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They combine the best of both worlds. These double-sided pedals offer a combination of a flat platform and either a road or an MTB clip-in system. So you have the choice of using either on the go. Granted, the M520s are a tad heavier than some of Shimano’s more sophisticated premium options, but we’ve found them to be more durable on the whole, and the performance out on the trail is every bit as good as pedals twice or even three times the price. What’s more, adjustable spring tension allows you to decide how tight or loose you want the release mechanism to be. They’re a great-looking alloy option, and the concave platform and adjustable pins keep feet planted even over rough, technical terrain. The good-sized platform does its bit to boost stability, too. However, if you ride road-style three-bolt clipless pedals it may be worth considering a switch to SPD style pedals and cleats. Designed for off-road use they are generally more robust in their construction as well as allowing you to walk safely when you've arrived at your workplace.
Pay attention to a pedal’s Q-factor. This is the measurement from the outside of the crank arm to the middle of the platform, and it dictates how wide your stance will be. A wider stance will give you greater stability and clearance, which is good for aggressive downhill riding, while a narrower stance is better for pedalling. It will also affect cleat positioning on your shoes, which may need to be adjusted for optimal power and comfort. For commuters the smaller size, which measures 100x100mm, means it won't catch on stairs or other obstacles you’re likely to encounter on your way to the office. However, if you have larger feet, or want to use the pedals for off-road use as well you may want to opt for the larger size. The pedals are aided by high performance bearings and steel axles. The bearing end cap is removable, which should make them serviceable, while the bearings ran smoothly throughout the review period. Essentially, the Geo City is a good looking pedal that’s well made and displays all the hallmarks of being both reliable and durable. Mountain bike pedal options include clipless pedals - the pedal has a setup where the cleat on the sole of a cycling shoe clips in. This benefits the rider by increasing pedal efficiency and ensures feet stay in place even on rough terrain.READ NEXT: The best bike lights The best flat MTB pedals you can buy in 2023 1. DMR Vault: Best all-round flat MTB pedal The Candy 1s are easy to clip in and out of, ideal when navigating the stop-start flow of your commute. They're also kind on the knees, with the cleats having a release angle of 10 degrees and a float of 6 degrees.
The bearings are fully serviceable, with Crankbrothers providing a pedal refresh kit. Coupled with the magnesium alloy body this should mean that the Stamp 3s have a long shelf life and stand up well to the rigours of year-round commuting. However, clipless pedals do have some advantages over flat pedals, including increased control, more efficient power transfer by allowing the rider to utilise the entire 360 degrees of the pedal stroke, and less effort getting the bike off the ground. That said, they can encourage lazy form when performing manuals and bunny hops, so it’s worth having some flat pedals in the cupboard for when you want to hone your technique. Much lighter and more elaborate, these pedal systems are designed to directly channel your power into the pedal. Pedalling is smoother and more efficient. It’s easier to ‘hop’ or lift your bike over features on the road or trail and you don’t have to worry about your feet slipping off the pedals. Platform pedals offer a platform that the rider can rest their foot on. Your shoe is free to move from the pedal and is gripped by strategically placed pins on the pedal.On test, we found them to be as robust as they look. There are other slimmer options out there, and depending on your bike, you might wish to match it with something a little less chunky than the Aeffect. However, if you’re looking for a pair of reasonably priced, serviceable flat pedals that can take the punishment of a year-round commute then these are worthy of consideration.
Techy stuff aside, the pedal itself performs beautifully out on the trail, with adjustable spring tension and smooth engagement when clipping in. It’s very robust, too, which is just as well, as you really don’t want to be forking out to replace something this expensive on a regular basis. While they may have ‘trail’ in their name, these flat pedals from Look are well-suited to the daily commute.Road clipless pedals mostly feature cleats with a 3-hole design. Shimano SPD-SL, Time and LOOK all have their own 3-hole pedal system designs. A small number of shoe manufactures make 4-bolt shoes which are compatible with Speedplay‘s unique 4-hole road cleat system. This pedal type is mainly used for road cycling/racing. Combi pedals Read the buyer's guide in our guide to the best flat pedals for cycling for more information on how to choose flat pedals. Are clipless pedals suitable for commuting? MTB clipless pedals feature cleats with a 2-hole design. The 2-hole design is often referred to as the "SPD" system (short for Shimano Pedalling Dynamics). But others like Crankbrothers and Time have also invented their own versions. This type of pedal is particularly popular in cross country MTB racing. Designed for trail use, the Aeffect pedal also makes sense for commuters looking for a robust flat pedal that’ll work in all weathers. A regular commute can be hard on your bike and its various components. Some choose to combat this by buying expensive bits that are built to last or can be easily serviced. The other approach is to opt for cheaper parts, which are robust enough for the job, but aren't too nice to get dirty, and can then be replaced without breaking the bank.
However, on test we did find that t he level of grip offered was dependent on the shoes we wore. In trainers, or sneakers, it was fine, although not as secure as you’d perhaps like. In office shoes, which typically have little tread on the sole, we had to pedal carefully to avoid our foot slipping. That said, the large platform did make foot placement easyOutside of performance, changing your pedals is another way to give your bike some personality. Whether metal or plastic, flat MTB pedals often come in bright, eye-catching colours to make them stand out on the trails.
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