Best Flat Pedals for a Road Bike + Key Decision-Makers

feature image flat pedals

In this article, we will see many options. Im sure youll find yours on this list.

Comparison Chart: Best Road Bike Flat Pedals

Road bike flat pedalsWeight (pair)PriceDimensions
Lumintrail Butterfly

Lumintrail Butterfly Platform Bike Pedals_

413 gg

Click to see3.6″ - 3.54″ - 1″
SHIMANO Deore

SHIMANO Deore XT M8040 Flat Trail Pedal

460 - 503 g

~$80M 3.9″ - 4.1″

L 4.3″ - 4.5″

Imrider

Imrider Lightweight Polyamide Bike Pedals For BMX Road MTB Bicycle

~$204.9″ - 4.2″ - 0.7″
ThinkTop Trade

Trade 3 Bearing Road Bike flat Pedals

370g

~$303.5″ - 4.0″ - 0.82″
SHIMANO PD GR500

SHIMANO PD GR500 Pedal

~$504.2″ - 4.0″
Lumintrail PD-603B

Lumintrail PD-603B Best Flat Pedals for Road Bike and Mountain Bike

Click to see3.89″ - 1.14″ - 3.7″
Wellgo

Wellgo-pedals_

380g

~$504.4″ - 4.1″ - 1.1″
Alston

Alston Road Bicycle pedals

408g

~$253.7″ - 3.93″ - 0.84″

OneUp Components

OneUp Components Composite Pedal

355g

~$504.5″ - 4.1″

 

 

So you are looking for flat pedals for your road bike? Lets go into the details of each flat pedal.

For each option, Im describing the Pros., Cons., and what makes an option better than the others. Some of them can also be used for mountain biking.

 

  At the end of this article, I suggest you read the Buyer Consideration for road bike flat pedals.  

 

What are the best flat pedals for a road bike?

 

1. Imrider Lightweight Polyamide Bike Pedals

Imrider Lightweight Polyamide Bike Pedals

For about $20, you can ride and get technical with Imriders pedals.

The steel caliper on these pedals makes a difference in grip compared to the plastic pedals on most bikes.

Even compared to nicer platform pedals, these have one of the best grips you can find.

As long as you have decent shoes to ride in, you wont slip unless you lose contact with the pedal.

No matter the terrain, if you keep your heels down on the descents and use good riding techniques, you may never need another set of mountain bike pedals.

Imrider flat bike pedals are made with the non-slip surface of nails. So you wont slip on this platform. The wide, tall pedal shape is conducive to efficient pedaling and long-ride comfort.

They are made of high-quality polyamide, making them resistant to corrosion and abrasion. These 125mm x 108mm x 18mm pedals fit most bikes.

Imrider pedals are suitable for BMX, cruisers, kids, road, mountain, etc. They are inexpensive and well-rated.

 

See the Latest Price On Amazon

Pros

  • Very sturdy and well-built.
  • Good lightweight pedals.
  • Excellent price for good quality
  • Casual and

Cons

  • The screw ends are incredibly sharp, so dont fall asleep.

2. SHIMANO PD GR500 Pedal 

SHIMANO PD GR500 Pedal 

Concave contact area for better grip, more comfortable for long distances.

Since this is a flat pedal, there is no cleat and clip mechanism, just lugs to grip the sole of a flat-soled bike shoe or casual shoe.

Theyre large enough for most cyclists at 0.8 x 7.9 x 3.9 inches.

They are solid, made of aluminum, and have 9 bearings.

A big plus is the adjustable spindle height, a simple, convenient feature.

See the Latest Price On Amazon

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Adjustable pin height
  • Best for everyday travel

Cons

  • Only one color
  • Heavy

 

 

3. Wellgo Touring City Road Bike Platform Pedals Alloy Sealed

Wellgo Touring City Road Bike Platform Pedals Alloy Sealed

The body of these pedals is made of aluminum and weighs only 310g / pair, which is one of the lightest on the market.

Not for cyclists with wide feet. If you have a foot larger than size 11, you should avoid these pedals, as they wont hold your feet in place. You wont have enough control and grip.

If you hate being locked in, this might be your preferred choice.

These pedals are made of magnesium that has been painted black.

The bearings of these pedals are entirely sealed, which makes them more durable.

While the bearings may be durable, the pedals themselves are not and are not suitable for everyone who needs to ride their bikes during the winter months.

The pedal spindles are made of CroMoly. The total size of these pedals is 114.6 by 106.2 by 30.8 millimeters, and the total weight of both combined is 15.8 ounces.

See the Latest Price On Amazon

Pros

  • Best value for the money
  • The cleats are super grippy
  • They are lightweight

Cons

  • These pedals are small.
  • Does not mix well with winter salt

 

 

 

4. Alston Road Bicycle Pedal

.Alston Road Bicycle Pedal

Alston is also a brand with many years of experience manufacturing cycling products.
Strong and stable, the platforms pedals have three bearing structures so that the flat pedals turn smoothly and quietly.

It is made of quality materials: 6061 aluminum and chrome-molybdenum steel axle, stronger than ordinary steel.

The 10 ANTI-SKID nails per side provide additional pedaling efficiency.

In terms of design, it is classic and user-friendly. Colors are available: black and red.

It also has a DU material seal to ensure:

  • Prevent dust from entering
  • Reduce wear and tear
  • Durability and long-lasting performance.

They are also comfortable for large feet, up to size 15.

 

 See the Latest Price On Amazon

Pros

  • Quality-price ratio
  • Quite large

Disadvantages

  • Heavy
  • After 5000 miles, some reviews reported broken components.

 

 

5. SHIMANO Deore XT M8040 Flat Trail Pedal

SHIMANO Deore XT M8040 Flat Trail Pedal

These pedals are made flat and have 10 different non-slip pins in each size, but the pins are rather large and can scratch easily.

These pedals are 108 by 110 millimeters, although they are advertised much larger.

As for the thickness of these pedals, it measures 18 millimeters thick.

The shape of these pedals is slightly concave, meaning the feet are nestled into the pedal.

Many people have problems with the width of these pedals because it is difficult to place their feet.

 

See the Latest Price On Amazon

Pros

  • Large Size
  • Anti-Skid

Cons

  • Not Very Durable
  • Large Pins

 

6. Lumintrail Butterfly Platform Bike Pedals 

Lumintrail flat pedals

They are double-sided to provide the best driving experience for everyday driving or racing.

They are made of aluminum, which means they can last a long time without needing to be replaced.

Extra lugs and grips are built into these pedals, which helps prevent slippage.

The bearings are completely sealed to last a lifetime.

The pedal assembly has a lifetime warranty if something happens to them while riding.

 See the Latest Price On Amazon

Pros

  • Anti-Slip Knubs
  • Flat Surface

Cons

  • Not Very Wide

7. ThinkTop Trade 3 Bearing Road Bike flat Pedals

ThinkTop Trade 3 Bearing Road Bike flat PedalsThe Trade 3 Bearing flat pedals for road bikes are sure to appeal to fanatics looking for performance-oriented and versatile flat pedals.

These flat pedals are uniquely designed for unparalleled performance, even on steep and rocky trails.

Thanks to their lightweight construction, the Trade 3 pedals give you an advantage when riding uphill.

In addition, the sealed bearings are protected from dust and rust, ensuring minimal chatter and a long pedal life.

These paddles are inexpensive and can serve as an ideal alternative to other expensive brands on the market.

The Trade 3 bearing has a flat, double-sided platform with a non-slip handle. The non-slip handle provides a smooth, trip-free ride throughout the course.

They have three sealed and lubricated bearings.

You can easily install the bearings. The nail design and better grip make your feet more comfortable.

The color factor is also attractive and would add grace to your bike. The perfect grip offered by these pedals allows you to ride aggressively, even on bumpy and uneven tracks.

In short, youll love the Trade 3 road pedals every time you ride.

Technical features

  • Ball-bearing pedal with no scuffing
  • 3 very strong ball bearings
  • Durability and long life (unlike other brands of pedals that have a false bearing or only one bearing).
  • Smooth screw that shows exquisite workmanship
  • Smooth anti-slip nail, does not hurt the shoes
  • Waterproof and dustproof cover seal

 

 See the Latest Price On Amazon

Pros

  • Excellent combination and performance.
  • A double-sided platform is easy to move.
  • Affordable price.
  • Gives you an incredible feeling

Cons

  • Non-slip cleats fall off easily.

 

8. Lumintrail PD-603B Road BikeLumintrail PD-603B Best Flat Pedals for Road Bike and Mountain Bike

If youre looking for the best flat pedals for road bikes, BMX bike pedals, or road bike pedals, then you should check out the Lumintrail PD-603B.

Their lightweight design makes them the best road bike flat pedals for recreational use.

The aluminum cage and non-slip design make these pedals perfect for racing. The wide platform ensures excellent stability and maximum comfort.

They are made of solid aluminum. Lumintrail is durable enough for long life.

Removable safety reflectors are included to keep you safe in dark areas.

The shiny metallic finish of the pedal and the freedom to choose from various colors make it the best bike pedal for most people.

This is the pedal model for riding and recreational cycling because the wider pedal platform allows for brilliant pedal stability.

Lumintrail PD-603B is made of strong and reliable aluminum alloy for longer life. They have various designs and color options that make a stylish pedal.

They have solid plugs for your bike to help prevent sudden disconnection or reflective bars that increase visibility.

Installation Steps

  • Pedals are marked R or L for the left and right side
  • Align the axle with the crank arm
  • Thread the pedal axle into the crank arm by hand
  • Uses a 9/16 or 15mm wrench to tighten the pedal

 

 See the Latest Price On Amazon

Pros

  • It has an advanced ball bearing.
  • The super grips give perfect confidence.
  • They are lightweight

Cons

  • There is nothing to grip.
  • There is no slot for a screwdriver.

 

9.OneUp Components Composite Pedal

OneUp Components Composite Pedal

Ultra-thin, large platform, and super grippy, these flat pedals receive top customer reviews (90% 5/5).

Theyre lightweight, at only .78 per pair, and work great with ideal grip, thanks to the ten removable steel pins on each side of the platform.

These pedals feature DU and cartridge bearing technology for smooth rotation and durability.

Its wider platform design (6 x 5 x 3 inches) helps in terms of stability and makes the footprint super easy.

In terms of design, it has a contoured shape that offers a natural connected feel underfoot.

 

 See the Latest Price On Amazon

Pros

  • Super grippy
  • Wide pedals improve Stability
  • They are lightweight

Cons

  • These pedals are small.
  • Only 1-year warranty.

 

 If you need to replace your biking shoes, I suggest you read the Short List Of The Best Flat Pedal Shoes in 2020Opens in a new tab. 

 

 

Why are flat pedals better?

Flat pedals, also known as platform pedals, are more traditional pedals. They are made of rubber, metal, and plastic.

Flat pedals are still used on many road bikes today. Although they are the oldest type, they are still much more important than other types of pedals.

They are universal and can be used effectively and practically on any road bike and for any riding style and flat.

Flat pedals for road bikes have three points of appeal. The most obvious is that you can instantly break away from the bike without fail, easily take advantage of smooth turns, or tap your foot when technical sections are beyond your capabilities.

Some flat road bike pedals have pathetic and potentially deadly teeth that dig into the soles of your shoes to help with traction. And also to help you get rid of that damn skin you insist on having on your shins.

Flat pedals give you confidence when training, so you can dare to do many risky things. They provide feedback from the bike and allow you to adapt accordingly.

Flat pedals dont allow you to cheat when doing jumps.

Key Decision Factors

If you opt for flat pedals, make sure your pedals, cleats, and shoes are designed to work as a system. You can buy the pedals first, but keep the shoe-pedal match in mind when choosing.

Strap channels

Flat pedals may have channels molded into the body to guide and locate finger straps.

Pedal washers

Generally not included with pedals, pedal washers minimize the possibility of damaging the cranks and are essential when using pedals with full-width key flats.

Platform Surface

Larger flat pedals are better, to a point, because the wider area of shoe pressure on the pedal reduces your foot fatigue.

Grip

Shoes can easily slip off your flat pedals. Teeth or pins protrude from the pedal surface to reduce the chance of slipping but increase the risk of injury if your foot slips or when you push the bike.

Pin Design

The standard 9/16in pedal thread stops at a shoulder on the axle. On inexpensive models, the flats of the axle can cut into the shoulder, creating an edge that can damage an aluminum slack.

 

 

Recent Posts