Look Keo Blade versus Time Xpresso pedals | Bike Flat Pedals

SH-52 – if you can get them. Harder release than the SH-51 and only supposed to be used with the M858 pedals, but I’ve been using them with M324 and M540 without any problems.

The speed I can clip in now off the lights is wicked. Actually feels a bit show-offy it’s that smooth and fast. I also rub a little lube on the cleat spring every weekend, that makes it super smooth to clip in too now.

Cycling Plus is the manual for the modern road cyclist. Whether you’re cycling weekly, an occasional new rider or a Tour de France fan you’ll find everything you need. Every issue is packed with expert reviews of the latest road bikes and gear, inspirational routes and rides, evocative features that take you inside every aspect of cycling and unmatched nutrition, fitness and training advice.

I know I’m not the only one with this problem. The first time I tried a cycling class, the instructor helped me get my feet, clad in borrowed cycling shoes, attached to the pedals. The second time, I was on my own, and spent two full songs smushing my feet against the pedals in the dark and praying for some kind of miracle.

Not gonna lie, "oh-shit-I-can’t-clip-out" falls can and do happen. Even 13-time cyclocross national champion Katie Compton has had it happen—most recently while she was recovering from a sprained knee. "I waited until the last minute to stop and couldn’t unclip," she says. "And I tipped over." But you know what? Not a big deal.

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).

The Vertic Trail pedal was designed for XC, All Mountain, and Enduro use, and features a sophisticated design with features that include an open pedal body for self-cleaning, a fixed stand with two replaceable pins on the front side, and a flattened design for easy engagement.

The Crankbrothers Mallet DH pedals are designed for downhill racing or riding with a wider q-factor and a larger platform than the similarly priced Mallet E’s. These aren’t to be limited to DH use though, the supportive pedal is equally at home on regular trails too. The only downsides are the expense (£150), the cleat mechanism is not adjustable and the pins are hard to adjust once clogged with mud. If you like the Crank Brothers cleat mechanism though, are happy to spend some time learning the knack of getting in and out of these pedals and enjoy the benefits of the flat and large platform, you’ll get on like a house on fire with the Mallet DH’s. 

Bournemouth University student becomes fourth fastest woman – and the youngest – to cycle round the world

Dual-sided pedals certainly offer more convenience, but the single-sided format allows for a wider platform, better cornering, less weight, and lower cost.

The laces are effective at providing a generous range of tension across the foot, however, the mid-foot loops stubbornly hold the laces in position. To some, this may be a positive as the shoe will keep its adjustment between wears, but for me, I just found it slowed the process. Either way, they serve a functional purpose, and certainly the upper would squirm if it weren’t for them.

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.