these GLHMOGM models are made for your requirement since they come with markings on each pedal. With the L and R marking for left pedal and right pedal respectively, you could install them effortlessly.
Moreover, these road bike pedals feature Anti-slip nails on the surface which could boost the stability and enhance grips in wet riding conditions. However, these nails are very tough so it might hurt your foot.
These GLHMOGM Road Bike Pedals are compatible with a wide range of bikes including urban bikes and mountain bikes. Thus, if your bike is not a road bike, it’s still a great deal.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 5.2 x 5.08 x 2.13 inches |
| Weight | 12.73 Ounces |
| Type of Pedals | Flat pedal |
| Materials | Aluminum Alloy; chrome – molybdenum steel |
| Colors | Black |
| Brand | GLHMOGM |
SHIMANO SPD Road Bike Pedals
Pros
- Released in an adjustable price
- Durable material
- Easy to install
- Attractive design
Cons
- The tension is quite tight
- They need better seal
SHIMANO SPD Road Bike Pedal is one of the cheapest models of Shimano. Thus, if you want to upgrade your bike with Shimano products but high-end versions are too expensive for your budget, this one is the way to go. At a good price, you could purchase a high-quality product with many excellent Shimano’s features.
They come with premium Shimano cleats which are easy to clip in and clip out. Thanks to that, you could save more time when installing these pedals. Also these pedals are compatible with SPD cleats.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 7.9 x 3.2 x 1.6 inches |
| Weight | Not available |
| Type of Pedals | Clipless pedal |
| Materials | Metal |
| Colors | Black; White; Silver |
| Brand | Shimano |
SHIMANO PD-EH500 Road Bike Pedals
Pros
- Dual-sided design for flexible rides
- Cleats are included
- Easy to assemble and adjust
- Durable and strong but lightweight material
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- The tension is quite weak
SHIMANO PD-EH500 Road Bike Pedals come in a great combo including two pedals and cleats which are very high-quality and durable. These SM-SH56 cleats are heavy-duty and very durable. Also, they are compatible with most types of Shimano pedals.
Moreover, these pedals are made of high-grade aluminum body and chrome-moly steel axles. Thus, these could last longer than many other products on the market.
These best road bike pedals for commuting are designed with dual-sided construction which comes with SPD cleats on the first side and traditional flat surface on the second side. Thanks to that, these pedals could roll smoothly and flexibly.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 7 x 6 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 1.15 Pounds |
| Type of Pedals | Flat pedal |
| Materials | Aluminum; chrome-moly steel |
| Colors | Black |
| Brand | Shimano |
Boruizhen Aluminium CNC Road Bike Pedals
Pros
- Affordable option
- Light in weight
- Versatile and fit many types of bikes
- Sealed design of extra durability
- Extremely grippy
Cons
- The bearings need to be replaced
One of the most beneficial features of these pedals is 16-nail-surface construction which is skid-proof and non-slip. Thanks to that, you will never have to worry about slipping when riding. These spins are well – spaced offering incredible grips and making these pedals work perfectly in wet riding conditions.
Another thing that you would like about these best road bike pedals is their material. They are made of extra strong aluminum which makes them very durable to use in long-term but still light in weight for comfortable rides.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 81 x 91 x 20 mm |
| Weight | 450 grams |
| Type of Pedals | Flat pedal |
| Materials | High-strength aluminum alloy |
| Colors | Red; Black; Blue; Green; White |
| Brand | Boruizhen |
Shimano Ultegra 6800 Road Bike Pedals
Pros
- High-quality, lightweight material
- Extra-large platform for stable and comfortable rides
- Adjustable tension settings
- Low maintenance required
Cons
- Might cause knee pain
- Quite difficult to unclip
These Shimano Ultegra pedals are designed with an extra-large platform which could enhance the stability and grip when you ride on it. Also, this wide platform will help you be more comfortable even in a long biking time.
With the carbon fiber body, these pedals are very light in weight. Featured with a heavy-duty aluminum plate on the surface, these items are truly strong and durable. This solid construction not only creates an attractive outlook but also helps these pedals last longer.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches |
| Weight | 353 grams |
| Type of Pedals | Flat pedal |
| Materials | Carbon fiber; Aluminum |
| Colors | Black |
| Brand | Shimano |
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Road Bike Pedals In 2021
Type of pedals
What you need to consider when looking for a pair of pedals is its type. Generally, there are two main styles of pedal that you could get on the market including flat pedals and clipless pedals.
While flat pedals are the most common type of road bike pedal due to their ease of use and large platform which is more stable and comfortable, clipless pedals are suitable for people who prefer modern, flexible pedals. Clipless pedals could offer faster speed than flat pedals. However, they are more expensive and they are not compatible with all types of bike.
Weight
You might not notice that the weight is a significant factor. The weight of a pedal will decide how well it works. Lightweight pedals will be more comfortable to use. Also, the lighter your pedals are, the less power you need to transfer to the pedals. That means your bike could ride faster without needing to make more effort.
Material
The next factor that you should learn before purchasing new road bike pedals is material. Most road bike pedals on the market are made of aluminum alloy which is the most popular and standard material. Along with that is plastic material which comes with cheaper price and carbon material with high-end price.
FAQs
What are the best SPD pedals for a road bike?
My picks are:
- SHIMANO SPD Road Bike Pedals
- SHIMANO M520 Road Bike Pedals
- SHIMANO PD-EH500 Road Bike Pedals
Should I get clipless pedals?
Yes, you should definitely purchase clipless pedals since they are very strong and flexible. Also, clipless pedals will help your bike ride faster than other types of pedals.
What pedals do pro road cyclists use?
Shimano road bike pedals and LOOK products will be the favorite options of professional road bikers due to their high-quality material, excellent features and design for speed.
Can I use look cleats with Shimano pedals?
No, you cannot. Most cleats are manufactured for specific systems.
My Top Pick
In my opinion, Imrider Road Bike Pedals are the best one among these high-quality road bike pedals. They come with a reasonable price so I can afford them effortlessly. Also, their waterproof material, solid construction are exactly what I expect in a pair of road bike pedals.
If you want to know more information and detail about products, please contact me via the comment section below. Thanks for reading!