5 Best Hybrid Bike Pedals [Our 2023 Top Picks]
The best type of bike you can own if you are a commuter is one that will keep you from being too tired when you reach your office.
But as a rider, you will still want something that can provide you with great experience every time you ride it.
Your experience, though, will be greatly affected by the components of your bike.
Great bike pedals are designed to add efficiency in every pedal stroke as well as increase comfort for an accurate bike fit.
Any experienced rider will recommend that your first upgrade should be the pedals.
With modern advancements of technology, we now have hybrid bikes, which are great for average commuters.
It should be fitted with the top hybrid bike pedals to add comfort and efficiency in any situation and terrain.
Best Hybrid Pedals – Comparison
| Model | Brand | Product Dimensions | Intended use | Item Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHIMANO PD-M828 Pedals | SHIMANO | 6.3 x 5.12 x 2.36 inches | – | 5.29 Ounces |
| SHIMANO PD-R550 SPD-SL Road Pedals | SHIMANO | 6.5 x 6 x 2 inches | – | 1 Pounds |
| LOOK KEO 2 Max Pedal | Look | 11 x 5 x 2 inches | Road | 3.52 Ounces |
| SHIMANO Clipless Pedals Click-in Pedal PD-A530 | SHIMANO | 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches | MTB | 0.8 Pounds |
| Crankbrothers Doubleshot Hybrid Bike Pedal | Crank Brothers | 7 x 5 x 3 inches | Hybrid pedal | 1.3 Pounds |
Top 5 Best Hybrid Bike Pedals Review 2023
Biking is one of the most well-loved sports and hobbies all over the world. Chances are you may have owned a bike at least once in your life.
Here are some pedals that are worth your consideration if you’re looking to replace your pedal.
1. Shimano Saint PD-M828
For anyone looking for a platform bike pedal that will enhance their riding comfort, these Shimano Saint pedals are a good option.
Coming from a well-known brand, you will be sure that this is one of those pedals you can use day in and day out and still keep its form for a long time.
It has large platforms that measure 109mm long and 105mm wide. That will be a welcome feature for people with large shoe sizes.
For added strength, the pedals are cold-forged to prevent chipping and damage due to sudden and accidental impacts.
Shimano is well known for its components that can take a beating. But with the strength of these pedals come a rather hefty weight of 490 grams.
But if you are looking for a durable pedal rather than a lightweight one, then these pairs will be a good choice.
The clearance you will get from these pedals is also pretty significant, given the 18mm depth. It is also equipped with smooth bearings that are also serviceable in any case they need maintenance or replacement.
When you get these pedals, you will immediately notice the tall pins on the platform. These help with the grip of your foot on the pedal and prevent slippage.
You will find 12 pins on either side of the pedal. They also included an extra set of longer pins in the package so you can swap them out according to preference.
All in all, these pedals are great for most applications. If you are willing to put up with the little extra cost and weight, then these will all be worth it because of their durability.
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Related Comparison: Shimano XT & XTR Pedals Comparision
2. SHIMANO PD-R550 SPD-SL Road Pedals
With the many brands that have surfaced in recent years, it is easy to overlook Shimano as being old-fashioned and outdated.
But these pedals are a testimony that you shouldn’t disregard the brand just yet. For anyone using a hybrid bike, these cleats will be good upgrades for you.
The main benefit of using cleats is that it helps you establish your technique.
Suffice to say, these will force you to improve your balance, stability, and riding technique.
Contrary to what is perceived, clip-on pedals are safer as they reduce the tension on your knees for the support they provide when pedaling.
These pedals are made durable and able to last for a long time, which is always a plus for clip-on pedals.They provide perfect bike fit for any rider.
The company designed the pedals to be easy to use. It is designed to roll backwards so that you don’t have to worry about clipping back on. That rolling action helps you clip your shoes back on easily.
Another thing you will appreciate with these pedals is their larger size. Cleats tend to have small platforms.
However, these have an extra space, which is always appreciated, especially if you want to feel more room at your feet.
It has sealed bearings that protect them from water, dust, or mud, which further the lifespan of these pedals.
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3. LOOK KEO 2 Max Pedal
Anyone looking for a nice pedal with great and stealthy design, this LOOK pedal is a sure-go. Additionally, you wouldn’t believe how lightweight this is, a mere 130 grams to be exact.
These pedals have been in production for quite some time now. This series had seen Tour De France victory in 2009.
They are still available, and you can install them on your hybrid bike if you want to feel like a champ every time you ride.
The body of these pedals is made from carbon, which helps to reduce overall weight but keeps them durable even with daily use and abuse.
Since these are made for cycling, you can expect that these are more geared toward providing efficiency with every effort.
The overall shape of this is slimmed down and given angles that contribute to its aggressive nature, which in turn helps the rider produce more power and speed.
But that also helps anyone who uses hybrid bikes because you can save more energy if you have pedals that are designed to distribute more power and efficiency whenever riding.
The overall tension of these pedals is also adjustable between 8 and 12Nm so you can find the right balance for you.
Anyone familiar with clip-on will remind you to check the cleats for durability and how easy they are to walk on.
These have no problem with those, but they are not as hard-wearing as Shimanos.
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4. SHIMANO Clipless Pedals Click-in Pedal PD-A530
If you are interested in using cleats to get the maximum efficiency when pedaling, then you can check out these clipless pedals.
Don’t be fooled by the name clipless as it is just a name that stuck. You can still clip on these pedals.
They are only called so because in the past, riders used toe clips which were devices over their shoes. In these modern designs, they clip underneath the shoe instead.
These are great if you want the hybrid road bike pedals since they are suited for multiple purposes ranging from touring, commuting, or riding just about anywhere without the worry of being clipped on all the time.
One side is compatible with cleats, while the other side has a platform when you don’t want to wear your cycling shoes. So, you get both worlds in one pedal.
You can expect traction even when you’re not clipped in, thanks to the slightly concave and ridged platform.
If the weather is a little humid, you can still have friction and proper control when pedaling.
The bearings on these are also serviceable, which, in addition to the durable build, will make them last a lifetime.
So, if you’re on the market for something that you want to install and forget about, then this will be an easy choice for you.
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Related Guide: SHIMANO M520 Vs. M530 Vs. M540 Pedals
5. Crankbrothers Doubleshot Pedal
If you’re on a tight budget but want to have the high-quality hybrid bicycle pedals on your bike, then these are for you.
These are inexpensive, and also versatile, so you’re getting two pedals for the price of one.
Crankbrothers products are great if you don’t want to spend a lot on platform pedals.
They have enough platform space to keep you comfortable when you don’t want to clip in and have the versatility if you get inclined to use your favorite cleats on a long ride.
On the platform side, you will get rather tall molded pins and traction ridges for extra stability and control.
And on the other side, you will get a durable and snug diamond plate traction area.
Furthermore, you will get Enduro cartridge bearings on these pedals. These are designed for high torque, and reduce the corrosion especially on steep uphill climbs.
The pedals are also protected with a double seal system that keeps water and debris like dust and rocks from entering the pedals.
Crankbrothers claims that these will withstand any type of terrain, whether on the highway or off-road.
If you want something that can help you take your hybrid bike on pretty much any type of road, these are great options for you.
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What to Look for Before Buying?
Riding the bike is a great form of exercise as well as a leisure activity. You don’t want to suffer a broken pedal in the middle of the journey.
If you have flimsy pedals, then it’s time for you to upgrade to good pedals. Here are some things you should look for when buying pedals for the first time.
Decide Whether You Want Flat or Clipless Pedals
With clipless pedals, you get more efficiency because you’re also pulling the pedals as opposed to flat ones, where you’re mostly pushing it to move forward.
How and Where to Use Your Bike
This is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a bike pedal.
If you use your bike for commuting and see a lot of traffic, then it is practical and safer if you have platform pedals as these will allow you to quickly set your foot down if you need to stop.
And if you like long rides, then a clipless pedal will provide you with better comfort when riding and increase your efficiency as well.
Your Biking Technique and Skills
If you plan on becoming a professional mountain biker or a cyclist, then you have to pick out what most professional bikers and bike mechanics recommend.
Every pedal is made so that the rider will have better experience and performance. So, make sure to ask around before purchasing.
However, if you just want a pedal to use on your hybrid bike for daily commuting, then it is best to get one that is both durable and comfortable.
Budget
Some bike components can be a little more expensive than you’d expect. But many companies offer great prices for almost the same specs.
Just look around, and you will find ones that will fit your needs and your budget.
But most of the time, you always get what you pay for when it comes to bike components.
So, if you need to shell out extra cash for the best hybrid pedals, chances are, it will last you a long time without diminishing its performance.
How to Install or Replace Hybrid Bike Pedals?
When replacing your bike pedal, it will be much easier if you have the proper tools like a repair stand and a pedal wrench. Some grease will also be useful.
Remember that the threads on either side are different. So, make sure to check which side is which before installing them.
Installing or replacing bike pedals is a straightforward approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to constantly grease the pedals?
High-quality pedals have sealing in them that keep water and dirt from entering the pedals where the bearings are. These can be cleaned by just using water to remove surface dirt. Other pedals have serviceable bearings that can be cleaned out by bike mechanics. So, maintenance is dependent on the type of pedal you have.
2. How do I know if it’s time to replace my pedals?
If your new bike has plastic pedals on them, you may have to consider upgrading them along with the crank, especially if you’re planning to do a lot of riding. But if you already bought good and high-quality pedals, you don’t need to replace them immediately if they are still turning smoothly and do not have performance issues.
3. How do you remove pedals if I don’t have a pedal wrench?
Most modern pedals have Allen wrench slots, which can be used to remove them. You can also use the right size wrench for the same purpose.
4. Does the type of bike pedals matter?
While they don’t necessarily affect the performance of the bike directly, they add to the comfort and technique of the rider, which in turn helps make riding easier and provide more control over the whole ride.
Final Words
There are many things you can do to upgrade and make your riding experience better.
Installing the hybrid bike pedals is one of those things that can affect your comfort and overall enjoyment with your bike. Always enjoy yourself when riding and stay safe!