Question 1

What is the difference between SPD, SPD-SL, and Look Keo pedals?

Accepted Answer

SPD is Shimano's two-bolt MTB and commuter clipless system - small recessed cleats that let you walk normally and work in both sides of a double-sided pedal. SPD-SL is Shimano's three-bolt road system, with a larger plastic cleat, wider pedal platform, and single-sided entry for a stiffer power transfer and lower stack height. Look Keo is a direct competitor to SPD-SL and uses a similar three-bolt cleat; Keo and SPD-SL cleats are not interchangeable. In short: SPD for trails, gravel, and commuting; SPD-SL or Keo for road and race.

Question 2

Do all bike pedals use the same thread size?

Accepted Answer

Almost every modern adult bike uses 9/16"-20 TPI pedal threads - the same size across road, MTB, ebike, and most commuter bikes. Older or kids bikes with one-piece cranks (Ashtabula style) use 1/2"-20 threads and a different pedal. The right-hand (drive side) pedal has a normal right-hand thread; the left-hand pedal is always reverse-threaded to prevent it from unscrewing while pedalling.

Question 3

Should I ride flat pedals or clip in?

Accepted Answer

Flat pedals offer instant bail-out and let you reposition your foot - ideal for beginners, technical MTB, commuting in street shoes, and anyone prioritising confidence. Clipless pedals (SPD / SPD-SL / Look / Time) attach your shoe to the pedal via a spring-loaded cleat, giving a more efficient pedal stroke, consistent foot position, and better power transfer. Most road racers, serious triathletes, and XC mountain bikers use clipless; downhill and dirt-jump riders overwhelmingly use flats with grippy shoes.

Question 4

What does "clipless" pedal actually mean?

Accepted Answer

Confusingly, "clipless" refers to the absence of old-school toe clips and straps - the "clips" the pedal no longer needs. Modern clipless systems use a cleat bolted to the shoe that snaps into a sprung mechanism on the pedal. So clipless pedals do clip you in; the name is a historical quirk from the mid-1980s.

Question 5

How much should I spend on my first pair of clipless pedals?

Accepted Answer

Entry-level Shimano SPD (PD-M520, PD-M540, or the PD-EH500 dual-sided model) runs about $45-70 and lasts years. Entry-level Shimano SPD-SL (PD-R540 / R550 / R7000) runs $60-110 and performs very close to flagship Dura-Ace PD-R9100 at a quarter of the price. Don't forget cleats ($15-20) and compatible shoes ($80+). It is almost never worth spending over $200 on pedals until your wheels, tyres, and fit are already dialled.

Question 6

Can I use MTB clipless pedals on a road bike?

Accepted Answer

Yes - plenty of commuter, gravel, and touring cyclists run Shimano SPD or Crankbrothers Eggbeater pedals on a drop-bar bike so they can walk into a coffee shop in normal-looking cycling shoes. You lose some pedal platform area versus SPD-SL or Look Keo, so in a 3-hour-plus effort you'll feel hot spots sooner, but for everyday riding and gravel racing it's a very common and sensible choice.

Top pedals picks

AVASTA Polypropylene Bike Pedals

AVASTA Aluminum Alloy Bike Pedals

Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3

Joystar DRBIKE Toe-Clip Bike Pedals with Straps

Look Keo 2 Max

MKS Sylvan Pedal

Race Face Chester

Shimano XT M8100 (SPD)

Wahoo Speedplay Aero

Sizing & fit guidance

What to look for when buying

Pedals head-to-head comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SPD, SPD-SL, and Look Keo pedals?

Do all bike pedals use the same thread size?

Should I ride flat pedals or clip in?

What does "clipless" pedal actually mean?

How much should I spend on my first pair of clipless pedals?

Can I use MTB clipless pedals on a road bike?

Keep planning your build

Sizing calculators

Sizing guides by rider

Buying guide

Browse bike size charts

Pedals by rider type

Sizing your bike first?

Top pedals picks

AVASTA Polypropylene Bike Pedals

AVASTA Aluminum Alloy Bike Pedals

Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3

Joystar DRBIKE Toe-Clip Bike Pedals with Straps

Look Keo 2 Max

MKS Sylvan Pedal

Race Face Chester

Shimano XT M8100 (SPD)

Wahoo Speedplay Aero

Sizing & fit guidance

What to look for when buying

Pedals head-to-head comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SPD, SPD-SL, and Look Keo pedals?

Do all bike pedals use the same thread size?

Should I ride flat pedals or clip in?

What does "clipless" pedal actually mean?

How much should I spend on my first pair of clipless pedals?

Can I use MTB clipless pedals on a road bike?

Keep planning your build

Sizing calculators

Sizing guides by rider

Buying guide

Browse bike size charts

Pedals by rider type

Sizing your bike first?