Blog / Cycling Gear
Best Cycling Pedals 2026
Cycling pedals researched for power transfer, engagement, and mud clearance. Road SPD-SL + gravel/MTB SPD picks across Shimano, Look, Crankbrothers.
Best Cycling Pedals for 2026
BEST VALUE
e*thirteen components Base Flat Pedals Naranja
$50
TOP PICK
Shimano PD-ME700 Pedals
$70
GREAT OPTION
Look Cycle Trail Roc Pedals
$107
PERFORMANCE PICK
Leatt All Mountain 6.0 Flat Pedals
$186
BEST UPGRADE
Garmin Rally RS110 Power Clipless Pedals
$650
PREMIUM PICK
Garmin Rally RS/XC210 Power Clipless Pedals Bundle
$1,450
Clipless and platform pedals ranked on engagement, weight, and durability — all in stock at Backcountry.
e*thirteen components Base Flat Pedals Naranja
Give yourself a platform to stand on with e*thirteen's Base Flat Pedals. These lightweight, composite pedals are built to handle your ride anywhere from rowdy enduro trails, to casual commutes, and host twenty-…
- ✓ Best for: Budget clipless
- ✓ e*thirteen
- ✓ In stock at Backcountry
Shimano PD-ME700 Pedals
Shimano’s PD-ME700 Pedals stack the field with multi-use talents that satisfy beginning riders and racers alike.
- ✓ Best for: Everyday road
- ✓ Shimano
- ✓ In stock at Backcountry
Look Cycle Trail Roc Pedals
When big chunder-filled lines at the dirt park call we're taking our big hit bikes with the LOOK Trail Roc Pedals installed out of the shed and onto the dirt.
- ✓ Best for: All-road
- ✓ Look
- ✓ In stock at Backcountry
Leatt All Mountain 6.0 Flat Pedals
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: "The AllMtn 6. 0 flats take a beating without missing a beat. The grip is unreal thanks to the combo of bottom and top-loaded pins, and the concave platform keeps my feet…
- ✓ Best for: Trail/MTB
- ✓ Leatt
- ✓ In stock at Backcountry
Garmin Rally RS110 Power Clipless Pedals
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:"I run the RS110 on my road bike for everyday training. Install is like any pedal, power and cadence line up with my smart trainer, and accuracy feels dead-on.
- ✓ Best for: Performance
- ✓ Garmin
- ✓ In stock at Backcountry
Garmin Rally RS/XC210 Power Clipless Pedals Bundle
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:"I set this up like any normal pedal and had dual-sided power and Cycling Dynamics right away.
- ✓ Best for: Premium power
- ✓ Garmin
- ✓ In stock at Backcountry
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| e*thirteen components Base Flat Pedals Naranja | Budget clipless | $50 | Backcountry → |
| Shimano PD-ME700 Pedals | Everyday road | $70 | Backcountry → |
| Look Cycle Trail Roc Pedals | All-road | $107 | Backcountry → |
| Leatt All Mountain 6.0 Flat Pedals | Trail/MTB | $186 | Backcountry → |
| Garmin Rally RS110 Power Clipless Pedals | Performance | $650 | Backcountry → |
| Garmin Rally RS/XC210 Power Clipless Pedals Bundle | Premium power | $1,450 | Backcountry → |
Frequently Asked Questions
SPD vs SPD-SL — what's the difference?
SPD = 2-bolt, smaller metal cleat, walkable (use with MTB, gravel, commute shoes). SPD-SL = 3-bolt, larger plastic cleat, not walkable (road shoes only). Different pedal systems — you need matching pedals and shoes.
How often should I replace cycling cleats?
Road (SPD-SL) cleats: every 1,500-2,000 miles. MTB (SPD) cleats: 5,000+ miles (metal, very durable). Signs of worn SPD-SL cleats: looser engagement, slipping under power, visible wear on the plastic.
Can I use MTB pedals on a road bike?
Yes — SPD pedals work fine on road bikes. Many cyclists prefer SPD on road bikes for walkability (café stops). The trade-off: slightly less platform stability vs SPD-SL. For casual road riding, SPD is fine.
How do I adjust pedal release tension?
Most pedals have a small adjustment bolt on top of the pedal body. Turn clockwise for harder release (more secure), counterclockwise for easier release. Start loose if you're new to clipping in; tighten after a few rides of confident clip/unclip.
Related Cycling Gear Guides
- Best Cycling Shoes 2026 — Match shoes to your pedal system
- Best Bike Multi-Tools 2026 — For cleat adjustments
- Best Cycling Saddles 2026 — Contact points
- Best Power Meters 2026 — Power meter pedals
- Best Bike Workstands 2026 — Install on a stand