Cyclocross, a trending cycling discipline, merges the features of MTB and road bikes, creating a unique hybrid tailored for challenging terrains.
This article delves into the best pedal choices for your cyclocross bike. What pedals would best enhance your cyclocross experience?
Over recent years, the term ‘Cyclocross’ has resonated profoundly in the cycling community. This discipline melds elements of road cycling and MTB, emphasizing races on rugged dirt and mud trails. As the sport leans more towards competitive racing than leisure, cyclocross bikes often command a higher price point compared to many MTBs.
Distinct features set these bikes apart, even though they often resemble road bikes at first glance. Their wider wheels optimize mud traversal, and elevated pedals mitigate risks from obstacles like stones or rocks.
In this article, our primary focus is on pedals.
Whether you’ve recently taken an interest in cyclocross or are already a seasoned cyclist in this discipline, our curated pedal selection promises to be insightful.
But first, let’s discern what makes cyclocross pedals distinct from their counterparts.
How do cyclocross pedals stand out?
While the cyclocross (CX) bike bears many similarities to a road bike, its pedals are a defining difference.
Typically, cyclocross bikes employ pedals akin to those on MTBs. The reason being, the cleat can disengage more swiftly, essential for the fast-paced nature of cyclocross races.
The shoes and cleats designed for MTB are less prone to obstructions from sand, ensuring greater durability and resistance. In the cyclocross realm, there are often sections where riders must dismount and walk or run with their bikes, further emphasizing the need for such pedals.
Similarly, due to the rugged terrains tackled in these races, the bottom bracket—and by extension, the pedals—are positioned higher. This design prevents potential ground contact with the crankset teeth or the pedals themselves, ensuring smoother and more efficient rides.
The best cyclocross pedals
Here’s our curated list of the top 7 cyclocross pedals for the 2023 season. Let’s delve deeper:
1. Shimano SPD M540
Shimano, a globally recognized brand, stands tall in the world of cycling, and the SPD M540 pedals are a testament to their excellence. Built for endurance, these pedals are an excellent pick for both cyclocross and MTB.
Their design facilitates mud flow-through, ensuring swift evacuation, paired with a robust clip nestled between the pedal and the metal cleat.
Ideal for newcomers to the cyclocross scene, they do come with a slight downside – weighing in at approximately 350 grams.
While the SPD M540 sees extensive use in the community, it does have a capped mud expulsion capability. There are alternatives in this list that offer superior mud-clearance during intense rides.
Durability is their strong suit, allowing riders to clock up to 7,000 km before needing any maintenance.
While they might not be the top pick for a pro-CX cyclist, they stand as a prime choice for those venturing into the cyclocross domain for the first time. You can find more information on the amazon.com link below:
2. Xpedo CXR Cyclocross Pedals
The Xpedo CRX pedals are versatile contenders suitable for various disciplines, including gravel, MTB, and cyclocross. Their ease of clipping in is especially advantageous for those terrains where frequent dismounting is required.
Compatible with Shimano’s SPD anchoring system, they can also be paired with their proprietary cleats (XPT).
The CroMoly variant of these pedals impresses with its lightweight design, tipping the scales at just 295 grams. For those seeking alternative materials, a titanium version is also available.
Tuning the pedal’s tension to one’s preference is straightforward, adjustable using an Allen wrench. The double-sided anchor design further simplifies the process of foot placement on the pedal.
Wrapping up, the Xpedo CRX shines in maintenance, boasting commendable self-cleaning properties that efficiently dispel accumulated dirt and mud encountered during rides.
3. Crankbrothers Candy 3
Crankbrothers, a renowned American brand, is synonymous with top-tier cyclocross pedals. Their Candy 3 model offers a unique double-sided design, complemented by a petite platform encircling the anchoring system.
However, this platform can be a double-edged sword in the realm of cyclocross. While it grants additional weight, tipping the scale at 340 grams, it also can trap mud and sand. Its primary allure, though, is the stability it offers — ensuring the rider’s foot remains secure and enhancing overall confidence during rides. For a deeper dive into its features, check out rei.com, where it’s retailing for $135.
4. Crankbrothers Eggbeaters 3
The Eggbeaters 3 pedals hail from the same esteemed brand as the Candy 3. Boasting a stellar design, they distinguish themselves by foregoing the platform surrounding the anchoring system, rendering them among the lightest pedals available at a mere 280 grams.
While their durability is noteworthy, routine cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintain their performance.
Their standout feature is their exemplary mud-shedding ability, a reason why many professional CX cyclists swear by them, further cementing their reliability and esteem in the community.
Tension adjustments are unnecessary, and disengaging them from cycling shoes is a breeze. A unique advantage of the Eggbeaters 3 is their quad-side anchoring capability, facilitating swifter and more versatile clip-ins.
For an in-depth exploration of these platform-less CX pedals, check out the provided link. They’re priced competitively at $150.
5. Race Face Chester
For cyclocross enthusiasts who prefer flat pedals, the Race Face Chester makes its mark.
Priced around $50 and available in a variety of hues, these pedals cater to riders who have a penchant for flat pedal cycling. However, when juxtaposed with other pedals on this list specifically designed for CX, they might not hold the top spot.
To truly harness their potential, coupling them with the right footwear is paramount.
Tipping the scale at 350 grams, they’re relatively light for their category, exuding commendable performance and longevity. Their impressive quality-to-price ratio further elevates their appeal. For a detailed look into the Race Face Chester pedals, please visit the provided link.
6. Speedplay Syzr CroMo
Speedplay is a renowned name in the pedal world, celebrated for its premium quality and innovative designs. Their Syzr CroMo stands testament to this legacy, crafted meticulously using steel for both the cleat and the pedal plates.
Distinct from the conventional SPDs, these pedals boast a non-torsional release mechanism. This design allows for smoother pedaling action; however, it’s essential to note that this might make cleat release a tad challenging in muddy or gritty conditions.
Durability is a highlight with the Syzr CroMo. Manufactured with top-tier materials, these pedals promise resilience even through the most demanding terrains and conditions. An added feature is the unique floater, designed to eliminate any resistance.
This floater is ingeniously integrated into a pivoting platform within the cleat mechanism. With each pedal tipping the scales at a mere 156 grams, it strikes a balance between lightweight construction and robust performance.
For those who value precision, longevity, and a seamless cycling experience, Speedplay’s Syzr CroMo emerges as a top contender.
7. Bontrager Comp MTB
Rounding off our list is the Bontrager Comp MTB, a worthy mention in the world of cyclocross and MTB pedals. Compatible with the popular SPD cleats, these pedals feature a dual-anchor system with an adjustable tension, ensuring optimal performance across terrains.
Crafted with a Cromoly axle and an aluminum body, the Bontrager Comp pedals successfully merge durability with lightweight design, weighing in at an impressive 316 grams. Whether you’re navigating standard trails or trudging through muddy paths, these pedals stand out with their reliable functionality.
They excel in mud expulsion, ensuring smooth clipping and unclipping even when faced with challenging terrains that necessitate frequent foot contact with the ground.
However, it’s worth noting a potential drawback: the tension regulation. Some users may find the shoe doesn’t release as swiftly as preferred under certain settings.
Those interested in the Bontrager Comp MTB pedals can explore more details and make a purchase through the official Trek website, priced at $90. For further insights, follow the provided link:
Guidelines for Choosing the Best Cyclocross Pedals
If cyclocross is your passion or you’re considering diving into this challenging sport, the right pedals can make all the difference. Here are some pointers to help you make an informed choice:
- Mud Evacuation: In cyclocross, you’ll inevitably encounter mud. Your pedals must be adept at clearing out this muck to ensure easy and swift clipping in. If the pedals retain too much dirt and hinder smooth clipping, they aren’t the best choice.
- Weight Consideration: While weight plays a role in pedal choice, it’s not the predominant factor in cyclocross. The weight difference among the top pedals we’ve covered is a mere 70 grams. Thus, it’s more about functionality than shaving off a few grams.
- Maintenance Matters: The longevity of your pedals significantly depends on their upkeep. Shimano pedals, for example, stand out for their low-maintenance nature. On the other hand, Crankbrothers pedals, while efficient, do require more frequent care.
- Anchoring System: The way your pedals anchor can be a crucial factor, especially if you have specific physical considerations. For riders with knee concerns, some pedal systems may exacerbate discomfort. In such cases, Crankbrothers’ anchoring system often emerges as a top recommendation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the right cyclocross pedals enhance your ride and ensure safety. It’s about finding a balance between performance, comfort, and maintenance that aligns with your specific needs.
I am Luis Pedraza, Spanish engineer based in Poland for work right now. I used to take place in BTT races in my region when I was younger and now I enjoy the Sierra de gredos and El pielago on my Orbea MX when I visit my hometown. Addicted to Cycling Manager, I used to write about football and cycling on the Internet.
