Why SPD and flat pedals suit hybrid bikes
Hybrid bikes get used for everything from fitness rides to the school run, so a pedal that works with and without cycling shoes makes sense. Clip in on the SPD side for longer rides; flip the pedal and ride the flat side in sneakers for a quick trip to the shop.
The SPD cleat sits recessed in the shoe sole, so you can walk normally when you get off. That is the main reason hybrid and commuter riders choose SPD over road systems like SPD-SL or Look Keo.
Should you go clipless on a hybrid bike?
Go clipless on a hybrid if you ride regularly for 30 minutes or more, ride in the rain, or want your feet to stay put over bumps and potholes. Stick with flats if most rides are short, stop-start trips in everyday shoes.
Benefits:
- Your foot stays in the same place every stroke, so it cannot slip off in the wet.
- You can push through more of the pedal stroke, which helps on climbs.
- Correct cleat position puts the ball of your foot over the spindle every time.
Drawbacks:
- You need cycling shoes to clip in.
- Stops in traffic take practice: you must unclip before you put a foot down.
A one-side SPD, one-side flat pedal softens both drawbacks. If you want foot retention without special shoes, look at toe clips and straps or magnetic pedals instead.
How to choose clipless pedals for a hybrid bike
Use SPD unless you have a reason not to, then decide how much grip you want on the flat side.
Cleat system: stick with SPD
Shimano SPD is the most widely used 2-bolt system, so shoes and cleats are easy to find. Shimano’s SM-SH56 multi-release cleat (4° float) is the best choice for most hybrid riders. Crankbrothers Double Shot pedals use Crankbrothers cleats instead; they bolt to the same shoes, but the cleats are not interchangeable with Shimano’s. See our cleats guide.
Shoes
You need shoes with a 2-bolt cleat channel. For a hybrid, casual or touring SPD shoes that look like sneakers are usually the best match: the cleat is recessed and the sole has enough flex to walk comfortably. Stiff mountain bike race shoes also work but are less comfortable off the bike.
Grip on the flat side
If you ride the flat side often, or on wet or rough ground, pins help. The Crankbrothers Double Shot has traction pins on the flat side, and so does the older Shimano PD-EH500 (replaceable pins) if you can still find one. If you want a smoother platform for soft-soled shoes, check the listing before you buy.
Finding the right side
Dual-function pedals tend to settle with one face up, so you will sometimes need to flip the pedal with your toe. It becomes automatic after a few rides. If that bothers you, choose a double-sided SPD pedal from our double sided pedals page or a dual sided pedal with a platform.
Thread and fit
Hybrid cranks take 9/16” pedals, the same size as every pedal on this page. Only bikes with one-piece cranks (some kids’ and older cruiser bikes) use 1/2” pedals. Check the crank is a separate arm bolted to the axle and you are fine.
How to fit clipless pedals to a hybrid bike
- Remove the old pedals. The left pedal is reverse threaded, so it loosens clockwise; see which pedal is reverse threaded.
- Grease the new pedal threads. Start each pedal by hand, then tighten with a pedal wrench or hex key. Tools are in pedal tools.
- Fit the cleats with the ball of your foot over or just ahead of the pedal spindle, angled to match your natural foot position.
- Turn the release tension down to its lowest setting.
- Practice clipping in and out while leaning against a wall, then on a quiet path, before you ride in traffic.
The older Shimano PD-A530 uses the same SPD-and-flat layout; if you are replacing a worn pair, the PD-M324 is the closest current Shimano equivalent.