When you’re facing a long day in the saddle, whether on a paved tour or a remote bikepacking route, your connection to the bike is paramount. The right pedals can make the difference between a comfortable, efficient journey and a frustrating battle with foot fatigue and instability. This crucial component affects your power transfer, comfort during long climbs, and your ability to handle technical terrain or simply hop off to explore a town.
Choosing pedals for touring involves balancing efficiency with practicality. Do you prefer the locked-in power of a clipless system, the freedom of flat pedals, or the versatility of a hybrid design? The ideal choice depends on your riding style, the terrain you’ll encounter, and whether you value the ability to walk comfortably in your cycling shoes. Our roundup covers the top options to help you find the perfect platform for your next long-distance adventure.
Our Top Picks for Touring and Bikepacking Pedals
- SHIMANO Clipless Pedals SPD Pedal E-PDM324
- Shimano PD-M520L MTB Sport Pedals with Cleats
- Crankbrothers MTB Pedals Double Shot 3 Red
- SHIMANO PD-EH500 Urban Riding & Cycle Touring Pedal
- Race Face Chester Pedals, Black, One Size
- Crankbrothers Stamp 1 Gen 2 Composite MTB Pedal
- MKS Sylvan Touring Pedal
- Bear Trap Pedals by SE Bikes
- MKS Lambda Pedals
- MKS Allways Touring Bike Pedal with Toe Clip
SHIMANO Clipless Pedals SPD Pedal E-PDM324
For riders who value ultimate versatility, the SHIMANO PD-M324 is a classic choice. Its combination design features a reliable SPD clipless mechanism on one side and a standard platform on the other. This allows you to clip in for efficient, long-distance riding on open roads and then easily use the flat side with casual shoes for quick errands or walking around camp without needing to change footwear.
Built with an alloy steel body, these pedals are known for their durability and dependable performance in various conditions. The SPD side offers a secure connection and adjustable release tension, while the platform side provides a stable surface for any shoe. This dual functionality makes it an excellent option for tourers who blend serious cycling with everyday usability.
Shimano PD-M520L MTB Sport Pedals with Cleats
The Shimano PD-M520L is a benchmark for reliable, no-fuss clipless performance. These double-sided SPD pedals are a favorite among touring cyclists for their consistent engagement and robust construction. The double-sided design means you never have to look down or flip the pedal to get clipped in, a significant advantage when starting on a steep incline or in busy traffic.
Included with the pedals are the necessary SH56 multi-release cleats, offering a bit more flexibility for quick exits. The sealed cartridge bearings help keep out dust and moisture, ensuring smooth operation mile after mile. For riders committed to a clipless system who want a simple, effective, and time-tested pedal, the PD-M520L is a solid investment.
Crankbrothers MTB Pedals Double Shot 3 Red
The Crankbrothers Double Shot 3 offers a sophisticated hybrid design, splitting the pedal into a dedicated clipless side and a pinned flat side. This A380 aluminum body pedal is lightweight yet durable, providing a clear and distinct platform for each riding mode. The clipless side uses the brand’s unique eggbeater mechanism for easy entry and exit, with customizable float and release angles.
On the flat side, eight adjustable traction pins and a textured finish provide excellent grip for when you are not clipped in. The wide 57mm q-factor enhances stability, which is beneficial when carrying heavy loads. This pedal is for the rider who wants a performance-oriented hybrid, not just a basic combination pedal.
SHIMANO PD-EH500 Urban Riding & Cycle Touring Double Sided Bike Pedal
Shimano’s PD-EH500 is a modern take on the hybrid pedal, designed specifically for urban and touring use. It features a large, functional flat platform on one side with a replaceable grip pin to enhance traction in wet conditions. The other side houses a low-profile SPD mechanism, making transitions between clipped-in efficiency and casual flat-pedal riding seamless.
A key feature is the “light action” binding, which requires less force to engage and disengage, reducing effort during frequent stops. The broad flat side offers a more secure and comfortable platform than many other combination pedals, making it a top contender for mixed-terrain tours that include town stops.
Race Face Chester Pedals, Black, One Size
For bikepackers who prefer the confidence and freedom of flat pedals, the Race Face Chester is a top-tier choice. These pedals are renowned for their exceptional grip, thanks to a concave profile and ten replaceable steel pins per side that dig firmly into your shoe’s sole. This provides outstanding control on rough, technical terrain where you may need to quickly put a foot down.
Weighing just 340 grams per pair, they are remarkably lightweight for a platform pedal. The durable composite body is tough enough for downhill and trail riding, ensuring it can handle the rigors of any bikepacking route. Available in multiple colors, they also add a splash of style to your bike setup.
Crankbrothers Stamp 1 Gen 2 Composite MTB Bike Pedal
The Crankbrothers Stamp 1 Gen 2 represents a significant upgrade in the composite flat pedal category. Its re-designed concave profile is engineered to cradle your foot, improving stability and grip over long, bumpy days. With ten robust, replaceable pins per side, these pedals offer maximum traction, reducing the risk of your feet slipping off when you need control the most.
The internal bushing and spindle design is borrowed from their high-end models, promising long-term reliability. Its versatile design is well-suited for everything from mountain biking to gravel and commuting, making it a fantastic do-it-all flat pedal for the adventurous rider who values a secure footing above all else.
MKS Sylvan Touring Pedal
The MKS Sylvan Touring Pedal is a classic choice for riders who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and reliability. Featuring a polished alloy body and cage, these pedals offer a wide, supportive platform that is comfortable for long days. Their timeless design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, fitting perfectly on a classic touring bike.
Weighing 391 grams per pair, they are reasonably light and are known for their smooth-rolling bearings and overall durability. For the cyclist who enjoys a more relaxed pace and values a high-quality, serviceable component that will last for decades, the Sylvan is an excellent option.
Bear Trap Pedals by SE Bikes
SE Bikes’ Bear Trap Pedals bring a dose of retro BMX style and proven functionality to the table. The classic bear trap design, with its prominent teeth, provides superior foot grip, ensuring your feet stay planted on the pedals. This makes them a fun and effective option for casual touring or bikepacking on a budget.
They feature a standard 9/16″ axle spindle, making them compatible with most adult cranks. While they may not have the modern sealed bearings of higher-end pedals, their simple and robust construction is easy to service and built to withstand abuse. They are a solid, no-nonsense flat pedal.
MKS Lambda Pedals
The MKS Lambda Pedals are a premium platform pedal designed for performance and longevity. The high-polished light alloy body is both lightweight and strong, while the anodized finish on the sure-grip cage adds durability and style. The chromoly spindle is a mark of quality, providing a strong and reliable core.
These pedals offer a large, supportive surface that is comfortable for all-day riding with sturdy shoes. The attention to detail and high-quality materials make the Lambda a favorite among riders who want a flat pedal that performs well and looks great on a high-end touring or city bike.
MKS Allways Touring Bike Pedal with Toe Clip
For a truly traditional touring setup, the MKS Allways Pedal with a toe clip is a fantastic solution. This system provides the efficiency benefits of a fixed foot position without requiring special cycling shoes. The toe clip and strap securely hold your foot, allowing you to pull up on the pedals during the pedal stroke for improved power and control.
This classic design is favored by many world tourists for its simplicity, reliability, and the ability to use almost any sturdy shoe. It offers a middle ground between modern clipless systems and standard flat pedals, giving you enhanced efficiency while maintaining walkability.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Bike Pedals for Bike Touring & Bikepacking
Choosing the right pedals for a long-distance tour or a multi-day bikepacking trip isn’t just about performance; it’s about comfort, reliability, and how you interact with your bike for hours on end. I’ve spent countless days in the saddle on remote roads and rough trails, and the pedals under my feet make a huge difference. Here’s what I consider when picking a set for an adventure.
First, you need to decide on the big question: flat pedals or clipless? This is the most personal choice. Flat pedals, like those from Race Face or Crankbrothers, give you ultimate freedom. You can wear any shoe, from sturdy sandals to hiking boots, which is fantastic for trips where you’ll be doing a lot of walking around camp or exploring towns. Modern flats offer incredible grip with metal pins, so your feet feel secure even on bumpy descents. On the other hand, clipless pedals, which you “click” into, create a more efficient connection to the bike. This allows you to transfer power throughout the entire pedal stroke, not just on the downstroke. On a long, grinding climb or a day with a massive headwind, that efficiency can really save your legs. Many touring-specific clipless pedals are double-sided, making it easier to clip in, which is a blessing when you’re tired.
For clipless users, the cleat system is key. The two main players are SPD (Shimano) and SPD-SL (also Shimano, but a larger, road-focused cleat). For touring and bikepacking, I almost always lean towards SPD. The cleats are small, recessed into the sole of the shoe, making walking far more manageable. SPD-SL cleats are large, plastic, and protrude from the shoe, turning a simple walk to a café into a comical, slippery ordeal.
Next, think about the pedal body and its features. A wide, stable platform is comfortable for both flats and clipless, as it supports your foot better. For clipless, look for a model with a decent platform around the cleat mechanism. For flats, the concave shape and adjustable pins are what give you that locked-in feel. Bearings are another critical factor. Sealed cartridge bearings are the gold standard for touring because they keep dirt and water out, requiring minimal maintenance over thousands of miles. Loose ball bearings can be serviced on the road, but they often need more frequent attention.
Finally, consider the little things. Weight might not be your top priority, but saving grams on a long, loaded climb is never a bad thing. Also, look at the overall durability and how easy the pedals are to service with basic tools. When you’re days from a bike shop, a simple design that you can take apart with a hex key is worth its weight in gold. Choosing from the 10 best bike pedals for bike touring & bikepacking [2025] for long days means balancing these factors to find the perfect match for your riding style and adventure goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are flat pedals or clipless pedals better for a long bike tour?
There’s no single “better” option; it comes down to personal preference and the nature of your trip. I recommend clipless pedals (specifically two-sided MTB pedals with SPD cleats) if you prioritize pedaling efficiency and a secure connection to the bike, especially on long climbs. However, flat pedals are fantastic for their versatility and the freedom to wear comfortable walking shoes. If your tour involves a lot of hike-a-bike sections, exploring cities on foot, or you simply don’t like being attached to your bike, a high-quality flat pedal is an excellent choice.
What is the advantage of a double-sided clipless pedal for touring?
The main advantage is ease of use. When you’re tired after six hours in the saddle, the last thing you want to do is fumble around trying to find the right side of the pedal to clip into. Double-sided pedals are much more forgiving. You can just stomp down and you’ll usually engage, which is a huge benefit in stop-and-go traffic or when navigating tricky terrain where you might need to put a foot down quickly.
How important is bearing sealing for bikepacking?
It’s extremely important. Bikepacking often takes you through wet conditions, river crossings, and dusty, gritty trails. Sealed cartridge bearings are designed to keep that contamination out. A pedal with poor seals will quickly develop a grinding feeling or become stiff, which can ruin your ride and is difficult to fix in the field. Investing in pedals known for their robust sealing is a form of insurance for your trip.
Can I use my road bike pedals for a bike touring trip?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it for most tours. Traditional road pedals like SPD-SL or Look Keo have large, protruding cleats that are very difficult to walk in. They are slippery on hard surfaces and can get clogged with mud or dirt. If your tour is purely on smooth pavement with minimal dismounts, they might work. But for any mixed-surface touring or trips where you’ll be off the bike regularly, a mountain bike pedal system like SPD is far more practical.
Do I need special shoes for bike touring pedals?
It depends on the pedal. For flat pedals, you just need a stiff-soled, grippy shoe. Many people use approach shoes or specific flat pedal shoes. For clipless pedals, yes, you need compatible shoes. The great thing about shoes for SPD-style cleats is that many are designed to look like casual sneakers or hiking shoes, with recessed cleats that make walking very comfortable. This makes them ideal for a trip where you’re not on the bike 100% of the time. When looking at the 10 best bike pedals for bike touring & bikepacking [2025] for long days, always consider the shoe you’ll pair with them.
What should I do if my pedals start making noise during a tour?
A sudden creak or click from your pedals is common. First, try lubricating the cleat-to-pedal interface with a dry lubricant. Dirt can get in there and cause noise. If that doesn’t work, check that the pedals are tightened securely onto the crank arms. If the noise seems internal, like a grinding feeling, there’s often little you can do on the road without tools and new bearings. This is why choosing reliable, well-sealed pedals from the start is so crucial for a long, problem-free journey.