Road pedals

Pedalen voor Shimano SPD-SL

A bike pedal listed as suitable for Shimano SPD-SL, 9 x 10 cm in size and with a non-slip surface. The title leaves the design open.

What you get

Suitable for Shimano SPD-SL per the title
Size 9 x 10 cm
Non-slip surface

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.

System	Cleat	Float	Release	Suits
SPD-SL (Shimano)	3-bolt, large platform	0, 2 or 6 degrees	Adjustable by screw	Road bike, long rides
Look (e.g. Kéo)	3-bolt, wide platform	0, 4.5 or 9 degrees	Adjustable, often smooth	Riders wanting more float
SPD (2-bolt)	Small cleat recessed in the sole	About 4 degrees, depends on cleat	Adjustable, single or multi-release	Gravel, touring, plenty of walking

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

Choose it if

You need a replacement pedal for a road bike in that size
You want grip in wet weather
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

You want certainty that your shoes will clip in: choose a branded pedal with stated cleat compatibility
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

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.
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.
Set a low release tension
Start at the lightest tension so you unclip easily. Tighten it later if you need to.
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.
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 it is a clip-in or flat pedal, as the title does not say
Check the spindle and thread (9/16 inch) against your crank
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.

What you get

Why road pedals?

How the systems compare

Choose it if

Choose something else if

How to use road pedals

Fit the pedals

Fit the cleats

Set a low release tension

Practise clipping in and out

Ride and unclip early

Good to know

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