Choosing the right pedals can be a bit of a minefield. Experienced riders tend to lean towards clipless pedals, on both road and gravel bikes. Why? The best clipless pedals help to increase pedalling efficiency as well as power transfer, and ultimately, comfort over longer rides.
Commuters tend to favour flat pedals as it's easier to put your foot down at junctions, and mountain bikers are split between those using flat and clipless. Once you decide which side of the fence you're on, then you need to think about which cleat fitment is best.
The best road bike pedals use three-bolt cleats that are larger, protruding below the shoe’s sole, and use single-sided pedals designed for maximum power transfer on the road. Meanwhile, the best gravel bike pedals use a smaller two-bolt cleat that's recessed into the shoe’s sole and is usually paired with double-sided pedals. The pedal choice will also dictate whether you choose the best road cycling shoes or gravel bike shoes to pair them with.
Best clipless pedals for road bikes
➕ Excellent price-to-performance ratio
➕ Rides like the Dura-Ace version
➖ 105 version similar performance, but for less money
For riders who want elite performance without the price tag, the Ultegra pedal is an excellent choice. It sits above the 105 and below the Dura-Ace models, with technology from the Dura-Ace trickling down to Ultegra.
The Ultegra pedals use a composite body with a 10mm stack height and three stainless steel pads directly bonded onto the pedal body, which are designed to prevent wear. They're also 37g lighter than the 105 version.
Read more in our Shimano Ultegra pedal review.
➕ Superb balance means they're easy to clip in
➕ Worldwide availability of spares
➖ High price (although regularly discounted)
Shimano's Dura-Ace pedals are the brand's top spec, with features not found in either the 105 or Ultegra options. For instance, the outboard main bearing lowers the stack height and increases the bearing separation for a more even load distribution.
And, unlike the 105, Dura-Ace offers a 4mm longer spindle version for greater stance width (also available in Ultegra). Plus, at 238g for the pair, they are 22g lighter than the 105 too.
Read more in our Shimano Dura-Ace pedal review.
➕ Low stack height
➕ Range of adjustment
➖ Requires maintenance to reduce wear
Wahoo's Speedplay Zero pedals are one up from the more entry-level Speedplay Comp, with a stainless steel axle, full cleat covers and a higher release tension.
The Zero is the only Speedplay pedal to be offered with different spindle lengths, and like all Speedplay pedals, there is plenty of adjustability to be had. This makes the Zero an ideal choice if you're trying to dial in your stance and leg alignment. And it's this that makes it popular among those recovering from knee problems.
Read more in our Wahoo Speedplay Zero pedal review.
➕ Among the lightest pedal systems
➕ Fixed or floating cleat options
➖ 90kg max rider weight limit
➖ Three tension settings
The main selling point of the Time Xpro 12 is the weight, or should we say, lack of. At just 183g a pair, they're the lightest in this guide and among the lightest on the market.
The pedal platform also spreads out to give good foot support, while the rear retainer has a smooth edge, unlike the Xpresso 7. It uses the same iClic retainer as the Xpresso for easy engagement.
➕ Stable pedal platform
➕ Easy tension adjustment
➖ Lighter options available
➖ Cleat adjustment can be a little fiddly
Offering a decent platform for a good price, the Shimano 105 pedal is our pick for beginner road cyclists. It comes with a carbon body and many features seen on more premium options like the Ultegra or Dura-Ace pedals.
They're easy to service and come with steel plates on the body for longevity. There are lighter options available, but for the price, these are great entry-level pedals.
Read more in our Shimano 105 pedals review.
➕ Low stack height
➕ Near infinite float adjustment
➖ Requires maintenance to reduce wear
➖ Minimal performance gains for extra cost
The Speedplay Aero pedals differ from the Zero in offering a one-sided aero-profiled pedal body. This results in a single-sided entry, but other features of the Zero, including low stack height and wide adjustability, are retained. The Speedplay cleat is more awkward to set up and make position adjustments to than other systems though.
Read more in our Wahoo Speedplay Aero pedal review.
Best clipless pedals for gravel bikes
➕ Super durable
➕ Has adjustable tension
➕ Low stack height
➖ Not the cheapest option
Off-road, the Shimano XTR is the top-spec SPD pedal range. Just like its road equivalent, the Dura-Ace, it offers premium bearings and two axle length options. It's also 310g, it's a lightweight option if you're looking to save some grams.
The XTR pedal's 15.1mm stack height is the lowest of all Shimano's off-road pedal options, increasing ground clearance and improving ride feel, but it retains the same open design for excellent mud shedding.
Read our full Shimano XTR pedal review.
➕ Extremely robust
➕ Excellent value
➖ Heavy
➖ Can be prone to squeaking
If you're an entry-level rider or just looking to try out some SPD pedals, the Shimano M520 may be worth a punt. It's the pedals I used when I first got a CX bike, back in the day, and they lasted a fair bit of commuting abuse in all-weathers.
The skeletal body sheds mud and debris well, there's plenty of adjustability, it's weatherproof and the M520 can be serviced easily. It's a cheap pedal option that will serve for commuting, gravel riding, or even road riding too.
Read our full Shimano M520 pedal review.
➕ Fantastic mud-shedding
➕ Easy to clip in or out
➖ Lack of platform won't suit everyone
➖ No tension release
Crankbrothers' Eggbeaters are a minimalist solution for off-road riding. The lack of a platform makes for excellent mud shedding, which is ideal for UK riding. However, this can also negatively impact foot stability.
The design also gives you four points of engagement rather than two, making quick clipping in that much easier. The four-model range is priced from $60 to $500.
➕ Different float cleats in the box
➕ Beautiful machining
➖ Expensive
➖ Heavier than XTR
If you're into off-road bikes, you'll likely have seen blinged-out bikes with anodised Hope bits on them. The British brand is known for its CNC-machined components, and the Union RC pedals are no different, beautifully made and anodised in a range of bright colours.
The cleat dual-sprung jaw mechanism is similar to Crankbrothers and uses a proprietary cleat. Two sets of cleats come in the box, offering different floats and release angles, and adjusting the release tension is very easy. The downside is the high price, especially considering they are heavier than the Shimano XTR pedals.
➕ Users can swap pedal bodies between Keo and X Track
➕ Simple setup and app is intuitive
➖ Expensive
➖ Maintenance tools not included
If you're a rider who wants to track your power output, the Look X-Track Power pedals are an SPD-compatible option that can be bought in either single or dual-sided options. And, the pedal bodies can be swapped to be used on the Look Keo road platforms, too.
Look quotes an accuracy of + / - 1% and in testing, the X Track's power recording was consistent and accurate. The battery is rechargeable and lasts around 60 hours. These pedals also come with Look cleats included, but are compatible with regular Shimano SPD cleats, which makes life easier.
For more details, read our Look X-Track Power review
➕ You want a Shimano alternative
➕ Excellent mud repellancy
➖ Not easy to service
➖ Not as durable as Shimano XTRs
At roughly the same size as Shimano's XTR and M520 pedals we've already mentioned, the Crankbrothers Candy pedals are your best bet if you want something that isn't Shimano, but is a bit more beefy than the Eggbeater.
There's a little more platform to support the sole of your shoe, so a lower chance of any hotspots or pressure, and a lot of the same resistance to clogging with mud. There are no pins, unlike the Mallet Trail, meaning the pedals favour the harder soles of dedicated gravel shoes.
For more details, read our Crankbrothers Candy 7 pedal review.
Last updated 23rd April 2026 The guide was chopped down to 12 pedals, made up of the top 6 road and top 6 off-road pedals per their individual guides. Product descriptions of existing models were re-written and the guide introduction was also rewritten.
How to choose the best clipless pedals for you
Here are the key considerations when choosing the best clipless pedals for your needs:
- Will I ride on the road or off? Typically, road riders choose three-bolt style pedals and gravel riders and cyclocross racers will choose two-bolt designs.
- Will I walk in my shoes much? The choice above may be different if you're commuting or walking in your shoes, when you might choose a two-bolt style rather than a three-bolt. Conversely, gravel racers might choose a three-bolt style.
- How much adjustability do I want? Shimano and Look Keo 2 Max road pedals offer more adjustment that's easier to make than Time, Look Keo Blade or Speedplay road pedals. Shimano SPD-style off-road pedals adjust more than Crankbrothers, Time Atac or Hope.
- How much do I want to spend? You can get the same pedal system at a wide range of prices. More expensive pedals are generally lighter and may be better finished.
Everything you need to know about the best clipless pedals
What are clipless pedals?
Paradoxically, clipless pedals are pedals which you clip into. A mechanism on the pedal clips into a cleat, which is fitted to the sole of your shoe, securing your feet in place.
The term "clipless" originated in the 1980s when this technology was developed for racing cyclists as a replacement for toe clips, which worked with adjustable straps that secured the foot to the pedal.
What are the different types of pedals/shoes?
There are two main types of clipless pedal and shoe systems: road and mountain bike, or recessed and non-recessed cleats. While various manufacturers produce them, nearly all fall into these categories. Each system uses a cleat that attaches to the shoe, with most shoes designed for only one type, though some can accommodate both.
MTB Pedals & Shoes (Shimano SPD, Crankbrothers) – Use a 2-bolt metal cleat recessed into the sole for easier walking. These shoes often have treaded soles for added grip.
Road Pedals & Shoes (Shimano SPD-SL, Look, Time, Speedplay) – Use a 3-bolt plastic cleat that protrudes from the sole, making walking difficult. These shoes are lightweight, rigid, and designed for maximum power transfer.
If you want the full breakdown, check out our guide to cycling with cleats here.
Below, I've highlighted the key differences between each brand's clipless pedals and some key considerations when choosing:
Shimano three-bolt pedals
Shimano is perhaps the default choice. All its pedals use a similar design with a rear retainer that's tensioned by a coil spring. The pedal release tension is changed via a hex bolt at the top of the retainer, with an indicator window to show you the release tension you have set.
Shimano cleats are wide, providing a broad contact area with the pedal, although the wide cleat can overhang the sole of narrower or smaller shoes. There are three cleat options with 0, 2 or 6 degrees of float.
Look three bolt pedals
Look developed the original clipless pedal system. Look cleats are slightly smaller than Shimano's, and they also offer three options with 0, 4.5 and 9 degrees of float.
Look's lower-priced Keo 2 pedals use a similar retainer with a coil spring to Shimano (it licensed the technology to Shimano in the 1990s). Its higher-priced pedals, named Keo Blade, use a carbon leaf spring on the underside of the pedal body to tension the retainer; the brand brought out an updated pedal body in January 2024, which it claims makes the Keo Blade the most aero pedal available.
While the coil spring allows the release tension for Look's cheaper pedals to be continuously varied, the Keo Blade pedals' release tension is changed in discrete jumps by swapping the leaf spring, of which there are four different tensions available.
Time three-bolt pedals
Time is another brand which—like Speedplay—is seeing a renaissance under a new owner, in this case SRAM.
All Time's pedals use a carbon leaf spring to operate the rear retainer, and, as with Look Keo Blade pedals, you can swap the spring to change the release tension by discrete increments. Time's system holds the retainer open when the cleat is not engaged, making it easier to clip in.
Time has two road bike pedal ranges. The cheapest is the Xpresso, which has one composite-bodied and one carbon option. Step up to the Xpro, and there are three carbon models.
The top-spec Time Xpro 12 SL pedals have a titanium axle and ceramic bearings. Their claimed weight of 174g per pair makes them the lightest pedal option available, although at a price.
Speedplay three-bolt pedals
The final major road-going option is Speedplay. Wahoo updated and relaunched Speedplay pedals and added the Wahoo Powrlink Zero power meter pedals (now renamed Speedplay Power) to its portfolio.
Technically, Speedplay cleats are fixed to the shoe's sole with four bolts, but there is an adapter to allow them to be used with the more common three-bolt drilled road cycling shoes.
Speedplay pedals are unique among pedals for three-bolt cleats in allowing dual-sided entry (except the Speedplay Aero model) and having continuously variable float and release angles, although, unlike other systems, release tension cannot be varied. Also unique to Speedplay, the adjustability is in the cleat, with the pedal just offering a fixed retaining surface.
Shimano SPD two-bolt pedals
Shimano is also one of the go-to pedal options off-road, whether riding gravel or mountain biking.
Shimano offers three cleat options: the default SH51 cleat is included within the box with most pedals and offers 4 degrees of float and a single release action. Alternatively, Shimano has the SH56 cleat that offers a multi-directional release for riders who want to be able to easily unclip and the latest MT001, which provides multi-directional clipping in action, making it easier to clip back in on technical terrain.
Crankbrothers two-bolt pedals
Crankbrothers' clipless pedals are the other big player off-road and are a little different from Shimano's SPD system. The front and rear jaws are both sprung, which gives more options to engage the cleat into the mechanism while riding on rough terrain, as you can drag the cleat forward, backwards or stamp down onto the pedal.
In their most skeletal Eggbeater form, they have a minimalist design with four points of engagement, shedding mud easily and making them popular for cyclocross. Crankbrothers uses the same retention system, but with a platform in its Mallet and Candy pedals, adding some extra foot stability. The release tension is not adjustable, although you can change the float and release angle by changing your cleats.
Time two-bolt pedals
As well as its road pedals, Time sells an off-road pedal system. Again, it's available with a range of different platform sizes. Its ATAC XC pedals were used for cyclocross by Wout van Aert for many years before he transitioned to road racing.
The sprung retainer is at the front of the ATAC pedal system rather than the rear, which Time claims assists in clearing debris from the pedal-cleat interface as you clip in. Its release tension is non-adjustable, although you can buy lighter release cleats. You can change the float for standard release cleats by swapping your left and right cleats with each other.
Hope two-bolt pedals
Hope is a bit of an outlier in the off-road pedal market, using its own cleat design and a unique mechanism that looks like the SPD system but uses a dual-sprung mechanism similar to Crankbrothers, but which offers spring tension adjustment to fine-tune release force. Float can be adjusted between 4 and 5 degrees by switching the cleats, and Hope includes both sets in the box with the pedals. We have featured the lightweight Union RC version, but Hope also does a couple of platform models for mountain biking.
Can I use clipless road pedals off-road?
Yes, however, there are some rides where using road cleats could cause issues. As road cleats aren't recessed, they are hard to walk in and are prone to clogging with mud or rocks. The cleats are also generally made from plastic and risk being damaged when walking on rough surfaces. Road shoes aren't as robust as gravel shoes either, so there is a greater risk of damaging your shoes or sustaining foot injuries while wearing road shoes off-road.
Top gravel racing pros often opt for road bike pedals and shoes, as they rarely stop or need to walk any distance.
On the flip side, you can use off-road pedals on road without a problem, although the shoe and pedal systems will add a little extra weight and don't offer the same ultra-stable pedalling platform.
How we test the best clipless pedals
For this guide, we tested a whopping 17 clipless pedals that span both on-road and off-road cycling. To provide a well-rounded and varied view of what's available on the market, we tested multiple pedals from the leading manufacturers.
Testing pedals revolves around two factors: setup and riding. The setup is a fairly simple process of determining the range of adjustability and taking note of the real-world specs, such as weight and platform size. The riding portion focuses on how easy it is to engage and disengage from the pedals, shoe stability and power delivery.
As you already know, testing is the backbone of the tech department at Cyclingnews and we take it seriously. Find out more about how we test here.
