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Best Dual-Sided Platform and Clipless Pedals for Adult Tricycles
Flat on one side, clip-in on the other, so you can wear sneakers today and cycling shoes tomorrow.
Updated · 3 min read · 4 products evaluated
A dual-sided pedal gives you a flat platform on one face and a clip-in mechanism on the other. For a tricycle rider, that means ordinary shoes for a trip to the shops and cycling shoes with cleats when you want a fixed foot position on a longer ride.
Three of the picks below are true dual-sided pedals. The other two are adapters that turn existing clipless pedals into flat ones. Before buying, confirm your crank thread (9/16 inch on most adult bikes, 1/2 inch on some one-piece cranks), and remember that clip-in pedals need matching cleats and some practice.
Short answer
SHIMANO PD-EH500 is the best overall pick because it has a flat face and an SPD clip-in face, with adjustable cleat tension for easier release. ROCKBROS is the best value dual pedal with a wide nylon body, BUCKLOS adds spikes and a bigger platform, and REDSHIFT is an adapter for SPD pedals you already own.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
SHIMANO PD-EH500 SPD and Flat Pedals
Riders trying clip-in for the first time
Best Value Dual Pedal
ROCKBROS SPD Dual Function Pedals
Budget-minded combo pedals
Best for Big Feet
BUCKLOS Clip Flat Combo Pedals
Larger shoes needing a wide platform
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 4
SHIMANO PD-EH500 SPD and Flat Pedals
SPD clip-in on one side, grippy flat on the other, tension adjustable.
Best for
Riders trying clip-in for the first time
Why we like it
The PD-EH500 is a dual-sided pedal with an SPD two-hole clip-in on one face and a grippy flat surface on the other. It works with SPD compatible shoes and flat-soled shoes, and the cleat tension is adjustable, so you can start with a light release setting. Shimano describes it for indoor cycling and urban riding.
Compared with ROCKBROS and BUCKLOS, it sits in the established SPD system, so cleats and shoes are easy to find. It is more expensive and smaller than the wide nylon options, and the platform side is less generous than a dedicated flat. It suits riders who want to practice clip-in without giving up sneakers.
Key specs
| Fit and mounting | SPD / 2-hole cleat compatible, flat opposite side |
|---|---|
| Features | Adjustable cleat tension, dual-sided design |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Established SPD cleat system
- Flat side for sneakers
- Adjustable cleat tension
- Lightweight design
Limitations
- Smaller platform than flats
- Cleats and shoes sold separately
Consider it if
- First-time clip-in riders
- Switching between shoes
Skip it if
- Riders with weak ankle movement
Best Value Dual Pedal2 of 4
ROCKBROS SPD Dual Function Pedals
Wide nylon body with eight screw grips and sealed bearings.
Best for
Budget-minded combo pedals
Why we like it
ROCKBROS makes a dual-function pedal with an SPD style clip-in side and a wide flat side that has eight non-slip screws. Sealed bearings guard against dust and water, and cleat gaskets are included. The body is nylon, which the maker warns cannot withstand severe impacts.
Against Shimano, it costs less and the platform is larger, but nylon is a softer material. It is a reasonable first dual pedal for light use, though riders who expect a lot of curb strikes should look at BUCKLOS or the Shimano. Always check the tension screw setting before riding.
Key specs
| Fit and mounting | SPD style clip-in side, flat side with 8 screws |
|---|---|
| Features | Nylon body, sealed bearings, gaskets included |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Wide platform side
- Sealed bearings
- Eight non-slip screws
- Cleat gaskets included
Limitations
- Nylon body can crack on impact
- Tension screw needs careful setting
Consider it if
- Casual rides with mixed shoes
- Trying a combo pedal cheaply
Skip it if
- Riders who hit curbs often
Best for Big Feet3 of 4
BUCKLOS Clip Flat Combo Pedals
CNC aluminum body measuring 98 by 88 mm with ten anti-skid spikes.
Best for
Larger shoes needing a wide platform
Why we like it
BUCKLOS builds this combo pedal from CNC alloy aluminum with a 98 by 88 mm body, ten anti-skid spikes and a sealed bearing. It works with SPD style cleats, and the clip tension can be changed with a hex wrench. Bike clips can be added, but they are not included in the package.
Compared with ROCKBROS, it is metal rather than nylon, and the spikes give a firmer hold on flat shoes. The cost is added grip that can scrape a shin if your foot slips. It suits riders with larger shoes who want a solid base on the flat side, but check the cleat tension before riding.
Key specs
| Size | 98 x 88 mm body (3.86 x 3.46 in) |
|---|---|
| Features | CNC aluminum, 10 spikes, adjustable clip tension |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Aluminum body
- Ten anti-skid spikes
- Adjustable clip tension
- Sealed bearing
Limitations
- Spikes can scrape shins
- Cleats not included
Consider it if
- Larger shoe sizes
- Firm flat grip
Skip it if
- Riders in shorts who dislike spikes
Best Adapter4 of 4
REDSHIFT Mousetrap Pedal Adapters
Thin 10 mm adapter that turns SPD pedals into flat platforms.
Best for
Riders who already own SPD pedals
Why we like it
REDSHIFT Mousetrap adapters snap onto SPD compatible pedals without tools, creating a 10 mm thick platform that measures 80 by 105 mm. They run on either side of a dual-sided SPD pedal and need no extra cleats. The maker says they cannot be released by twisting the foot.
These are adapters, not pedals, so you need SPD pedals first. The platform is smaller than a dedicated flat pedal, so riders with wide shoes should consider BUCKLOS instead.
Key specs
| Size | 80 x 105 mm platform, 10 mm thick |
|---|---|
| Fit and mounting | Fits SPD compatible pedals, tool-free |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Tool-free installation
- Thin 10 mm profile
- No extra cleats needed
- Works on either pedal side
Limitations
- Needs SPD pedals already fitted
- Smaller platform than flats
Consider it if
- Owners of SPD pedals
- Occasional sneaker rides
Skip it if
- Riders with no clipless pedals
Spec Comparison
Key figures side by side. A dash means the brand gives no figure, so ask before you buy if it matters to you.
| Model | Size | Fit | Features | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHIMANO PD-EH500 SPD and Flat Pedals Best Overall | — | SPD / 2-hole cleat compatible, flat opposite side | Adjustable cleat tension, dual-sided design | Check price |
| ROCKBROS SPD Dual Function Pedals Best Value Dual Pedal | — | SPD style clip-in side, flat side with 8 screws | Nylon body, sealed bearings, gaskets included | Check price |
| BUCKLOS Clip Flat Combo Pedals Best for Big Feet | 98 x 88 mm body (3.86 x 3.46 in) | — | CNC aluminum, 10 spikes, adjustable clip tension | Check price |
| REDSHIFT Mousetrap Pedal Adapters Best Adapter | 80 x 105 mm platform, 10 mm thick | Fits SPD compatible pedals, tool-free | — | Check price |
How We Chose These Dual-Sided Platform and Clipless Pedals
- Cleat system
- Clip-in pedals only work with matching cleats and shoes. We compared whether each pick uses SPD two-hole cleats or a road system, since that decides which shoes you can buy.
- Platform side size
- The flat face decides whether ordinary shoes feel secure. We compared platform dimensions and grip pins, because a narrow flat side wobbles under wide sneakers on an upright trike.
- Release tension
- Older riders need an easy foot release at stops. We checked which picks adjust tension, as a stiff setting is a hazard when you have to put a foot down quickly.
- Pedals versus adapters
- Adapters only help if you already own the right clipless pedals. We separated true dual pedals from adapters, so nobody buys a plate with no pedal to fit it.
What to Look for in a Dual-Sided Platform and Clipless Pedal
Crank thread size
Pedal threads come in two common sizes, 9/16 inch on most adult bikes and 1/2 inch on some one-piece cranks. A wrong thread will not seat, and forcing it destroys the crank.
Check the stamp on the old pedal or the crank arm, and confirm the thread in the product title. If it says 9/16 inch and you have a one-piece crank, stop and measure.
Cleat compatibility
SPD pedals use a small two-bolt cleat, while SPD-SL road systems use a larger three-bolt cleat. They are not interchangeable, and walking in road cleats is awkward.
Pick SPD for a trike, because shoes with recessed cleats are easier to walk in. Check the title for SPD or two-hole wording, and buy cleats at the same time.
Release tension and practice
A clip-in pedal holds the foot until you twist it out, and the tension screw sets how hard that twist is. A trike does not tip, but a stiff release at a stop can still lead to a stumble.
Set the tension lightest, practice unclipping on a quiet path, and avoid clip-in if you have limited ankle mobility. Older riders should practice with a helper present.
Platform width and grip
The flat side must support the whole ball of the foot. A narrow platform lets the shoe rock, while a spiked platform grips firmly but can scrape a shin.
Compare body dimensions in the title, such as 98 by 88 mm, and match them to your shoe size. If you wear shorts, favor smoother or smaller pins.
How to Choose
By Experience With Clip-In
| Situation | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First time trying clip-in | SHIMANO PD-EH500 | Adjustable tension and flat face for quick fallback |
| Casual mixed-shoe use on a budget | ROCKBROS SPD Dual Function Pedals | Wide flat side with eight screws, sealed bearings |
| Experienced and want a solid body | BUCKLOS Clip Flat Combo Pedals | CNC aluminum with adjustable clip tension |
| Already own SPD pedals | REDSHIFT Mousetrap Pedal Adapters | Tool-free flat conversion, no extra cleats |
True Dual Pedal vs Adapter
- True dual pedal
- A dual pedal has the clip-in and flat faces built in, so nothing can come loose. SHIMANO PD-EH500, ROCKBROS and BUCKLOS are all complete pedals that mount on the crank directly.
- Adapter
- An adapter converts a clipless pedal you already own into a flat one. REDSHIFT Mousetrap fits SPD pedals only, so match the system before ordering.
Most trike riders should buy a true dual pedal, unless they already own clipless pedals.
For Older Riders Easing Into Clip-In Specifically
- Look for
- Adjustable release tension, a flat face for ordinary shoes, and an SPD two-hole system with recessed cleats. Set the lightest tension and practice unclipping before any real ride.
- In this comparison
- SHIMANO PD-EH500 has adjustable tension and a flat face, and BUCKLOS offers adjustable clamps. Start with the flat side, then switch to clip-in once releasing feels automatic.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- You plan to clip in regularly, because SHIMANO PD-EH500 uses the common SPD system with widely available cleats. BUCKLOS also repays the extra cost over adapters if you want a metal body.
- Save if
- You ride mostly in sneakers and clip in rarely. ROCKBROS gives a wide flat side and clip-in option, and an adapter such as REDSHIFT Mousetrap helps only if SPD pedals are already fitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special shoes for clip-in pedals?
Yes. SPD pedals need shoes with two threaded holes in the sole for the cleat, and recessed cleats make them easier to walk in. Flat-sole shoes work on the platform side of a dual pedal without any cleat.
Are clipless pedals safe for older riders?
They can be, if you set the lightest release tension and practice on a quiet path. A trike does not tip, but you still need to put a foot down at stops. Skip clip-in if you have limited ankle or knee movement.
Will these fit my tricycle crank?
Most adult bikes use 9/16 inch cranks, but some one-piece cranks use 1/2 inch. Check the thread before ordering, since a pedal with the wrong thread cannot be fitted without damaging the crank. Measure the old pedal if unsure.
What is the difference between SPD and SPD-SL?
SPD uses a small two-bolt cleat that sits recessed in the sole, so walking is easy. SPD-SL uses a larger three-bolt cleat for road bikes, which is awkward off the bike. For a tricycle, SPD is the sensible choice.
Can I switch between flat and clip-in on the same ride?
Yes, with a dual-sided pedal you just rotate the pedal with your foot to find the face you want. This takes practice, so learn it while stopped. Adapters instead stay on one side until you remove them.
Bottom Line
SHIMANO PD-EH500 is the safest starting point for a rider easing into clip-in, since the tension adjusts and the flat side stays available. ROCKBROS and BUCKLOS suit different budgets and shoe sizes, and the adapters help only if you already own matching clipless pedals. Confirm crank thread and cleat type first.
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