With all the options available in the market it can be quite tricky deciding what pedal setup to go with for your fixie bike. Which is why we put together this guide to help you decide what type of pedals you should go for based on your preferences, as well as the best pedals on the market.
Lets first take a look at the types of pedal setups and which one you should consider based on your own needs.
Types of Pedal Setups & Their Advantages:
Platform Pedals
platform pedals are by far the most convenient, allowing you to ride with any shoe you prefer. Comfort is another reason to consider platform pedalst they allow you to place your feet on an angle of the pedal making it a good option for riders with joint and knee pain.
A major disadvantage of platform pedals is power transfer, climbing and sprinting can be a challenge since platform pedals don’t allow you to pull on the upstroke for additional power and pedal efficiency.
Although an effective solution to this are pedal straps, you’re still able to wear a wide variety of shoes while allowing you to pull on the upstroke for maximum performance.
Toe Clips & Straps
Toe clips & straps are another good choice if you’re looking for convenience, toe clips allow you to wear almost any type of shoe and are quite comfortable. They also are a decent option for performance as they allow you to pull on the upstroke for added power effeciency.
Overall a good choice these are probably the best option if you’re looking for convenience opposed to performance.
Clipless
When it comes to performance clipless is definitely the way to go, clipless pedals are also quite comfortable. Although a major sacrifice with clipless is definitely the inconvenience. Since you require a specific set of shoes to ride they aren’t as convenient as straps or toe clips. A road clipless pedal makes it even more inconvenient since you won’t be able to walk in the shoes. Another disadvantage of clipless pedals is they may cause irritation to your knee if your pedals don’t have enough float.
Best Pedals For Fixed Gear Bikes
Here’s our list of the top 8 best-fixed gear pedals based on convenience, comfort, and performance.
| Pedal Name | Pedal Type | |
| ODYSSEY Twisted PC | Platform Pedals | Check Price |
| Fyxation Bicycle Gates Pedals | Platform Pedals With Straps | Check Price |
| Wellgo Track Fixie Bike Pedal | Platform Pedals integrated with Toe Clips & Straps | Check Price |
| Retrospec Bicycles Classic Pedals | Pedals integrated with Toe Clips & Straps | Check Price |
| Tbest Bicycle Pedals | Pedals integrated with Toe Clips & Straps | Check Price |
| Shimano M520 Clipless Pedals | Clipless | Check Price |
| Shimano PD-R550 SPD SL | Clipless | Check Price |
| Time ATAC XC 6 | Clipless | Check Price |
Best Flat Pedals For Fixed Gear Bikes:
ODYSSEY Twisted PC 1/2 Pedals RED
The Odyssey Twisted Pc pedals are quite popular pedals in the market, known for their twisted design offering more grip and control. The pedals are designed to be relatively wide and come equipped with molded pins for extra grip for extra stability.
Made from extremely durable plastic making these pedals quite lightweight. They come in a wide range of different colors and are quite affordable.
Overall a good choice for anyone interested in riding with platform pedals. If you want the added support of a foot retention than consider combining these pedals with the holdfast straps for greater power efficiency.
Fyxation Bicycle Company Gates Pedals with Strap Kit (platform pedals with straps)
The Fyxation bike pedals with strap kit combines Fyxation’s Gates platform pedals with their ultra-durable Gates pedal straps. The combination of pedals with straps provides comfort, security, and performance.
With this setup, you don’t have to worry about the pedals and straps not being compatible with one another, all you have to do is replace the pedals and your all set.
Best Toe Clips For Fixed Gear Bikes:
Wellgo Track Fixie Bike Pedal with Toe Clips and Leather Strap
If you’re interested in pedals with toe clips & straps then the Wellgo track pedal with toe clips & straps is a good one to consider. These are platform pedals that are integrated with toe clips a good choice for anyone looking for convenience and comfort. They’re lightweight, durable made, and quite easy to slip and out of. Overall good value for the price.
Retrospec Bicycles Classic Road Bike Pedal with Integrated Toe Cage/Clip/Strap
Next on the list is the Retrospec pedal with toe clips, these allow you to ride with or without cleats giving you a 2 in 1 option of toe clips or clipless, making it a good choice if you like to alternate between toe clips and clipless. These come quite small so if you have large and wide feet these are probably not the best option for you.
Tbest Bicycle Pedals with Toe Clip & Straps
The Tbest bike pedals with toe clips & straps are another good option if looking for pedals with toe clips and straps. The toe clips and straps come pre-installed so all you need to do is replace the pedals and your good to go.
Designed with a durable nylon material, making these pedals quite durable and long-lasting. Overall a lightweight, durable, and easy to install pedals offering convenience, comfort, and performance.
Best Clipless Pedals For Fixed Gear Bikes:
Shimano M520 Clipless Pedals
If your looking for a pedal for performance then the Shimano M520 is the right choice for you. These pedals are pretty easy to clip in and out due to its double-sided design. It is affordable so a perfect choice if you’re on a budget, & is known to be quite durable. The Shimano M520’s open binding design allows mud and debris to be flushed out when the rider steps in. Overall these pedals will allow you to pedal with greater efficiency & stability, its also quite affordable and great value for the price.
Shimano PD-R550 SPD SL
The Shimano SPD SL pedal and cleat system is the best option if you’re looking for speed. The Shimano SPD SL pedals uses a three-bolt system & allows for greater power transfer & power efficiency due to the larger pedal platform as well as a large interface between the pedal and cleat.
The only downside to using these pedals is the cleats on your shoe are not ideal for walking.
Time ATAC XC 6
If you’re looking for clipless pedals with more float then the Time Attack XC 6 is the one for you, making it a good option for riders with knee pain. The Time Atac XC 6 is known to be lightweight and durable due to it’s chromed hollow steel axle. Also featuring a spring tension adjustment system that allows the rider to adjust the tension of the pedals to their own needs.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, our list of the top fixie pedals. Deciding on what pedals to get is a tricky process but overall it depends on what you prefer, some riders prefer a more convenient setup whereas others prioritize performance.
Platform pedals with straps are a good combination of convenience and comfort it also fairs well in the performance aspect. Toe clips are another good option for convenience & comfort but when looking for a pedal for performance none compares to clipless. It’s important that you decide what elements you desire to help you pick the best pedal setup for your needs. We hope this guide helped. Happy Riding!
