It’s no secret that clipless pedals increase performance dramatically but the downside is they’re not the most convenient. It also limits you to one type of riding style which limits your cycling experience.
With clipless If you plan on walking in between your riding sessions you may need to grab an extra pair of shoes depending on the occasion which isn’t ideal.
This is where dual platform pedal can significantly enhance your cycling experience by combining both the ability to perform optimally as well as convenience. Dual Platform pedals or hybrid pedals contain a dual-sided design with one side featuring an SPD system for efficiency & power transfer while the other features a platform pedal for convenience and casual riding. Let’s take a look at our list of the best dual-platform pedals in the market.
Best Dual Platform Bike Pedals:
Shimano Deore XT PD-T8000 SPD Trekking MTB Bike Bicycle
First up on the list is the Shimano Deore XT PD-T8000 which is labeled as a touring, trekking, & commuting pedal. It features a dual-sided design with an spd system on one side as well as a platform pedal on the other, providing you with the perfect combination of pedal efficiency & convenience.
The platform portion features concave cleat clearance as well as 8 protruding pins for extra grip & reducing chances of slips. The SPD side allows you to clip in & out quite easily & comfortably. It also allows you to easily customize the entry and release tension settings.
Overall a perfect choice for comfort, functionality, & convenience.
Shimano Unisex’s PDEH500 Bike Parts
The Shimano PDEH500 is another great versatile bike pedal that offers a dual-sided design. It features enhanced platform pedal grips for additional control. The SPD portion allows for adjustable entry and releases tension settings, allowing you to start off with loose tension setting for easy and comfortable engagement as well as release & allowing you to increase the tension as you progress.
Shimano PD-A530 Dual Platform SPD Pedals
The Shimano PD-A530’s hybrid design offers a large high grip platform pedal on one side with an easy to clip in SPD system which allows for easy tension adjustability & allows new riders to increase the tension gradually.
The Shimano PD-A530 is fairly affordable providing you with the flexibility of riding with or without cycling shoes depending on the type of riding you opt for. The pedals are relatively lightweight weighing in at around 380 grams. Overall a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable, lightweight, & durable hybrid pedal for convenience & flexebility.
Crank Brothers Doubleshot Hybrid Bike Pedal
The Crank Brothers DoubleShot is a popular hybrid bike pedal in the market. crafted with an Aliminium body it weighs around 395 grams per pair, it features premium bearings & a double seal system. It provides the perfect combination of performance and convenience, allowing you to ride comfortably with or without cycling shoes. The flat side is equipped with 8 molded pins and a rigid design for additional grip and traction. Overall high-quality pedals which provide great flexibility for riders looking for a variety in their riding styles.
Venzo Dual Function Platform Multi-Use
The Venzo Dual Function Platform pedals are crafted with an aluminum body weighing in at around 580 gram a pair. It features a relatively large platform 100x 90mm for additional stability. The SPD system allows you to easily clip in & out while allowing you to adjust the tension to your liking. The platform side offers a high grip design for greater stability when riding with casual shoes. Overall these pedals offer a perfect combination of performance, efficiency, convenience, & comfort.
Buyer’s Guide – What To Look For In Dual Platform Pedals:
Float
Float is the amount your heel can move while locked in to the pedals.Float allows you to place your feet on the pedals comfortably it reduces stress on your knees.
Float is measured in degrees, so a cleat with a zero degree gloat will completely lock your feet in place. It’s best to have some wiggle room to allow you to find the most natural position for your feet while riding.
Release tension
Most pedals in the market allow you to adjust the release tension on the pedals. Release tension is basically the amount of force needed to remove your feet from the pedals. It’s recommended to start with a low tension release for beginners for easier release. This also allows you to clip into the pedals quite easily. As you become more comfortable with clipless pedals you can then start to slightly increase the tension for a tighter and more secure fit.
Platform size
Bigger pedal surfaces allow you to distribute force when pedaling evenly and allow you to pedal more efficiently as you apply force with a larger portion of your feet.
Stack height
Stack height is the distance between the pedal axle and the botom of your foot. If you choose pedals with a high stack height, you will also need to raise your saddle height in order to compensate.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, our pick of the top 5 best dual-platform pedals. Dual platform pedals can truly enhance your cycling experience by allowing to switch up your riding styles and providing you with a combination of both performance & convenience. It’s also a great choice for beginners who want to start riding clipless but find it quite daunting to completely switch up their pedals and riding style. Dual platform pedals provide are extremely versatile and allow you to easily switch up your riding styles based on your daily preferences.