Price, weight, and features: how to choose your pedals?

Along with shoes, pedals contribute to the connection between the cyclist and their bike. They are chosen primarily for ergonomic reasons, then possibly for their weight or ease of adjustment. Here’s a look at the different systems offered by manufacturers, and an overview of the main models on the market with their characteristics to help you choose better.

Text: Guillaume Judas – Photos: NSO Photos, flickr.com, pixabay.com / All rights reserved

The lightest pedals at a glance 

Road cycling pedals are called “clipless” when they consist of an engagement and disengagement system linked to cleats installed under the shoes. This concept offers a better connection between the cyclist and their bike, allowing them to both push and pull the pedals while pedaling. To unclip from the bike, or in case of a fall, a rotational movement of the foot on the pedal is enough to release it. The four main systems offered on the market (Look, Shimano, Speedplay, and Time) are designed on the same principle.

Why choose one pedal system over another? And what differentiates an entry-level model from a high-end one? Weight enthusiasts mention this argument first and foremost. It’s true that there can be a twofold difference between pedals costing €50 and others over €400. But we are talking about an element averaging 250 g, and whose benefits in terms of lightness have not been proven, given that the pedaling cycle consists of a downward phase, an upward phase, and what are called the top and bottom dead centers. Be careful when discussing pedal weight: you must also add the weight of the cleats to be installed under the shoes, along with the screws. We could also mention the distance between the support surface and the pedal axle, which is shorter with certain systems or with certain high-end models. This is an advantage for adopting a “rounder” pedaling style and thus fewer efficiency losses at low pedaling frequencies. However, at higher frequencies, the tipping moment induced by a greater height relative to the axle can facilitate passing the top dead center. In any case, if you use several bikes with different pedals from the same brand, make sure the axle height is identical, as it will, of course, change your saddle height.

Axle heights at a glance

Different philosophies

Let’s talk more specifically about the width of the support surface, which provides pedaling stability and better power transfer. And creating pedals that are both rigid, thin (close to the axle), and wide without risking touching the ground in turns is no easy feat! Since clipless pedals are designed to allow engagement and disengagement through a rotational movement, the range level influences the spring’s firmness, and thus the ease of clipping in or, conversely, its firmness, depending on the needs.

High-end pedals generally have a wide tension adjustment range, while entry-level models are mainly suitable for cyclists who don’t have much strength and/or who want to feel more secure with a system that unclips easily. Finally, there are differences in ergonomics depending on the systems, in terms of cleat orientation possibilities, or angular or lateral float during pedaling to limit muscle and joint tension if necessary. When possible, well-oriented fixed cleats limit friction and other efficiency losses, but many cyclists require a slight angular float, which may lead them to opt for one pedal system over another.

Angular float of each system at a glance

The Look system: simplicity

The brand originated clipless pedals, leveraging its experience in ski bindings in the mid-1980s. Since then, the principle hasn’t changed, even if the brand’s pedals have become slimmer and lighter, and it remains the most widespread system. The cleats attach under the shoes with three holes in a triangle, a now standard mounting system. Three types of cleats are offered: fixed (black), with 4.5° of heel float (grey), or with 9° of float (red). Note that the front of the cleat always remains fixed, which prevents any lateral float. Very light (up to 95g per pedal with a titanium axle), the Kéo Blade Carbon Titan has the widest support surface, as well as the lowest stack height (14.8mm) in the range. The weight of a pair of Look cleats is 75g, which should be considered when comparing weights.

The Shimano system: reliability and rigidity

Known for its reliability in bearings and axles, the Shimano system is a safe bet, even if it doesn’t quite rival Look in terms of weight. The high-end Dura-Ace models weigh 232g per pair, to which 70g for the cleats must be added. The stack height, however, is lower for Dura-Ace (14mm) than for the rest of the range (15.3mm for Ultegra and 16mm for 105). Three types of cleats are also offered: red (fixed), blue (with a slight angular and lateral float of 3°), and yellow (6° float). Note that unlike Look, on Shimano pedals, the front of the cleat can also move, and float is obtained around a central point. Finally, Shimano pedals are also available with an option for a 4mm longer axle compared to the crank, which is interesting for those with wider hips.

The Speedplay system: custom connection

While seemingly simple, Speedplay pedals are also very light, with the top-of-the-range Nanogram weighing only 130g per pair! Count 206g for mid-range Inox, which is very high performance. The engagement and angular float mechanism is in the cleat, which makes them quite susceptible to wear when walking. Similarly, while the support surface should be considered with the cleat (which encompasses the pedal), few shoes are directly compatible with the four-hole mounting system, and in this case, an adapter must be added, bringing the total weight of the cleats to 120g. The three main advantages of Speedplay are, first, a very low stack height (8.5mm without adapter, 11.5mm with), second, the ability to adjust the angular float (around a central point) to the millimeter according to one’s needs thanks to small screws on the cleat, and finally, the ability to engage the pedals on both sides.

The Time system: the smoothest interface

With the latest Xpro, Time claims a slightly larger support surface than Look. Thanks to the shape of the cleat’s notch, the stack height here is reduced to 13.5mm. Two types of cleats are offered: fixed and floating, which provide angular float around a central point of 5°, and lateral float of 1.25mm, to allow for pedaling that respects the natural movements of the foot during effort as much as possible. In terms of weight, Time pedals range from 175 to 225g per pair, to which 85g for the cleats are added.

But wait, there’s more…

Other more niche systems exist (Ritchey, WP…) and even some solutions with an integrated power meter (Look/SRM, Assioma, Powertap), but ultimately, MTB pedal systems like Shimano SPD with a recessed cleat in the sole to allow for walking are the most plausible alternative to the four systems presented above. Especially for mixed and/or Gravel riding. There is no miracle solution in the field of pedals, just choices to be made based on your expectations and needs, especially in terms of adjustments, and therefore comfort.

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