The bike magazine Cycles tested 8 of the best city bike pedals in their issue 3/2018. And guess what? Two of our models, the MOTO Reflex- and the Urban Pedal took 1st and 2nd place!

In 1st place, the editors chose the Reflex Pedal. Large treads, secure footing, good workmanship and value for money were the deciding factors for the achievements of the Motobicycles flat pedals. The Urban Pedal scored particularly high in terms of features, workmanship and function, which lead it to reach 2nd place – with a total of eight pedals in the test. The selection of test products specifically included pedals that are chosen for everyday use.

Both pedals offer the best combination of performance, safety and appearance. Safety is ensured by the large footprint and the grip tapes, which remain no-slip even when wet. That’s why, the Platform Pedals with grip tape are also editor favorites – they’re optimally suited for almost every type of shoe, making them ideal for everyday use.

Last but not least, both Moto pedals stand out for their good looks, making them the perfect accessory for modern urban bikes!
 

PEDAL COMPARISON TEST Cycle- Magazine March_2018

Ideally, a pedal should have sufficient surface area, plenty of grip and a little weight to it. Even better is if the product design fits the bike.
All good things come in threes. This sage wisdom can also be applied to cycling: three contact points determine an ergonomic, safe and secure connection. The hands grip the handlebars and are responsible for steering. The body itself rests on the saddle, turning the entire system into a functioning unit. Last, but certainly not least, the pedals ensure that the connection between man and machine maintains. Only with a secure and safe position on the pedals can you move forward with real power. But which pedal is best suited for this purpose? Important criteria for selection include slip resistance, particularly in wet conditions, low weight, bearing quality and overall durability. To ensure that the pedals also match the respective bike in terms of aesthetics, the design can also play a crucial role. For the comparison, Cycle Magazine took a closer look at eight City- and Trekkingbike brands and  tested them for everyday use in the city. Double-sided clip-in pedals were excluded from the selection shortlist, as these are more reserved for the sporting segment. Instead, Cycle focused more on everyday use, be it on the way to the office or shorter, more relaxed cycling trips after working hours. So pedals are mainly used in the test fields according to criteria markers including grip, surface area, weight and fittings in regard to urban environments. The larger the surface for footprint, the better the grip for the typical flat street shoe. But the devil really is in the details: too much weight has just as just a negative effect on the cyclist as, for example, sharp pins can. They hold the shoe firmly, but can potentially damage the sole.
An important point to focus on is the quality of the bearings. Are they easy to lubricate or to replace? A bearing that is not intact or an axle of poor quality means that bearings run unevenly, limiting cycling pleasure. In addition, a pedal must be roadworthy. This is paramount, even if the style stakes are compromised due to the fact the reflectors many jurisdictions insist upon are far from eye-pleasing. However, they prove their purpose in terms of visibility. Three types of pedals are being tested: the “aluminium cages”, platform pedals with an almost closed surface and grip tapes, along with flat pedals from the mountain biking segment featuring interchangeable pins. In our opinion, the platform pedals with grip tape offered the best combination of performance, cycling safety and aesthetics. The aluminium pedals with cage are certainly practical, light and resistant to dirt. However, they risk minor injury should they graze too close to the body. The same also applies to flat pedals with pins that can cause damage to the soles of shoes.

BASIC PEDALS KNOWLEDGE

Exchangeable Pins
Both flat and clip-in pedals often include interchangeable pins as a standard. These allow for individual customisation of the grip and can be replaced once they’ve worn out. The design of the pins increases the grip. However, they are only conditionally suitable for urban use. This is down to the fact that fine leather soles can suffer from coming into contact with them. In addition, sharp pins can strike the shin and cause discomfort and minor injury.

Bearings and Bushings
There are pedals with ball bearings, while others have bushings where materials with a lower level of frictional resistance slide more easily over one another. Many have a main bearing at the load point, with a supporting series of bushings along the axle. Good pedals can be maintained easily, while some offer a grease fitting for simple lubrication. A good seal is also important. Some models are equipped with sealing rings to prevent contamination from the outside.

The Axle
The axle can be made from different materials. Usually, it’s steel or titanium that’s the norm. Steel is the cheapest option, although it’s considerably heavier than lightweight titanium. However, titanium is an expensive alternative in comparison to steel. However, steel offers the best overall price-performance ratio.

Platform Size
The size of the platform is decisive for all pedal variants, with flat pedals offering a large platform and good level of hold. Too big a platform looks bulky, while pedals with grip tapes offer a good level of grip and, in most cases, look stylish to boot. However, it’s worth noting that grip tape wears thinner over time. Clip-in pedals offer a safe option and a consistent connection.

Shoes
No matter which pedal you opt for, the shoe has to fit. Smooth, and arguably thin, leather soles will never prove a good match for flat pedals with pins, while sneakers and footwear with rubber soles enjoy good grip with grip tapes. When it comes to clip-in pedals, special footwear has to be used as a standard.

For the comparison, Cycle Mag took a closer look at eight City and Trekkingbike brands and  tested them for everyday use in the city.