Best Bike Pedals & Cleats AI pick
Chosen by an AI model from its trained knowledge, with its reasoning.
AI pick: Shimano SPD PD-M520
A durable, double-sided two-bolt SPD pedal that ships with cleats and fits walkable shoes for commuting, gravel, mountain, touring and indoor riding.
Not for: Riders who want flat pedals, the large platform and stiffness of a three-bolt road system, or the lowest weight.
AI picks by need
For flat pedals, no special shoes
OneUp Components Composite Pedals (line)
A wide, thin, grippy nylon platform with replaceable pins that works with any flat-soled shoe.
Not for: Riders who want to clip in, or who want a metal body for frequent rock strikes.
For power meter on a road bike
Favero Assioma Duo
Dual-sided power measurement built into a Look Keo-compatible pedal that moves between bikes in minutes.
Not for: Riders who use two-bolt SPD shoes or who do not train with power.
What the AI looks for in Bike Pedals & Cleats
- Cleat system matches your shoes
- Two-bolt shoes take SPD-type cleats. Three-bolt road shoes take SPD-SL or Look Keo. Four-hole soles take Speedplay. Pedal, cleat and sole must all be one system, or the pedal cannot be used.
- Thread size
- Most adult cranks use 9/16 inch threads. One-piece cranks on many kids' and older bikes use 1/2 inch. The left pedal is reverse-threaded. The wrong thread will not install and can strip the crank.
- Walkability vs. platform
- Two-bolt cleats recess into the sole. Three-bolt cleats protrude and give a larger contact area. Decide between walking comfort off the bike and power transfer on it.
- Float
- Choose a cleat with some float if you have knee sensitivity. Fixed cleats only suit riders who know their exact position. Float lets the knee track naturally, and zero-float cleats can cause knee pain.
Brands that matter
- Shimano: The default for SPD and SPD-SL. Bearings are serviceable and last.
- Look: Invented the Keo road system. Its cleats are widely compatible with power pedals.
- Crankbrothers: Four-sided entry and good mud clearance. Its cleats are not interchangeable with SPD.
- Time: ATAC off-road and road systems with generous float.
- Wahoo Speedplay: Double-sided road pedals with highly adjustable float, which need four-hole or adapter-plate shoes.
- OneUp Components: Well-regarded flat pedals.
- Favero: Pedal-based power meters.
What to avoid
- Unbranded clipless pedals that claim SPD compatibility but have loose, unserviceable bearings.
- Buying pedals before confirming whether your shoes have two-bolt or three-bolt drilling.
- Fixed-float cleats for a first clipless setup.
Questions
Do clipless pedals come with cleats?
Most Shimano, Look and Crankbrothers pedals include a set of cleats, but replacement cleats are sold separately and wear out.