Best clipless pedals 2023: systems explained and the best models reviewed

A set of the best clipless pedals along with a pair of the best cycling shoes will set you up for miles of happy cycling. The benefits of using these over the best flat pedals in terms of comfort and efficiency are considerable, but there is a learning curve to clipping in and out.

The type of pedal you are likely to use depends on your cycling. For road cycling, it's usual to use three bolt cleats and most pedals have single sided entry. These give a firm connection between the pedals and compatible shoes that maximises power delivery.

Gravel bike riders will mostly choose two bolt cleats, used with double sided pedals. These make clipping in and out easier, while the smaller, recessed cleat is a lot easier to walk in and also less prone to clogging. Two bolt cleats and pedals are also a good option for commuting and touring.

We've split this guide into three bolt road bike pedal systems, then two bolt gravel bike pedal systems.

For more information on the variety of different systems out there we’ve got a wealth of information in our buyer's guide further down on the page. 

We've also got dedicated guides to the best gravel pedals and the best commuter bike pedals. For now, though, let’s get straight into our recommendations of the best clipless pedals.

What is a clipless pedal?

If you're wondering what exactly is a clipless pedal, then here's a brief explanation.

A clipless pedal is one that you actually do clip into. For most options this requires you to attach a cleat to your cycling shoe, which then clips into a spring-loaded mechanism in the pedal body. To release your foot, you twist it in one direction to release the cleat from the pedal.

The reason they're called clipless is that before Look invented the original clipless pedal, riders would use a toe clip and strap to connect their shoes to the bike - hence as a pedal without such a clip they became known as 'clipless'.

If you are curious as to how to use clipless pedals then you'll be surprised to learn it's much easier than you might think, and once you've converted, you won't be able to imagine doing without.

Best clipless pedals for road riding: our picks

Here are our picks of the best pedals for road riding, which use three bolt cleats for maximum power delivery.

Shimano's Ultegra pedals won a place in our Editor's Choice awards, impressing us with a low stack height, wide platform and a design really not far off that of the top end Dura Ace models - all at a lower price. 

These are great quality pedals that are incredibly durable, going for thousands of miles between servicing.  

All Shimano pedals use the same spring retention system that requires a 2.5mm allen key to adjust. It can take a little time to get just right, so worth taking the right size key with you on the first few rides. 

Again like all Shimano pedals, and Look ones for that matter, Ultegra pedals gain the pedal float from the cleat, with different coloured 'tips' on the cleats denoting the amount of movement side to side they will allow before unclipping.  They’re available with 6 degrees (with yellow tips), 2 degrees (blue) or zero float (red), depending on your preference (it's always recommended to start off with more if you're not sure).

It is super easy to take them apart and regrease the axle, though, when the time does finally come, and it's also worth noting that there is a 4mm longer axle available too should you need a wider Q factor - something only offered with Ultegra and Dura-Ace. 

The RRP is more expensive than the Shimano 105 option, but you can find some great deals if you shop around.

Read more: Shimano Ultegra pedals full review

These are a great starter clipless pedals and ideal for winter miles when it's not worth bringing our the more expensive sets.

Trading the carbon blade of the higher end Look pedals for a coil spring based mechanism makes for easy release tension adjustment, almost mirroring the Shimano versions. 

A good size contact patch for your foot provides a stable pedalling platform, and one that we've found from experience still offers enough power transfer to be a viable option for strong riders putting out high wattage. 

The composite material does add a weight to the scales, but doesn't detract from their performance, with the Look trademark and highly regarded standard still on board making these a pair of the best clipless pedals on the market.

A suitably priced and easy option for beginners to take their first steps into the world of clipless pedals.

Read more: Look Keo Classic 3 pedals full review

There are several different versions of the Look pedal systems (the Keo Classic is featured above) and these top the family tree as best clipless pedals for anyone looking for a performance pair.

Look say that the ceramic bearing version reduces friction by 18% and helps increase power transfer.

Look uses a carbon leaf spring in place of the more common metal spring, like the Shimano Ultegra pedals above, for cleat retention, cutting the weight, and providing a satisfying tactile snap when you clip in.

This does mean you don’t get the same instant range of adjustment as you get with a spring system, but you can get the leaf spring in a range of different strengths. 

From experience this does mean deciding on what tension suits you best is tricky, and a little fiddly, so you might be inclined to enlist support from your local bike shop/ bike fitter to sort - but once you’ve got it set up you won’t need to touch it again.

As per all Look cleats, they can be quick to wear down though, requiring regular replacement unless you're conscientious enough to use cleat covers when walking around, which are available and often come with your pedals or cleats.

Read more: Look Keo Blade pedals full review

There's no denying the jaw dropping retail price of the Time Xpro 15 pedals, especially when compared to the more wallet friendly Xpresso range with the Time Xpresso 6 pedals, which, although somewhat dated, we also really liked. 

On test, we found it tricky to pinpoint one exacting character trait, rather that it was an amalgamation of several features that make these one of the best clipless pedals on the market.   

To start there's the exceptionally secure carbon leaf spring system. Their featherweight design, 87g a piece, makes them one of the lightest clipless pedal systems on the market, without sacrifice to the platform, which is slightly wider than traditional Time pedals.

For riders looking for the best, then the carbon outer, hollow titanium spindle and ceramic bearings will be music to ears, while their slight 2.5mm of lateral side-to-side float might not be the equivalent to your knees, especially as they don't allow for alterations to cleat release tension, it does require fitting another leaf spring.  

As with all Time pedals, they offer an alternative to the major players, such as Look and Shimano, although clearly comparable to the range topping Shimano Dura Ace and Look Keo Blade Carbon Ceramic versions.

But in order to stand out from the crowd, you'll have to pay for the privilege, with these one of the most expensive pairs of clipless pedals on the market. 

Read more: Time Xpro 15 pedals full review

Shimano's 105 pedals are extremely similar to their Ultegra and Dura-Ace counterparts, the main difference being the pedal body is carbon reinforced, instead of carbon fibre.

This does of course add a little weight to the pedals, around 50g per side, but when you calculate the cost saving per gram (especially if you can pick these up in a deal) then the weight penalty suddenly seems much lighter. 

From our experience these are a great clipless pedals for riders looking for quality and durability without breaking the bank, especially when you’ve just splashed out on a new set of cycling shoes. 

As with the Shimano Dura-Ace and Look Pedal ranges, the spring tension is adjustable via an Allen key, which can take a couple of rides to get just right for your needs, so worth taking one in the back pocket for the first few outings. 

The other similarity with the other pairs of the best clipless pedals mentioned above is that the 'float' is limited by the cleats, which isn't really a drawback, just be aware and always worth getting a professional bike fitter to help set up your shoes to ensure you get the right pair for you. 

As with other Shimano pedals, the cleats are probably the widest on the market, which can make them visible either side of your cycling shoes, and although they are one of the most robust on the market, they aren't designed for walking far in. 

Read more: Shimano 105 pedals full review

Wahoo has given the Speedplay Zero pedals a much needed update, while still preserving all the benefits of the original. You still get all the float adjustability, dual-sided entry, low weight, and interchangeable axle lengths, but now the weather protection has been greatly increased and the stainless steel bevelled edge improves durability of the pedal body. 

On test we were very impressed with their performance and certainly found them to be one of the best clipless pedals on the market, with the float being easy to adjust and feeling particularly friction free. 

As one of the smallest pedal platforms available, the Wahoo Speedplay Zero pedals might look alarming to some of the more powerful riders, concerned that their lollipop looks limit power transfer. On test we found that it was in fact of no concern, the cleat design provides all the strength and secure connection needed. In fact, according to Wahoo, once you factor in their lower stack height, which places your foot closer to the pedal axle, you can actually recruit more power than other setups. 

The initial setup of the larger than standard cleat is a bit more of a process, especially when compared to the almost plug and play functionality of the Shimano and Look pedals, so we definitely recommend investing in the skills of a professional bike fitter. Once dialled in, however, you'll be sure to reap all the benefits.

Read more: Wahoo Speedplay Zero pedals full review

Best clipless pedals for gravel riding: our picks

These pedal systems use shoes with two bolt cleats and offer double-sided entry, making them a great option for off-road riding, commuting and other riding which may include significant time off the bike. 

Time's two bolt pedals are sprung at the forward side, rather than the more normal rear sprung retainer. This makes for a more natural feel when clipping in and also helps to eject any mud or debris that has accumulated around the cleat, making the Time system a good option for cyclocross. 

There's plenty of float built into the system and you can opt for 'easy-cleats' for a lighter action when clipping in and out, which is also an advantage for cyclocross racers. Time's cleats can be swapped between left and right shoes as well, which alters the release angle.

Read more: Time ATAC XC 2 gravel bike pedal full review

Crankbrothers makes a whole range of off-road pedals, from the minimalist Eggbeater to designs with a more substantial cage to support the shoe like the Candy. You also get a great range of colour options.

The Candy 1 pedals give you not only good foot support, but easy mud clearance from the open engagement mechanism, although you can't adjust the engagement tension with Crankbrothers' design.

There's plenty of float in the cleats and a 10 degree disengagement angle. You can buy different cleats to change both float and release angle, although replacement cleats are pricey.

Read more: Crankbrothers Candy 1 gravel bike pedal full review

Shimano's pedals use the original two bolt SPD pedal system and are a popular choice for off-road riders. The PD-M520 is the most skeletal offering, but Shimano also has designs with a more substantial cage to support the foot. There are lighter, more expensive options as well.

There's adjustable cleat release tension via the rear mechanism and good mud shedding. Sealed cartridge bearings cut down on maintenance and Shimano's pedals have a reputation for reliability and durability. 

Read more: Shimano PD-M520 SPD gravel bike pedals full review

Look uses the same SPD system as Shimano for its X-Track off-road pedals, with a similarly adjustable release tension via the sprung rear retainer. There's six degrees of flat and a 13 degree cleat release angle, but you can also buy multidirectional release "Easy" cleats. 

Look's pedals have a wider platform than the Shimano PD-M520, adding a little greater foot stability, although this can impact mud clearance and ease of clipping in. Durability is excellent and you can expect years of use with minimal maintenance.

Read more: Look X-Track gravel bike pedal full review

Off-road riders who want to measure their power output have few options, but the Garmin Rally pedals offer you a power meter option that's compatible with Shimano SPD two bolt cleats. They're offered with either two sided or single sided power measurement.

The stack height is a little higher than a Shimano SPD pedal, as is the weight, but otherwise anyone who has used Shimano two bolt pedals should feel right at home. The power meter internals are compatible with Garmin's three-bolt pedal bodies, so you can potentially swap out the pedals for a road-going Rally power meter. 

Read more: Garmin Rally XC200 off-road dual-sided power pedal full review

What are the differences between the best clipless pedals?

There are a handful of pedal systems to choose from which allow you to clip in. 

We've included lots of information on the differences, pros and cons below, but as a quick summary the main differences are around the system being proud or recessed on your shoe. 

The former is more road focused as it creates a bigger platform for power transfer; the Look Keo pedals are a good example. The latter allows for easier walking off the bike and less chance of getting clogged up, with the Shimano SPD system a good example (don't confuse this with Shimano SPD-SL, which is a road-type pedal system). 

Adjustability of the pedal system is another big buying factor, with some, like that of Speedplay, allowing for plenty of micro adjustments, and a favourite with riders who can suffer with knee pain. Other systems will allow for some tension adjustment, but this tends to be limited to spring tension, the ease of clipping in and out, and/or float, the ability to rotate your foot in the pedal without risking unclipping. 

Other factors include size of platform, closeness to the axle and Q-factor (the distance between your attachment points on the pedals).

Pedal systems: Look Keo

Look pioneered clipless pedals back in the Eighties, and it has maintained a huge presence in the market ever since.

The pedals use a three-bolt design, with a large surface area to the cleat that can make walking a little cumbersome but provides a good contact patch when on the bike.

While some Look pedals use a standard coil spring for cleat retention, the fancy ones utilize a carbon leaf spring. Both are adjustable, allowing you to have your cleats on an easy release if you're nervous or struggle to twist out, or extra tight if you're more confident and going for a sprint or hard climb. 

There are several different models in the Look Keo range, and several different cleat options too, making these a really good brand of pedal to grow with as your cycling experience and needs evolve. 

The most basic model, the Look Keo Classic 3  is great for getting going with on the road, while an all-singing pair of Look Keo Blade Carbon Ceramic Ti pedals will provide the kind of aero and smoothness gains when you are wanting high end performance. 

The only downside is their limitations on rougher terrains, where the system isn't really geared up to dabbing, not getting clogged up, or walking with a non-recessed cleat. There is a Keo Grip cleat option, and a cover which makes touring and benign gravel riding doable in them,  but you wouldn't want to take them for a long walk or truly off road for a ride.  

That said, if you're sticking to the tarmac, they're some of the best clipless pedals that you can get at whatever level you're looking to take your cycling to. 

Good for: Road riding, road racing, time trailing, commuting

Pedal Systems: Shimano SPD double-sided

More commonly used by mountain bikers, gravel grinders and commuters, SPDs have been around for 20 years and they've seen little change since. A range of other brands offer SPD-compatible pedals, not just Shimano.

The twin sided pedals mean clipping in is easy. The cleat uses a two bolt system and is recessed into the shoe which allows for easy walking off the bike. Being made of metal and away from contact with the ground, the cleats can last for years.

The contact patch is a touch smaller than road specific pedals, but the pedal body is designed to clear mud, making them ideal for mixed surface riding. Combined with the walkability, this also makes them a good choice for commuting and touring when you don't want to take a pair of shoes for off bike use. 

Shimano SPD pedals are also pretty popular in gyms on spin bikes, benefiting the rider from easy clipping in, the gains from pulling up on the pedal, allowing bike specific shoes, which are stiffer and providing better pedal power transfer, but also safety when walking to and from class. 

The downside is that you will need a pair of shoes with just two bolt holes, and in most cases the shoes will have more flexibility and the smaller contact point will lose some of the pedal power. 

Good for – Gravel, mountain biking, cyclocross, touring, commuting, gym bikes

Pedal systems: Shimano SPD one-sided

This system combines an SPD clipless mechanism with a flat pedal - which makes it a great clipless pedal option for people who feel nervous about having their feet attached to the bike, or commuters who want to be able to quickly get a foot on the pedal without having to search for the contact or look down. The shape also means you can use them with your regular street shoes, so a great option for a mixed use bike. 

The upside is that you gain many of the positive attributes of the above Shimano SPD pedals, mostly when in muddy/ mixed terrain and when needing to walk around, as the recessed cleat does away with a skiddy small wedge under your feet that the usual road pedals create. Again these are another great option for gym bikes, where you have a mix of riders in either trainers or who want to clip in.

Combing two systems for SPD and flat pedal into one does mean that these pedals are a little heavier than other options, so they're not favoured by those after pure performance.

Good for – Leisure riding, off-road, commuting, gym

Pedal systems: Wahoo Speedplay

Wahoo Speedplay's 'lollipops' are road specific pedals that gain the adjustability in their pedalling platform from the cleat, as opposed to the pedal itself. This means the cleat houses all the moving parts and requires the occasional drop of dry lube to keep things running smoothly.

The benefit of Wahoo Speedplay pedals is that they offer a huge amount of adjustability — cleat position is adjustable in three separate planes, and each can be fine-tuned independent of the others. Bike fitters love them, particularly when setting up anyone with knee pain.

The simplicity and double-sided nature also mean they’re easy to get into and they're light, too but the metal cleats can be difficult to walk in and are expensive to replace.

Good for – Road racing (especially criteriums)

Pedal systems: Shimano SPD-SL

Shimano's SPD-SL pedals use a three bolt cleat system, similar to Look Keo pedals.

The key difference is that the cleats and pedals are broader, creating a wider platform and in theory offering greater power transfer.

Just like the Looks, the cleats come in three different colours, each denoting a different level of float, mirroring the Look cleat system and offering 0 degrees, 2 degrees or 6 degrees of float once clipped in. Again like the Looks, it’s a system that is widely used by the professional peloton.

Just don't expect to walk around on them with ease - and especially not on tile or polished concrete floors when wet.

There are a few options in the range to choose from, all of which could make the best clipless pedal buying guide. As with all Shimano components, the pedals follow the same naming convention, with Dura-Ace at the top of the family tree, followed by Ultegra and then 105. 

The challenge for Shimano is that it makes everything exceptionally well, so the only reason why we've not included the range topping Dura Ace pedals is that it's just so hard to justify the extra expense over the significantly more affordable Ultegra and 105 versions. 

Good for – Road riding, racing, general riding, commuting

Pedal systems: Time ICLIC pedal systems

While Time ICLIC pedals also use a three-bolt system - you remembered correctly, like Look and Shimano - they actually work in reverse of most other road pedals.

The carbon leaf spring keeps the mechanism open until you push down, clamping it shut on the cleat with a loud snap — similar to a ski binding.

The cleats are of similar size to Shimano and Look road cleats, so offer a very supportive platform to push on. They’re also quite cheap to replace, which is always a bonus.

The Time  ICLIC system boasts lateral (side to side) float, and low stack height, said to increase power transfer efficiency.

Time pedals are pretty niche nowadays, although now part of the wider SRAM operation after Time Bikes sold off its pedal division and we expect to see some exciting development within the pedal brand in the next few years. 

Good for – Racing, road riding

Pedal systems: Time ATAC pedal systems

Time's two bolt ATAC pedal system has a sprung front retainer with a static bar at the rear. This makes for a natural feel to engagement and, as we mentioned above, also helps to clear mud out of the pedal mechanism.

There's quite a range of pedals, with Time offering larger platforms as well as the more minimalist designs. Higher up the range, Time offers adjustable release tension, while basic models have a fixed release tension. 0

You can swap the cleats between the left and right feet to alter the amount of float. There are also multiple cleat options, which again allow you to alter the amount of float and release angle.

Pedal systems: Crankbrothers pedal systems

The Crankbothers pedal system has a very open design that has little tendency to mud collection. The Eggbeater pedals actually allow you to clip in on four faces, although the action is slightly different depending on whether the front or rear retainer is sprung. 

Crankbrothers' other clipless pedals, the Candy, Mallet and Double Shot,  have a larger platform that only allows two-sided use, although the mechanism itself retains the four access options. 

The release tension of Crankbrothers pedals is not adjustable, although there are standard and easy release cleat options and both are available with either 6 degrees or zero degrees of float.

How to fit and remove clipless pedals

Watch this video (opens in new tab) to learn our mechanic Al’s top tips on clipless pedal installation and removal.

The key thing to remember about pedals is that the left and right ones are threaded differently. The right pedal has a normal thread, so that you tighten it by turning the pedal spindle clockwise in the crank arm. The left pedal has a reverse thread, so that you tighten it counter-clockwise.

It’s important not to get your left and right pedals mixed up as cross threading a pedal will ruin the pedal and crank. With many clipless pedal systems, such as those from Shimano and Look, it’s pretty obvious which way round they go, as the pedal has a definite front and rear.

But with other systems such as Speedplay, many MTB-type clipless pedals and platform-type pedals it’s harder to work out.

Most will have L or R printed or embossed on the pedal body or the wrench flats on the axle, so it’s worth taking a look before starting to screw them back in. Above all, go carefully and hand-screw the pedal to make sure that it’s threading in correctly, only using a spanner or allen key once you have it most of the way in.

Although most are easy to set up, what isn't quite as straightforward is how to set them up perfectly for you. We've suggested enlisting the skills of a professional bike fitter throughout this guide to ensure you reap the most rewards and reduce the risk of injury. However if you do want to DIY, then take a look at our guides on Cleats explained: How to set them up correctly and how to set up your cleats (video)

It’s very easy to strip the threads from a crank arm and expensive to replace it if you do, so if you’re not sure the pedal is going in correctly unscrew it and start again. Make sure to add a dollop of grease or anti-seize to the threads to prevent them from getting stuck.

Many pedals will have both allen key sockets in the end of the spindle and wrench flats where the threads end. Using a pedal wrench will afford much more leverage than most allen keys.

If you're used to cycling in trainers, or are investing in a new pedal system, the chances are you might need to revisit your saddle height. Our video on how to set your saddle height should give you all the pointers on how to get it just right. 

Many pedals such as Shimano Dura-Ace, Ultegra and 105 only have allen key sockets so if you use these it’s worth getting a chunky 8mm allen key so that you have enough leverage to loosen the pedal in the crank.

Competitive cyclists now often ride with a power meter and many of the options available are pedal-based. To keep things simple, we've not included power pedals in this guide, but if you think that's something that might interest you then visit our page on how to ride with a power meter for more information. 

The benefit of a pedal power system is its ease of transfer between bikes, although often the pedal needs to be tightened to a specific torque value to obtain accurate readings. This means that you will need a torque wrench – a pricy bit of kit, but fairly insignificant relative to the cost of the power meter itself.