Pedals

Pedals are a very personal choice and there are plenty to choose from. If you're thinking of taking the plunge into using clipless pedals then that same large selection can prove a bewildering process, but these Wellgo R096 Clipless Road Pedals are a great first foray into the world of clipless.

To some the thought of being physically attached to their pedals is not one they want to explore. If you do, where do you start in selecting a pair?

Time Atac Alium clipless Pedals are extremely versatile cost conscious versions of the classic design. For the uninitiated, ATAC is an acronym for 'Auto tension adjustment concept' which in lay speak means masses of knee friendly float and remarkably dependable entry/exit since the twin bar expels mud with tremendous panache.

Cyclo crossers and mountain bikers are the obvious audiences but the pedals' qualities coupled with reasonable ground clearance lend themselves very nicely to road duties too.

Speedplay's £115 entry-level Zero Chrome-Moly pedals are the most affordable step into the company's unique world of clipless pedals. On the scales they're only a few grams heavier than the stainless version that cost over twice as much. Those few grams aside then, these offer identical functionality and performance at a fraction of the cost.

The Shimano PD-M540 is basically a slightly more refined version of the PD-M520 which I've previously described on these pages as "a classic and one of the best value pedals out there."

These look a bit smarter, they're 25g lighter and £20 more expensive at RRP; in reality you can pick up the 520s for around £17 while the 540s tend to be about thirty quid. If it was my money, I'd save the difference and get the cheaper ones, although both are excellent.

Pedals fall into two main categories: flat (usually with toe-clips) and 'clip-less' or 'clip-in' (where a mechanism in the pedal grips to a cleat on the sole of your shoe). The T400 pedals from Shimano (or, to use the full name, the PD-T400 Click'R) are the clip-less variety, but the gripping mechanism is incredibly light, so it's very easy to release your shoes from the pedals. They're a useful option for cyclists keen to try clip-less pedals for the first time.

Shimano's 105 Road pedals are pitched at those starting to look for some real performance from their pedals, without wanting to fork out for lighter, fancier models in the market. Just £15 or so more expensive than the company's entry level road pedal, the 105s mark a huge jump in performance and ease of use.

Available in either silver or black, these are designed to coordinate with the 105 10-speed group set and are visually appealing, with smooth, organic lines.

DMR V8 pedals are a mountain bike classic that does sterling service as round-town pedal for a bike you want to be able to hop aboard in any shoes.

I remember riding DMR V8 pedals in the early days of mountain biking in the Shropshire hills. Using these pedals feels like riding with a familiar old friend, but the V8s aren't just Old School, they can hack it in the modern age too.

Like Speedplay's other lollipop-shaped pedals, these Zero Stainless Steel Pedals have a few important differences from most clipless road pedals: they're dual sided; the retention mechanism is in the cleat instead of the pedal; and the cleats attach with four bolts instead of the usual three-bolt road pattern.

The Ergon PC2-S pedals are ergonomically designed, comfortable and efficient, for commuters, tourers and recreational riders.

For those who aren't familiar with the work of Ergon, the company's raison d'etre is – the name's a bit of a giveaway here - to produce ergonomically designed bike components and accessories. Most famous for their handlebar grips, the PC2 is Ergon's first foray into the murky world of pedal production.

Ah, Shimano PD-M520. You've got a bit of a clunky name and you're nothing special to look at, but is there a better all-round budget pedal than you out there? I think not.