Review: Bontrager Flatline Flat Pedal Shoes | Road Bike Clipless Pedals

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

Today has been a salutary lesson in a variety of things – but key among them is that mountain bikes are brilliant, ace trails are ace even if they’re not massively technical, and friends, new and old, are even acer – even if occasionally the weather isn’t.

There is a vast choice of mountain bike clipless pedals available to buy, some are good for all-round trail riding, some are more suited to cross-country riding whilst others are aimed squarely at gravity, enduro or downhill riding. Between us at off.road.cc we’ve tested quite a variety and have listed the best in test here. 

While his first preference is Shimano, James did throw in a suggestion for Time pedals. They’re very lightweight, the lower-priced options are very appealing in terms of value for the money, their unique retention system is especially easy to engage, the float is particularly smooth in feel and generous in range, and recent changes to the cleats have made them nearly as good to walk in as Shimano.

VeloClub is CyclingTips’ membership program which brings us closer to our members, and connects likeminded cycling enthusiasts.

As you go up in the Shimano hierarchy things get a little more refined and a little lighter. These pedals wouldn’t be out of place on an XC racer, but can be turned to much more than just that.

“Spank isn’t the only pedal manufacturer offering pedals in different sizes, but the brand is still very much in a minority, and these Spoon pedals are one of the cheaper options with sizing options. All sizes have a platform length of 105mm, but varying widths, respectively 90, 100 and 110 millimetres for the small, medium and large sizes…” Read the full review here.

DMT E1 The E1 is one of the few flat pedal shoes we have found that uses a BOA closure system, making it quick to tighten while riding. Claimed weight 465g in size 41. €120. Also check out the Specialized 2FO ClipLite.

My train was on time and I have found my seat. Security has come by to check passes. Without turnstiles, this is how Valley Metro verifies payment on light rail.Security scans paper passes and sponsored cards alike. #carlesscommutepic.twitter.com/nDjVCQtM0h

For years I struggled with the internal conflict of having a saddle bag strapped to my bike. Most of them are an eyesore and not nearly compact enough for my liking. VéloColour may be better known for their stunning paint jobs but their hand sewn in Toronto soft goods are well thought out and beautiful pieces. The Dynamite Roll has room for a tube, patches, a $20 bill in case of emergencies, a multitool and my favourite tire levers. There’s room for more but those are the essentials and I favour a mini-pump or my frame pump over CO2 every day of the week. Best of all, it looks great on my bike. I barely notice it and never wish it wasn’t there. Read the full review.

Such is the seeming demand for open-toed cycling footwear that CyclingAbout.com (an excellent resource for budding cycle tourers) has gone as far as writing a buyer’s guide for them.

Run Time ATAC on All my bikes (Road, Pub, FS and Hardtail), Stiff Carbon Sole on Road, Bont. Rythem on FS and HT, NW Missions on Pub.