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Best Flat Bike Pedals with Pins for Adult Tricycle Riders
Pins grip the shoe, but on a trike you still need to lift your foot off easily.
Updated · 3 min read · 4 products evaluated
Pins are small studs that bite into the sole and keep your foot from sliding on a wet or smooth shoe. On a trike you can put a foot down at any moment, so grip must not turn into a trap.
We compared four pinned flat pedals with 9/16 inch threads and different platform sizes. They differ in pin count, bearing type and shoe size range, and we point out where to check the crank thread before ordering.
Short answer
Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Large is our top pick with 10 adjustable pins per side, forged aluminum and a 9/16 inch chromoly spindle for larger shoes. YBLNTEK offers 12 pins and dual DU bearings at a lower cost, ROCKBROS gives a 101 mm wide platform, and AVASTA is a light plastic pedal with reflectors.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Large Flat Pedals
Larger shoes and adjustable grip
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 4
Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Large Flat Pedals
A forged aluminum platform with 10 adjustable pins per side and sealed glide bearings.
Best for
Larger shoes and adjustable grip
Why we like it
Each side has 10 adjustable pins, so you can set the grip higher or lower to match your shoes. The body is forged aluminum with a concave platform, and the spindle is 9/16 inch chromoly. The igus II glide bearings and a double seal system keep the spin smooth.
The Large size is recommended for shoes sizes 10 to 15, which suits bigger feet better than the ROCKBROS, which targets under US 12. It is the most expensive set here, so it suits riders who want adjustable pins and durable build. Check that your crank takes a 9/16 inch thread.
Key specs
| Size | Large, for shoe sizes 10 to 15 |
|---|---|
| Fit and mounting | 9/16 inch chromoly spindle |
| Features | 10 adjustable pins per side, forged aluminum, glide bearings |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- 10 adjustable pins per side
- Forged aluminum body
- Fits shoe sizes 10 to 15
- Double seal system
Limitations
- Most expensive set here
- Large size is too big for small feet
Consider it if
- Riders with larger shoes
- Riders who want adjustable grip
Skip it if
- Riders on a tight budget
Best Value With Pins2 of 4
YBLNTEK 9/16 Aluminum Flat Pedals
An aluminum pedal with 12 anti-slip pins, dual DU bearings and a wide platform.
Best for
Budget grip
Why we like it
The one-piece cast aluminum body carries 12 durable pins, and the spindle is chromoly steel with dual DU bearings. The thread is a standard 9/16 inch. A wide platform spreads pressure across the foot.
It has more pins than Crankbrothers' ten, but the pins do not look adjustable. It costs less than the Stamp 7, and the bearing system is smooth and quiet. It is a good middle ground between plastic and forged pedals. Confirm that your crank is 9/16 inch.
Key specs
| Fit and mounting | 9/16 inch spindle |
|---|---|
| Features | 12 anti-slip pins, dual DU bearings, aluminum alloy |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- 12 anti-slip pins
- Dual DU bearings
- Aluminum alloy body
- Wide platform
Limitations
- Pins not adjustable
- Platform size not given
Consider it if
- Riders who want grip on a budget
Skip it if
- Riders who want adjustable pins
Best Wide Platform3 of 4
ROCKBROS Aluminum Wide Platform Flat Pedals
A 101 mm wide aluminum platform with sealed bearings and left and right markings.
Best for
Foot support
Why we like it
The platform is 101 mm wide, and the pair weighs 0.66 pounds or 302 grams. Sealed bearings protect the spindle from water and dust, and the spindle is chromoly steel with a 9/16 inch thread. Left and right pedals are marked L and R for easy installation.
It is lighter than most plastic pairs but still metal. It suits shoes under US size 12, so large feet may overhang. The grip is described as a grippy platform, so confirm the pin count before ordering. Compared with YBLNTEK, it offers a wider platform and a lifetime warranty.
Key specs
| Size | 101 mm wide, 302 g pair |
|---|---|
| Fit and mounting | 9/16 inch thread |
| Features | Sealed bearings, chromoly spindle, L/R markings |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- 101 mm wide platform
- Sealed bearings
- Chromoly steel spindle
- Marked left and right
Limitations
- Pin count not given
- Best for shoes under US 12
Consider it if
- Riders with medium feet
- Riders who want foot support
Skip it if
- Riders with very large shoes
Best Light Plastic4 of 4
AVASTA Plastic Platform Pedals 9/16
A 306 gram plastic pair with anti-slip nails, built-in reflectors and a 9/16 inch boron steel spindle.
Best for
Light and reflective
Why we like it
The body is solid PP plastic with durable ball bearings, and a boron steel spindle carries a 9/16 inch thread. The platform measures 108 by 95 mm, and the pair weighs about 0.67 pounds. Anti-slip nails on both sides grip the shoe, and reflectors help with visibility.
It is the simplest pedal here and suits riders who want grip without metal cost. The plastic body is less stiff than Crankbrothers' forged aluminum. It comes in 1/2 inch and 9/16 inch sizes, and this one is 9/16, so check your crank thread before ordering.
Key specs
| Size | 108 x 95 mm, about 306 g pair |
|---|---|
| Fit and mounting | 9/16 inch boron steel spindle |
| Features | Anti-slip nails, built-in reflectors, PP plastic body |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Anti-slip nails both sides
- Built-in reflectors
- 108 by 95 mm platform
- Light plastic body
Limitations
- Plastic is less stiff
- Nail count not given
Consider it if
- Light riders
- Riders who want reflectors
Skip it if
- Riders who want a stiff metal pedal
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Large Flat Pedals Best Overall | Large, for shoe sizes 10 to 15 | 9/16 inch chromoly spindle | 10 adjustable pins per side, forged aluminum, glide bearings | Check price |
| YBLNTEK 9/16 Aluminum Flat Pedals Best Value With Pins | — | 9/16 inch spindle | 12 anti-slip pins, dual DU bearings, aluminum alloy | Check price |
| ROCKBROS Aluminum Wide Platform Flat Pedals Best Wide Platform | 101 mm wide, 302 g pair | 9/16 inch thread | Sealed bearings, chromoly spindle, L/R markings | Check price |
| AVASTA Plastic Platform Pedals 9/16 Best Light Plastic | 108 x 95 mm, about 306 g pair | 9/16 inch boron steel spindle | Anti-slip nails, built-in reflectors, PP plastic body | Check price |
How We Chose These Flat Bike Pedals with Pins
- Real pins
- We kept pedals with pins or nails on the platform. A flat pedal without studs relies on sole texture, and on a trike that can slide in the rain.
- Thread size
- We checked the spindle thread, which is 9/16 inch on all four here. Many adult cranks use 9/16, but some one-piece cranks use 1/2 inch.
- Platform and shoe size
- We noted platform widths and the shoe sizes the makers give. A pedal that is too small leaves the foot hanging, and one that is too big can scrape the frame.
- Bearings and build
- We compared glide, DU and ball bearings plus aluminum, forged and plastic bodies. Smooth bearings keep slow, steady pedaling easy for older riders.
What to Look for in a Flat Bike Pedal with Pins
Pins and release
Pins are studs that dig into the sole to stop sliding. More pins give more grip, but they also hold the shoe harder, which matters if you need to put a foot down quickly.
Choose pedals with removable or adjustable pins if you are new to them. Practice lifting your foot off on a quiet street before you ride in traffic.
Crank thread
Most adult bikes use a 9/16 inch crank thread, while one-piece cranks use 1/2 inch. A wrong thread will not install and can damage the crank.
Check the crank or the old pedal for a size mark, or measure the thread. If you are unsure, ask a bike shop before ordering a 9/16 inch pedal.
Platform size and shoes
A wide platform spreads pressure across the foot and steadies the ankle. If it is narrower than your shoe, the edge presses into the sole and tires the foot.
Compare the platform width with your shoe size and the maker's range. Large feet need a pedal designed for size 10 to 15.
Bearings and weight
Sealed or glide bearings keep water and dust out, so the pedal spins freely. Cheap bearings can feel gritty, which is noticeable at low trike speeds.
Check for the type of bearing and whether it is sealed. A metal pedal is heavier but stiffer, while plastic is lighter and quieter.
How to Choose
By Shoe Size
| Situation | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Shoe size 10 to 15 | Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Large Flat Pedals | Large size for shoe sizes 10 to 15 |
| Shoes under US 12 | ROCKBROS Aluminum Wide Platform Flat Pedals | 101 mm wide platform |
| Medium shoes, tight budget | YBLNTEK 9/16 Aluminum Flat Pedals | 12 pins and dual DU bearings |
| Light riders wanting reflectors | AVASTA Plastic Platform Pedals 9/16 | Built-in reflectors and 306 g pair |
Metal vs Plastic
- Metal
- Crankbrothers, YBLNTEK and ROCKBROS use aluminum bodies and metal spindles. They are stiffer and last longer, but weigh slightly more than plastic.
- Plastic
- AVASTA uses a PP plastic body with ball bearings. It is light and includes reflectors, but it flexes more under a heavy foot.
Most trike riders should choose metal unless weight or cost is the main issue.
For Slow, Stop-and-Go Riding Specifically
- Look for
- Pins that grip without trapping the foot, a wide platform and smooth bearings for low speed. Check that you can lift and replace your foot easily.
- In this comparison
- Crankbrothers has adjustable pins, so you can lower the grip. YBLNTEK has 12 fixed pins, and ROCKBROS has a wide platform with sealed bearings for steady pedaling.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- You have large shoes or want adjustable grip. Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Large fits sizes 10 to 15 and lets you tune the pins.
- Save if
- You ride casually with medium shoes. YBLNTEK and AVASTA cover grip at lower cost, and both use the common 9/16 inch thread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need pins on a trike?
Pins help if you ride in wet weather or wear smooth soles, because they stop the foot from sliding. On a trike you can stop and put a foot down easily, but a slipping foot can still cause a scrape.
What thread size do I need?
Most adult bikes use 9/16 inch cranks, and some one-piece cranks use 1/2 inch. All four pedals here have a 9/16 inch thread. AVASTA also sells a 1/2 inch version. Check your crank before ordering.
Can I change the pins?
Crankbrothers Stamp 7 has adjustable pins, so you can set the height or replace them. The other pedals do not say the pins are adjustable. Check the product details if you want a pin you can remove.
Will the pedals fit large shoes?
Crankbrothers Large is recommended for shoe sizes 10 to 15. ROCKBROS suits shoes under US 12. For larger feet choose the wider platform so the heel does not overhang.
How do I install flat pedals?
Pedals are marked left and right, and the left pedal turns the opposite way. Thread by hand, then tighten with a wrench. ROCKBROS marks L and R on the pedals, which helps avoid cross-threading.
Bottom Line
Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Large is the best pinned flat pedal because it offers adjustable pins, forged aluminum and sizes for large shoes. YBLNTEK is the budget metal choice, ROCKBROS offers a 101 mm platform, and AVASTA is the light plastic pair. Check crank thread and shoe size before ordering.