Road pedals

Shimano klikpedalen voor racefiets (zonder modelnaam)

Road pedals

Shimano klikpedalen voor racefiets (zonder modelnaam)

These Shimano clipless pedals are meant for road bikes, but the title names no model. It is a general listing for buyers who check the version on the shop page.

What you get

  • Shimano clipless pedals
  • For road bikes
  • No model name in the title

Why road pedals?

With your foot clipped in, you pedal in circles: you push down, pull up and scrape over the top. Your feet stay put, even in the wet, on bumpy roads and in a sprint. You get more from each stroke and more control.

There are three main systems. Shimano SPD-SL and the Look system (such as Kéo) both use a three-bolt cleat and a wide, flat platform. That spreads the pressure over the sole and gives stability, but the cleat protrudes from the shoe, so walking is awkward. SPD has a small two-bolt cleat recessed into the sole. It gives less platform, but you walk better in it. SPD-SL and Look are not compatible with each other.

Float is the play your foot has in the pedal, given in degrees. More float is kinder to your knees, less float gives a firmer feel. With SPD-SL it is 0, 2 or 6 degrees depending on the colour of the cleat, with Look usually 0, 4.5 or 9 degrees. For many people, a little float is the safest option for the knee.

Release tension, or click force, sets how much effort it takes to unclip. You usually adjust it with a screw on the pedal. Start low so you unclip easily, and turn it up if you unclip by accident in a sprint.

How the systems compare

The three common systems differ in platform, float and walking comfort.

SystemCleatFloatReleaseSuits
SPD-SL (Shimano)3-bolt, large platform0, 2 or 6 degreesAdjustable by screwRoad bike, long rides
Look (e.g. Kéo)3-bolt, wide platform0, 4.5 or 9 degreesAdjustable, often smoothRiders wanting more float
SPD (2-bolt)Small cleat recessed in the soleAbout 4 degrees, depends on cleatAdjustable, single or multi-releaseGravel, touring, plenty of walking

A guide. Colours and values vary by maker and model range.

Choose it if

  • You want Shimano clipless pedals for your road bike and check the version yourself.
  • You want the best total price on a basic clipless pedal.
  • You ride mostly on the road and want a stiff, stable platform with good power transfer.
  • You ride long rides and want pressure spread evenly over your foot.

Choose something else if

  • If you want to know exactly which model you get, pick a listing with the model name in the title.
  • You walk a lot or often step off, as on tours or café stops: SPD is more practical.
  • You ride gravel or mountain bike and mainly want walking comfort and mud tolerance.

How to use road pedals

  1. Fit the pedals

    The right pedal has a right-hand thread, the left a left-hand thread. Grease the thread lightly and tighten with a pedal wrench or hex key.

  2. Fit the cleats

    Set the cleat so the pedal axle sits beneath the ball of your foot, the widest part of your forefoot. Match left and right.

  3. Set a low release tension

    Start at the lightest tension so you unclip easily. Tighten it later if you need to.

  4. Practise clipping in and out

    Lean against a wall and clip one foot in and out. Twist your heel outward to release. Repeat several times per foot.

  5. Ride and unclip early

    Unclip early at a stop, before you come to a halt. That avoids tipping over at a junction.

Good to know

  • Check whether cleats are included.
  • The system (SPD-SL or SPD) decides which cleats you need, so look it up on the product page.
  • Cleats wear. When your foot pops out or clipping in feels uncertain, you typically replace them after a few thousand kilometres.
  • Check the cleat bolts and the pedals regularly, because they can work loose.
  • SPD-SL and Look are not interchangeable. Buy cleats that match your pedal system.
  • A poor cleat position can strain your knee. Stop and adjust if you feel pain.

Also in this category

  1. Shimano combipedalen SPD en platform2 shops · Amazon.nl, Amazon.com.befrom €48.75
  2. LPZMPZ pedalen voor Look Keo1 shop · Amazon.com.be€10.90
  3. Shimano PD-EF202 platformpedalen1 shop · bol€36.99
  4. Shimano klikpedalen voor racefiets (Amazon.com.be en Amazon.nl)2 shops · Amazon.nl, Amazon.com.befrom €44.99
  5. Pedalen voor Shimano SPD-SL1 shop · bol€27.94
  6. Antislip pedalen voor Shimano SPD-SL1 shop · Amazon.nl€39.99
Shimano klikpedalen voor racefiets (zonder modelnaam) | compare prices