You may justify buying your preferred bike pedals in various ways. So, you might want to save weight, have better aerodynamics, or simply because your pals have brought one recently or you just happen to want something that looks cool. Although; when it comes to your point of contact, with your bike’s with either of your bike’s pedals, saddle or handlebars, you should keep in mind that it is vital you choose a pedal which would help you to achieve peak performance and also at the same time help a fulfilling overall bike riding session.
So, after having carried out in-depth research and testing out several quality Bike Pedals, firsthand, we came to the unanimous decision of choosing Shimano M520 SPD clipless-pedals as our Overall editor’s choice. Moreover; after incorporating this pedal to our bike and testing it out in different conditions for months, it never ceased to disappoint.
Best clipless bike pedal for beginner road cyclists | Overall editor’s choice
In buying the Shimano M520 SPD clipless-pedals, you’ll be getting yourself one of the best deals out there for a clip-less mountain bike-pedal. Also; this bike pedal is lightweight and you won’t have to spend a fortune to acquire this. Moreover; the M520 is would be very easy for you to clip in, added to that, it is incredibly durable, we must also applaud it for its versatility. Additionally; you can easily adjust the tension. Hence, if you don’t want to spend an exorbitant amount on getting yourself a bike pedal and also want something lightweight, then this is just what you’re looking for.
Below; we have jotted down the specifications, which you’d find helpful while deciding to buy the Shimano M520.
- Axle size: 9/16″
- Number of pins: N/A
- Color: Black and Silver
- Pedal material: Alloy
- Dimension: 4.6″ x 4.1″ x 3.9″
- Shipping weight: 13.6 ounces
- Axle material: Steel/Chromoly
- Bearings: Smooth running-bearings
- Style of the pedal: Road clipless
- Uses: Road riding, hill climbing, long-distance traveling and commuting
In the following table, we’ve listed the best bike pedals for beginner road cyclists:
| Product Name | Why we recommend |
|---|---|
| Shimano M520 | Best clip-less pedal for beginner road cyclists |
| Shimano PD-M324 | Best beginners dual-platform SPD pedal |
| Shimano Ultegra R8000 SPD-SL | Carbon made road bike pedals for triathlons |
| Shimano PD-M530 | Greater efficiency. Stable & comfortable spd system |
| Shimano Deore XT M8020 SPD | Reliable, lightweight & great performance |
| Crankbrothers Candy | High torque pedals. Excellent mud-shedding ability |
| Look KEO | Lightweight & reliable. Great efficiency |
| Shimano PD-EH500 SPD | Dual platform. Nice design. |
| Shimano PD-RS500 SPD-SL | Racing pedals for beginners |
| SpeedPlay Zero | Dual-sided Entry. Flexible for bad knees. |
| SpeedPlay Aero | Dual-sided entry. Fixed position or micro-adjustable float |
| Look Keo Classic 2 | Stable, durable, & lightweight |
12 best road bike pedals beginner cyclists can buy today
After taking into consideration numerous factors, we have shortlisted the following products for your considerations. So, we shall be reviewing these throughout the entirety of this article. Moreover; you should note that we have used these products firsthand. Hence, all reviews would be unbiased for the products that we’ll be reviewing.
| Bike pedals | Preview | Style of Pedal | Dimension | Shipping Weight (oz.) | Pedal material | Axle material | Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano M520 SPD | Road Clip-less | 4.6" x 4.1" x 3.9" | 13.6 | Alloy | Steel/Chromoly | Black & silver | |
| Shimano PD-M324 SPD | Dual Platform | 3.9" x 2.8" x 1.6" | 22.4 | Aluminum | Steel | Silver | |
| Shimano Ultegra R8000 SPD-SL | SPD-SL | 8.7" x 4.7" x 2.4" | 15.5 | Carbon-composed | Chromoly | Black | |
| Shimano PD-M530 | Clip-less | 0.6" x 0.6" x 0.4" | 17.6 | Aluminum | Chromoly | Black | |
| Shimano Deore XT M8020 SPD | Clip-less | 7.9" x 3.2" x 1.6" | 20.8 | Aluminium | Chromoly | Black & silver | |
| Crankbrothers Candy Clip-In | Clip-less | 3.3" x 2.8" x 0.6" | 16 | Aluminium or plastic | Black Chromoly | 11 colors | |
| LOOK KEO | Clip-less | 11.8" x 11.8" x 11.8" | 15.4 | Carbon | Cromoly Steel | Black & white | |
| Shimano PD-EH500 SPD | Dual Platform | 7" x 6" x 3" | 19.2 | Aluminum | Cromoly Steel | Gray | |
| Shimano PD-RS500 SPD-SL | SPD-SL | 6.7" x 6.3" x 2" | 15.2 | Stainless steel | Chromoly Steel | Black | |
| SpeedPlay Zero | Clip-less | 6.2" x 6.3" x 2" | 3.633 | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Orange | |
| SpeedPlay Aero | Clip-less | 6.2" x 6.3" x 2" | 7.40 | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Yellow | |
| Look Keo Classic 2 | Clip-less | 4.6" x 7.9" x 3.3" | 13.4 | Stainless steel | Chromoly | White |
# Clipless pedals for beginner road cyclists
1. Shimano M520: Clip-less SPD pedal | Overall editor’s choice
- Axle size: 9/16″
- Number of pins: N/A
- Color: Black and Silver
- Pedal material: Alloy
- Dimension: 4.6″ x 4.1″ x 3.9″
- Shipping weight: 13.6 ounces
- Axle material: Steel/Chromoly
- Bearings: Smooth running-bearings
- Style of the pedal: Road clipless
- Uses: Road riding, hill climbing, long-distance traveling and commuting
Features & Considerations:
- Value: The M520 SPD is a very economic bike pedal. So; if you take into consideration its durability and versatility. Then, this would undoubtedly offer you a very good deal for your money; provided that you plan on buying a mountain bike clipless pedal. Additionally; if you plan on using a common cleat, then chances are you already have a pair of shoes to go along with these SPD cleats. Hence; choosing this pedal as your second option might be a sensible option for you.
- Weight: This pedal is significantly lightweight. Although; don’t expect it to be too light considering its size. It weighs in at 13.6 ounces. But considering all other factors, we’d suggest this would be an ideal pedal that would fulfill your needs.
- Durability: You won’t find any cage around this clip-less pedal to protect itself. However; we have tested these pairs out and also got rave reviews from a lot of other users, who’ve been using these for years and it doesn’t wear out at all. Therefore; owning a pair of these pedals would be worth every penny.
- Versatility: The tension on these pairs of M520s can be easily adjustable if you use a 3 mm wrench. Similarly; as is the case for all other Shimano pedals out there. Therefore; even if you are comparatively new to clipless pedals and have very little and soft tension for seamless exit and entry. Then; you can always take help from another cyclist to adjust the tension according to your desire.
- Ease of exit: As there aren’t any cages on this pedal. Thus; it would be very straightforward and clean for you to get out of these pairs of pedals. Disengaging this pair is also very similar to other Shimano pedals since they tend to make a clicking sound, while you exit. Therefore; if you compare this with other brands of clip-in pedals, unlike those, this would require you to make a lesser amount of twist before you hit the point of release from the cleats.
- Ease of entry: It is one of those pedals that is very easy to get into. As the cleats seat into the mechanism effortlessly with a clicking sound. With the M520’s diminutive platform and no cage, it makes this easier to get into than other modules of Shimano.
- Pedal platform: You won’t find a cage or large platform on this minimalist design pedal. Although; if you compare this with other modules of pedals, then you’d see that there is plenty of surface area to accommodate your feet on.
- Ability to shed mud: This has to be one of M520‘s best features. This pedal has a mud-shedding ability that is second to none. Therefore; its mud-shedding capability is as good as it gets for an SPD pedal.
- Performance and control: The M520 SPD does not only boost power for you pedaling but also enhances the rider’s control over it. Thus; even if you happen to be an adventurous rider this pedal has still got your back. Additionally; you can effortlessly pedal with more efficiency, comfort, and also stability while you use this bike pedal.
Some drawbacks:
- Appearance: They might not be much to look at. However; it does the job when it comes to performance.
Shimano’s M520 has to be one of the most popular clipless pedals out there better yet if you happen to be a mountain biker. Moreover; their double-sided entry means they’d also favor you if you happen to be an everyday commuter.
This pedal’s consistent performance means it would offer you a good value for money. Also; its overall rating is very praiseworthy. Although; it is highly suggested that you service the pedals, annually. Additionally; even if you’re a newbie or a comparatively new cyclist, still you won’t be needing more than one hour to get used to these pairs of pedals. This is largely due to the straightforward cup and cone bearings inside.
To conclude; all in all, in M520 you’d be getting yourself a quality clip-less pedal at an outstanding price. Moreover; this pedal is very durable and versatile at the same time. Lastly and perhaps most important of all, this pedal would last and serve you for many years to come.
Shimano SPD M520
2. Shimano PD-M530: Greater Efficiency, stable, & comfortable spd system
- Color: Black
- Axle size: 9/16″
- Number of pins: 10
- Axle material: Chromoly
- Pedal material: Aluminium
- Dimension: 0.6″ x 0.6″ x 0.4″
- Shipping weight: 1.1 pounds
- Bearings: Smooth running-bearings
- Style of the pedal: Mountain clipless
- Uses: For touring, can be used on road/mountain bicycles
Features & Considerations:
- Price: When it comes to the price of this pedal, you don’t have to worry at all. So; this is one of Shimano’s most economic pedals or any bike pedal in general for that matter. Therefore; if you’re in for a clip-in mountain bike pedal, then this is one of the first bike pedals that you should consider, worth buying.
- Weight: As of its weight, this pedal happens to be much heavier than it looks. Since, when we weighed it, the scale showed a reading of 455 grams, approximately. However; the weight should not be too much of an issue for you when deciding to buy this otherwise low-key and well-performing bike pedal. Although; you might have a second thought if you plan on installing this pedal on your cross-country bike. Therefore; if the weight of the pedal is the determining factor for you when deciding to but a pair of pedals, then we’re afraid you might have to look elsewhere.
- Ease of exit: This has to be one of your biggest concerns, more so if you happen to be a relatively new cyclist or even for an experienced user at using clip-less pedals. However; with the M530, you won’t have to worry about this mechanism, at all. Irrespective of the type of shoe you use. Since these pedals are very easy to get in and out as well.
- Ease of entry: So; the process of getting into your pair of pedals should not be a tedious task at all. Thus; this pedal allows you pretty straightforward and fast entry so that you can start putting the power down as quickly as possible. Moreover; the small cage means, you can effortlessly clip into the pedal. Also; the cage has been designed in such a fashion so that you can easily guide your foot into the clip-less system so that it’d provide you seamless entry. Additionally; as you’d engage your shoe to the cage of the pedal, it’d ensure that the pedal remains flattened against your foot. Thus; helps in placing the clipless system in the perfect spot to clip-in. Lastly; if you’re new to clipless pedals, then this might just be the pedal you should be looking for, as you can easily clip-in and un-clip frequently.
- Adjust-ability: Similar to other SPD mountain-bike pedals, these pedals also have a very wide range of adjustment for spring tension. So; this ranges from a very firm one to relatively soft. Therefore; you can seamlessly adjust the tension using a 3 mm wrench on any side of the pedal. Also, we’d recommend that you make tensions on both sides the same, by twisting the adjuster all the way possible to one given direction.
- Pedal platform: M530 doesn’t have any traction pins or mini-platform. So; this platform would allow you a faster and more confident engagement. Additionally; this pedal would also provide you with a footrest, in-case; you aren’t able to clip in promptly. Moreover; the section you’d get between the pedal and the shoe is much bigger than the one you’d get with a non-platform pedal. Although; the platform on this pedal may turn out to be a bit slippery when it gets wet. Thus; changing how you’d feel on your float.
- Ability to shred mud: The more significant and painted-cage body of this pedal holds a significantly more mud than that of the higher-end version of Shimano. However; we are reasonably satisfied with this pedal’s performance. The significantly large spacing and comparatively concealed spring mechanism give this pedals a chance with being able to displace mud.
Some drawbacks:
- Usage with stiff shoes: You should be aware of not using a pair of still shoes with this bike pedal. Because; this may cause the bike pedal to get worn out easily.
The Shimano PD-M530 is one of its most budget-friendly pedals, falling within the mini-pedal category. Moreover; we’d recommend you go for a mini-platform model of bike pedals. Since; these tend to be the ones that are most versatile and appealing. Furthermore; you can clip them effortlessly as they do not have a cage. While at the same time, they’re also more lightweight and low-key than many other full-platform pedals. Additionally; if you get yourself a min-platform, then it’d provide you with a larger interface between your pedals and shoes, meaning you’d have more stability.
Also; the pedals happen to be very user-friendly, they also have adjustable tension on the clipless mechanism. Moreover; you can install these with ease just by using a 6 mm wrench. Last but not least; you’d be able to purchase a pair of these at a pretty reasonable price. However; one stumbling block is its weight, these pedals are relatively heavy for its size.
Shimano PD-M530
3. Shimano Deore XT M8020 SPD: Reliable system, lightweight & great performance
- Color: Black and silver
- Axle length: 20.5 mm
- Number of pins: 11 well-placed pins
- Axle material: Chromoly
- Pedal material: Aluminium
- Dimension: 7.9″ x 3.2″ x 1.6″
- Shipping weight: 1.3 pounds
- Bearings: Adjustable and serviceable bearings
- Style of the pedal: Road/mountain clipless
- Uses: Specifically developed for serious XC racing and classic trail riding
Features & Considerations:
- Weight: You’ll find that these pedals are not the lightest out there. However; you should be judging them strictly based on their gram count. Also; you won’t be able to remove their trimmed axle and threaded bearings using a standard 15 mm pedal removing wrench. Although; these pedals would be Enduro worthy.
- Platform: The machined surface of this pedal would be able to provide you with a slightly greater surface area compared to other variants of Shimano‘s pedals. Thus; it would give you stability and reassurance while you’re navigating. Although; we would not suggest that you use this while attempting to stand on it. Furthermore; we also recommend that you use the stickiest shoes while using this pedal so that you can get the right amount of traction.
- Ease of exit: Shimano’s pedals are well known for their facility in exiting the pedals. Moreover; the distance between the release and the end of the float is considerably small, reconcilable, and comes with a distinct click. Thus; while you disengage form it, you know it instantly. Lastly; we’d say, even though this platform happens to be bigger and rugged, but still, we’d not recommend that you stand on it for long periods.
- Ease of entry: Once again; we should be applauding Shimano‘s pedals for their seamless engagement. Thus; this pedal, also; is no exception. Also; a smaller sized platform means you won’t have a chance of missing the pedal while you guide your foot into the mechanism. Therefore; once you have successfully engaged, the machined aluminum surface would give you a consistent feeling of resistance, be it wet or dry for that matter.
- Adjust-ability: This pedals, like many other Shimano’s pedals, doesn’t have traction pins on its platform. Therefore; you would not be able to adjust the amount of hard grip that you’d get on this pedal. Hence; if adjust-ability is a huge deal for you, then we’d suggest you choose a bike pedal that is equipped with traction pins.
- Ability to shred-mud: The M8020 performs admirably when required to shed mud. Moreover; we were quite surprised by its ability to defy muck. Although; these pedals won’t give you the greasy, clipped-in smooth surface feel that you’d get in case of some bike pedals. Also; the lack of smooth coating that you’d experience on the engagement mechanism, along with the coarse machining of the platform, would end up creating a bit more friction in the overall float.
Some drawbacks:
- Weight: If accommodating a bike pedal that is a bit on the heavier side is an issue for you. Then we’d recommend that you choose a pedal that doesn’t weigh as much as the XT M8020. Since; this weighs in at around 402g, which is comparatively more than some other bike pedals that you may choose from.
The XT M8020 epitomizes performance. Furthermore; this pedal stock somewhere in between the premium and entry-level bike pedals. Moreover; you’d be getting yourself a bike pedal having very user-friendly features. Shimano has built this pedal, especially for hardcore Enduro riders.
The Shimano XT M8020 offers premium quality, sleeker, and a combative bike pedal. Furthermore; this pedal would provide you a comparatively bigger machined platform. Additionally; this pedal has a slim anodized covering and also smooth steel bearings. Lastly; Shimano gives you a lighter, hard-wearing pedal that would be able to perform admirably on muddy surfaces.
Shimano Deore XT M8020
4. Crankbrothers Candy: Structured especially for high torque pedals. Excellent mud-shedding ability
- Color: 11 range of colors
- Axle length: N/A
- Number of pins: 14 pins/side
- Axle material: Black Chromoly
- Pedal material: Aluminium or plastic
- Dimension: 3.3″ x 2.8″ x 0.6″
- Shipping weight: 1 pound
- Bearings: Premium Bearings
- Style of the pedal: Road/mountain clipless
- Uses: For cyclocross, cross-country, trail, all-mountain
Features & Considerations:
- Weight: Crankbrothers have designed candy keeping in mind to make sure that it is a lightweight pedal. Although; this the advantage you’d get for not having adjustability. Since; your pedal won’t be weighed extra for any added hardware.
- Platform: The size of Candy‘s platform is appreciable. So; this pedal will achieve the objective of aligning the pedal with the cleat and the surface of the traction. Therefore; this would provide you with a good platform for pedaling. Furthermore; this platform would also prevent your pedal from rolling underfoot. Lastly; you must choose a shoe that would be compatible with your pedals.
- Ease of exit: In case of exiting the pedal, it would be a pretty straightforward process. Also; you won’t have to worry about any traction pins obstructing you. So; all you need to do is simply twist your heels and you’d be free from the pedal! Although; the and feel that you might get would be a bit indistinct. However; this release would come at and angle dictated by the cleat’s installation, at an angle of 15º or 20º. Moreover; when you do a twisting out, it is a bit difficult to identify whether you are pushing against the tension of the spring or experiencing friction from the traction pads. Furthermore; you can easily exchange these traction pads with other ones having different thicknesses. The ramification being you experiencing varying levels of friction between your shoe and pedals.
- Ease of entry: The smaller sized platform of the Candy means, you’d be able to access these very easily if we compare these to other models of Crankbrothers‘ pedals. Although; you can think that this pedal mechanism features a four-sided engagement. But; the miniature pedal fundamentally makes it a two-sided pedal. However; the engagement mechanism on this pedal may not be always in the right orientation, inside the pedal. Thus; this may end up making your entry, a bit complicated to say the least. So; in case of engagement, Crankbrothers were never too consistent. As at time you either hear a snap, another time all you hear is a vague click.
- Adjust-ability: Without taking into consideration the placement of the cleat and thickness of traction pads, Candy would not be able to offer you any forms of adjust-ability. So; this one of the limiting factors for this product. Although; if you happen to be of average weight and skill, then this mechanism would be able to do the job in releasing when you require and also keeping you secure at the same time. Furthermore; the traction pads that come along with this pedal have a thickness of around 1 mm or 2 mm. Hence; if you swap them, then this would end up altering the level of contact between the sole of your shoe and the pedal. Additionally; this pedal offers you a 0º float cleat, this would enhance your overall efficiency. The pedal, as they say, has a ‘one size fits all’ tension.
- Ability to shred-mud: The straightforward design would be adding you in excellent mud-shedding ability.
Some drawbacks:
- Short spindles: The spindle on this bike pedals is a bit short. Therefore; your shoes may end up rubbing against the pedals even if you make adjustments to the clips to the ball.
The Crankbrothers Candy would be able to provide you with an admirable balance between superb weight savings and marvelous performance. However; the lack of adjust-ability may somewhat put you off. But keep in mind the well-designed tractions pads would be very likely to enhance your overall experience while you’re using this pedal. Therefore; Candy would be able to offer you a pedal having a minimalist design, while at the same time give you excellent clearance from the mud. Added to that, the less than average weight means, this would be able to provide you with the perfect combination while you’re commuting.
Furthermore; you won’t have to pay an exorbitant price if you contemplate buying a pair of these pedals. So; these pedals would also be providing you with their brand new traction pads. Also; Crankbrothers would describe these pedals as their lightweight yet heavy-duty and reliable set of bike pedals. Last but not least; this striking-colored bike pedal was designed with the performance for your mountain bike being of utmost importance. Furthermore; this pedal seems to be able to offer you the perfect balance.
Crankbrothers Candy
5. Look KEO: Lightweight & reliable with great efficiency
- Color: Black and white
- Axle size: 9/16″
- Number of pins: N/A
- Axle material: Cromoly Steel
- Pedal material: Carbon
- Dimension: 11.8″ x 11.8″ x 11.8″
- Shipping weight: 15.4 ounces
- Bearings: Roller bearings
- Style of the pedal: Road clipless
- Uses: For sports & outdoors
Features & Considerations:
- Reduced friction: The KEO has an oversized Chromoly plus axle, along with the ball bearings at the crank end. Moreover; the needle roller bearings underneath the pedal platform are separated by a conical spacer. Hence this you help in reducing the overall friction.
- Stability: The composite body of this pedal has been trimmed down. Hence this would be able to offer you a lot of lean angles. Moreover; the 60 mm widened and 500 mm sq overall area stainless steel contact surface would allow you superb stability.
- Stack height: KEO has a stack height of 17.3 mm. Furthermore; you can easily adjust the release spring’s tension between a range of 8 nm to 12 nm.
- Float: The KEO has a cleat which is smaller than many other cleats out there. Moreover; you’ll also be supplied with a 4.5º grey version. Also; this would offer a good grip and be quiet to walk on for you.
- Adjustment: It would provide you ample flat adjustment, a large contact surface which would allow you easy and efficient power transfer.
Some drawbacks:
- A bit difficult to get into: It might be a bit difficult for you to get into these pedals at times. Moreover; when you’re wearing shoes, especially this may be a bit troublesome while you’re at a stoplight.
The Look’s Keo pedals would be able to offer you with an admirable performance, that too at a very good price. So; these pedals feature an over-sized Chromoly plus axle, as well as ball bearings at the crank end. Furthermore; there are also needle roller bearings beneath the pedal platform. Moreover; these are separated by a conical spaced spacer that enables in reducing friction, while you are commuting.
Furthermore; the composite body of the Keo has been slimmed down. So; it would offer you great lean angles. Also; the stainless steel protective plate on the center contact surface has been widened in size. Hence; this would offer you outstanding pedaling stability. Lastly; this pedal has a very straightforward and secure release and engagement. Also; the rotational float is very smooth, you’ll thoroughly be able to understand this while using it. To conclude; if you’re a beginner and contemplating investing in an economic bike pedal, then you should not be looking any further.
Look KEO
# For triathlon bikes
6. Shimano Ultegra R8000 SPD-SL: Carbon made lightweight choice | Editor’s premium choice
- Axle size: 9/16″
- Color: Black
- Number of pins: N/A
- Axle material: Chromoly
- Bearings: Silky smooth bearings
- Pedal material: Steel/Carbon
- Shipping weight: 15.5 ounces
- Dimension: 8.7″ x 4.7″ x 2.4″
- Style of the pedal: SPD-SL road
- Uses: Road riding can be used on a gravel bike, off-road bikes
Features & Considerations:
- Stack height: Shimano has decreased the stack height of this pedal by 0.7 mm. So; stalk height is very important, as it is a defining factor in pedaling efficiency. Although; the decrease may seem to be insignificant, but you should keep in mind that, this small decrease, may just end up making your power transfer, that much more efficient.
- Width of pedals: If you compare this pedal to Shimano’s other modules, you will find that the width of the pedal’s body has increased a bit. Thus; this would allow you to have that additional stability if your foot. However; this might not be something that you’d notice easily, but Shimano has been making these changes to ensure you get a bike pedal that would offer to with a service, close to perfection.
- Durability
