Best pedals for road bikes: Our expert picks and buyer's guide

The best pedals for road bikes help you ride more efficiently, stay comfortable on longer rides, and provide a secure connection as you pedal. There are several pedal systems available, but which one is right for you? This guide explains each of the different road bike pedal types, their features, and Canyon-specific recommendations to help you make the best choice.

The best road bike pedals are designed to help you deliver power efficiently, keep your feet stable and supported, and ensure a secure connection between rider and bike. Clipless road pedals are preferred by most road cyclists because, compared to flat pedals, they improve pedaling efficiency and control.

However, there is no “best” pedal for every rider. We are all different. Riding goals, cycling experience, and different ride styles all influence which pedals work best for you. But understanding the main pedal options will certainly help you make the right choice.

Road bikes typically use three different pedal types with each serving a specific purpose and rider type. 

Despite their name, clipless pedals, like Shimano SPD-SL and Look systems, do require riders to ‘clip in’ to their pedals using a cleat bolted to the sole of the cycling shoe. This cleat and pedal attachment forms a secure connection between rider and bike. Road-specific pedals have a large contact platform, spreading pressure evenly across your feet as you ride.

Road riders often opt for clipless pedals as they offer stability, reduce foot fatigue, and help with efficiency. Whether you are training, long-distance riding, or racing, these pedals are the best choice for road riding.

Clipless road pedals require 3-bolt road cycling shoes, which are designed to be stiff (often with carbon fibre or nylon soles), lightweight, and optimised for efficiency rather than walking comfort and off-road grip.

Unlike road pedals, SPD pedals use a smaller, recessed cleat originally developed for mountain biking. SPD pedals may be a better choice for road riders who prioritise walkability, versatility, and ease of use.

As the cleat sits inside the shoe tread, SPD shoes are easier to walk in, making them ideal for commuting, café stops, or rides where regular clipping and unclipping is common. SPD pedals are also popular with newer riders, as clipping in and out is slightly easier.

While SPD pedals are a little less efficient than road-specific systems, many riders prefer their everyday usability and versatility and are willing to sacrifice the marginal performance gain of road pedals.

Flat pedals allow you to ride in regular shoes without cleats or special cycling footwear. On a road bike they are best suited for casual riding, short trips, or newer road riders who want maximum simplicity or are not yet confident with clipless pedals.

However, this simplicity comes at a cost- flat pedals do not offer the same pedaling efficiency, stability, or control as clipless systems. For longer road rides, most cyclists eventually switch to clipless pedals once they feel more confident using them.

Road clipless pedals and SPD pedals both require clipping in, but they serve different purposes. 

• Road clipless pedals prioritise maximum efficiency and stability. Their wide platform supports the foot during long efforts and high-power riding, making them ideal for endurance rides and racing. 
• SPD pedals prioritise comfort off the bike and versatility. They are easier to walk in, simpler to use, and better suited to riders who combine road cycling with daily riding or frequent stops. However, you can still comfortably put in hard efforts on these pedals without wasting too much of your precious power.  

For road riders who lean more towards performance gains, efficiency and long-distance comfort on endurance rides, road clipless pedals make the most sense. However, if ease of use and practicality matter more, SPD pedals are a compelling and smart alternative. 

Choosing the right pedals means considering performance, comfort, and the kind of riding you do.

Your riding goals and how experienced you are as a rider will strongly influence your pedal choice. Riders who are focused on training, fitness, or racing will get the biggest benefit from road clipless pedals. Beginners often prefer SPD pedals because they feel less intimidating to use and are easier when starting your cycling journey. However, there is no correct choice. Many experienced, performance-focused riders and beginner riders use both pedal systems and find a benefit in both.

Float refers to how much your foot can rotate while clipped into the pedal. Float is important as it allows your knees to track naturally through the pedal stroke, which can reduce potential strain and discomfort. 

Different pedal systems offer different float options. Riders with sensitive knees often benefit from pedals with moderate float rather than a completely fixed position. In the pro peloton, many sprinters opt for minimal float, preferring to be as ‘locked in’ as possible for the maximum high-torque efforts of a bunch sprint.

The larger the pedal platform, the more foot stability and evenly distributed pressure there will be. On long road rides or during sustained harder efforts this becomes particularly noticeable. 

Road cycling pedals generally offer the largest platforms, which is one reason they feel more comfortable and controlled than smaller pedal systems over the course of a long ride. 

Pedal weight is often a priority for riders who focus on performance gains in training and racing. However, for most road cyclists, comfort, durability, and reliability have a bigger impact on ride enjoyment than minor weight savings.

Choose a pedal that suits your riding style if you want the best results.

Your road bike pedals and cycling shoes must be compatible. Road clipless pedals use 3-bolt cleats, while SPD pedals use 2-bolt cleats. Shoes designed for one system cannot be used with the other.

Before choosing your pedals, make sure you either already have compatible shoes or are planning to buy the correct pair.

For racers and those chasing performance, power meter pedals are a compelling choice. They measure your power output directly at the pedal and provide detailed data. Power meter pedals are most useful for riders who follow structured training plans, race regularly, or want precise insight into their performance.

Power meter pedals are also convenient. Because they are pedal based, they can be transferred easily between bikes, making them a great option for riders with more than one road bike.

When you add a road bike to your Canyon cart, pedal selection is part of completing your setup. The options offered are chosen to match the bike you are buying, and the common riding styles associated with it.

For most riders, a mid-range road clipless pedal offers the best balance of stability, durability, and value. These pedals suit the majority of riders using endurance and all-round road bikes such as Endurace CF 7 Di2 for training and long rides, with both Look and Shimano offering excellent mid-range options. The Look Keo Carbon Keo 2 Max and the Shimano 105 PD-R7000 pedals offer most of the performance of more expensive models but with a slightly higher weight due to the different materials used and their marginally less precise engagement.

However, unless you are chasing marginal gains, the high performance and lower price make these pedals an excellent option for most of us.

Lightweight road pedals are designed for riders who prioritise performance and efficiency. They pair well with race-focused road bikes and appeal to riders chasing marginal gains. Those often riding in the mountains aboard lightweight climbing bikes like the Canyon Ultimate CFR may opt for the lower stack height, marginally more precise engagement, buttery smooth bearings and lower weight of Shimano Dura-Ace PD-R9100 and Look Keo Blade Ceramic pedals.

Beginner-friendly pedals focus on ease of use and confidence. SPD-style (MTB/gravel) pedals such as the bombproof Shimano PD-M520 are often the best starting point, offering simple engagement and comfortable walking without sacrificing control.

The most obvious mistake is choosing pedals that do not match your shoes. Another is prioritising weight over comfort, especially for long-distance riding. Many riders also overlook the importance of proper cleat setup and positioning, which can affect knee comfort and overall ride quality.

Choose the right pedal system for you and avoid unnecessary adjustments and upgrades later further down the line.

Correctly installing your pedals and ensuring the cleats are in their optimum position are essential for comfort and performance. Small adjustments can make a big difference, especially if you experience discomfort.

Most pedals are very durable and should last for many years, but cleats, particularly road cleats, can wear down quickly and should be replaced once engagement feels loose or inconsistent. Check your cleats for wear, safety and positive engagement.

As one of the fundamental contact points between rider and bike, choosing the right pedals is vital to ensure comfort, efficiency, and confidence on every ride. Whether you’re buying your first road bike or upgrading your current ride, choosing pedals that match your riding style makes a noticeable difference.

Canyon’s road bike buying guides, comparison tools, and checkout recommendations help you complete your bike setup with confidence and focus on what matters most: enjoying the ride.