Spotlight: HT M1 & M1T Pedals Offer Mud Shedding, Color, Spindle & Cleat Options | Bike Flat Pedals

Reach reporter Jen Fifield at 602-444-8763 or jen.fifield@azcentral.com. Follow her on Twitter: @JenAFifield.

Mountain bike pedals have to be engineered with a broader approach that more evenly prioritises both on-bike and off-bike use. Road pedals, on the other hand, have the luxury of a far more narrowly focused approach. After all, it’s unlikely you’ll need to walk far when you’re out on a road ride, and so there’s greater emphasis on foot support, stability, and security. Road pedals also aim to keep you closer to the pedal axle for better biomechanical efficiency, they’re shaped for improved cornering clearance, and as always in the road world, weight and aerodynamics are often considered in high regard.

When researching this article I was surprised (horrified?) to discover that there are a number of SPD-compatible sandals on the market. Further research revealed that someone has even converted Birkenstocks into SPD-compatible kicks!

So again, calm down and accept that I, and several others on this thread now, bought Speedplay pedals and love them. 

Sadly, we’ll never know if sandals are the ultimate cycling footwear as I have absolutely no intention of being caught dead or alive wearing these damn sandals outside the confines of our car park.

When anyone first starts cycling, it’s advised that they buy – after the bike of course – a pair of cycling shoes and clipless pedals. The benefits of using these over flat pedals in terms of comfort and efficiency are huge.

Rode it from Innertkirchen in June, having first done the Grimsel pass in freezing rain & fog. It’s a long old climb, but never feels overly…

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.

If you’ve got the money or if you find an awesome sale (which I did), try the DMR Vault Magnesium Superlights. Mg body and Ti spindle make for 290 gram pedals (that’s for the pair). They have a large platform and amazing grip, so they definitely work for big downhills. The only drawback is they have a 85 kg (188 lb) rider’s weight limit. So they don’t work for bigger riders. Plus, DMR’s quality control has been poor on these, so you may have to rebuild them once to get them right. There are also some nice nylon pedals out there. RaceFace Chesters (340g) and Black Ops (375g) are nice light weight options that are durable and don’t lose their color over time. I think many of the colors with the nylons look kind of cheezy, but the solid black looks great from beginning to end imo. Plus, they are not expensive and perform very well. If you like black colored pedals, I don’t there is any better option for the price than the nylons. Plus you won’t have to hear that terrible “ching” when your pedal strikes a rock.

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.

Going to unbox the missus’ set soon and try lubing the spring and see if it’s easier from the get-go (took me a while to pick up that tip). 

With a closed toe, the perforated synthetic leather upper is breathable, but not at all breezy. Arguably this is nice to keep your toes dry through stream crossings and puddles, but you’ll quickly get clammy socks on a hot summer’s day.