Trying to take your cycling pursuit to the next level? We present you the 7 best road bike pedals to consider in 2023.
Bike pedals are one of the most essential components of a bike, having a major impact on performance, comfort, and control.
When it comes to cycling, the right choice of pedals could make or break your biking experience.
All types of riders need to find the perfect road bike pedals that best meet their needs.
A good pair of pedals should provide plenty of grip, be comfortable, and efficiently transfer power from the cyclist to the bike.
There is a vast selection of road bike pedals, ranging from Standard Pedals to Speedplay Zero Stainless.
Each pedal type has its advantages and disadvantages.
That’s why it’s essential to pick a pedal specifically designed for your riding style, style of bike, and type of roads you plan to tackle.
With so many different models on the market, it can be hard to know where to begin.
In this blog post, we will go through 7 of the best road bike pedals of 2023 and compare the specifications, advantages, and reasons why they are the best pedals on the market today.
Best Road Bike Pedals Guide
Look Keo Classic 3 Plus
The Look Keo Classic 3 Plus pedals have a bit of history and have been around since 1984.
The original design pioneered clipless pedals and has been the go-to for many cyclists for decades.
Recently, Look upgraded the Classic and released the “3 Plus” version.
These pedals offer an outstanding balance between comfort, power transfer, and grip.
They are made from composite body material, stainless steel and carbon fiber platform, making them lightweight and durable.
They weigh only 200g per pair and are suitable for all two-bolt Look cleats.
To ensure safety, they have a low profile 12% spring tension that prevents accidental release.
Specifications:
- Composite body material, stainless steel, and carbon fiber platform.
- Weight: 200g per pair
Price: US$ 70
Shimano 105 R7000
The Shimano 105 R7000 is the latest generation of Shimano’s classic SPD dual-sided clipless pedals.
These are mid-price point pedals designed for road riding and entry-level racing.
They feature a lightweight composite body and a stainless steel plate for durability.
The cleats are adjustable for spring tension, allowing for more accessible release in emergencies.
Shimano’s classic design is renowned for its reliability, and these pedals offer excellent power transfer.
They are also easy to maintain, requiring occasional lubrication for a smooth and efficient ride.
Specifications:
- Lightweight composite body and stainless steel plate.
- Weight: 300g per pair
Price: US$ 114
Time Xpresso 2
The Time Xpresso 2 pedals are some of the lightest pedals on the market.
They were designed to provide excellent power transfer and performance without adding any weight to the bike.
The pedals are made of carbon, titanium, and aluminum, which gives them a weight of only 130g per pair.
These pedals offer a high level of adjustability, which allows them to be customized for all riding styles and surfaces.
Other features include a ‘positive closure’ system for a secure fit, self-anchoring cleats, and a low-profile design that ensures maximum contact with the ground.
The Time Xpresso 2 also have 8mm laterally adjustable cleats to enable riders to find the perfect fit for their particular riding style.
Specifications:
- Made of carbon, titanium, and aluminum.
- Weight: 130g per pair
Price: US$ 56
Time XPro 10
The Time XPro 10 pedals are some of the lightest pedals on the market.
They feature a carbon composite body and a stainless steel platform, which weigh a mere 140g per pair together.
These pedals offer excellent performance and power transfer.
The cleats feature adjustable spring tension and a broad platform, providing improved stability and grip across all types of terrain.
The low-profile and self-anchoring designs ensure that the pedals provide optimal contact with the ground.
Specifications:
- Carbon composite body and stainless steel platform.
- Weight: 140g per pair.
Price: US$ 185
Wahoo Speedplay Zero
The Wahoo Speedplay Zero pedals are ideal for cyclists looking for maximum power transfer and exceptional performance.
These pedals feature a patented Wahoo dual-sided clip-in design, allowing quick entry and an easy release at any angle.
They are also highly adjustable with an adjustable spring tension system, enabling cyclists to customize the force required to clip in and out.
The wide, cleat-compatible platform provides great stability and grip, while the low-profile design ensures maximum contact with the ground.
Wahoo has also kept the weight down on these pedals with a weight of only 184g per pair.
Specifications:
- Patented Wahoo dual-sided clip-in design.
- Weight: 184g per pair.
Price: US$ 349
Look Keo 2 Max Carbon
The Look Keo 2 Max Carbon pedals are the upgraded version of the original Look Keo Classic, featuring a carbon and aluminum construction.
They are one of the lightest pedals on the market, weighing only 161g per pair.
These pedals offer excellent grip and power transfer, thanks to the combination of the wide platform and replaceable cleats. The cleats can be easily adjusted, allowing cyclists to customize the fit and release force.
The low-profile platform also ensures maximum contact with the ground, offering improved stability and control.
Specifications:
- Carbon and aluminum construction.
- Weight: 161g per pair.
Price: US$ 150
Shimano Ultegra R8000
The Shimano Ultegra R8000 pedals were designed with the serious cyclist in mind.
They offer lightweight performance without compromising on power transfer.
The compact, dual-sided carbon body weighs only 252g per pair.
These pedals feature Shimano’s patented SPD clip system for a secure fit, adjustable spring tension, and stainless steel cleats that can be replaced when worn.
The low profile design and wide platform offer excellent grip and improved stability, helping increase the cyclist’s confidence in their ride.
Specifications:
- Compact, dual-sided carbon body.
- Weight: 252g per pair.
Price: US$ 199
Best Road Bike Pedals Takeaways
All right, let’s talk pedals.
These are the unsung heroes of your bike setup, a crucial contact point that can make a huge difference to your riding experience.
With the options analyzed, we’ve got some real contenders on our hands.
My top three picks would be the Shimano 105 R7000, Wahoo Speedplay Zero, and the Look Keo 2 Max Carbon. Here’s why:
First off, we have the Shimano 105 R7000.
These pedals are real workhorses, combining performance, durability, and affordability.
With a wide platform for efficient power transfer and adjustable cleat tension, they offer a great balance of comfort and control.
Their stainless steel body makes them pretty tough too, so they’ll hold up well on those long rides.
In short, the 105 R7000 is a reliable all-rounder, perfect for riders who want performance without breaking the bank.
Second, the Wahoo Speedplay Zero. These are some seriously innovative pedals.
They come with a dual-sided entry which is a major plus for convenience.
No more fumbling around trying to clip in, just step down and you’re good to go.
They also boast an adjustable float, letting you dial in the perfect amount of foot movement for your personal comfort and riding style.
What I really love about the Speedplay Zeros though, is their low stack height, which means better power transfer and a more direct connection to the bike.
Lastly, let’s consider the Look Keo 2 Max Carbon.
If you’re looking for a lightweight pedal that doesn’t skimp on stability, this is your pick.
Thanks to their large stainless steel contact surface and carbon body, these pedals offer a great power-to-weight ratio.
Plus, their tension adjustment system will let you find the perfect amount of resistance when clipping in and out.
In summary, Shimano 105 R7000, Wahoo Speedplay Zero, and Look Keo 2 Max Carbon are all top-notch pedals that offer unique benefits.
From the robust and reliable Shimano, to the innovative Wahoo, and the lightweight Look, choosing any of these three will no doubt step up your pedal game.
