Best clipless pedals 2023: systems explained and the best models reviewed

A set of the best clipless pedals along with a pair of the best cycling shoes will set you up for miles of happy cycling. The benefits of using these over the best flat pedals in terms of comfort and efficiency are considerable, but there is a learning curve to clipping in and out. 

The type of pedal you are likely to use depends on your cycling. For road cycling, it's usual to use three bolt cleats and most pedals have single sided entry. These give a firm connection between the pedals and compatible shoes that maximises power delivery.

Gravel bike riders will mostly choose two bolt cleats, used with double sided pedals. These make clipping in and out easier, while the smaller, recessed cleat is a lot easier to walk in and also less prone to clogging. Two bolt cleats and pedals are also a good option for commuting and touring.

We've split this guide into three bolt road bike pedal systems, then two bolt gravel bike pedal systems.

For more information on the variety of different systems out there we’ve got a wealth of information in our buyer's guide further down on the page. 

We've also got dedicated guides to the best gravel pedals and the best commuter bike pedals. For now, though, let’s get straight into our recommendations of the best clipless pedals.

The quick list

Road pedals

Gravel pedals

Best clipless pedals for road riding: our picks

Here are our picks of the best pedals for road riding, which use three bolt cleats for maximum power delivery.

Best value pedals for road riding

These are a great starter clipless pedals and ideal for winter miles when it's not worth bringing our the more expensive sets.

Trading the carbon blade of the higher end Look pedals for a coil spring based mechanism makes for easy release tension adjustment, almost mirroring the Shimano versions. 

A good size contact patch for your foot provides a stable pedalling platform, and one that we've found from experience still offers enough power transfer to be a viable option for strong riders putting out high wattage. 

The composite material does add a weight to the scales, but doesn't detract from their performance, with the Look trademark and highly regarded standard still on board making these a pair of the best clipless pedals on the market.

A suitably priced and easy option for beginners to take their first steps into the world of clipless pedals.

Read more: Look Keo Classic 3 pedals full review

Best pedals for adjustability

Wahoo has given the Speedplay Zero pedals a much needed update, while still preserving all the benefits of the original. You still get all the float adjustability, dual-sided entry, low weight, and interchangeable axle lengths, but now the weather protection has been greatly increased and the stainless steel bevelled edge improves durability of the pedal body. 

On test we were very impressed with their performance and certainly found them to be one of the best clipless pedals on the market, with the float being easy to adjust and feeling particularly friction free. 

As one of the smallest pedal platforms available, the Wahoo Speedplay Zero pedals might look alarming to some of the more powerful riders, concerned that their lollipop looks limit power transfer. On test we found that it was in fact of no concern, the cleat design provides all the strength and secure connection needed. In fact, according to Wahoo, once you factor in their lower stack height, which places your foot closer to the pedal axle, you can actually recruit more power than other setups. 

The initial setup of the larger than standard cleat is a bit more of a process, especially when compared to the almost plug and play functionality of the Shimano and Look pedals, so we definitely recommend investing in the skills of a professional bike fitter. Once dialled in, however, you'll be sure to reap all the benefits.

Read more: Wahoo Speedplay Zero pedals full review

Best power meter pedals for road riding

The Favero Assioma pedal power meter undercuts the main competition. We've reviewed the Duo two-sided Look cleat-compatible meter, but there's also a single-sided option, the Uno.

We also have a first ride review of the Favero Assioma Duo Shi power meter. Favero sells the power meter spindle, but you need to mount your own Shimano pedal bodies to these, so it's not a complete solution out of the box and the 65mm Q-Factor is significantly wider than the more standard 54mm of the Look version.

The Favero Assioma power meter pedals are lighter than the competition and include a rechargeable battery with a claimed 50 hour battery life, which uses a magnetic charging clip. 

Accuracy is claimed at +/-1% and data is transmitted to your head unit via both ANT+ and BLE. There's also more analysis built in than with some other power meters, including seated vs out-of-saddle riding and where on the pedal body your power delivery is centred, as well as the usual (with dual sided meters) left-right balance.

The only downside we noted was the awkward pedal weighting due to the power meter pods wrapped around the axle, which could make clipping in difficult.

Read more: Favero Assioma Duo power meter review

Best all-rounder pedals

Shimano's 105 pedals are extremely similar to their Ultegra and Dura-Ace counterparts, the main difference being the pedal body is carbon reinforced, instead of carbon fibre.

This does of course add a little weight to the pedals, around 50g per side, but when you calculate the cost saving per gram (especially if you can pick these up in a deal) then the weight penalty suddenly seems much lighter. 

From our experience these are a great clipless pedals for riders looking for quality and durability without breaking the bank, especially when you’ve just splashed out on a new set of cycling shoes. 

As with the Shimano Dura-Ace and Look Pedal ranges, the spring tension is adjustable via an Allen key, which can take a couple of rides to get just right for your needs, so worth taking one in the back pocket for the first few outings. 

The other similarity with the other pairs of the best clipless pedals mentioned above is that the 'float' is limited by the cleats, which isn't really a drawback, just be aware and always worth getting a professional bike fitter to help set up your shoes to ensure you get the right pair for you. 

As with other Shimano pedals, the cleats are probably the widest on the market, which can make them visible either side of your cycling shoes, and although they are one of the most robust on the market, they aren't designed for walking far in. 

Read more: Shimano 105 pedals full review

Best lightweight pedals

There's no denying the jaw dropping retail price of the Time Xpro 15 pedals, especially when compared to the more wallet friendly Xpresso range with the Time Xpresso 6 pedals, which, although somewhat dated, we also really liked. 

On test, we found it tricky to pinpoint one exacting character trait, rather that it was an amalgamation of several features that make these one of the best clipless pedals on the market.   

To start there's the exceptionally secure carbon leaf spring system. Their featherweight design, 87g a piece, makes them one of the lightest clipless pedal systems on the market, without sacrifice to the platform, which is slightly wider than traditional Time pedals.

For riders looking for the best, then the carbon outer, hollow titanium spindle and ceramic bearings will be music to ears, while their slight 2.5mm of lateral side-to-side float might not be the equivalent to your knees, especially as they don't allow for alterations to cleat release tension, it does require fitting another leaf spring.  

As with all Time pedals, they offer an alternative to the major players, such as Look and Shimano, although clearly comparable to the range topping Shimano Dura Ace and Look Keo Blade Carbon Ceramic versions.

But in order to stand out from the crowd, you'll have to pay for the privilege, with these one of the most expensive pairs of clipless pedals on the market. 

Read more: Time Xpro 15 pedals full review

Best clip-in feel

There are several different versions of the Look pedal systems (the Keo Classic is featured above) and these top the family tree as best clipless pedals for anyone looking for a performance pair.

Look say that the ceramic bearing version reduces friction by 18% and helps increase power transfer.

Look uses a carbon leaf spring in place of the more common metal spring, like the Shimano Ultegra pedals above, for cleat retention, cutting the weight, and providing a satisfying tactile snap when you clip in.

This does mean you don’t get the same instant range of adjustment as you get with a spring system, but you can get the leaf spring in a range of different strengths. 

From experience this does mean deciding on what tension suits you best is tricky, and a little fiddly, so you might be inclined to enlist support from your local bike shop/ bike fitter to sort - but once you’ve got it set up you won’t need to touch it again.

As per all Look cleats, they can be quick to wear down though, requiring regular replacement unless you're conscientious enough to use cleat covers when walking around, which are available and often come with your pedals or cleats.

Read more: Look Keo Blade pedals full review

Best pedals for racers

Shimano's Ultegra pedals won a place in our Editor's Choice awards, impressing us with a low stack height, wide platform and a design really not far off that of the top end Dura Ace models - all at a lower price. 

These are great quality pedals that are incredibly durable, going for thousands of miles between servicing.  

All Shimano pedals use the same spring retention system that requires a 2.5mm allen key to adjust. It can take a little time to get just right, so worth taking the right size key with you on the first few rides. 

Again like all Shimano pedals, and Look ones for that matter, Ultegra pedals gain the pedal float from the cleat, with different coloured 'tips' on the cleats denoting the amount of movement side to side they will allow before unclipping.  They’re available with 6 degrees (with yellow tips), 2 degrees (blue) or zero float (red), depending on your preference (it's always recommended to start off with more if you're not sure).

It is super easy to take them apart and regrease the axle, though, when the time does finally come, and it's also worth noting that there is a 4mm longer axle available too should you need a wider Q factor - something only offered with Ultegra and Dura-Ace. 

The RRP is more expensive than the Shimano 105 option, but you can find some great deals if you shop around.

Read more: Shimano Ultegra pedals full review

Best clipless pedals for gravel riding: our picks

These pedal systems use shoes with two bolt cleats and offer double-sided entry, making them a great option for off-road riding, commuting and other riding which may include significant time off the bike. 

Best value pedals for off-road riding