Pedals
Used road bike pedals are almost universally clipless — your shoe cleats lock into the pedal for direct power transfer. Three systems dominate: Shimano SPD-SL (3-bolt, wide platform), Look Kéo (3-bolt, similar to SPD-SL) and Wahoo Speedplay (4-bolt, dual-sided entry), each with different float ranges, stack heights and cleat durability. The right pedal system is whichever one your shoes and riding style suit best.
Are Shimano SPD-SL pedals the safe choice?
SPD-SL is the most popular road pedal system, using a three-bolt cleat pattern and single-sided entry. The Shimano PD-R7000 at 105 level is the sweet spot — reliable, well-built and 285g per pair. Ultegra PD-R8000 saves 20g with a carbon body, and Dura-Ace PD-R9100 uses a wider carbon platform at 228g, matching the tiers you'll see across road groupsets. Cleat colours indicate float: yellow (6°), blue (2°) and red (0° fixed), with yellow recommended for most riders because the float protects knees. Cleats wear on the walking surfaces and typically last 3,000-6,000 miles depending on how much you walk in them.
How do Look Kéo pedals compare?
Look invented the clipless pedal, and the Kéo system uses a 3-bolt pattern compatible with SPD-SL shoes thanks to the same bolt hole spacing. Kéo Classic is the entry point, Kéo Blade uses a carbon leaf spring for adjustable tension, and Kéo 2 Max adds a wider platform. Float options are grey (4.5°), grey+ (9°) and black (0°). Look cleats are slightly less durable than Shimano on pavement, but the engagement feel is preferred by some riders, and Look pedals tend to be lighter than equivalent Shimano at each price point.
What's different about Speedplay?
Now owned by Wahoo, Speedplay offers dual-sided entry — you clip in from either side like MTB SPDs — plus a very low stack height and adjustable float from 0-15°. The 4-bolt cleat differs from SPD-SL and Look, so you need Speedplay-compatible shoes or a 3-to-4-bolt adapter plate. Speedplay Zero is the main model and Comp is the budget version, while Wahoo Powrlink adds a single-sided power meter. The cleats have metal covers for walkability. Speedplay suits riders who value easy entry and adjustable float, but the system is more niche in the UK so cleat availability can be limited.
Are power meter pedals worth it?
Favero Assioma Duo is the value champion — dual-sided power measurement, rechargeable, reliable and under £500. Assioma Uno is single-sided, cheaper, and doubles the reading. Garmin Rally uses interchangeable pedal bodies for SPD-SL, SPD and Look cleat systems, and Wahoo Powrlink Speedplay adds power to the Speedplay system. Pedal-based power meters are the easiest to install and move between bikes, with no crankset or hub changes needed.
What should I check buying used pedals?
Check the bearings by spinning the axle: it should rotate smoothly without play or roughness. Shimano pedals use serviceable cartridge bearings and Look pedals are similar. Check the cleat retention spring mechanism engages and releases cleanly at all tension settings, and inspect the pedal body for crash damage, as bent axles are common after falls. Speedplay pedals need their grease port covers checked. With power meter pedals, verify they pair with a head unit and that readings are consistent, comparing left/right balance on dual-sided units. Ask the seller to include cleats if possible, since new ones cost £15-30 — the same buy-it-together logic applies to other road components like shifters sold without cables.