Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
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. MTB platforms come in a wide range of different shapes, materials and sizes, and are suited to different riding styles and shaped feet. They are used for flatland, dirtpump, downhill and BMX.
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 rather elegant and slim pedal body - just 16mm in depth - also means that it won’t look out of place on one of the best commuter bikes, whether it’s a flat bar hybrid or a drop bar all-road machine.
Shimano M520 SPD MTB Pedals
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. 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. Personalise your pedals with an upgrade from Chain Reaction. Our strong MTB pedal game means we have the latest flat and clipless pedals from huge names in cycle components like Nukeproof, Shimano, Crankbrothers, Time, DMR and many more. Flat pedals can also be a safer option for newer cyclists, especially when navigating busy city streets where you may find yourself having to put your foot down with regularity. 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.
Red SPD-SL cleats have no float and are 100% fixed in position. This makes them great for sprinters, professional athletes, or people who value the most efficient power transfer possible and are not prone to knee pain. Note that red SPD-SL cleats require that you know your optimal cleat position precisely, and you are comfortable adjusting your cleats into that perfect position.Other notable features include built-in reflectors - something of a must-have for flat commuter pedals - and bearings (or perhaps bushings) that ran smoothly for the length of the review period.
On review, we found them to be grippy with good foot retention, even when wearing traditional soled shoes in the wet. To help achieve this the pedals have a slight concave profile as well as a surface that looks like sandpaper. However, despite appearances, it stayed firmly glued to the plastic pedal body during review. The Vibram pads are replaceable and swapping them out was a cinch. The necessary T20 hex key and 8 spare screws are included. The replacement pads aren’t cheap but it does mean you can extend the life of the pedals rather than buy a new pair. The rest of the pedal isn’t serviceable however, with bushings used rather than bearings. Whether you’re an occasional cyclist or a regular rider, your choice of pedal is absolutely essential. For amateur and occasional MTB and road riders, a pair of inexpensive platform pedals will be enough to meet your needs. These classic accessories will offer you excellent riding comfort in urban environments and country terrain. But this shouldn’t stop you from opting for more sophisticated pedals. Regular and demanding riders will find their perfect match in a more sophisticated platform, clipless pedal system or combi pedals. Pedal types 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. 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.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. 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 easy 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.
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. 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. Many of the Candy 1s features that make it a good pedal for the trails also means it performs on the commute to work, too.
Shimano SPD SL Road Bike Pedal Cleats
Designed for trail use, the Aeffect pedal also makes sense for commuters looking for a robust flat pedal that’ll work in all weathers. The Vaults are famously tough and durable, and on the off-chance you do manage to smash them, they’re fully rebuildable too. Each and every part can be removed and replaced, which extends the lifespan indefinitely, and they’re available in lots of cool anodised colour options, too.
Great Deal 
New Comment