Our Pedal Guide
When it comes to your bike, the pedals are your foundation—and you want them to be solid. On road, trail, or gravel, find out which pedal systems we choose for miles of confidence no matter the terrain.
Your ride is best when your pedals deliver every last watt to your drivetrain. See our favorite points of contact for road.
Whether you prefer full squish or a more rigid steed, see our pedal picks for getting off-road and kick up some dust.
Pavement
When you’re giving your cranks all you’ve got, you demand pedals that transfer every single watt into your drivetrain—three-bolt designs add rigidity to your shoe to do that more effectively. Machined bearings keep things moving smoothly, while power meters within pedals give you the data you need to optimize your ride.
Two-bolt shoes are easier to walk in and multiple mounting points allow you to customize your cleat position. A couple factors to consider? Pedal platform size—more surface area means more stability—and weight, which can be affected by platform shape and construction.
Dirt
Clipless pedals are designed to transfer power efficiently to your drivetrain—a game-changer on gravel grinds and MTB climbs. They slough dirt as you ride and make it easier to ratchet up over obstacles, while avoiding pesky pedal strikes. Consider how big a platform you want (more surface area = more stability on the descent) and whether weight (and its impact on efficiency) is a factor for you.
Dab on a berm, shed dirt as you ride, and perfect technique with flats that free your feet. Platform pedals allow you to easily mount and dismount—a boon on technical terrain and descent-oriented riding—while using pins to secure your foot position. In addition to pin length, consider material—composite is lighter but aluminum withstands pedal strikes better.