{"id":11430,"date":"2022-09-06T15:49:56","date_gmt":"2022-09-06T19:49:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/?p=11430"},"modified":"2024-02-05T22:41:33","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T03:41:33","slug":"best-bike-platform-pedals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/bikes-and-parts\/best-bike-platform-pedals\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Best Fixie Platform Pedals: How to Choose One (2022)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We typically don’t think about bike pedals, right? Unless you have clipless pedals, your pedals are typically not on “top-of-mind.” However, they do significantly affect your writing experience. So, what are the best fixed-gear <\/strong>bike pedals for you? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, I’ll give you my top three picks for the best bike pedals. I’ll also show you how to choose the right one for your needs so you can ride safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are just three of the best bike pedals you can buy in 2022<\/strong>. Scroll further down to see my full roundup, or click here<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

[affiliatable id=’115214′]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a bike pedal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A flat pedal, sometimes called a platform pedal, is the component that helps you cycle. <\/strong>They are typically attached to the bike’s crank arm or the front wheel and help you move the bike forward or backward. Pedals come in different shapes, sizes, and materials and offer different power, strength, and durability levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the different types of bike pedals?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many types of bike pedals, and the type you choose will largely depend on your riding style. Here are a few of the most common:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Platform (flat) pedals <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These “flat pedals” are most likely the ones you used on your bike. They give a firm, larger surface to support your feet on both sides and may be used with any shoe<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This roundup will focus on platform pedals because they are the most common type of pedal for fixed gear and single-speed bikes. However, plenty of cyclists use clipless setups, especially for track racing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clipless pedals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These pedals attach to your bike’s shoes through a clip that fits over the cleat of your shoe. This pedal style is ideal for cyclists who prefer full power transfer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When your feet are clipped into your pedals, you don’t have to work as hard to keep your position\u2014the rigid sole of cycling shoes supports your feet and keeps you from wobbling with each pedal stroke. Because of the good use of all your muscles, that stability makes each stroke more powerful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast to flat pedals, where performance isn’t always the most important factor for riders, clipless pedals are frequently constructed with efficiency and speed in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hybrid pedals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hybrid pedals are dual-sided, with a clipless design on one side and a platform design on the other<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the benefits of platform pedals? (Advantages)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When descending, flat pedals offer several advantages: better power transfer through your cranks, a wider range of foot position and rotation, ease of adjusting heels down, and quick and easy removal of your feet from the pedals. So, flat pedals improve body position, range of motion, and angulation. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image of a wellgo m-12 flat platform pedal. Source: pixabay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The three best platform bike pedals of 2022<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Below are the best bicycle platform pedals that you can buy right now.<\/p>\n\n\n

[affiliatable id=’115203′]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HT Components PA03A Black Pedals<\/h3>\n\n\n

[affiliatable id=’115213′]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this age of high-tech bike parts, it’s surprising that something as basic as a plastic pedal can be so effective. The eight replaceable pins on each side and the sturdy construction of the nylon composite platform make for a pleasurable cycling experience. These pedals outperformed more expensive models by a wide margin. These pedals are also compatible with straps and toe cages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Atlas Pedal Race Face<\/h3>\n\n\n

[affiliatable id=’115209′]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Race Face Atlas is designed as a gravity pedal but works well as a trail pedal. The Atlas excels in grip, platform, mobility, and maintenance parameters. The Atlas was rebuilt by Race Face, who raised the platform size, made the pedal body slimmer, and made the pedal pins longer and adjustable. The revised pins grip the pedal well while still allowing for movement; the Atlas is one of the few pedals that achieves this delicate balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The open platform is supportive and sturdy on the bike. The chamfered edges perform admirably in difficult terrain and get hung up less frequently than other pedals. The pedal rotates smoothly and predictably on the crank, and the bearing no longer interferes with crank booties. Remove the cover with a socket or Knipex pliers to access the axle and bearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aluminum OneUp Components<\/h3>\n\n\n

[affiliatable id=’115212′]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The OneUp Components Aluminum is a good flat pedal that is less expensive than its high-end competitors. OneUp Components is a consumer-direct firm with a proven track record of providing high-quality, functional items at competitive prices. The aluminum pedals are no exception, combining excellent on-trail performance with highly competitive pricing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The grip is great on both the climbs and descents, thanks to the broad platform and ten well-placed traction pegs per side. The ultra-thin design reduces the likelihood of pedal strikes and increases their versatility. We believe these are an excellent choice for most riders and riding types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to consider when buying a bike pedal (things to look for)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choosing a pedal with the right features for you can be daunting, so here are the most important things you should consider when choosing a bike pedal.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Consider the pedal style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedals are classified into three types: clipless, platform, and hybrid. Though the name suggests otherwise, clipless pedals are pedals that you clip into with your shoe cleats. Platform pedals, commonly known as flat pedals, are pedals that do not require shoe cleats to be clipped on. On the other hand, hybrid pedals are dual-sided, with a clipless design on one side and a platform design on the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Consider your cycling style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Road cycling pedals are made differently from mountain biking pedals because a road cyclist has distinct needs from a mountain biker. For example, road cyclists choose clipless pedals for increased power and economy, while mountain bikers prefer platform pedals for easy mounting and dismounting. In addition, mountain bikers want pedals that shed mud and other particles as they ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Consider the material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Steel, aluminum, nylon, and plastic are all common materials used to make pedals. And when it comes to material, you’ll want to consider durability; pedals made of durable materials, such as steel, will likely last longer than those made of less durable materials, such as plastic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, they may be heavier, and heavy pedals might make your rides feel slower and more difficult. Durable pedals that don’t drag you down can typically be found at higher price tiers. If you aren’t ready to splurge, consider balancing durability and weight as you evaluate alternative materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Consider the weight <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lighter pedals are simpler to push than heavy pedals, resulting in a more efficient and less taxing ride<\/strong>. “Think about your pedal stroke as you ride your bike forward: “You’re raising the weight of one pedal as it comes around the bottom of the circle, up and over,” Sachs explains. “Each time that movement requires energy, a lighter pedal means you save a little energy with each pedal stroke, which adds up over a long day on the bike.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Consider your budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

lightweight bike pedals will always be more expensive than heavier ones. This is obvious because if your petals are lighter, your entire bike weighs less, and you’ll be faster because of it. So consider your budget. There are some very expensive petals out there that are very lightweight, and there are some that are a little heavier but maybe more within your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want even more tips, watch the “Flat Pedals-Our Top Picks-Aluminum & Composite: MTB Pedals Buyer’s Guide”<\/em> from the Worldwide Cyclery YouTube Channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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