Crankbrothers Stamp 2, 3, 7 and 11 flat pedals | Bike Flat Pedals

Maier noted that most BMXers use mountain bike clipless pedals, but that HT Components is one brand that markets clipless models specifically for BMX use.

For the upcoming issue of Singletrack Magazine, we’ve been testing eight of these new-school platform clip-in pedals, including options from Crank Brothers, HT Components, DMR and Shimano. Each one uses a clip mechanism that locks onto a cleat that bolts onto your shoe – the idea being that when you’re clipped in, your foot is located in the same position every time, so you can optimise your saddle height to provide the most efficient position possible. And for riding rough terrain, the clip helps you to stay stuck to the bike.

Measuring in at 114mm x 111mm, the Stamps are pretty huge. Using the same sealed bearings and Igus LL-glide bushings found on their other pedals, they spin insanely smooth.

MacArthur, a researcher associate in Portland State University’s Transportation Research and Education Center, was the lead investigator for a study published in March: “A North American Survey of Electric Bicycle Owners.” The study, conducted with University of Tennessee researchers, was based on responses of 1,796 people to survey questions in 2017, compared with findings of a similar survey in 2013.

The Keo Blade features a solid carbon fibre leaf spring that snaps the rear jaw of the pedal shut on the cleat. In the event of a direct impact, though, this spring (or the surrounding material) can break.

When you consider Nukeproof has World Champion downhiller, enduro racer and renowned flat pedal user Sam Hill on the payroll, it’s little surprise the Horizon pedals work superbly. At 430g for a pair, they’re not particularly light but they’re pretty similar to other designs of a similar size and price, such the DMR Vault. The Nukeproof Horizon pedals are amongst the very best flat pedals we’ve tested and they’re well worth investing in if your preferred riding style involves you getting your foot out while you’re going flat out.

After cobbling together a few hundred quid during his student days off the back of a hard winter selling hats (long story), Jack bought his first road bike at the age of 20 and has been hooked ever since.  He joined road.cc in 2017, having previously worked for 220 Triathlon magazine. Jack’s preferred events are time trials, sportives, triathlons and pogo sticking (the latter being another long story), and on Sunday afternoons he can often be found on an M5 service station indulging in his favourite post-race meal of 20 chicken nuggets, a sausage roll, caramel shortbread and a large strawberry milkshake. 

When using some winter shoes with cleats I also experience such squeaking with SPD (MTB style) pedals like the PD-M520s from Shimano. As the manufacturer has sensibly remarked here, a bit of teflon spray makes the sound go away (for a time of course – then rinse & repeat).

Speedplay offer a premium option. For anyone with knee niggles, they’re preferable to other styles because they offer a huge amount of adjustability – the release angle and float can be altered independently. The pedal itself is much smaller, but this connects with a significantly larger cleat – creating a wide contact at the sole.  The pedal is double sided, too – making clipping in super quick which will suit criterium races.

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, triathlon races

“My move to Speedplay (about 10 years ago) was all in pursuit of extra cleat adjustment, and it’s something I still prize along with the double-sided entry for the pedals. I use the aluminium 3-hole-adapter baseplate for my cleats because it offers extra fore-aft adjustment and isn’t prone to cracking like the standard plastic adapter baseplate. I’ve found a dry lube works well for the cleat springs, but I always forget to use it as often as I should. I keep using the cleats long after they should have been replaced, which has probably accelerated wear on the pedals, but I’ve still gotten at least a few years before as noticeable rock develops in my pedal stroke.”

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