We mostly associate flat pedals with mountain bikes and cruisers. But did you know that you can find the best flat pedals for road bike?
That’s right, flat pedals (or platform pedals) are not just for mountain bikes and beach cruisers but also road bikes and other common bike types.
As a road biker, you want your pedals to be comfortable, non-slip, and affordable. You also want them to allow you to perfect your technical cycling skills.
More importantly, they should allow you to cycle with any low-profile non-slippery shoes. In that case, you wouldn’t have to get any special cycling shoes.
Well, what you need are flat pedals, and I’ll help you find them.
It’s not just about buying any flat platform pedals that you find. No, they have to be high-quality, comfortable, lightweight, and with the right stance.
I’ll explain the buying considerations shortly. But first, let’s learn why you should consider platform pedals for your road bike.
In a hurry? I suggest you consider the road bike flat pedals in the hotlist below:
6 Best Flat Pedals For Road Bike
- FOOKER Non-Slip Bicycle Platform Pedals: Best Overall
- Imrider Polyamide 9/16″ Bike Pedals: Best for Big Feet
- MZYRH 9/16″ Cycling Sealed Pedals: Most Ultra Strong
- SGODDE Bicycle Platform Pedals: Most Scratch-Resistant
- ROCKBROS Bicycle Flat Pedals: Best for Noise-Free Cycling
- DRBIKE 9/16″ Bicycle Pedals: Best Budget Pick
Why Use Flat Pedals On A Road Bike?
Overall, the best platform pedals for road bike come with the following advantages:
- Safety –It’s generally easy to jump off a bike with flat pedals than clipless. So, when danger is imminent, you are much safer riding a flat pedal bike than a clipless option.
- Comfort – Flat pedals provide your feet with a wider surface area, which means more pedaling comfort. You won’t struggle to find your grip as so many of them enjoy anti-skid surfaces.
- Better Control – Given that you have more foot area, you enjoy better control of your bike. Unlike clipless, you are never a lazy cyclist when riding a flat pedal bike.
- No Cheating – It’s easy to cheat when riding a clipless bike as it encourages laziness. That’s, however, not the case with flat pedals. You’ve to rely on your mastery of bike control and balance to pedal with fluidity.
- Skill Enhancement – The fact that you have better control and do not cheat means you can try new tricks and perfect them. So, as a beginner, it’s better to do stunts with flat pedals than clipless.
- Great for Hiking – If you are cycling to a hiking spot, it’ll be much easier to come off the trails and jump onto the bike. You don’t have to shake off mud and dirt as it offers you more grip when pedaling.
- No Special Shoes – Provided your shoes have a low-profile, anti-slip sole, you can cycle with them. So, you don’t have to buy any special cycling shoes.
- Affordable Option – In terms of cost, some of the best flat pedals for commuting are cheaper to get than clipless options. So, if you are on a budget and want to replace your pedals badly, go for flat pedals.
Any Issues With Flat Pedals?
Now that I have highlighted the advantages of flat pedals, does that mean they are all perfect?
Of course not. For example, they are not the best when stuck in the mud. Also, they aren’t the best when there is a need for speed. In such cases, clipless is the way to go.
However, if all that matters is comfort, ease of use, safety, and affordability, you should get flat pedals.
After all, they do not allow you to cheat and are suitable to hike with.
Buying Guide for the Best Flat Pedals For Road Bike
So, what are the things to look for in platform pedals? Here are the ones to prioritize.
- Lasting Material
Your pedals must resist wear and last you longer. For that to be the case, the material has to be high-quality.
Go for durable options like steel or aluminum. Steel may be slightly heavy, but its durability is unquestionable. On the other hand, aluminum is lighter, rust-resistant, and shock-absorbing, making it a fine pick.
But still, you can always go for nylon fiber as it’s corrosion-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and shock-proof. You want your flat pedals to demonstrate such attributes.
- Large Platform
You want platform pedals that offer you more foot surface area. That’s because you wouldn’t want your feet to slip off when pedaling.
For that reason, you have to factor in your foot width and shoe size when picking platform pedals. Overall, large platforms offer more stability, making them the best overall.
- Good Grip
Even though road bike flat pedals allow you to ride with just any shoe, it doesn’t mean that your boots won’t slip. It can happen if the shoe’s bottom is smooth.
That’s why you’ve to ensure that your platform pedals have enough grip. Watch out for anti-skid nail surfaces to reduce the possibility of slipping and hurting your foot.
- Lightweight Option
You’ve to consider the weight of the pedals as it determines your overall comfort. If the pedals are too heavy, you’ll find it hard to pedal.
So, always consider lighter materials like aluminum and polyamide. Not only are they lightweight but also high-quality.
Overall, any weight not more than 0.9 pounds should be okay.
And More
- Comfortable Pedal Stance
The distance between the two pedals should be correct to allow you to pedal more comfortably. It shouldn’t be too long or too short as that inconveniences you.
In general, the standard pedal stance for road bikes usually is 53mm. So, consider that.
- Correct Size
It’s not just about having a larger platform but also getting its overall size correct. Fortunately, most flat pedals come in a standard 9/16″ size to fit just about any bike.
A 9/16″ pedal will fit a road bike, MTB, cruiser, and other standard bikes.
- Correct Labeling
The pedals must come labeled right (R) and left (L) to allow you to fit them easily. If that’s not the case, you may find it hard to decide between the two pieces.
Best Flat Pedals For Road Bike Reviewed.
1. FOOKER MTB Non-Slip Bicycle Platform Pedals
(Best Overall)
The FOOKER MTB Non-Slip Bicycle Platform Pedals are a best-seller for a reason. Initially meant for the mountain bike, these pedals now work fine on road bikes and other bike types.
They come in a rugged nylon fiber construction that assures you of durability and comfort. On durability, these pedals resist both corrosion and abrasion.
And when it comes to comfort, the nylon fiber absorbs shock to allow you to cycle smoothly.
FOOKER MTB Platform Pedals offer you a broader platform, making them ideal for road cyclists with bigger feet.
Impressively, their three bearings are sealed against dust and water. And with the pedals enjoying an anti-skid nail surface, they promise to hold your feet in place.
These flat pedals for road bikes weigh 0.79 pounds, making them relatively lightweight and come in about 15 colorful choices. Moreover, they have a 9/16″ spindle to fit on any bike.
Best Features
- Sealed bearings
- Large platform
- Anti-skid nail surface
- 9/16″ spindle
- Rugged nylon fiber
- Lightweight and colorful
2. Imrider Lightweight Polyamide 9/16″ Bike Pedals
(Best for Big Feet)
Your big feet deserve oversized platform pedals, and nothing beats the Imrider Lightweight Polyamide 9/16″ Bike Pedals.
These platform pedals measure 125 by 108 mm to provide you a large surface area for your huge feet.
Interestingly, you don’t have to worry about your feet slipping off as the pedals enjoy an anti-skid nail surface. Even better, their hard spindles offer you more grip to prevent unintentional disconnection when cycling.
Imrider 9/16″ Bike Pedals also impress in their material construction. They feature high-quality polyamide, which resists corrosion and abrasion to serve you longer.
And given that polyamide is lightweight, it makes the platform pedals lightweight too.
Furthermore, these road bike platform pedals come with a standard 9/16″ spindle to fit just about any standard bike.
Best Features
- Polyamide construction
- Hard spindles
- Anti-skid nail surfaces
- Standard 9/6″ spindle
- Bigger platform
3. MZYRH 9/16″ Cycling Sealed 3 Bearing Pedals
(Most Ultra Strong)
Like the two flat pedals above, the MZYRH 9/16″ Cycling Sealed 3 Bearing Pedals come with a standard 9/16″ spindle. So, they promise to fit just about any standard bike.
The pedals are also reasonably lightweight, given that they only weigh 0.45 pounds. With a platform surface area of 105 by 91 mm, these pedals are pretty broad to offer you a comfortable foothold.
Their bearings are not just sealed but lubricated too to serve you longer.
Expectedly, these cycling flat road bike pedals feature anti-skid nails that prevent your feet from slipping off.
MZYRH 9/16″ Cycling Pedals come labeled R (right) and L (left) for easy installation. Impressively, they come in a high-strength construction that makes them lightweight and durable.
Best Features
- High-strength aluminum construction
- Sealed and lubricated bearings
- Labeled for easy installation
- Standard 9/16″ spindle
- Wider platform
- Anti-skid nail surface
4. SGODDE Bicycle Platform Flat Pedals
(Most Scratch-Resistant)
The SGODDE Bicycle Platform Flat Pedals are another universal choice that never disappoints road cyclists. With their three lubricated and sealed bearings, you can count on them to protect the spindle from dust and water.
The bearings also ensure you pedal noise-free. So, whether you cycle in the rain or go through a dusty trail, you get to do it more comfortably.
SGODDE Flat Pedals enjoys an ultra-light, high-strength design, thanks to their aluminum construction. The aluminum surface is also anodized to make them scratch-resistant and rust-proof.
Each of the pedals weighs 0.44 pounds, which is reasonably lightweight.
With its non-slip nail surface, these lightweight platform pedals for road bike offer you a firm grasp and stability. Plus, they come labeled for easy installation. Check Latest Price on Amazon
Best Features
- Sealed bearings
- Scratch-resistant body
- Lightweight design
- Non-slip nail surface
5. ROCKBROS Bicycle Flat Pedals
(Best for Noise-Free Cycling)
The ROCKBROS Bicycle Flat Pedals also come with a standard 9/16″ spindle to fit just about any bike type. That, however, is not the only standout.
For starters, these pedals only weigh 0.66 pounds, thus lightweight. But despite their lighter weight, they are also durable. Primarily, that’s owing to their aluminum alloy construction.
Plus, the road bike pedals are super grippy, thanks to their anti-skid spikes. So, they are not just comfortable but also non-slip.
Their installation is almost seamless as they come labeled right and left. What’s more, the bearings are sealed against dust and water.
Mark you, the bearings are not just sealed but also ultra-smooth, thanks to their chrome-molybdenum steel construction.
Best Features
- Sealed bearings
- Wide and super grippy platform
- Lightweight construction
- Anti-skid spikes
- Seamless installation
6. DRBIKE 9/16″ Bicycle Pedals
(Best Budget Pick)
DRBIKE 9/16″ Bicycle Pedals also come with a universal 9/16″ spindle to fit on any bike. They are generally safe to use, given that they feature an anti-skid nail surface that offers you a firm grasp.
So, you get to enjoy more pedaling efficiency with these flat pedals.
The platform pedals come in a nylon fiber construction, which makes them lightweight. They also enjoy a self-lubricating design, which makes them dust-proof and water-proof.
These pedals only weigh 325g, making them lightweight. Impressively, they come labeled for easy installation and enjoy a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Overall, the platform bike pedals are easy to maintain, owing to the fiber nylon construction. Furthermore, their composite body won’t rust.
The best part is that DRBIKE 9/16″ Bicycle Pedals are pocket-friendly, thus great for someone on a budget.
Best Features
- 9/16″ universal spindle
- Anti-skid nail surface
- Nylon fiber construction
- Self-lubricating design
- Rust-resistant body
- Lightweight (325g)
FAQs
1. What Are The Best Flat Pedals For Road Bikes?
Below is a list of the best flat pedals for road bike:
- FOOKER Non-Slip Bicycle Platform Pedals: Best Overall
- Imrider Polyamide 9/16″ Bike Pedals: Best for Big Feet
- MZYRH 9/16″ Cycling Sealed Pedals: Most Ultra Strong
- SGODDE Bicycle Platform Pedals: Most Scratch-Resistant
- ROCKBROS Bicycle Flat Pedals: Best for Noise-Free Cycling
- DRBIKE 9/16″ Bicycle Pedals: Best Budget Pick
2. Can I Use Flat Pedals On A Road Bike?
Provided that you are a casual rider or a commuter, flat pedals are a good choice for a road bike. After all, they are easy to use, comfortable, and safer.
3. Do I Need Special Shoes For Flat Pedals?
You don’t need special shoes for flat pedals. That means you can cycle with the shoes you are wearing.
It’s essential, however, that the shoes don’t slide on the pedals. So, they should have enough grip and should feature a low-profile sole.
4. What Shoes Go With Flat Pedals?
Though flat pedals go with most shoes, the shoes must have a low profile, anti-slid sole.
In that case, some of the shoes that fit the profile include:
- Skate shoes
- Flats with rubber soles
- Tennis sneakers
5. Why Are Flat Pedals Better?
Platform pedals for road bike allow you to get on and off your bike quickly, thus safer. They also do not allow you to cheat when learning to balance and do tricks.
What’s more, they allow you to cycle with just any shoes, provided they have low-profile anti-skid soles.
6. Should I Ride Clipless Or Flat?
Generally, riding clipless is preferable when you want to pedal faster without putting in so much effort. The downside is that it can be unsafe, given that it may take time to take your feet off the pedals.
Also, you easily cheat when it comes to balancing and doing tricks.
So, if you want not to cheat and to cycle safely, consider flat pedals. They allow you to build your confidence when learning to balance, brake and perform stunts.
Besides, you don’t need any special shoes as any low-profile options with an anti-slip sole will work.
7. Are Plastic Pedals Better Than Metal?
In terms of weight, plastic pedals are lighter than metal. They are also less costly than metal pedals.
Their downside is that they are feeble and so won’t last you longer. Metal pedals, in contrast, may be expensive, but they last longer.
Concluding Thought:
Above is an ultimate guide to the best flat pedals for road bike. Use it to identify your ideal flat pedals. Hopefully, that’ll help you ride safer and more comfortably.
Relevant Post: