Due to the ongoing pandemic, there are more and more people wanting to avoid public transportations. That said, commuting to work by bike has never been more appealing. If you’ve found yourself in this position and have opted to cycle to work rather than drive or take the bus or train, you might be looking for ways to improve your commuter bike. There’s no better way to do that than by getting yourself the best commuter bike pedal! We know, finding the right pedal for your commuter bike might seem like an afterthought, especially after you’ve invested so much in a bike. However, having the best pedals for commuter bike can make a big difference in the comfort and efficiency of your ride! Can’t wait to get yourself one? Enough with the introduction, and let us show all the best options!
Table of contents
- SHIMANO M8140 Flat Pedal
- OneUp Components Aluminum Pedal
- Crankbrothers Doubleshot Hybrid Bike Pedal
- MKS FD-7 Folding Pedal
- NEWSTY Bike Pedal
- GPMTER Bike Pedal
- BV Bike Pedal
- DMR V-12 Pedal
- Imrider Bike Pedal
- ROCKBROS MTB Pedal
- Crankbrothers Stamp Flat Pedal
- MEETLOCKS Bike Pedal
- SHIMANO SPD Pedal Clipless Pedal
- How To Choose The Best Commuter Bike Pedals
- Is it ok to use flat pedals on a road bike?
- Are clipless pedals worth it for commuting?
- What are hybrid pedals?
SHIMANO M8140 Flat Pedal
13
Kicking off this list is the SHIMANO M8140 Flat Bedal. Those hunting for the best commuter bike pedal would definitely love this one because it has a high build quality that’s set to last. The pedal axle is fully serviceable in the same way as other SHIMANO pedals, so it’ll be relatively easy to keep them spinning smoothly.
Each side of this pedal has ten pins. However, bear in mind that they screw in from the top, as opposed to the bottom. This means if they get worn down too far, it might require a set of pliers or vice grips to extract and replace. The platform isn’t that big, but it’s reasonable enough for town riding and commuting. In being slightly concave and 0.7-inch thick at the thinnest point, this pedal does support your feet nicely.
- What We Love:
- A flat pedal with excellent grip and support that commuters would love.
- Pros:
- Fully serviceable pedal axle
- Excellent grip
- Support your feet nicely
- Simple to use
- Quicker to get your feet off and on
- Cons:
- Your feet can slip off the platform
OneUp Components Aluminum Pedal
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Have you wanted to treat yourself? Then why don’t you get the OneUp Components Aluminum Pedal? This is about as fancy as flat pedals come, and it might be your best commuter bike! At 0.31-inch thick, the pedal has a 4.5-inch x 5.9-inch platform which is contoured to support your foot better. On top of that, this pedal has ten height-adjustable pins on either side.
The company builds this pedal with four double sealed cartridge bearings, which should spin smoothly for a very long time. When it does come time for a service, you don’t have to stress so much. That’s because the company also sells rebuild kits, and all you’ll need is a cassette lockring tool and a few Allen keys as the bearing extractor is built into the axel. Pretty convenient. Speaking of convenience, you should also get a saddle bag for bikes!
- What We Love:
- This is an impressive flat pedal that can keep your feet planted on even the roughest of trails.
- Pros:
- Offers amazing support
- Plenty of pins
- Durable
- Incrediby thin
- Huge platform
- Cons:
- Its convex shape isn’t for everyone
Crankbrothers Doubleshot Hybrid Bike Pedal
11
The Crankbrothers Doubleshot Hybrid Bike Pedal might be your next best commuter bike pedal if you’re looking for a model that can provide the best of both worlds by letting you ride either flat or clipped in without sacrificing comfort or stability. Since there’s no pedal cage pushing into the sole of your shoe, this means you can set off on your commute without worrying about wearing special footwear.
Due to the diamond plate pads, the big platform manages to provide amazing traction. If you have a folding bike, you’ll definitely want to keep weight to a minimum. Thankfully, this pedal is thin and lightweight, making them an ideal option! You can clip into this pedal with ease, and it also releases your foot efficiently. Cycling in muddy conditions? No problem, as it has an egg beater design, that means you don’t get a build-up of mud on your pedal!
- What We Love:
- A convenient option that allows you to ride either flat or clipped in without sacrificing comfort or stability.
- Pros:
- Hybrid design
- Provides amazing traction
- Lightweight and thin
- Easy to use
- Superior mud shedding
- Cons:
- Non-adjustable
MKS FD-7 Folding Pedal
10
Nowadays, folding bikes are getting more popular. If you have one in your garage, then you should get yourself the MKS FD-7 Folding Pedal! This pedal is strong, durable, and offers a very good grip. That way, you don’t have to worry about your feet slipping off in trying conditions. As one of the best pedals for commuter bike, it also offers a lot of support and comfort, even if you have softer soles on your shoes.
Since this is a folding pedal, you can find a push button to fold the pedal up that’s secured on the inside of the structure. This is a nice design, as you won’t be able to fold the pedal up accidentally. With this folding pedal, we also find it a piece of cake to transport the bike in the back of the car. Another additional bonus is that it has built-in reflectors for added safety.
- What We Love:
- This folding pedal will make your experience with your folding bike way better.
- Pros:
- Easy to fold and unfold
- Durable
- Nicely-placed push button
- Comes with a large Allen key
- Built-in reflectors
- Cons:
- On the heavy side
NEWSTY Bike Pedal
9
For commuters who prefer the added efficiency of pedaling with toe clips and don’t mind their drawbacks for safety, we think there’s no better option than the NEWSTY Bike Pedal. The pedal’s base is constructed from lightweight aluminum alloy, and the toe clips are made from plastic resin. So, the overall weight of this pedal is kept to a minimum. Even better, both the base and toe clip are highly durable!
The toe clips themselves are super easy to adjust and cinch down. They have a simple nylon webbing and a one-way clip that allows you to pull down on the webbing until the toe clips are tight against your shoes. Rather than narrow studs, the grip on this pedal is provided by wide metal teeth, which do a good job at holding rubberized sneaker soles in place.
- What We Love:
- A nice option for those who love the efficiency of pedaling with toe clips.
- Pros:
- Toe clips for added efficiency
- Built-in reflectors
- Highly durable
- Lightweight
- Easy-to-adjust toe clips
- Cons:
- The platform isn’t as big as the ones other best pedals for commuter bike have.
GPMTER Bike Pedal
8
New to cycling? Then the GMPTER Bike Pedal is your safe bet. Compared to the other best pedals for commuter bike, this one is cheaper and more suitable for beginners. It offers all the benefits of those models that are often 2 or 3 times more expensive. This amazing product comes with a large plate that offers good levels of grip, which is further improved by the built-in anti-skid nails.
Besides that, it’s also easy to install! As soon as it arrives, you can install it in a matter of minutes and start using it straight away. Despite the low cost, it’s still sturdy and durable without being too heavy. Best of all, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty. Don’t think twice, and let’s add this one to your shopping cart!
- What We Love:
- An ideal pick for inexperienced cyclists that are looking for an affordable pedal.
- Pros:
- Cheap price
- Large platform
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Lifetime warranty
- Cons:
- Not the most durable product
BV Bike Pedal
7
Here we have yet another affordable product for you! Introducing you to the BV Bike Pedal. It has all the important features that make it considered the best commuter bike pedal by novices. But, our favorite is its anti-skit nodes and ball bearing system. This feature enhances safety, preventing your foot from slipping and causing unwanted injuries.
This pedal is relatively easy to install, and for the price, we’re amazed by how robust it actually is. If you’re commuting early in the morning or late at night and it’s dark out, don’t worry, as it comes with reflectors that help to increase visibility. Meanwhile, the axle is made from an extremely strong boron steel alloy, giving it a long life.
- What We Love:
- A relatively simple pedal for novices that does its job really well.
- Pros:
- Simple and easy to use
- Extremely cheap
- Durable for its price
- Comes with reflectors
- Anti-skid nodes
- Cons:
- Has nothing fancy
DMR V-12 Pedal
6
The DMR V-12 Pedal is a much-loved pedal with lots of reasons for its popularity. It’s pretty lightweight and comes with a big platform as well as ten studs on each side to give your shoes something to grab on to. You can adjust the screws and make the pedal a little less aggressive, which is probably a good idea for town riding.
This pedal is solidly built, with a one-piece, forged alloy platform running on a Chromoly axle and two sealed cartridge bearings. The axle is well-sealed and fully rebuildable. Should the need arise, DMR offers an axle kit that has everything you need to replace it! The black option will most likely look good on any town bike, but if you’re into color matching, you can have other attractive colors like red, white, or yellow instead!
- What We Love:
- It’s a great quality flat pedal with a tunable grip and rebuildable internals.
- Pros:
- Available in many colors
- Well-sealed and rebuildable axle
- Solidly built
- Big platform
- Lightweight
- Cons:
- Not anti-rust
Imrider Bike Pedal
5
This inexpensive platform commuter bike pedal is perfect for commuters on a budget after putting money into a new bike. You can be sure that the Imrider Bike Pedal will outlast your bike, as it’s made from durable polyamide. It’s somewhat heavier than other types of aluminum and magnesium pedal materials.
Though slightly heavier, the polyamide is resistant to corrosion and scratches. So even if you bang the pedal against the curb of the road surface during your ride, it’ll still look new! In addition, the bearings are sealed to keep out the weather and prevent any damage to the pedal axle itself over time. Not to mention, the platform is pretty big to fit any size of foot or shoe. Plus, the pedal surface features small studs to help keep your feet in place!
- What We Love:
- It’s arguably the best commuter bike pedal for those who are on a budget but want something super durable.
- Pros:
- Durable polyamide construction
- Affordable price
- Large platform
- Won’t let your feet slip
- Fits any shoe
- Cons:
- Slightly heavier than other best pedals for commuter bike
ROCKBROS MTB Pedal
4
The best commuter bike pedal doesn’t have to be pricey, and the ROCKBROS MTB Pedal is proof. It’s slightly cheaper than some of the best pedals for commuter bike out there, and that’s because of its material. This pedal is made of nylon fiber, which makes it remarkably light. Despite its lighter material, it’s surprisingly shockproof and has abrasion and corrosion resistance features.
Moving on to the platform, we have to give it two thumbs up! It’s huge, offering a whopping 4.7-inch x 4.1-inch surface, making it ideal for riding with any shoe or even larger boots. Furthermore, we’re sure you’ll love the choice of colors that it offers. You can really customize your bike’s appearance if you choose a matching or complementing color.
- What We Love:
- A sturdy and durable pedal that excels in performance.
- Pros:
- Shockproof
- Resistant to abrasion and corrosion
- Hge platform
- Many colors to choose from
- Lightweight
- Cons:
- Might not be the best choice for those with narrow feet
Crankbrothers Stamp Flat Pedal
3
What’s so astounding about the Crankbrothers Stamp Flat Pedal is that it comes with a 5-year warranty showing the brand’s level of faith in this pedal. It comes in a range of colors, allowing you to pick the one that looks good with your bike. It’s lightweight, durable, and reliable, so we’re not surprised that many commuters see it as the best commuter bike pedal.
Aside from that, it’s available in different sizes and has a wide, thin surface with ten adjustable pins on each side to allow you to set it to your own comfort. It’ll also ensure your foot has a good grip at all times. In addition to that, this pedal is also suitable for other forms of cycling. If you plan to spend your weekend mountain biking, you can rest assured you’ll have a product that’s suitable for it! Oh, before you go mountain biking, make sure you have a mountain bike lock and check out some of the most affordable mountain bikes!
- What We Love:
- It’s a pro-level pedal that’s versatile and can perform for many years to come.
- Pros:
- Versatile
- Unbelievably durable
- Lightweight and thin
- Comes in a wide range of sizes and colors
- Offers a good grip
- Cons:
- Some people think the pins are a bit too short
MEETLOCKS Bike Pedal
2
Constructed from aluminum alloy that keeps the weight under 200gr, the MEETLOCKS Bike Pedal is one of the best pedals for commuter bike you can get out there. Thanks to its weight, it can improve your overall efficiency of pedaling. The metal construction is also highly durable, and the bearings are sealed to keep the pedal functioning smoothly for at least the lifespan of your bike.
The platform is pretty large, at 4-inch by 3.7-inch, making it a breeze to fit any shoe. From formal wear to heavy winter boots, you name it! Both sides of the pedal platform are studded to make it easy to keep traction while riding with rubbery sneakers. On top of that, the slightly concave design of the pedal surface also works quietly to keep your feet from sliding around.
- What We Love:
- It’s a lightweight but strong pedal that cyclists can trust.
- Pros:
- Lightweight
- Highly durable
- Large platform
- Can fit ay type of shoe
- Concave design
- Cons:
- The studs still allow thin-soled dress shoes to slip easily
SHIMANO SPD Pedal Clipless Pedal
1
The SHIMANO SPD Pedal Clipless Pedal is an economical option for commuters dying to make the switch to clipless commuter pedals. It features an open binding mechanism that makes it a breeze to step into and out of the pedal for clipping in and stepping out. Meanwhile, the tension for the release can be adjusted in a blink of an eye with a screwdriver or bike tool according to your preference.
On top of that, both sides of the pedal come with clips so that there’s no fussing over which side of it is facing up when you’re trying to start riding and clip in at the same time! When it comes to construction, this pedal is made from aluminum alloy. The design is minimalist to keep its weight down as much as possible. Commuters also fancy the SPD clip as it’s the type that many commuter-specific cycling shoes use. No wonder it’s considered by many as the best commuter bike pedal.
- What We Love:
- A wallet-friendly option that makes pedaling more efficient.
- Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Clips on both sides for easy entry
- The release can be adjusted quickly
- Compatible with commuter specific cycling shoes
- Durable
- Cons:
- A tad heavy
How To Choose The Best Commuter Bike Pedals
Having the best commuter bike pedal is as important as having the best bike helmet and bike tire pump. Before deciding which one to get, there are a few things you should know. When it comes to bike pedals, you’ll find platform pedals and clipless pedals. They’re not the same, and knowing what they offer will help you choose the right product. Make sure you read this section!
Platform vs clipless
As we said earlier, there are two types of pedals for commuter bikes: platform and clipless pedals. Many commuter bikes come with platform pedals, which provide a grippy surface to hold your feet on the pedal but otherwise don’t securely attach your foot to the pedal. On the other hand, clipless pedals are used by most more experienced road cyclists and require special shoes that directly attach your foot to the pedal.
Efficiency
Another thing that you should consider is cycling efficiency. When it comes to this, you might want to choose clipless pedals as they attach your feet to the bike, so you can put more power into the pedal stroke as you lift one leg up in addition to pushing the other leg down. Some platform pedals come with toe clips, essentially webbing that covers your toes and can be cinched down over your shoes. However, the benefit isn’t the same as going with clipless pedals.
Safety vs convenience
Platform pedals may offer convenience as you can hop on the bike and start pedaling without having to change shoes or clipping in. However, without being clipped into the pedals, your feet might slowly slip back and forth while you’re pedaling or even slip off the pedal entirely. Meanwhile, clipless pedals can offer a safer cycling experience as your feet won’t slip. But, it’s worth noting that removing your does take a moment, especially if you’re new to these pedals.
Cost
As you might guess, platform pedals are almost always cheaper than clipless pedals, and not just in the direct cost of the pedals. Clipless pedals require the purchase of cycling-specific shoes and accessories for those shoes like overshoes for when it gets extremely cold.
Is it ok to use flat pedals on a road bike?
For casual riding or commuting, using flat pedals is completely fine! They’re cheaper and super convenient to use, especially if you’re new to cycling. They’re easier to get onto and off to, which lets riders flow more easily.
Are clipless pedals worth it for commuting?
If you don’t mind sacrificing a bit on convenience, then the answer is yes. Clipless pedals are more efficient at power delivery. Plus, they negate the possibility of slipping a pedal.
What are hybrid pedals?
Hybrid pedals are dual-sided pedals that boast a clipless design on one side and a platform design on the other, giving you the best of both worlds.
