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Hope Pedals: F22 Flats and Union Clipless

Updated · DrPedal is independent and not affiliated with Hope Technology

Which to pick

Hope bike pedals come in two families: the machined aluminum F22 flat pedal and the Union clipless range (RC for XC, TC for trail, GC for gravity). Flat-pedal riders should buy the F22; most clipped-in trail riders should buy the Union TC. Union pedals use Hope's own cleat, which bolts to any 2-bolt SPD shoe but will not work in Shimano pedals, and Shimano cleats will not work in Union pedals.

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Hope Technology lineup

Best clipless

Hope Union TC

by Hope

Best for: Trail riders who want clipless with some platform

Trail clipless pedal with a supportive body around the binding. It shares its axle and internals with Hope's flat pedals.

Hope Union RC

by Hope

Best for: XC racing and gravel

The lightest, most compact Union pedal, built for cross-country and gravel riding.

Hope Union GC

by Hope

Best for: Enduro and downhill

The gravity Union with the largest platform, for riders who need support when unclipped.

Hope Union cleats

by Hope

Best for: Replacing or changing float on Union pedals

No. 4 cleat: 4° float, 12° release. No. 5 cleat: 5° float, 13° release and a firmer hold. Both add 2 mm of lateral float.

What Hope is known for

Hope Technology is a UK component maker best known for machined hubs, brakes and headsets. Its pedals follow the same approach: CNC-machined aluminum bodies, replaceable parts and internals you can rebuild at home.

The pedal range is small: one adult flat pedal and three clipless Union models that share a cleat.

Hope pedals explained

F22 flat pedal

The Hope F22 is Hope’s flat pedal. It has 11 pins per side, shorter pins near the axle to deepen the concave, and longer reverse-loading pins at the edges. Hope claims 360 g per pair.

Union clipless: RC, TC and GC

The Union range launched in 2021 as Hope’s first clipless system. All three use the same proprietary cleat and differ in body size:

  1. RC: race and gravel, minimal body.
  2. TC: trail, with a platform around the binding.
  3. GC: gravity, with the biggest platform.

The cleat bolts to any shoe drilled for 2-bolt SPD cleats. Float is set by the cleat you choose (4° or 5°) rather than the pedal.

Which Hope pedal should you buy?

  • Flat pedals for trail or enduro: F22.
  • Clipless for most trail riding: Union TC.
  • XC racing or gravel: Union RC.
  • Enduro and downhill, clipped in: Union GC.

If you already own several bikes with Shimano SPD pedals, think twice before going Union. Your cleats will not swap between the two systems.

Hope pedals vs rivals

The F22 sits with the Burgtec Penthouse MK5, 5DEV and OneUp Aluminum as premium machined flats. Hope’s advantage is parts support and rebuildability.

The Union TC competes with the Shimano XT trail SPD and Crankbrothers Mallet E. Shimano’s cleats are easier to find; Hope’s are designed for easy entry and tunable release. See our clipless pedals with platform guide for more options.

Hope Technology: FAQ

Are Hope Union pedals SPD compatible?

Only at the shoe. Union cleats bolt to the same 2-bolt holes as SPD cleats, but the mechanism is proprietary: Shimano cleats do not work in Union pedals, and Union cleats do not work in Shimano pedals.

Did the Hope F22 replace the F20?

Yes. The F22 replaced the F20 in 2023 with a larger, more concave platform and longer pins (22 per pedal instead of 20), while keeping the same serviceable internals.

Which Hope Union cleat should I use?

Start with the No. 4 (4° float, 12° release) for an easier exit. Move to the No. 5 (5° float, 13° release) if you want more freedom to move and a firmer hold.

What thread do Hope pedals use?

Standard 9/16" pedal thread, with the usual reverse-threaded left pedal. See which pedal is reverse threaded.

Hope Technology spec pages

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