Diamondback Arden 2 Endurance Bike | Bike Self Locking Pedals

Bontrager might be Trek’s in-house component brand, but these Line Pro flat pedals stand on their own merit thanks to tough construction and plenty of tuneable grip. The Line Pros can suck up the punishment and offer plenty of traction. At 420g for the pair, they’re moderately heavy for the money, but that’s certainly offset by the fact they’ve lasted extremely well. Bontrager might not be the first brand you’d look to, but you’d definitely miss out if you ignore these. The only small issue is that if you want a set in this rather lovely orange, then sorry, the only colour currently available is black.

Aside from the bent pins, the XT pedals have largely been trouble-free. The bearings have spun nice and smooth throughout testing, though more recently I did notice a small amount of play between the body and the axle, so I got my hands on Shimano’s plastic TL40 tool to pull the pedals apart and take a gander at the insides.

I currently use some carbon soled MTB shoes with M520s.  Would I honestly notice any difference if I switched to a road shoe/pedal system?

I also have noted that except for the flat/spd combined pedals there is no provision for reflectors on the pedals as required by law in the UK. Having said that never been pulled over and always a very visible chap don’t expect it will be a problem.

On paper, Shimano pedals aren’t the best at any one thing. However, they’ve proven their place in the real world.

Unclipping “toe in” is not an option when the crankarm is in the 6-o’clock position, even with the cleat slammed all the way forward or back. photo: Leah Barber

"I would also expect to see an uptick in a smaller platform pedal that has a higher quality to it," he said. "Currently platform pedal trends are for large platforms but this rule affects younger riders who will have smaller feet and won’t need an extra-large platform pedal. They will still want the traction of modern pedals so I would expect to see a few size options there."

As well listing as the top performing clipless pedals we’ve tested, we’ve also written a ’Buyer’s Guide’ to give you all the information you need when making that decision – Clips vs. Flats. To see the full verdict of each pedal, just click on the picture of each to go the review of that pair.

Three-bolt clipless pedals are single-sided, with one exception that we’ll get to shortly. To get into them you have to catch the front tip of the pedal with the cleat. This is a bit fiddly at first, but becomes second nature after a bit of practice.

Right now, as I ponder the chalk and steeze aspects of both Oop North and the North Downs, it’s increasingly obvious that what the South lacks in Yorkshire Grit, it’s trying gamely to make up in terms of moisture. The following day’s ride may well prove to be interesting – and I for one am very glad I’ve brought my waterproof socks.

“I have had a few weird squeaks coming from the worn metal faceplate, but a drop of chain lube quietens them down for a few months.”

If you want to get into the sandal-toting life you can buy the Shimano SD5 sandals pictured from Evans Cycles. If you really want to complete that look, the jazzy socks come courtesy of Stance and the more austere waterproof stockings are from Bridgedale.