Pedals

Road pedals are almost universally clipless — your shoe cleats lock into the pedal for direct power transfer. Three systems dominate: Shimano SPD-SL (3-bolt, wide platform), Look Kéo (3-bolt, similar to SPD-SL), and Wahoo Speedplay (4-bolt, dual-sided entry). Each has different float ranges, stack heights, and cleat durability. Power meter pedals from Favero Assioma and Garmin Rally add training data without changing your crankset. The right pedal system is whichever one your shoes and riding style suit best.

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Buying Guide

Road Pedal Buying Guide

Shimano SPD-SL

The most popular road pedal system. Three-bolt cleat pattern, single-sided entry. Shimano PD-R7000 (105 level) is the sweet spot — reliable, well-built, 285g per pair. Ultegra PD-R8000 saves 20g with a carbon body. Dura-Ace PD-R9100 uses a wider carbon platform and weighs 228g. Cleat colours indicate float: yellow (6°), blue (2°), red (0° fixed). Yellow is recommended for most riders — the float protects knees. Cleats wear on the walking surfaces and typically last 3,000-6,000 miles depending on how much you walk in them.

Look Kéo

Look invented the clipless pedal. The Kéo system uses a 3-bolt pattern that's compatible with SPD-SL shoes (same bolt hole spacing). Kéo Classic is the entry point, Kéo Blade uses a carbon leaf spring for adjustable tension, and Kéo 2 Max adds a wider platform. Float options: grey (4.5°), grey+ (9°), black (0°). Look cleats are slightly less durable than Shimano on pavement but the engagement feel is preferred by some riders. Look pedals tend to be lighter than equivalent Shimano at each price point.

Speedplay

Now owned by Wahoo. Dual-sided entry (clip in from either side like MTB SPDs), very low stack height, and adjustable float from 0-15°. The 4-bolt cleat is different from SPD-SL/Look — you need Speedplay-compatible shoes or a 3-to-4-bolt adapter plate. Speedplay Zero is the main model; Comp is the budget version. Wahoo Powrlink adds a single-sided power meter. The cleats have metal covers for walkability. Speedplay suits riders who value easy entry and adjustable float, but the system is more niche in the UK so cleat availability can be limited.

Power Meter Pedals

Favero Assioma Duo is the value champion — dual-sided power measurement, rechargeable, reliable, and under £500. Assioma Uno (single-sided) is cheaper and doubles the reading. Garmin Rally uses interchangeable pedal bodies for SPD-SL, SPD, and Look cleat systems. Wahoo Powrlink Speedplay adds power to the Speedplay system. Pedal-based power meters are the easiest to install and move between bikes — no crankset or hub changes needed.

Buying Used Pedals

Check the bearings by spinning the axle — it should rotate smoothly without play or roughness. Shimano pedals use serviceable cartridge bearings; Look pedals are similar. Check the cleat retention spring mechanism engages and releases cleanly at all tension settings. Inspect the pedal body for crash damage — bent axles are common after falls. Speedplay pedals need their grease port covers checked. Power meter pedals: verify they pair with a head unit and the power readings are consistent (compare left/right balance on dual-sided units). Include cleats if possible — new cleats cost £15-30.