On review, we found them to be grippy with good foot retention, even when wearing traditional soled shoes in the wet. To help achieve this the pedals have a slight concave profile as well as a surface that looks like sandpaper. However, despite appearances, it stayed firmly glued to the plastic pedal body during review.

Still unsure? Don't worry, if you've got any questions I've done my best to answer at least the most common ones surrounding the use of flat pedals on road bikes. If you're not chasing performance, and are thinking more from a commuting standpoint then you really can't go wrong with any of the pedals above. If you're trying to get speedy without committing to clipping in then the choice is a little more considered. What size pedals do I need? Mountain bike pedal options include clipless pedals - the pedal has a setup where the cleat on the sole of a cycling shoe clips in. This benefits the rider by increasing pedal efficiency and ensures feet stay in place even on rough terrain.

Blank Generation V2 Pedals

Personalise your pedals with an upgrade from Chain Reaction. Our strong MTB pedal game means we have the latest flat and clipless pedals from huge names in cycle components like Nukeproof, Shimano, Crankbrothers, Time, DMR and many more. Key specs – Body: Extruded 6061 aluminium; Pins: 11 per pedal; Dimensions: 105 x 105mm; Weight: 430g (pair)

The Vaults are famously tough and durable, and on the off-chance you do manage to smash them, they’re fully rebuildable too. Each and every part can be removed and replaced, which extends the lifespan indefinitely, and they’re available in lots of cool anodised colour options, too. If you typically ride clipless, on your road bike or gravel bike, then it makes sense to do so on your commute. You'll benefit from the same pedalling efficiency and stable platform you're used to as well as not having to invest in any new gear. Many of the Candy 1s features that make it a good pedal for the trails also means it performs on the commute to work, too. It's not so much a case of being slower, but rather the standard claim is that clipless systems are around 30% more efficient. This received wisdom isn't necessarily totally true, but there is a reason you don't see any pro riders using flat pedals. That being said, if you're not hunting KOM/QOMs and want some added versatility, then the moderate sacrifice in efficiency may well be a small price to pay for a more useable bike. What are flat pedals good for?Red SPD-SL cleats have no float and are 100% fixed in position. This makes them great for sprinters, professional athletes, or people who value the most efficient power transfer possible and are not prone to knee pain. Note that red SPD-SL cleats require that you know your optimal cleat position precisely, and you are comfortable adjusting your cleats into that perfect position. Flat pedals can also be a safer option for newer cyclists, especially when navigating busy city streets where you may find yourself having to put your foot down with regularity. For commuters the smaller size, which measures 100x100mm, means it won't catch on stairs or other obstacles you’re likely to encounter on your way to the office. However, if you have larger feet, or want to use the pedals for off-road use as well you may want to opt for the larger size. Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. Traditional clipless pedals are small, relying on a stiff-soled shoe to act as the platform for power transfer. This type of pedal is great for XC or gravel, but offers very little support once your foot is unclipped, intentionally or otherwise, so is best suited to confident, speedy riders.

It features a generously sized platform that on test gave us reassuring foot support alongside the excellent mud sharing abilities of the pedal.Both attributes mean it's well-suited to longer commutes as well as being weatherproof. Techy stuff aside, the pedal itself performs beautifully out on the trail, with adjustable spring tension and smooth engagement when clipping in. It’s very robust, too, which is just as well, as you really don’t want to be forking out to replace something this expensive on a regular basis. A regular commute can be hard on your bike and its various components. Some choose to combat this by buying expensive bits that are built to last or can be easily serviced. The other approach is to opt for cheaper parts, which are robust enough for the job, but aren't too nice to get dirty, and can then be replaced without breaking the bank. One downside is the platform size. Still, if you’re running hard-soled SPD shoes, it ceases to be an issue. All in all, it’s an excellent little pedal that will happily take a beating and just keep doing what it does. While they may have ‘trail’ in their name, these flat pedals from Look are well-suited to the daily commute.

The rather elegant and slim pedal body - just 16mm in depth - also means that it won’t look out of place on one of the best commuter bikes, whether it’s a flat bar hybrid or a drop bar all-road machine. Read more: Crankbrothers Candy 1 commuter bike pedal full review How to choose the best commuter bike pedals Is it ok to use flat pedals on a road bike? Granted, it falls firmly into the “nice to have but by no means essential” category, and the price is not exactly wallet-friendly. That said, if you want to spend even more money, you can opt for the double-sided version, the XC200, which will provide the most accurate data possible. However, if you ride road-style three-bolt clipless pedals it may be worth considering a switch to SPD style pedals and cleats. Designed for off-road use they are generally more robust in their construction as well as allowing you to walk safely when you've arrived at your workplace. Designed for trail use, the Aeffect pedal also makes sense for commuters looking for a robust flat pedal that’ll work in all weathers.

The Vibram pads are replaceable and swapping them out was a cinch. The necessary T20 hex key and 8 spare screws are included. The replacement pads aren’t cheap but it does mean you can extend the life of the pedals rather than buy a new pair. The rest of the pedal isn’t serviceable however, with bushings used rather than bearings. However, clipless pedals do have some advantages over flat pedals, including increased control, more efficient power transfer by allowing the rider to utilise the entire 360 degrees of the pedal stroke, and less effort getting the bike off the ground. That said, they can encourage lazy form when performing manuals and bunny hops, so it’s worth having some flat pedals in the cupboard for when you want to hone your technique. The pedals are aided by high performance bearings and steel axles. The bearing end cap is removable, which should make them serviceable, while the bearings ran smoothly throughout the review period. Essentially, the Geo City is a good looking pedal that’s well made and displays all the hallmarks of being both reliable and durable. Pay attention to a pedal’s Q-factor. This is the measurement from the outside of the crank arm to the middle of the platform, and it dictates how wide your stance will be. A wider stance will give you greater stability and clearance, which is good for aggressive downhill riding, while a narrower stance is better for pedalling. It will also affect cleat positioning on your shoes, which may need to be adjusted for optimal power and comfort. Last, but not least, is the price. As the entry level Candy model, they're competitively priced and a great choice for commuters who want to try clipping in without spending a fortune.Whether you’re an occasional cyclist or a regular rider, your choice of pedal is absolutely essential. For amateur and occasional MTB and road riders, a pair of inexpensive platform pedals will be enough to meet your needs. These classic accessories will offer you excellent riding comfort in urban environments and country terrain. But this shouldn’t stop you from opting for more sophisticated pedals. Regular and demanding riders will find their perfect match in a more sophisticated platform, clipless pedal system or combi pedals. Pedal types Other notable features include built-in reflectors - something of a must-have for flat commuter pedals - and bearings (or perhaps bushings) that ran smoothly for the length of the review period.