A short stop for coffee, a sudden downpour, or a muddy singletrack can turn a clipless setup into a hassle. SPD, short for Shimano Pedaling Dynamics, is a two-bolt cleat system that lets a shoe lock to the pedal for a stronger push and pull. You need a pedal that matches your shoes, your terrain, and how often you walk off the bike.
Dual-sided designs add a flat platform for regular shoes, while dedicated clipless models keep weight and simplicity in focus. The seven options below cover commuters, trail riders, and indoor training, with clear trade-offs for each style.
The Leading Options At A Glance
SHIMANO PD-EH500 SPD Flat Dual Sided Pedal
Shimano PDM520 Clipless SPD Pedals Black
SHIMANO PD-ME700 Dual Sided Trail Pedal
MZYRH MTB Pedals 3 Bearing Flat Platform SPD
BUCKLOS Bike Clip Pedals MTB Clipless Dual Sided
ROCKBROS SPD MTB Pedals Dual Function Clipless Flat
BUCKLOS Mountain Bike Pedals Clip Flat Combo SPD
More Details On Our Top Picks
Commutes that mix cycling shoes with regular footwear get a clear answer here. One side clips in with SPD cleats, the other side offers a grippy flat surface for sneakers. In our view, that split suits riders who value flexibility over a dedicated trail platform.
Adjustable cleat tension lets the clip side feel lighter for frequent stops. A 383g pair weight keeps the setup modest, and included SM-SH56 cleats remove a separate purchase. Your daily route dictates whether the flat side matters more than raw trail grip.
A Strong Showing
- Dual-sided design handles clipless shoes and flat soles
- Adjustable tension eases entry and release for beginners
- Included cleats simplify setup out of the box
- Lightweight pair suits commuting and indoor cycling
Things To Consider
- Flat side lacks metal pins found on wider trail platforms
- Single-sided clip means flipping the pedal for each shoe type
Trail riders who want a focused clipless pedal without a flat side will recognize the appeal here. The compact body leaves room for mud to shed, a practical detail on wet routes. You commit to clipless shoes for every ride, and that clarity simplifies the choice.
Adjustable tension and release settings allow fine tuning as experience grows. A chrome alloy shaft paired with sealed cartridge bearings supports low-maintenance ownership. Depending on terrain, the open design helps clear debris faster than a wide platform.
Notable Gains
- Compact open body sheds mud and dirt effectively
- Adjustable tension suits varied rider preferences
- Sealed bearings reduce service needs
Worth Noting
- No flat platform for regular shoes or walking sections
- Small body offers less support when unclipped
Trail and all-mountain riding calls for a wider body, and the ME700 answers with dual-sided entry. Retention claws engage from either side, which helps during cyclocross remounts or stop-start trail sections. Unlike the compact PDM520, this design adds platform support around the mechanism.
A chrome-moly spindle and sealed bearings aim for longer intervals between service. The wide body also protects the binding from impacts and gives some forward pedaling support when a clip misses. You may find that extra width reassuring on technical climbs.
Reasons It Performs
- Dual-sided engagement speeds clipping in
- Wide body adds control when unclipped
- Chrome-moly spindle with sealed bearings
- Adjustable retention claws for tuning
- Body shields mechanism from impacts
Trade Offs
- Wider body adds bulk compared with compact pedals
- Trail focus suits clipless shoes over casual footwear
Size stands out here, with a 113 by 98mm aluminum body that gives regular shoes a broad landing area. One side clips with SPD-compatible cleats, the other side uses stainless steel anti-skid spikes. Your choice of footwear changes the feel completely, from locked-in to platform grip.
Three sealed bearings per pedal aim to keep water and dust away from the spindle. CNC-machined aluminum alloy forms the body, and L and R markings simplify installation. In our view, the large platform suits riders who switch between trail and touring bikes.
Notable Upsides
- Large 113x98mm platform adds stability
- Stainless spikes boost flat-side grip
- Three sealed bearings protect internals
- Standard 9/16 inch thread fits many cranks
Minor Gripes
- Large body may feel bulky on compact frames
- Spikes can mark soft shoe soles over time
Who It Suits Best
Riders who alternate between clipless and regular shoes on the same bike.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
SHIMANO PD-EH500 SPD Flat Dual Sided Pedal suits commuters who want a lighter, simpler flat side.
Versatility across bike types shapes this dual-sided SPD design. Mountain, road, gravel, hybrid, and indoor training setups all appear in the compatibility list. CNC aluminum alloy construction paired with sealed bearings supports regular use across those contexts.
Side screws adjust entry and release tension, so the clip feel can start lighter for learning. L and R markings plus a standard 9/16 inch thread keep installation straightforward. You may find the included 6mm wrench handy for on-the-go tweaks.
The Practical Payoff
- Dual-sided SPD system for many bike types
- Adjustable tension via side screw
- Sealed bearings resist water and dust
- Includes cleats and 6mm wrench
Room For Improvement
- Dedicated clipless design, no flat shoe side
- 0.511 kg pair weight adds up on long climbs
Dual function defines this option, with a clipless side for cycling shoes and a widened flat side for regular footwear. Eight non-slip screws on the flat side aim to improve traction without a full metal pin setup. You get a straightforward way to share one bike across shoe types.
Sealed bearings help guard against dust and water, keeping the mechanism cleaner over time. Nylon construction keeps weight down, though severe impacts remain a consideration. Depending on riding style, that trade-off feels acceptable for casual trails.
What Helps Most
- Widened flat side increases shoe contact area
- Eight screws add flat-side traction
- Sealed bearings protect against debris
Points To Note
- Nylon body less suited to severe impacts
- Tension screw needs correct setting before riding
Made For
Casual riders who want one pedal for clipless shoes and everyday footwear.
Consider Something Else When
MZYRH MTB Pedals 3 Bearing Flat Platform SPD suits riders who prefer an aluminum body and larger platform.
Combo functionality brings regular shoes and clipless shoes onto one pedal, with a 98 by 88mm CNC alloy body. Ten anti-skid spikes on the flat side provide grip, while the clip side handles SPD cleats. Your gravel or commuting route benefits from that switchable setup.
Sealed bearings with gasket protection help keep dust and sand out, and clamp tension adjusts with a hex wrench. Single-sided cleat tension tuning lets entry and release match different shoes. In our view, the wider platform adds confidence on mixed surfaces.
What Earns Its Place
- 98x88mm platform for added stability
- Ten spikes improve flat-side grip
- Adjustable clamp tension for shoe fit
- Sealed bearings with gasket protection
Softer Spots
- Cleats referenced separately from the pedal package
- Combo design adds width versus dedicated clipless models
What Matters Most Before Choosing Clipless Pedals
Shoe Compatibility First
Cleat system determines everything. SPD two-bolt shoes work across all seven options, yet flat sides change daily usability. Commuters gain most from dual-sided designs, while trail-focused riders may prefer dedicated clipless bodies.
Platform Size and Terrain
Wide platforms help when unclipped on technical sections. Compact bodies shed mud faster, a clear advantage in wet conditions. Match body size to terrain rather than chasing maximum width.
Tension and Bearings
Adjustable tension lets beginners start with lighter release settings. Sealed bearings reduce exposure to water and dust, which matters for riders who store bikes outdoors or ride in rain.
Thread and Installation
Standard 9/16 inch threads fit many cranks, yet confirmation remains wise before ordering. L and R markings speed correct installation, and included tools or cleats affect total setup effort.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Common Shopping Slip Ups
Many shoppers overlook cleat compatibility and assume every clipless shoe fits every pedal. Checking the two-bolt SPD standard before ordering prevents returns. Another slip involves ignoring platform needs for walking sections, which dual-sided models address.
What The Higher Tier Buys
Higher-tier designs often add sealed bearings, stronger spindles, and refined tension adjustment. Those details support longer service intervals and consistent clip feel. The upgrade pays off for frequent trail riders, while casual commuters gain less from added complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are SPD pedals suitable for beginners?
Yes, adjustable tension allows a lighter release for learning. Dual-sided entry also helps new riders clip in more easily.
Can regular shoes work with these pedals?
Dual-sided models include a flat platform for regular shoes. Dedicated clipless models require compatible cycling shoes for every ride.
What does sealed bearing mean?
Sealed bearings use covers to limit water and dust entry. That design supports smoother rotation with less frequent service.
Why choose a wide platform?
A wide platform gives more shoe support when unclipped. That support helps on climbs, descents, and hike-a-bike sections.
Do cleats come included?
Some options include cleats in the package, while others reference cleats separately. Checking package contents before ordering avoids surprises.
Final Verdict
SHIMANO PD-EH500 SPD Flat Dual Sided Pedal suits mixed footwear commutes, while SHIMANO PD-ME700 Dual Sided Trail Pedal suits dedicated trail use. You can match the right design to shoe habits, terrain, and maintenance preferences.