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At first it only creaked when starting off. Then there was a cracking sound with every pedal rotation. But because the deterioration progressed so gradually, you put up with your cheap pedal for a long time - just like the increasingly deep saw marks in the sole of your shoe. Just how bad it really was was only revealed by the performance of the carefully selected replacement: No noise. No noticeable edges. Secure footing without shoe damage.
Details of the pedals tested
Requirements for a feel-good pedal
The most important requirements for a feel-good pedal are quickly summarised. The most noticeable are Size, shape and texture of the pedal surface. In everyday life, soft shoe soles are often used, which are best placed on as large a surface as possible. Even smaller men's shoes are around ten centimetres wide under the ball of the foot. If the foot protrudes three centimetres beyond the outer edge, as was the case with the narrowest pedal in the test, this only feels good with stiffened bike shoes.
Treads and comfort
In principle, big is good, and the heavier or more powerful someone is, the more important it is to have a sufficiently large surface - even if Ergotec's flat plastic pedal overshoots the mark for average needs. SQ Lab has taken a more inconspicuous special route for more pedalling comfort with a pedal that is produced in different axle lengths. The idea behind it: If you pedal with your toes rotated outwards, your heels could hit the frame if the ball of your foot is positioned correctly over the axle. The pedalling surface is positioned further outwards to facilitate a relaxed foot and knee position.
Unevenness in the tread surface also makes a difference to comfort, which is why we recommend the high-class but somewhat jagged Shimano touring pedal for more stable shoes. On the other hand, the 1.5 millimetre high screws, which protrude from the tread for good grip, do not damage even soft rubber soles. Large rubber surfaces such as those on the massive Look model or the increasingly popular Griptape are even more urban-friendly. The material is reminiscent of very robust sandpaper and has long been used on skateboards or steps. It shines with perfect wet grip on rubber soles and wears surprisingly little. And the non-slip pads are available as spare parts for Ergotec, Moto and Procraft models - a major advantage of quality products. Even for frequent riders, the replacement interval should be measured in years.
For whom are combi pedals a good choice?
The outliers in the test are two pairs of combi pedals with a clipless pedal binding and a normal tread. We recommend them primarily for sporty touring and travelling, as you always need to pay a little attention to land on the right side in the stop and go of city traffic. Both models are compatible with Shimano's popular steel cleats and are slightly heavier than pure city pedals due to the binding.
The 9 pedals in the lab test
In the lab
We analysed the technical quality of the pedals in the laboratory. Rust is a tough opponent for bikes used all year round. Two days in the MYBIKE salt spray certainly does not simulate complete winter use, but the first victims of rust were visible. While the majority of the pedals only showed a small amount of rust on the axle threads, the aluminium surface and the spring mechanism of the M-Wave combination pedal were rather unprotected. What distinguishes the higher quality pedals in our test field from the mostly cheap original equipment parts is a solid bearing. On really simple designs, you can see into the bearing from the outside - an invitation to destructive salt water.
We not only subjected the test pedals to a seal test, but also disassembled them. Apart from the poorly sealed single bearings of Ergotec and Moto, the axle bearings of the broad midfield (CT, M-Wave, Procraft, SQ Lab and Sixpack) are very similar: Towards the crank, a rubber lip grinds against the axle to form a seal. The main part of the axle is ground precisely round and rotates in a plain bearing made of special plastic or bearing bronze. This plain bearing bears the main load. At the end, one or two small ball bearings absorb additional body weight and prevent the pedal body from simply slipping off the axle. The top solutions from Look and Shimano work in a similar way, but are larger in size, somewhat better processed and lubricated - and you can get the entire bearing plus axle as spare parts. With these bearings, which have been tried and tested in cycling, nothing will creak or wobble so quickly.
The lab tests in detail: How MYBIKE tests pedals
Not scientific, but practical: The laboratory test of the retrofit pedals focusses on corrosion and bearing quality.
Corrosion test
How often does a medium to high quality pedal actually break? To our knowledge and experience, rather rarely. Because established test standards focus primarily on such safety issues with maximum effort, we have endeavoured to test practical problems using home remedies. In the corrosion test, the pedals, which have previously been externally degreased, are repeatedly exposed to a salt spray of North Sea quality. We assess the extent of the visible corrosion.
Pedal bearing seals
To test the pedal bearing seals, the axles of the fixed pedals are rotated around 10,000 times while an abrasive emulsion containing extremely fine sand and surfactants is applied to the seal. In test runs carried out in advance, the results were similar to the experience with pedals that were worn out in continuous use. After the corrosion and seal test, the pedals were completely dismantled and the bearing quality assessed.
Standing on the pedal
Everyday shoes with rather thin rubber soles were used to assess the stability on the pedals - in line with the range of use of most pedals. With the stiffened soles of bike shoes, the differences would be significantly smaller.
Conclusion - Which pedal for whom?
The Procraft pedal for price-conscious everyday cyclists impresses in the mix of criteria we analysed. The somewhat sportier-looking six-pack model saves a few grams for more money and scores sympathy points in the style rating thanks to its choice of colour. In the category of combi pedals for touring, the very well designed and manufactured Shimano XT model remains unchallenged.
You can read the detailed test results for the individual pedals in the test further down.
MYBIKE screwdriver tip: Which direction should pedals be unscrewed?
The right and left pedals have different threads. In the direction of travel on the right, it is a right-hand thread, on the left a left-hand thread. Practical consequence: To loosen pedals, turn the spanner backwards on both sides, i.e. against the direction of travel. To screw in new pedals, turn the spanner forwards. Grease the pedal thread well!
Test results of the individual pedals
1st Contec Spurt
With a 50 gram lead, the beautifully made "Spurt" secures the Weight victory. The bearing on a plastic bushing plus a small deep groove ball bearing is a good standard, the surface of the pedal body has a stylish anodised finish. A little rust film on the spanner flats leads to a point deduction, but no laboratory dirt penetrated the bearing. Nevertheless, we can only recommend the pedal to a limited extent: At just seven centimetres wide, the tread surface is very narrow, the few but noticeable pins and the pedal shape itself make the surface less comfortable for everyday shoes. The lack of reflectors also points to other areas of use.
details
- Weight (pair):252 grammes
- Floor space (length x width, max.):9.5 x 7.5 cm
- Extras:Four aluminium and two steel pins per side, maximum 4 mm high
- Price: 90,00 Euro
Valuation
- Stand: 3 from 8
- Corrosion: 5 from 8
- Storage: 6 from 8
- Weight: 8 from 8
- MYBIKE verdict: GOOD
Conclusion
Pretty, light and rather expensive. Good for the Sunday singlespeeder.
2. ergotec EP 2
With its XL pedal, Ergotec has taken over a niche previously occupied by Ergon. The huge, slightly inwardly curved pedalling surface is completely covered with grip material and is large enough to fit the entire forefoot. Two raised parts on the inside serve as a stop for the sole of the shoe and define the correct foot position. The pressure distribution is accordingly very good - you could even ride barefoot or with flip-flops. Less good for this price range is the somewhat simple bearing on two sliding bushes without an additional elastomer seal. In our bearing test, some test dirt got in.
details
- Weight (pair):432 grammes
- Floor space (length x width, max.):12 x 10.5 cm
- Extras:Grip material of the surface available as a spare part, reflectors
- Price: 54,90 Euro >> available here
Valuation
- Stand: 8 from 8
- Corrosion: 7 from 8
- Storage: 4 from 8
- Weight: 5 from 8
- MYBIKE verdict: GOOD
Conclusion
Not everyone needs so much surface area and positioning. But the pedal is definitely comfortable.
3. look trail grip
The French company Look produced the first modern clipless pedals for road cyclists in the 1980s. Their extensive experience with axle bearings is also evident in the robustly constructed "Trail Grip". If, contrary to expectations, the tight, smooth-running bearing should weaken, it would even be available as a spare part. The footprint is almost as large as Ergotec's and is covered with (four colour-selectable) interchangeable rubber surfaces from sole manufacturer Vibram. In the "Trail" version we tested, eight high, hard plastic studs protrude from it. With thin soles, they are unpleasantly noticeable; the "Geocity" version manages without them.
details
- Weight (pair): 550 grammes
- Floor space (length x width, max.):11 x 10 cm
- Extras:Rubber treads replaceable, axle unit available as a spare part
- Price: 60,00 Euro >> available here
Valuation
- Stand: 6 from 8
- Corrosion: 8 from 8
- Storage: 8 from 8
- Weight: 3 from 8
- MYBIKE verdict: VERY GOOD
Conclusion
Technically, everything is well made, but at 550 grams per pair, they are very heavy. Therefore more suitable for e-bikers with large feet.
4th Moto Urban Reflex
Is it just a coincidence that the shape is reminiscent of an Apple smartphone? The Moto pedal, designed in Berlin, stands out from the crowd with its minimalist design and six reflective adhesive strips in a choice of colours. At 15 millimetres high, it is also super-flat. The technology is just as minimalist as the look: the steel axle runs directly in the pedal body without any plain bushings or ball bearings. Fans of fine mechanics will turn up their noses at the primitive, somewhat jerky bearing, but this is not noticeable in operation. However, the pedal is not effectively sealed or lavishly greased, so that the test soup sloshed loosely into the bearing and would have damaged it in the long run. Standing on the large, non-slip surface is comfortable.
details
- Weight (pair):344 grammes
- Floor space (length x width, max.):8.5 x 10 cm
- Extras:Treads and reflective strips as spare parts, wide foot strap as accessory. Several reflective colours.
- Price: 55,00 Euro >> available here
Valuation
- Stand: 7 from 8
- Corrosion: 6 from 8
- Storage: 2 from 8
- Weight: 7 from 8
- MYBIKE verdict: GOOD
Conclusion
Refreshingly different, but rather expensive for the simple technology.
5th M-Wave Drag T1 Combi
It was love at first sight - but not at second: the delicate combination pedal from the wide range of products offered by wholesaler Messingschlager initially looked like an elegant, lightweight and inexpensive alternative to Shimano products - especially as it accepts their SPD plates. However, no other pedal suffered as much in the corrosion test as this one. The binding mechanism, springs and aluminium pedal body looked like they had been ridden all winter after a short salt spray. In addition, when clicked in, the binding offers very little lateral movement for the heel, while the trainer pedal surface on the opposite side is uncomfortably narrow at 7.5 centimetres. The supplier himself wanted to send a different pedal from his own brand. We should have listened to him.
details
- Weight (pair):354 grammes
- Floor space (length x width, max.):9.5 x 7.5 cm
- Extras:Shimano-compatible cleats included
- Price: 50,00 Euro >> available here
Valuation
- Stand: 5 from 8
- Corrosion: 2 from 8
- Storage: 6 from 8
- Weight: 6 from 8
- MYBIKE verdict: SATISFACTORY
Conclusion
Apparently, 50 euros is too cheap for a solid, winter-ready combi pedal.
6. procraft safety grip pro
The Procraft pedals represent the inexpensive side of the technical mid-range in the test. They are of medium weight and size - but overall they are really good pedals for city and everyday cycling. Griptape glued into the plastic body makes them grippy even when wet, and if there is salt in the water, they also resist rust for a long time according to our salt spray test. The plain bearing, which is protected by a sliding seal, is reinforced with a metal bushing and well lubricated, with two deep groove ball bearings on the outside. The tread surface is almost as large as on the Moto and is comfortable even with thin soles, and the grip tape is available as a spare part. The Procraft pedal is also sold in an identical design by other brands such as XLC.
details
- Weight (pair):360 grammes
- Floor space (length x width, max.):7.5 x 9.5 cm
- Extras:Reflectors
- Price: 34,90 Euro
Valuation
- Stand: 6 from 8
- Corrosion: 7 from 8
- Storage: 6 from 8
- Weight: 6 from 8
- MYBIKE verdict: VERY GOOD (MYBIKE tip: price/performance)
Conclusion
Our price-performance winner for city and everyday use.
7th Shimano Deore XT (PD-T8000)
The second of the combi pedals in the comparison is more than twice as expensive as its competitor from M-Wave. Shimano's "Deore XT" component series is one of the finest in the large-scale production of trekking and touring bikes. The "PD-T8000" pedals confirm this level. The already durable bearings are available as spare parts, as are parts of the binding mechanism and even the bearing balls and the two millimetre high pins on the side without the binding. Our corrosion test passed the pedal almost without a trace, as did the bearing test. The low pins offer plenty of grip without damaging rubber soles. Other pedals are more comfortable with thin trainers.
details
- Weight (pair):425 grammes
- Floor space (length x width, max.):8 x 9 cm
- Extras:cleats (SM-SH55) included; pins, axle and binding parts available as spare parts
- Price: 115,00 Euro >> available here
Valuation
- Stand: 7 from 8
- Corrosion: 7 from 8
- Storage: 8 from 8
- Weight: 5 from 8
- MYBIKE verdict: VERY GOOD (MYBIKE Tip: Travelling)
Conclusion
There are more practical pedals for city bikes. But the XT pedal is the benchmark for travelling and sporty tours.
8th Sixpack Racing Network 3.0
The Sixpack Racing brand is at home in mountain biking, where it caters to a clientele that wants to spruce up their bikes with colourful anodised parts. Accordingly, their only "normal cyclist pedal" is not only available in black like the test sample, but in several colours. Its flat aluminium body has a strip of grip tape over the axle, with gentle serrations on the edges that won't damage rubber soles. Standing on the pedals is secure and comfortable, although not quite as smooth as with Ergotec, Moto or Procraft. Our corrosion test left a small rust spot on the axle, the bearings (polished axle on special plastic, a deep groove ball bearing) held tight.
details
- Weight (pair):324 grammes
- Floor space (length x width, max.):8 x 9.5 cm
- Extras:Five anodised colours available, reflectors
- Price: 64,50 Euro
Valuation
- Stand: 7 from 8
- Corrosion: 7 from 8
- Storage: 6 from 8
- Weight: 7 from 8
- MYBIKE verdict: VERY GOOD (MYBIKE tip: All-rounder)
Conclusion
A lightweight, high-quality pedal for aesthetes.
9th SQ Lab 521 L
The ergonomics specialists at SQ Lab want to increase heel clearance when pedalling for people with a rather bow-legged foot position (heels turned inwards) or orthopaedic problems. To this end, they offer the 521 pedal with extended axles. Our test model had 8 millimetres more width, another version offers 15 millimetres more freedom. At least the tested version was not completely convincing, as the relatively small pedal body with the extended axle only reached the same distance to the crank as the already wider models from Procraft and Shimano. The low weight is accompanied by very delicate contact surfaces, which can be noticeable with thin soles. The technical level corresponds to the average in the test. It also owes its high score to its low weight.
details
- Weight (pair):299 grammes
- Floor space (length x width, max.):7 x 9 cm
- Extras:Available in four centre lengths (-5 to +15 mm), reflectors
- Price: 49,50 Euro >> available here
Valuation
- Stand: 5 from 8
- Corrosion: 8 from 8
- Storage: 6 from 8
- Weight: 8 from 8
- MYBIKE verdict: VERY GOOD
Conclusion
If you have problems, it is best to choose the XL version.
