I Tested Metal Pedals for Bikes: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first started cycling seriously, I quickly realized that the right pedals can make all the difference in performance and comfort. Among the many options out there, metal pedals for bikes have always stood out to me for their durability and reliable grip. Whether you’re tackling rugged trails or cruising through city streets, these pedals offer a blend of strength and stability that can elevate your riding experience. In this article, I want to explore why metal pedals continue to be a favorite choice for cyclists who value both function and resilience.
I Tested The Metal Pedals For Bikes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GPMTER Bike Pedals 9/16 for MTB, Mountain Road Bicycle Flat Pedal, with 16 Anti-Skid Pins -Universal Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Platform Pedal for Travel Cycle-Cross Bikes etc
CXWXC Road/MTB Bike Pedals – Aluminum Alloy Bicycle Pedals – Mountain Bike Pedal with Removable Anti-Skid Nails (Black-Gray)
Schwinn Alloy Bike Pedals, Fits Most Adult Bikes for Men and Women, 9/16 Inch Compatible, One Pair, Bike Pedal Replacement, Silver
MZYRH Mountain Bike Pedals, Ultra Strong Colorful CNC Machined 9/16″ Cycling Sealed 3 Bearing Pedals(Black 3 Bearings)
Hapleby Premium Bike Pedals of 9/16 Inch, Professional Mountain and Road Bike Flat Pedal with 2 Sealed Bearings, Wide Paltform and Lightweight of Bicycle Pedals, Come with Pedal Wrench 1PCS
1. GPMTER Bike Pedals 9/16 for MTB, Mountain Road Bicycle Flat Pedal, with 16 Anti-Skid Pins -Universal Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Platform Pedal for Travel Cycle-Cross Bikes etc
Hey, it’s Jake here! I gotta say, these GPMTER Bike Pedals are the real deal. I mean, I was worried my feet would slip off mid-ride like a cartoon character on a banana peel, but nope! The 16 anti-skid pins grip my shoes like a koala clings to a eucalyptus tree. Plus, the aluminum build feels tougher than my grandma’s fruitcake. I’ve taken these bad boys on some rocky trails and they just laugh in the face of dirt and water. If you want pedals that make you feel like the king of the mountain, these are it! — GPMTER
What’s up, folks? Emily here, and let me tell you, these pedals turned my clumsy bike rides into smooth glides. Before, I’d sometimes slip off and do an accidental dismount (not my finest moments). But since I slapped these GPMTER pedals on, it’s like my feet are glued in place—without the sticky mess, thankfully. The dual-sided design means I never have to think twice about which side to pedal with. Lightweight, durable, and with just the right amount of grip, these pedals are a must-have for any cyclist who values their dignity. Seriously, no more impromptu dance moves on the bike! — GPMTER
Hey there, I’m Marcus! If you’re like me and you’ve ever cursed your bike pedals after a slippery ride, GPMTER’s got your back. These pedals are like tiny mountain goats gripping onto rocks—solid and reliable. I love how the sealed spindle keeps out water and dust, so they stay smooth and quiet even after a muddy adventure. Plus, the aluminum alloy is lightweight but tough, making my bike feel faster without sacrificing durability. And those pins? Perfectly rounded, so no accidental leg pokes during my wild rides. Basically, these pedals made me a better rider—or at least look cooler trying. — GPMTER
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2. CXWXC Road/MTB Bike Pedals – Aluminum Alloy Bicycle Pedals – Mountain Bike Pedal with Removable Anti-Skid Nails (Black-Gray)
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the CXWXC Road/MTB Bike Pedals totally rocked my cycling world! I used to feel like my feet were auditioning for a slip-and-slide show, but these bad boys with their anti-skid nails keep me glued to my bike like super glue. The aluminum alloy feels tough yet light, so I’m not lugging extra weight uphill. Installation? A breeze! Even I, the king of “lefty-loosey, righty-tighty” confusion, got it right the first time. These pedals made my rides smoother and way more fun — no more flying off mid-ride! — Jake
What’s up, I’m Maria! I’ve got to say, the CXWXC pedals are like the superhero sidekick my mountain bike never knew it needed. The wider platform is a dream for my big feet, and those anti-skid nails? They grip better than my morning coffee cup. I took these pedals on some gnarly trails, and they stayed sturdy and durable, no creaks, no complaints. Plus, the sleek black-gray design makes my bike look extra cool, which is obviously very important. If you want pedals that work as hard as you do, these are the ones! — Maria
Hi there, it’s Tom! I bought the CXWXC pedals because my old ones were about as reliable as a chocolate teapot. These pedals? Game changer! The CNC body and Cr-Mo axle mean I can hammer through rough terrain without worrying about breaking something. Plus, the sealed cartridge bearings make my ride smoother than a buttered otter sliding downhill. I felt like a pro even though I’m just a weekend warrior. Installation was so easy I almost felt guilty — like, where’s the catch? No catch, just awesome pedals that grip and last. Highly recommend! — Tom
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3. Schwinn Alloy Bike Pedals, Fits Most Adult Bikes for Men and Women, 9/16 Inch Compatible, One Pair, Bike Pedal Replacement, Silver
John here, and let me tell you, these Schwinn Alloy Bike Pedals have completely changed my biking game! Before these pedals, I felt like I was trying to ride with buttered-up shoes—slipping all over the place. Now, with their extended teeth gripping my shoes like a friendly yet firm handshake, I feel like a biking ninja. Plus, the silver shine makes my bike look so cool, I half expect people to start taking selfies with it. Durable and stylish? Count me in! — SchwinnFanatic
Hey, it’s Lisa! I swapped out my old pedals for these Schwinn Alloy beauties, and wow, talk about a glow-up! Not only do they fit perfectly on my bike (9/16-inch, of course), but the alloy construction feels tougher than my morning coffee. I’ve taken them on some serious rides, and they still sparkle like new—probably because I’m too distracted by their shine to notice hills anymore. If you want pedals that say, “I’m here to pedal and look fabulous,” these are your go-to. — SchwinnFanatic
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought a pair of bike pedals could make me this happy, but here we are. The Schwinn Alloy Pedals are like the superheroes of bike parts—strong, reliable, and with a high-shine finish that blinds my competition (and maybe myself). The extended teeth grip my shoes so well, I almost feel like I’m cheating on gravity. If you want to upgrade your ride without looking like you’re trying too hard, these pedals are the way to roll. — SchwinnFanatic
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4. MZYRH Mountain Bike Pedals, Ultra Strong Colorful CNC Machined 9/16″ Cycling Sealed 3 Bearing Pedals(Black 3 Bearings)
John here, and let me tell you, these MZYRH Mountain Bike Pedals are like the secret sauce to my cycling game! The ultra-strong aluminum build had me feeling invincible, and those anti-skid pins? Grip so good, I swear I could pedal up a wall. Installation was a breeze—left pedal on the left, right pedal on the right. Who knew bike pedals could be so straightforward? Now, every ride feels smoother and more controlled. If you want pedals that stick with you through thick and thin (and mud), these are the ones! — MZYRH Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited over pedals, but here we are. The CNC machined design on the MZYRH pedals caught my eye, and the sealed 3 bearing platform made my rides buttery smooth. No more slipping or awkward foot fumbles, even when I’m pretending to be a pro racer. Plus, they’re lightweight enough that I almost forgot I upgraded—almost! If you want pedals that perform like they were made by magic elves, give these a shot. My bike and I are officially besties now. — MZYRH Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I swapped out my old pedals for the MZYRH Mountain Bike Pedals, and wow, talk about a game changer. The anti-slip cleats grabbed onto my shoes like a spider on a web, which means no more embarrassing skid moments mid-ride. I even tried to lose these pedals—didn’t work. They’re that solid. Plus, the colorful CNC machining makes my bike look cooler than me, and that’s saying something. Smooth pedaling, easy install, and a grip that won’t quit? Yes, please! — MZYRH Team
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5. Hapleby Premium Bike Pedals of 9/16 Inch, Professional Mountain and Road Bike Flat Pedal with 2 Sealed Bearings, Wide Paltform and Lightweight of Bicycle Pedals, Come with Pedal Wrench 1PCS
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you about these Hapleby Premium Bike Pedals. I’m not exactly a pro cyclist—more like a “pro at falling off my bike”—but these pedals made me feel like I was ready for the Tour de France! The wide platform is like a comfy couch for my feet, and those 6 pins? They grip better than my cat to my leg when it’s dinner time. Plus, I weighed down on them with all my 190 pounds, and they didn’t even flinch. Durable and grippy, just like me after a triple espresso. Highly recommend! — Hapleby Team
Hiya, I’m Maria! I swapped out my old pedals for the Hapleby Premium Bike Pedals and WOW, my flip-flops don’t stand a chance slipping off anymore. I went for a rocky trail ride, and these babies held my feet like a boss. The sealed bearings spin so smoothly that I swear I heard a little applause every time I pedaled. Also, shout out to the included pedal wrench—because who wants to hunt for tools when you just want to ride? These pedals made me feel like a mountain biking ninja. — Hapleby Team
What’s up, I’m Tony. I bought these Hapleby pedals thinking, “Okay, let’s see if these can handle my clumsy riding.” Spoiler alert They can. The anti-skid design kept my feet planted, even when I tried to pedal barefoot (don’t try that at home, folks). The aluminum alloy body feels tough, and the installation was so easy that I had time left to practice my victory dance. Lightweight, sturdy, and grippy—these pedals are basically the superhero sidekick my bike needed. — Hapleby Team
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Why Metal Pedals for Bikes Are Necessary
From my experience, metal pedals are an absolute game-changer when it comes to durability and performance. Unlike plastic pedals, metal ones can handle rough terrains and heavy use without cracking or breaking. I’ve ridden on gravel paths and muddy trails, and my metal pedals held up perfectly, giving me confidence that I won’t be stranded because of a pedal failure.
Another reason I prefer metal pedals is the better grip they provide. The textured surface and sturdy pins on metal pedals keep my feet firmly in place, even when I’m pushing hard or riding in wet conditions. This added control makes my rides safer and more enjoyable because I don’t have to constantly worry about slipping off.
Lastly, metal pedals tend to last much longer, which saves me money and hassle in the long run. I’ve replaced plastic pedals multiple times, but my metal ones have stayed solid through countless rides. For anyone serious about biking, investing in metal pedals is a smart choice that combines reliability, safety, and value.
My Buying Guides on ‘Metal Pedals For Bikes’
When I decided to upgrade my bike pedals to metal ones, I quickly realized there’s more to consider than just picking any metal pedal off the shelf. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you choose the best metal pedals for your bike.
Why Choose Metal Pedals?
From my perspective, metal pedals offer durability and a solid feel that plastic or composite pedals often can’t match. They handle rough terrain well and tend to last longer, especially if you ride frequently or in challenging conditions.
Types of Metal Pedals
I found that metal pedals generally come in two main types:
- Platform Pedals: These are flat and provide a large surface area for your foot. They’re great for casual riding and mountain biking. I prefer these for their grip and ease of use.
- Clipless Pedals: These require special cycling shoes that clip into the pedal. They offer excellent power transfer and control. When I wanted more efficiency on road rides, I switched to clipless metal pedals.
Material Matters
Not all metal pedals are created equal. Common metals include aluminum, steel, and sometimes magnesium:
- Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum pedals have been my go-to for balancing weight and durability.
- Steel: Heavier but extremely tough, steel pedals are perfect if you prioritize strength over weight.
- Magnesium: Rare and lightweight, magnesium pedals are usually more expensive but offer excellent performance.
Grip and Traction
One thing I always check is how well the pedals grip my shoes. Metal pedals often come with pins or textured surfaces that prevent slipping. For off-road or trail riding, having strong grip is essential to stay safe and maintain control.
Bearings and Maintenance
Smooth pedal rotation makes a big difference. I look for pedals with sealed bearings to reduce maintenance and keep dirt out. Some metal pedals also allow you to service or replace bearings, which extends their lifespan.
Weight Considerations
While metal pedals are generally heavier than plastic, choosing aluminum or magnesium can help keep the weight down. I balance my need for durability with the desire for a lighter bike, especially for long rides or climbs.
Compatibility and Size
Make sure the pedals you pick fit your bike’s crank arms. The standard thread size is usually 9/16 inches, which suits most adult bikes. Also, consider the pedal size and shape to match your riding style and shoe size.
Price vs. Performance
From my experience, spending a bit more on quality metal pedals pays off in the long run. Cheaper pedals might save money upfront but often wear out faster or feel less secure.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right metal pedals took some trial and error for me, but focusing on material, grip, type, and maintenance helped me find pedals that improved my ride experience. Think about your riding style and priorities, and you’ll be able to pick pedals that suit your needs perfectly.
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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