You already know how important it is to have a good set of fixed gear pedals for your bike. Now I’m going to show you exactly what to look for when purchasing these vital parts. This list is based on the hard-earned wisdom of experienced cycling enthusiasts who’ve gone before you.
Your bike should come with a second, slightly fancier pair of pedals. If you’ve been riding for a while, you may have outgrown the basic set of pedals that came with your bike.
Pedals are a great way to get yourself (and your bicycle) moving! There’s a ton of different types out there depending on where and how you plan on riding. You’ll definitely want to consider which pedals are right for you if you’re just getting started.
Types of Pedals
Bike pedals come in three main varieties. Most bikes have these, but some may have additional features or may work in slightly different ways. Let’s take a look at each type and see how they work in more detail.
Clipless
Clipless pedals have many advantages over other types of pedals. Although, it’s important to keep in mind that one of their major disadvantages is that you need the right shoes to get the most out of them.
With road clipless pedals, you could injure your knee if your pedals have too little or too much float. If you like the idea of road clipless shoes but aren’t a fan of road clipless pedals, you may want to consider a road flat pedal pair of shoes.
If you have bought clipless pedals, they should come with cleats, which are specific to the manufacturer. Clipless/clip-in pedals are not cross-compatible between manufacturers. So if you have Shimano pedals, look for Shimano cleats to go with them. And if you have Look pedals, find yourself a pair of Look cleats.
Different manufacturers make different styles of pedals; so a Shimano pedal will not work with a Look pedal, for example. Always be sure to buy the right cleats for your pedals, or you won’t be able to use them!
Platform Pedals
Platform pedals are a great choice if you don’t have a preference for the way your shoes are oriented on the pedal. They’re comfortable, convenient, and will allow you to ride with any shoe you prefer. While platform pedals aren’t the best choice for everyone, they’re great if you have joint pain or knee problems.
Platform pedals can be problematic when it comes to performance because of their inability to transfer power efficiently. The only way to get the most out of these pedals is by pulling up on the downstroke or even rocking the pedal backward.
Pedal straps are the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to solving this problem. The issue with them, though, is that they typically require a good amount of shoe modification in order to work. It can also be difficult to transition from using one pedal and then to the other.
Platform pedals are a great option for casual riders who aren’t interested in extra power or pedal efficiency, but if you do want something that can help you climb better and provide more power as you sprint, then clipless pedals are the way to go.
Toe Clips & Straps
Want the convenience of a clipless pedal system but aren’t ready to give up your favorite pair of kicks? When you’re riding, you’re looking for any edge you can get. Some athletes call this ‘marginal gains.’ Don’t worry — they don’t mean you.
But if you’re willing to go the extra mile (metaphorically, of course), toe clips could give you a serious performance boost. They allow you to utilize any shoe and are quite comfortable. Pedals with toe clips and straps are a great option if you’re looking for practicality more so than performance.
Best Fixed Gear Pedals
Ready to buy a new fixed gear bike pedal but can’t make up your mind? Don’t worry — we have the perfect guide for you! I know it can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. There are different types of fixed gear pedals out there, after all! So here’s a great guide to help you make the best decision, and save you some time and money.
SHIMANO SPD Pedal Clipless Pedals
If you’re looking for one of the best fixed gear pedals that can take you from the street to the trails, then Shimano’s SPD Clipless Pedals are right for you. These reliable and affordable pedals are double-sided, making them ideal for beginners and those who aren’t super used to clipping in and out of their pedals. And if a tough exterior is your thing, then these puppies won’t let you down!
Muddy pedals are a pain to deal with. SHIMANO SPD’s mud-shedding design, with its open binding, lets you quickly and easily remove debris when you need to, so you can keep riding. Sharpen your power with the SHIMANO SPD pedals, and get the most out of your pedal strokes.
ODYSSEY Twisted PC 1/2 Pedals RED
You’ve seen the Odyssey Twisted PC pedals before — they’re the ones everyone’s talking about. If you’ve been looking for wide-spaced, well-grip pedals with an innovative design to help you conquer the steepest of foothills, the Odyssey Twisted PC Pedals are just what you need. They’re one of the best fixed gear pedals for those who want to get a solid base and enjoy a greater sense of control.
These pedals are made to last. Durable plastic doesn’t just mean that these things will last (which they do!) – It also means that they’re light and you aren’t going to be left with aching feet after your next long ride. Another great feature of these pedals is the wide range of colors available. You’ll be sure to find the perfect color for you!
If you’re looking to try out platform pedals but are concerned about your feet slipping off the pedals, these ODYSSEY Twisted PC Fixed Gear Pedals are a great investment. This one is designed to make sure that your feet stay firmly on the pedals, no matter how intense your riding gets. And if you want a little more power efficiency from your bike, consider pairing it with the Fyxation Gates Pedal Straps for extra foot support. It can be a great combo!
Fyxation Gates Pedal Strap
It takes a lot of effort to find one of the best fixed gear pedals that should be both comfortable and easy to get in and out of. We know because we’ve spent countless hours trying on pedals at stores only to leave empty-handed and defeated. Luckily, Fyxation was able to crack the code with their latest gear pedal, the Gates Pedal Strap!
Fyxation Gates Pedal Straps are an affordable alternative to the heavy, bulky straps that come with most pedals. The Gates Pedal Straps are made in the USA and come in a set of two for both pedals (total weight 135 grams). They’re compatible with almost any pedal out there — especially Fyxation Gates Pedals, of course.
Fyxation straps will last a lifetime — and beyond. That’s because they’re built to withstand the test of time. Once adjusted, they are extremely comfortable and easy to wear. The Velcro holds very well — you don’t have to worry about them coming undone even on long rides. They’re perfect for people who are new to biking or haven’t ridden in a while, but they’re also suitable for people with narrow feet, and for those who just prefer thicker straps.
The Fyxation Gates Pedal Strap is a wonderful way to keep your feet secure on a ride. It’s made of tough nylon seatbelt material (2″ wide), and its lower strap will hold your feet in place. No more fumbling with clips and straps – just slip your shoes into these super comfortable, durable straps and you’re ready for miles of smooth riding. The simple, yet functional, design that you can get in 12 colors — that’s a rainbow of choices!
MZYRH Mountain Bike Pedals
The MZYRH Mountain Bike Pedals are the best pedals you can get for your mountain bike. Why’s that? A combination of materials, a wide platform, and unbelievably smooth bearing make them perfect for your next adventure.
These are some of the best fixed gear pedals for a more efficient ride and an improved sense of control. The reinforced anti-slip cleats design provides a more stable surface when pedaling, so you’ll have less skidding when you’re going downhill. The gripping surface is large enough to be useful, but not so large that it limits your ability to spin.
The MZYRH Mountain Bike Pedals are super light and ultra-small, weighing only 0.45lb (0.20kg) apiece and measuring 4.1in (105mm) in length by 3.58in (91mm) wide and 1.0in (26mm) in height.
MZYRH Mountain Bike Pedals are like a double-edged sword — they’re sleek, flat, and look great. On the other hand, they’re specifically engineered to offer the highest levels of strength and durability. These pedals fit perfectly on mountain bikes, BMX bikes, road bikes, exercise bikes, fixies — you name it!
The MZYRH Mountain Bike Pedals come with everything you need to replace your worn-out pedals. The package includes two replacement spacers, five replacement bearing studs, two sets of crush washers, and a wrench for these two things for installation. And if you’re a little short on cash, they can be bought in smaller quantities at retail.
Some people like that the MZYRH mountain bike pedals come in a variety of colors, so they can have multiple pairs for different bikes. Others don’t like the colors and find them too flashy. These are a great addition to any bicycle!
YBEKI Bike Pedals with Clips and Straps
With strong welds and a high-quality engineering resin, these YBEKI Bike Pedals will be the last ones you’ll ever need. And with the extra pedal strap, they make the perfect gift for any cyclist that you know! And for added security, you get a free pedal strap as a gift when you make your purchase!
YBEKI Bike Pedals will fit any bike with a 9/16″ (just over 1/2″) press-in spindle. That means they fit spinning bikes, outdoor bikes, and even indoor exercise bikes. The product itself is 9.5 centimeters in length, 6.4 centimeters wide, and 13 centimeters in length (clip size).
YBEKI bike pedals make you feel like you’re riding a cloud — the metal grips on the bottom of your shoes keep your feet in place, even when the road gets bumpy. The nylon-type straps on the top tighten to hold your shoes firmly onto the pedals, giving you more control over your ride.
You must ensure you know how to use these fixed gear pedals properly before riding around. Trust us, we’ve had a lot of experience with this kind of pedals and we’ve seen people make mistakes, and get hurt because of it.
YBEKI is so confident in the quality of their products that they offer a 6-month guarantee on all their items, to help make sure that your purchase lives up to and exceeds expectations.
Conclusion
So that’s our list of the top 3 fixed gear pedals. Some are more affordable, while others are more performance-based. Of course, it all depends on what you prefer — the choice is yours!
If you’re looking for a pedal that is both convenient and comfortable, platform pedals with straps are a good combination. They also perform well when the going gets tough. If you’re looking for a pedal that’s more about convenience than performance, toe clips are an excellent option. But if you’re looking for sheer performance, clipless is the pedal for you.
Now, it’s time to choose your pedal setup. Given all the info above, you should be able to make the best choice. Good luck!
