Before SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) pedals were released in 1990, you had nothing else but flat pedals, either with or without cages, to turn your cranks.
The advantages of improved energy transference from your legs to your bike all but decimated the use of flat pedals in the professional circuit. But new and improved flat pedals offer many of the benefits of SPD pedals and doing away with some of the disadvantages.
We’ve researched some of the best flat pedals out there and came up with articles on the lightest pedals, gravel bike pedals, budget pedals, flat pedals for large feet, and XC flat pedals, among others.