Riding a bicycle is one of the best simple pleasures of life: it is safe, healthy fun for people of all ages and sizes. Fortunately, it is also one of the most enjoyable ways to get your cardio in. However, some folks may require different equipment to enjoy this activity.
If you happen to be on the heavier side and are making your first foray into the world of bicycling, you must have the proper equipment. Ensure that your bike is set up for your individual build, including the pedals.
Bike Pedals for Heavy Riders Reviews
Let’s look at some of the top bike pedals for heavy riders on the market. Regardless of whether you’re a mountain biker, BMX rider, road bike enthusiast, or a casual cruiser riding around the neighborhood, you need sturdy support for your feet and legs. Here is a selection of four of the best bike pedals for heavy riders currently available on the market, in no particular order.
Comparison Chart
Shimano PD-GR500 MTB Flat Pedal
Weighing in at 0.53 kilograms and constructed with a cast aluminum frame and an alloy steel axle, these pedals are designed to take a beating. Although exceptionally heavy, these pedals are also perfect for sustaining a generous maximum weight capacity.
Pros
- Durable bearings
- Durable construction
- Chromoly steel axle
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Heavy
- The platform is relatively small
Puroma Mountain Bike Pedal
This pedal is perfect for larger riders on a budget. Constructed with composite nylon, this pedal is considerably lightweight for its size while also giving the rider an extra-wide platform for larger feet.
Pros
- Extra-wide platform for larger riders
- Lightweight in relation to the pedal size
Cons
- Constructed with nylon composite makes it less durable
MZYRH MTB Mountain Bike Pedal
With an extra-wide platform and traction screws constructed with high-quality aluminum alloy, these pedals are ideal for cyclists that happen to be on the heavier side. These versatile, durable pedals are marketed for mountain bike users, but they are also perfectly functional for road riding.
Pros
- Extra-wide platform for large feet
- Traction screws for extra grip anti-slip
- It May be used with or without cleats
- Versatile
- Constructed with CNC integration aluminum alloy for maximum durability
- Extra durable sealed 3 bearings
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Long traction screws may cause scrapes
Venzo Flat Pedal
Featuring an extra-wide platform that measures 110 x 100 mm, the Venzo flat pedal is cherished by those with bigger feet. With durable aluminum construction, this pedal is designed to withstand the beating that comes from BMX biking, mountain biking, and cross country riding, as well as heavy-weighted riders!
Pros
- Extra-wide platform
- Durable aluminum construction
- Versatile
Cons
- Extra-long traction screws may cause scrapes
Buyer’s Guide Section
Since bike pedals sustain much of the rider’s weight when riding, it is critical to consider this when deciding what pedals to purchase. Heavier riders will want to choose a pedal constructed from the most durable materials with the sturdiest design. The rider’s safety and comfort are most important, and good pedals will provide the support for endless miles of cycling. But what exactly is one to look for when choosing the best bike pedals for enduring and sustaining the weight of a heavier rider? The most important aspects to consider when choosing a pedal with this purpose in mind are material, construction, and size. Let’s take a closer look at each of these aspects below.
Material
The type of material used in the construction of a pedal is of utmost significance to the bike rider that happens to be on the heavier side when choosing the best bike pedal to sustain their weight. Not only does the material need to be durable enough to withstand the strain of a heavy rider for many miles of cycling, but the material also needs to hold up and provide the rider with a safe, smooth cycling experience. Here are some of the strongest materials that you can find in heavy duty bike pedals:
- Steel
- Aluminum (particularly aluminum alloy)
- Nylon composite
A quick note: generally, metals will be the most durable bike pedal materials you can find. However, at a lower price point, nylon composite holds its own and offers a fair amount of durability.
Construction
When taking durable pedal construction into account, one of the most important things to look for is a steel axle with at least 3-4 lubricated sealed bearings.
Size – Are bike pedals all the same size?
The simple answer is: no, pedal sizes may vary based on the needs of the rider. The size of the pedal is a priority for heavy-weighted riders because the size plays an instrumental role in whether or not the pedal can offer the necessary support and stability. The wider and larger the pedal, the more support the pedal will be able to offer to the heavy-weighted bike rider.
Wrap Up
Let’s face it, when you are a heavy-weighted bike rider, it can be difficult and quite overwhelming to know what to look for when choosing the best bike pedal for your needs. However, choose a pedal that is sturdy and durable enough to withstand your weight, not just so you can enjoy the pleasure of cycling but so that you can do so safely. You’ll be reducing the chance of an accident caused by damaged bicycle parts. When you consider the aforementioned physical specs to look out for when choosing a bike pedal to purchase, such as materials, construction, and size, there is one pedal that comes out on top.
Top Pick
The MZYRH MTB Mountain Bike Pedal distinguishes itself from the rest of the pack as the #1 pick by meeting all of the specifications that riders look for when purchasing a bike for riders of all sizes. With its endless benefits and few, if any drawbacks or weaknesses to speak of, this pedal is 100% optimized for heavier riders. It is also incredibly versatile and performs well under most types of cycling. This pedal is perfect for heavy-weighted riders who are still in search of a pedal that can take a beating from the roughest rides imaginable while also withstanding the maximum amount of weight. Overall, heavier cyclists can’t go wrong with this pick.