Your road bike pedals are a critical contact point, working tirelessly to translate your power into forward motion. Choosing the Best Road Bike Pedals is essential for both comfort and efficiency, influencing every pedal stroke you take. With numerous brands and cleat systems available, selecting the right pair can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to choose the best road bike pedals for your needs and budget.
This article features a curated selection of top-rated road pedals rigorously tested by BikeRadar experts. Further down, you’ll find our comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you understand the key features and make an informed decision.
If budget is a concern, be sure to also check out our guide to cheap bike pedals for excellent options without breaking the bank.
Editor’s note: This list was updated on January 3, 2025.
Top Road Bike Pedals of 2025: Expert Reviews
Our expert testers have rigorously evaluated a wide range of road bike pedals. Here are our top picks for the best road bike pedals available in 2025:
Shimano 105 R7000 Pedals
Shimano’s 105 R7000 pedals offer an excellent balance of performance and value.
Shimano 105 R7000 road bike pedals provide reliable performance for cyclists.
Price: £120 / $150 / AU$189 (as tested)
Pros: Reliable and solid performance, adjustable float, excellent power transfer
Cons: Not the lightest option
The Shimano 105 R7000 pedals are a standout 105-level component, delivering the renowned Shimano quality at a competitive price. These pedals provide the dependable performance expected from the 105 series, making them a strong contender for the best road bike pedals in their category.
Sharing a similar body design with Shimano’s higher-tier Ultegra and Dura-Ace pedals, the 105 R7000s inherit many of their premium features. The wide body, enhanced with stainless steel inserts, creates a stable and secure platform for pedaling, ensuring efficient power transfer with every stroke.
These pedals utilize Shimano’s three-bolt cleat system and are compatible with three different cleat options offering varying degrees of float. The reviewed model comes equipped with Shimano’s yellow cleats, providing 6 degrees of float. The release tension is easily adjustable with an Allen key, and the pedal’s design ensures it hangs at an optimal angle for quick and easy clip-in.
Time XPro 10 Pedals
Time XPro 10 pedals are engineered for weight-conscious road cyclists and racers seeking top performance.
Price: £150 / $195 / AU$199.95 (as tested)
Pros: Exceptionally lightweight, smooth float action, ideal for racers
Cons: Higher price point
The Time XPro 10 pedals represent an evolution of Time’s acclaimed Xpresso pedal line, featuring a hollow steel axle to minimize weight. These pedals are designed for cyclists who prioritize lightweight components and are searching for the best road bike pedals for racing and performance.
A key design element of the XPro is its carbon flexion blade. Unlike traditional steel spring mechanisms, this blade keeps the clip mechanism open until the cleat engages, snapping it securely shut. This design contributes to the pedal’s light weight and responsive feel.
While incredibly light, the XPro 10 pedals might not always hang perfectly tail-down, but clipping in remains intuitive and the updated cleats enhance engagement certainty. For riders seeking the ultimate in lightweight performance, the even more expensive XPro 15 (successor to the Xpresso 15) offers further weight reduction, maintaining the core pedal design.
Wahoo Speedplay Zero Pedals
Wahoo Speedplay Zero pedals offer extensive adjustability and convenient double-sided entry for road cyclists.
Wahoo Speedplay Zero pedals, featuring double-sided entry and walkable cleats.
Price: £199.99 / $229.99 / €229.99 (as tested)
Pros: Fully adjustable, double-sided entry, walkable cleats included, durable cleats
Cons: Cleats can be susceptible to mud
Following Wahoo’s acquisition of Speedplay, the Wahoo Speedplay Zero pedals retain the beloved features of the original Speedplay Zero while benefiting from Wahoo’s innovation. These pedals continue to be a popular choice, particularly for riders seeking adjustability and ease of use in their best road bike pedals selection.
The Wahoo-branded Zero pedals maintain double-sided entry, a hallmark of Speedplay, and come standard with walkable cleats. This eliminates the fumbling often associated with single-sided pedals and reduces wear and tear on the cleats when off the bike.
Constructed with metal spindles, the Zero pedals are designed for enhanced durability compared to the chromoly spindle version, the Wahoo Speedplay Comp. The non-centring float allows your feet to find their natural pedaling position, a feature that has long made Speedplay/Wahoo pedals a favored option for cyclists experiencing knee discomfort.
Look Keo 2 Max Pedals
Look Keo 2 Max pedals provide excellent pedaling stability and adjustable spring tension at a mid-range price.
Look Keo 2 Max pedals, offering stability and ease of use for road cyclists.
Price: £79.99 / $114.99 / AU$153.99 (as tested)
Pros: Exceptional pedaling stability, lightweight composite body, adjustable spring tension
Cons: Cleats can be noisy in muddy conditions
The Look Keo 2 Max pedals represent Look’s mid-range offering in the Keo series, delivering notable improvements in this generation. These pedals are designed to offer a balance of performance and affordability, making them a strong contender for the best road bike pedals for enthusiasts.
The lightweight composite body mirrors the design of higher-end Keo models and features a serrated center to enhance shoe traction and simplify entry. Built with oversized chromoly axles and a combination of loose ball and needle cartridge bearings, these pedals spin smoothly and reliably.
Spring tension is adjustable, and the pedals are supplied with Look’s 4.5-degree float cleats. The Keo 2 Max pedals offer impressive performance, eliminating hotspots and providing ease of use in a relatively lightweight package.
Look Keo 2 Max Carbon Pedals
Look Keo 2 Max Carbon pedals combine a carbon body with a stainless steel plate for enhanced power transfer.
Look Keo 2 Max Carbon pedals, mid-range option with carbon body for road cycling.
Price: £95 / $125 / AU$187 (as tested)
Pros: Reliable mid-range pedal, easy to use with ample adjustment, secure pedaling platform
Cons: Minimal performance advantage over more affordable options
The Look Keo 2 Max Carbon pedals occupy the mid-range segment for Look, bringing their advanced pedal technology to a more accessible price point. These pedals are designed for riders seeking performance upgrades without the premium price tag of top-tier models, positioning them as a strong option for the best road bike pedals in their category.
Featuring a carbon body topped with a stainless steel plate, the Keo 2 Max Carbon pedals offer an increased surface area compared to the Look Keo Classic 2 model. This larger surface area is specifically engineered to enhance power transfer, maximizing efficiency with each pedal stroke.
Internally, a chromoly steel axle rotates on both needle and ball bearings, ensuring smooth and reliable performance even under high pedaling forces. Engagement is marked by a distinct ‘click’, providing a secure connection during cycling, while disengagement is equally straightforward and audible. The standard float range of 4.5 degrees can be adjusted by switching to different Keo cleats.
Look Keo Blade Ceramic Pedals
Look Keo Blade Ceramic pedals offer a wide platform and ceramic bearings for performance-oriented road cyclists.
Look Keo Blade Ceramic pedals, high-performance option with ceramic bearings for road bikes.
Price: £200 / $252 / €210 (as tested)
Pros: Wide platform, secure clip-in, Keo Grip cleats included
Cons: Aero and ceramic bearing benefits are subtle
The Look Keo Blade Ceramic pedals are designed for high performance, offering marginal gains over previous models. These pedals target cyclists seeking every possible advantage and are looking for the best road bike pedals with advanced features.
Testers noted the enhanced stability of the Keo Blade Ceramic pedals, with a positive and crisp clip-in feel thanks to the updated mechanism. The included cleats are durable and contribute to the pedal’s lightweight design. While the claimed aerodynamic benefits and ceramic bearing advantages were not overtly noticeable during testing, the pedals offer a solid and performance-focused platform.
Shimano PD-R550 Pedals
Shimano PD-R550 pedals are a value-oriented option, offering reliable performance and a stable platform.
Shimano PD-R550 pedals, a cost-effective option providing stable performance for road cyclists.
Price: (Price not listed in original article, assume similar to 105 but cheaper)
Pros: Stable platform, well-constructed, easily serviceable
Cons: Not the lightest, axles need break-in for smooth rotation, requires cleat change for full float range
The Shimano PD-R550 pedals are the second most affordable option in Shimano’s road pedal range, offering excellent value for money. They feature a larger, replaceable stainless steel body compared to the even cheaper RS500 model. These pedals are a great choice for cyclists seeking reliable performance and durability without a high price, making them a strong contender for the best road bike pedals for budget-conscious riders.
The PD-R550 pedals come equipped with Shimano’s yellow SH11 cleats, providing six degrees of float. The oversized, black-finished steel axles are robust, and the pedals are user-serviceable with Shimano’s TL–PD40 tool, enhancing their longevity.
In use, the R550 pedals perform remarkably similar to Shimano’s premium offerings, with the main difference being a slight increase in weight. The cleats are durable, though care should be taken to avoid damaging the front edge while walking, which can affect engagement. Shimano’s system provides a stable and secure fit with its wide platform, outperforming Look and Time in this aspect. Overall, the R550 pedals are a dependable choice, well-made, user-serviceable, and easy to adapt to.
Shimano Ultegra R8000 Pedals
Shimano Ultegra R8000 pedals strike a balance between lightweight design and high performance for road cycling.
Shimano Ultegra R8000 pedals, a lightweight and high-performing option for serious road cyclists.
Price: £157 / $200 / AU$249 (as tested)
Pros: Lightweight design, adjustable tension, high-performance with ample float
Cons: Higher price point
The Shimano Ultegra R8000 pedals perfectly balance performance and weight, mirroring the characteristics of the Ultegra R8000 groupset. These pedals are designed for serious road cyclists who demand high performance and weight savings, making them a top choice for the best road bike pedals in the mid-to-high range category.
Ultegra R8000 pedals are lighter than the 105 pedals but more affordable than Dura-Ace, hitting a sweet spot for performance-conscious riders. They feature a sleek carbon composite body with three non-replaceable stainless steel plates, ensuring durability, smooth float, and efficient power transfer.
These pedals include Shimano’s familiar yellow cleats, offering a generous 6 degrees of float. Clipping in is effortless due to the nose-up pedal orientation. The release tension is adjustable, allowing riders to customize the feel to their skill level and preference. While the Ultegra R8000 pedals are priced higher, their performance benefits and weight savings make them a worthwhile upgrade for dedicated cyclists.
Time Xpresso 4 Pedals
Time Xpresso 4 pedals are lightweight and offer easy engagement, characteristic of Time’s clipless pedal design.
Time Xpresso 4 pedals, lightweight and easy-to-engage option for road cyclists.
Price: (Price not listed in original article, assume budget-friendly Time option)
Pros: Lightweight, easy engagement, generous float
Cons: Cleat wear, higher cleat replacement cost
The Time Xpresso 4 pedals showcase Time’s unique clipless pedal engagement system, setting them apart from other brands. These pedals are designed for riders who prioritize ease of entry and lightweight design in their best road bike pedals selection.
Time’s iClic system keeps the retention mechanism open when not in use, similar to a ski binding. Engaging the pedal is simple: just push your foot in, and it clamps securely. Many users find this system significantly easier to clip into compared to traditional designs.
The Xpresso 4 features a carbon-filled resin body with a steel axle and bearings. Although Time suggests servicing is not necessary, the pedals can be disassembled, and replacement bearing kits are available (though a specific, unsupplied tool is required). Performance is excellent, with easy engagement and a solid, audible click upon entry and exit. Cleat wear is comparable to Shimano but may not be as durable as Look cleats.
Best Power Meter Pedals
For cyclists who train with power, power meter pedals offer a convenient and versatile solution. They are easily transferable between bikes, unlike crank or chainring-based power meters. Here are some of the best road bike pedals with integrated power meters:
For a more detailed overview, refer to our comprehensive buyer’s guide on the best power meters.
Favero Assioma Duo Power Meter Pedals
Favero Assioma Duo power meter pedals provide accurate dual-sided power measurement for serious training.
Favero Assioma Duo power meter pedals, accurate and rechargeable power meter option for cyclists.
Price: £639 / $815 / €695 (as tested)
Pros: Accurate and consistent readings, rechargeable battery, easily swappable between bikes, replaceable pedal body
Cons: Standard cleats, less refined aesthetics
The Favero Assioma Duo power meter pedals are renowned for their accuracy and consistent dual-sided power readings. These pedals are ideal for cyclists who demand precise power data for training and performance analysis and are looking for the best road bike pedals with power measurement capabilities.
Power measurement electronics are housed in pods on each pedal spindle, ensuring independent left and right leg power data. The Assioma Duo features rechargeable batteries with a claimed 50-hour battery life, a significant advantage over power meter pedals relying on coin cell batteries.
A dedicated smartphone app allows for firmware updates, battery level checks, and access to product support. While the included cleats offer limited adjustability and can be slippery when walking, the Assioma Duo excels in power measurement accuracy and user-friendliness.
Garmin Rally RS200 Power Meter Pedals
Garmin Rally RS200 power meter pedals offer Shimano SPD-SL cleat compatibility and interchangeable pedal bodies for versatility.
Garmin Rally RS200 power meter pedals, Shimano SPD-SL compatible power meter pedals with swappable bodies.
Price: £969.99 (as tested)
Pros: Best-in-class cleat compatibility, easy installation, accurate power data
Cons: Premium price
The Garmin Rally RS200 pedals are the first native Shimano SPD-SL power meter pedals from Garmin, catering directly to Shimano pedal users. These pedals are a top choice for cyclists already invested in the Shimano ecosystem and seeking the best road bike pedals with integrated power measurement.
Going a step further, Garmin designed the Rally RS200 with interchangeable pedal bodies. This allows conversion to Shimano SPD pedals for off-road use on mountain or gravel bikes, increasing versatility. This modular design justifies the name change from Garmin’s previous Vector pedals, although the core power functionality and clean aesthetics remain similar.
The power readings from the Rally RS200 are accurate, though tests indicated a brief delay in data transmission at startup. This is unlikely to affect most cyclists but might be a consideration for racers in very short events. The premium price reflects the class-leading features and versatility of these power meter pedals.
How We Test Road Bike Pedals
BikeRadar employs rigorous real-world testing to evaluate road bike pedals. Our expert testers ride with pedals over extended periods to identify strengths, weaknesses, and assess long-term durability. With vast experience reviewing hundreds of pedals, our testers know precisely what constitutes a high-quality pair of best road bike pedals.
Our pedal reviews are based on these key criteria:
- Retention: How securely does the pedal hold the cleat?
- Platform Stability: Is the pedal stable and secure when applying power?
- Ease of Action: How easy is it to clip in and out?
- Serviceability: Can the pedals be maintained and repaired over their lifespan?
- Value for Money: How do the pedals compare in price and performance to competitors?
Why You Can Trust BikeRadar
BikeRadar is a leading authority on bikes and cycling technology, established in 2007. We are committed to delivering the best cycling advice globally. Our expertise and independent reviews ensure you receive trustworthy recommendations for the best road bike pedals and all cycling gear.
Our team of experts rigorously tests all types of bikes, components, apparel, and accessories, covering road, mountain, gravel, commuting, bikepacking, and electric bikes. Our reviews are editorially independent, with no exceptions, ensuring unbiased assessments of product performance, value, and market context.
With over 15,000 product reviews available, BikeRadar provides comprehensive resources, including expert buying advice, maintenance tips, training guidance, and health and fitness insights. Our annual Bike of the Year testing is a respected industry benchmark, and our team comprises some of the most experienced riders and testers in the cycling industry.
What to Look for When Buying Road Bike Pedals: Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the best road bike pedals involves understanding several key features. This buyer’s guide explains the essential aspects to consider:
What is a Clipless Pedal?
Cyclist clipping into clipless road bike pedals, demonstrating the 'clip-in' mechanism.
Road bike pedals are predominantly clipless pedals. Despite the name, clipless pedals require you to ‘clip in.’ They evolved from the older toe-clip and strap systems prevalent until the late 1980s and early 1990s. The term ‘clipless’ refers to the absence of the traditional toe-clip.
While toe-clips used straps to secure the foot, clipless pedals utilize a cleat attached to the shoe sole that mechanically engages with the pedal, similar to ski bindings.
Vintage Velo Orange pedal with traditional leather toe clips and straps, illustrating older foot retention system.
To clip into clipless pedals, you step on the pedal and apply forward or downward pressure to engage the cleat. Releasing your foot involves rotating your heel outwards. Our guide on cycling with cleats provides detailed instructions on using clipless pedals effectively.
While most clipless pedals share fundamental technology, variations exist in design, construction, and price.
Comparison of Shimano SPD, Shimano SPD-SL, Look Keo, and Time road bike cleats, showing different cleat systems.
Many cyclists quickly recognize the benefits of clipless pedals, making the switch a common rite of passage for road cyclists. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to clipless pedals vs flat pedals.
For flat pedal options, explore our guide to the best mountain bike pedals, which also includes double-sided SPD-style pedals suitable for MTB and gravel bikes. You may also find our list of the best gravel bike pedals helpful.
Cleats
Shimano SPD-SL road bike cleats, showcasing the three-bolt pattern and float indicators.
Road cleats vary in design depending on the pedal system, but most attach to shoe soles using a three-bolt pattern. Look pioneered this three-bolt system, which has become the standard for road pedals across brands like Shimano, Time, and Mavic.
Shimano also uses smaller two-bolt cleats for some systems, offering different advantages. Our Shimano SPD and SPD-SL explainer details the differences and best uses for each.
Speedplay pedals are a notable exception, using a four-bolt pattern and reversing the traditional system by placing the clip mechanism on the shoe and the ‘cleat’ as part of the pedal. Four-bolt shoes or an adapter are required for Speedplay pedals.
For guidance on setup, consult our guide on how to fit and adjust cycling cleats. Also, learn when to replace your cycling cleats to maintain optimal performance and safety.
Float
Close-up of cyclist's foot clipping into road bike pedal, illustrating foot movement and float.
Float refers to the degree of lateral movement your foot can make while clipped into the pedal before releasing. Measured in degrees, float allows your feet to find their most natural and comfortable pedaling position, reducing knee stress from imperfect cleat alignment.
Some cleats are ‘zero-float’ or fixed, releasing with minimal movement and requiring precise setup to prevent knee strain. Most cleats offer 3 to 9 degrees of float. Higher float allows more foot movement before release, requiring a greater twist to unclip. Experiment with different cleats and pedal settings to find your ideal float.
Release Tension
Adjustable release tension is a common feature in most pedals, controlling the force needed to disengage your foot. Beginners should start with lower tension for easier release and clip-in. As confidence grows, increasing tension provides a more secure connection.
Stack Height
Road cyclist in blue riding Scott Foil 10 bike, highlighting low profile and efficiency.
Stack height is the distance from the pedal axle center to the shoe sole. A lower stack height is generally preferable, positioning your foot closer to the axle for improved pedaling efficiency. Changing pedals with different stack heights may require adjusting your saddle height to maintain proper bike fit.
Q-Factor
Professional cyclist Caleb Ewan using pedal extenders, demonstrating Q-factor adjustment.
Q-factor refers to the lateral distance between your crank arms, often used to describe stance width or the distance between your feet while pedaling. Optimizing Q-factor can improve comfort and efficiency. If you need to increase your Q-factor, pedals with longer spindles or spindle extenders can help. Shimano Dura-Ace and Ultegra pedals offer longer spindle options. For more significant adjustments, consider changing your crankset.
Choosing the best road bike pedals depends on your individual needs, riding style, and budget. Consider these factors carefully to find the perfect pedals to enhance your road cycling experience.
