Best Flat Pedals for Road Bike Review in 2023
The best road bike flat pedals can give the ultimate riding experience to the riders. Flat pedals will keep your feet correctly positioned over the pedal hence no slipping is expected while riding. They will let you ride in whatever footwear you have and this makes them the number 1 choice for many cycling activities. They include riding to a market, bike share schemes, or short-distance commuting.
In this article we are going to explore more about the flat pedals for road bikes by reviewing top 5 of them. Also, we will discuss how to choose the best flat pedal and what to look for in a good flat pedal. Maintenance tips and other important factors will also be covered to provide a better understanding. Let’s dive in.
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Reviews of the Best Flat Pedals for Road Bike
1. RaceFace Chester Mountain Bike Pedal
RaceFace Chester Mountain Bike Pedal will make a big difference in the comfort of your bike. They have features that make them perfect for your bike. These pedals have a large surface area and 8 hex pin systems. The wide pedals will offer more room for foot placement and can fit any shoe size. They also have more pins and this will increase grip and traction on the pedals.
Their bodies are made of nylon composite and their axles are of chromoly steel which makes them tough and can last for a long time before bending or breaking. Nylon composite makes them light and provides excellent performance. The bushing and bearing systems are also fully serviceable. If you are searching to buy lightweight platform pedals for road bikes then I would recommend these pedals.
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2. Crankbrothers Stamp Flat BMX/MTB Bike Pedal
Crankbrothers Stamp Flat BMX/MTB Bike Pedals work brilliantly for cyclists. Riding on these flats will offer a certain degree of versatility. Not only will you learn new skills with this type of pedal but you will also perfect your old ones. They are fun to ride and have a large surface area for any shoe size placement. And, they are built to fit a size 5 to 10+ shoe.
Additionally, they have more pins to increase the traction and grip on the pedals. You will never get the best platform bike pedals for road bikes like these pedals. Crank brothers designed them with the riders in mind. They have plenty of positive reviews online meaning many customers bought and liked them. The pedals have a concave design and are thick enough to last for a long time.
They are made lightweight yet durable material so that they can serve you for a long time. This is one of the best MTB pedals for the road bike and only cheap bike pedal in the marketplace right now.
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3. Crankbrothers Doubleshot Pedal
Crankbrothers Doubleshot Pedals are perfect for any riding environment. Be it cross-country, cyclocross, trail, short-distance riding, or mountain biking. They will give the ultimate riding experience with their superior features such as mud-shedding, plate pads for traction, molded pins, and ribs for grip.
Crankbrothers have been in the operation since 1997 and are now a globally recognized brand dealing with tools, pedals, wheels, and accessories. These pedals are half flat and half clip-in which means you can enjoy both the benefits of flat and clip-in pedals. They give both worlds in that your shoes can attach to the pedals or can exchange and use as flatties. Good for a beginner who is looking for pedaling efficiency.
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4. RaceFace Atlas Bike Pedal
RaceFace Atlas Bike Pedals stand out primarily because of their design and size. They feature a hex-head threaded pin design that offers more bite for added safety. Their size will match just any shoes you need to wear. As cycling enthusiasts, we have tested these pedals and come to love them because of their super-thin concave width platform making them ideal for those who favor speed.
Their Bodies are made of Aluminum and the axle is Chromyl. Aluminum is a lightweight material yet sturdy and will last for a long time before replacing them. They are easy to install and will give the ultimate riding experience that you have always looked for. They are waterproof, dustproof, and also designed for longevity which makes them a great choice for new and experienced riders.
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5. Spank Oozy Trail Platform Pedals
Spank Oozy Trail Platform Pedals work brilliantly for those who like to speed. They are super slim making them lightweight. So, for cyclists who love to race they make a great choice because of their slim features and weight. They also have a large flat surface which can match any shoes you wear.
The 18 adjustable pins will allow a little added personalization. Additionally, the pins are in large numbers to provide stability and grip. Their bodies are made of forged alloy, a lightweight yet sturdy material for longevity. They are also the top flat pedals for mountain bike riders because of their non-slip and anti-skid effects.
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Can I Use Flat Pedals on a Road Bike?
Yes, flat pedals can be used on road bikes. However, some factors need to be considered before you use them with road bikes. We will discuss these factors so that you can have a clear understanding.
Riding Style
You need to decide if you would rather be able to get on and off your bike in an instant, or if control and efficiency are more important to you. If the former is more important, then flat pedals are the way to go. Flat pedals are best if you want to avoid getting injured during crashes as you can get off quickly when needed.
Shoe Types
Flat pedals are very accommodating of all types of shoes except fully cleated ones. So if you would rather not wear special shoes just for your pedals, then flat pedals are suitable for you.
Purpose
The purpose for which you will be using your road bike is very important in determining whether flat pedals will be suitable for you. If you are new to biking and would like more stability while riding, then definitely go for flat pedals. The same goes for recreational cycling, commuting, or riding in general if you want to be able to mount and dismount your bike frequently.
Do Clip-in Pedals Make Any Difference?
Yes, they do! Clip-in or clipless pedals have been designed with the specific purpose of providing more power, efficiency, and control over your bike. They provide a better connection between the rider and the bike. In general, these pedals are great for long-duration rides as they can enable you to ride faster. As they provide greater power, climbing steep trails such as hills is easier.
Clip-in pedals also tend to be small, narrow, and lightweight, which is more comfortable and convenient for bikers. On top of these, they provide great stability for the foot, which will allow you to focus more on the road or scenery around you.
Other than that, these pedals are great for mountain biking as they provide more traction when riding over obstacles. Technical stuff, such as sliding, hopping, and rear-wheel control, in general, are also made easy with these pedals.
Why Does My Bike Click When I Pedal?
Before we discuss the reasons for the clicking sound, it is important to let you know that you have to be certain of what the sound actually is! What does that mean? Well, simply put, many people confuse other sounds, such as clunking, groaning, squeaking, etc. for clicking sounds. Also, you must determine which part of the bike the sound is actually coming from.
Wheels Clicking
Wheels can click with wear and tear over time as the parts where the spokes cross each other can become dry. If this is the case, then applying oil or lube at the intersections can solve the problem.
Pedals Clicking
Pedals can produce clicking noises when they are loose. Just tighten the pedals using a wrench, and you should be good to go.
Frame Clicking
Frames can click if the bottom brackets are dry, it means lubing them properly will solve the issue. Alternatively, they can click due to loose bottom brackets, so tightening them should do the trick.
Derailleur Hanger Clicking
The clicking sound can also occur due to derailleur hanger. This happens when a replaceable handle becomes loose, so tightening it is the solution.
How Do You Bunny Hop with a Flat Pedal?
The first thing to know is that learning to bunny hop can take a lot of practice and patience. It may take from weeks to even years for some to master, especially on flat pedals. However, with practice and persistence, it definitely is a possible and great skill to learn!
So the first thing to learn would be to perform a move called ‘the pumped manual’. Once you have learned this, you need to stand tall when the front comes up, which can be done by pushing through your feet.
Next, when you have reached a full height with the front wheels, simultaneously throw the bars forward and rotate them. Now is the time to lift the bike up by pushing downward with your feet and with a sweeping motion, pulling them up toward your back.
As for the final step, you need to learn to land with both wheels, which can be a little difficult task. It is better to learn to land on one wheel first. Then once you have gained some control, proceed to do it with both wheels.
Factors to Consider When Buying the New Road Bike Flat Pedals
Attached to the pranks, pedals are important parts of a bike and are responsible for transferring power from the legs to the drive train. They have a large impact on your ride, safety, and comfort on your bike hence it is important to consider some factors before buying them.
Material
The material of flat pedals for your road bike will determine if you will ride comfortably. It will also determine if they will last a long time or not. Therefore, it is always safer to go for pedals that are constructed with refined materials that will make your pedals to last for a long time.
The most common materials that make flat pedals include Aluminum, Chrome, steel, and plastic. Aluminum makes lighter products yet sturdy. Aluminum is perfect for shock absorption and is not likely to rust quickly.
On the other hand, steel is heavy metal but very durable. Flat pedals should have at least a small part made of steel like the bearings. However, the outer layer is the most crucial and should be made from a material that allows flexibility.
Plastic is not a good choice for flat pedals but makes them affordable and easy to manufacture. If you are looking for affordable and entry-level flat pedals, you can purchase them. Note that they are fragile and hence not suitable for mountain bike riding or tough places.
Surface Area
Generally speaking, the wider the pedal, the more likely shoes will fit onto these pedals. This means you can ride your bike with heavy winter boots or large-sized sneakers. You have more room for foot placement if you purchase wider pedals.
On the other hand, small surface pedals mean you have less room for foot placement and anytime your feet can slip off. A wide pedal has more pins around them and this increases grip. Similarly, the thickness of the pedals is important when it comes to stability.
Thicker flat pedals for road bikes are less likely to bend over time. If they are thick, they will not break in case the bike has a fall. Do not buy very thick ones that will compromise the stability of your bike.
Type of Riding
For mountain cycling, most would prefer clip pedals because of their non-slip features. However, you can opt for flat pedals which will improve your riding skills. Additionally, you will also learn to rely on your technical and balance skills. If you are happy to go on short bicycle rides, then get flat pedals. These bicycle components are easy to use and won’t require you to carry an extra pair of shoes for walking.
You have better control and more freedom with flat pedals. And, you need comfort in order to perform better hence buy pedals that are suitable for your riding needs. The wrong pedals can be the root of your problems and that is why we have created a guide so you can make a smart purchase decision.
Bike Pedals Types
Sold as a pair, bike pedals are shipped in 3 distinctive styles, clipless, platform, and clip. It is extremely important to know their differences in order to match the right bike pedals to your riding style. There are pedals for road bikes, mountain bikes, urban and BMX.
Clipless Pedals
These types of pedals are used together with cycling shoes. This is because they need specialized shoes that will attach to them. These shoes will mechanically attach to the pedals using cleats. The advantage of these types of pedals is that they increase the hold of feet hence no slipping off; there is easier power transfer and increased pedaling efficiency.
Being clipped into the pedals means that your shoes will not slip back and forth while pedaling. This is a good safety feature especially riding on rough roads or dodging traffic and potholes. Clipless pedals release the shoes with a quick twist hence you can come out of your bike anytime you want. These types of pedals are commonly found on mountain bikes, road bikes, and commuter bikes.
Platform or Flat Pedals
Often referred to as flat pedals, platform pedals are easy to use, you just step on them and start riding. They are suitable for beginners and are usually found on urban, mountain bikes, or BMX. They also do not require special shoes in order to use them. If you want to change shoes, no stress, as the platform pedals accommodate all types of shoes.
Cycling shoes have brackets underfoot and this makes them difficult to walk with. This is not the case with platform pedals. You do not use shoes with brackets underfoot hence there is no problem walking with them. These types of pedals offer convenience. There is no attaching mechanism on the pedals or worrying about changing shoes.
Clip Pedals
These types of pedals have attaching mechanisms via a cage and strap. They are the less popular and outdated option of bike pedals. They are less safe considering the shoes can become trapped in case of an accident. Therefore, I cannot recommend these types of pedals for mountain bikes or riding.
Importance of Perfect Flat Pedals
There are plenty of advantages of using flat pedals over clipless when mountain biking, trail riding, or short-distance riding. Flat pedals have been gaining popularity because of their convenience, safety, and improving your riding skills. They come in different sizes and are usually made up of metals, rubber, or plastic.
Improves Balance and Technical Skills
Because of their lack of attaching mechanism, they enable you to gain confidence when training and thus improve your balance skills. With these types of pedals, you can dare high-risk maneuvers. When doing maneuvers, you can easily take your feet off the pedals. You are more likely to learn new skills when your feet are free than when they are clipped in.
Ensures Safety
Riding on flat pedals is safer than riding on clip pedals. In case of accidents, your feet will not be stuck on the pedals and you can come out quickly. You can also save yourself from crashing when you have flat pedals.
If you happen to get out of control when cycling, you can step out for a while and continue after gaining control. Crashes that happen when you are clipped into your pedals are more severe than when you are on flat pedals.
Provides Convenience
When you use your bicycle for short rides to school or town, you will realize that you will get on and off often. You need flat pedals that are easy to come out. With these types of pedals, you will not be required to use cycling shoes, rather you can ride in any type of shoes.
Also, when you are a beginner, the last thing you need is to worry about clipping in and out of your pedals. Save your practice time by purchasing bike components that do not need clipping in.
Flat Pedals Maintenance Guide
Pedals are bike components that are the point of contact used to propel a bicycle forward. It is therefore important to maintain them so they can last for a long time before replacing them. Maintain your bicycle in good condition before taking it out. You can achieve this by cleaning and servicing it regularly. The great way to do this is as follows :
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pins on pedals beneficial?
Yes, a good number of pins on a pedal are good for stability and a strong grip.
Just make sure they are not too many on a pedal as this can be a hindrance than a help. I would recommend pedals that come with replaceable pins as it is easy to replace them when they wear out.
Does weight matter for flat pedals?
Flat pedals should not weigh a lot because they will affect your pedaling.
Heavy ones will force your legs to do much more work than light pedals.
That is why most bicycle components are made of Aluminum which is a lightweight material. Cyclists who love to race would prefer to buy thin and light pedals that are easy to rotate.
Why are flat pedals better than clipless pedals?
Platform or flat pedals are affordable compared to clip-less pedals. Clipless pedals will require you to buy cycling shoes and this is an added cost that you can avoid by buying flat pedals. The cycling shoes can be difficult to walk in because of the bracket at the bottom. If you buy flat pedals, you will just hop on the bike without worrying about clipping in.
Conclusion
Pedals are important components of a bike. Therefore, make sure to buy pedals that will fulfill your riding needs and fit various shoe sizes like boots and sneakers. Also, they must be of high quality and designed to create the highest grip possible. It is always better to buy from renowned manufacturers that have riders in mind.
We have reviewed the best flat pedals for road bikes along with an easy buying guide and important factors about these pedals. All of the flat pedals for road bikes reviewed here feature eye-catching designs and recommend for both new and experienced riders. They are easy to install and super comfortable. You can get them if you are looking for easy-to-maintain pedals.