GROUPTEST FLAT PEDALS

We see which design is grippiest and most supportive

- ALEX EVANS

Flat pedals appear pretty basic - a platform with some pins, spinning on an axle supported by bearings or bushings - but small differences can have a big effect on performance. How they feel on the trails depends on the pin shape and location; platform size, depth, profile and shaping; the quality of the internals; and the materials used. The right recipe boosts grip and foot stability, leading to better control, less fatigue and more fun riding your bike.

Some elements are more important than others, the biggest of which is platform shape and size. If the pedals are too small, your feet can 'claw' over the top and feel unstable. With a larger platform, there's a greater likelihood of pedal strikes on the ground or rocks, but your feet will be better supported and should have more grip (although particularly small-footed riders may dislike the feel). Chamfered and tapered edges will help a pedal glide over obstacles, rather than getting hooked up, but can decrease the usable size of the platform.

For maximum performance, flat pedals should have a concave shape, where the outer edges and pins are higher than the central section that encases the axle. Not only does this cup your foot, but it also increases the pressure on the front and rear pins, helping them bite into your shoe. Pedals with flat or convex shapes will be less grippy, as your foot's pressure is distributed away from the pins.