Innovation in the flat pedal market has been relatively stagnant in recent years. There are only so many different ways you can combine pins and bushings. But this year several brands are introducing size specific platforms. Based off analyzing the tread of popular shoe brands, these new flats optimize platform area and pin location for improved performance. Taking an altogether different approach, there are a number of small teams working on next generation hybrid designs, that combine the best traits of both flats and clipless. We're not sure if either approach will take off, but read on to learn why they might. And then tell us would you buy a pair of size specific platforms? Or is bigger always better?

Size specific platforms are the biggest trend in flats this year.

Size specific platforms such as the new Crankbrothers Stamp is the most prominent trend in flats this year.​

Crankbrothers Stamp

The Crankbrothers 5050 pedals have always been among the coolest looking flat pedals on the market, but they had some issues with reliability. Crankbrothers hopes to shake that reputation with its new Stamp pedals. These new platforms use a concave body made of forged 6061 aluminum, a forged chromoly axle, and two igus glide bearings. They have 10 removable pins per side and taper from an outer thickness or 13mm to a center width of 11mm.

They're also available in two different sizes. The smaller 100x100mm option is optimized for riders with shoes between 5-10 (37-43mm), while the massive 114x111mm platform is best suited for those with size 10-15 (43-49) hooves. The pedals are due this holiday season and retail is set at $150. To learn more about the pedals, check out our full coverage of their Eurobike booth here and visit www.crankbrothers.com.

The new Spank Spoon is a classic retelling of Goldilocks and the three pedals, err, bears.

The new Spank Spoon is a classic retelling of Goldilocks and the three pedals, err, bears.​

Spank Spoon

The new Spank Spoon is available in three different sizes to accommodate riders of all sizes. The smallest is 90mm wide and best suited to riders wearing a size 6 (Euro 38) or smaller. The 100mm pedal is for riders who wear size 7-10 (Euro 39-44) shoes, while the 110mm version if for anyone with large feet (Euro 45+) or who pedals in oversized winter gear. All three of these pedals share a concave shape. The outer lip is 14mm thick and tapers down to 12mm at the axle. The pins mimic this design, with the front and back rows being taller than the center pins. The pedals have ten replaceable pins per side. They use an industrial sealed bearing on the outside and in inboard igus polymer bushing. Weight for the three options is 365 grams (90), 395 grams (100), and 415 grams (110). MSRP is $95. Learn more at spank-ind.com.

We loved the original Point One Podiums, how will Gamut improve on perfection?

We loved the original Point One Podiums. How will Gamut improve on perfection?​

Gamut Podium

A few years ago a small brand named Point One released one of the best flat pedals we've ridden. They looked fantastic and had phenomenal grip, but their product delivery (and customer service) often left something to be desired. The brand was acquired by Gamut USA last year and they're on track to release a new version this November. This pedal uses a 100x100mm forged aluminum body that is 10mm wide on the outside and tapers down to 8mm at the center. Weight is 295g and price is set at $170. Learn more at www.gamutusa.com.

Innovation doesn't have to be pretty.

Innovation doesn't have to be pretty.​

Klein Design Honeycomb

While mountain bike riders have long been divided into either flat pedal or clipless aficionados, Klein Design is hoping to strike a balance between the two with its new pedal/shoe interface, which uses an interlocking honeycomb pattern to offer the flexibility of a flat pedal with the improved retention of clips. The design duo behind the project was showcasing prototypes last month at Interbike and recently launched a failed Kickstarter campaign. They were aiming for a $275 price point for shoe and pedal, but we are unsure of their current plans. Stay tuned.

Continue to page 2 for more of 2016's flat pedals line-up »

Just like our love affair with flats, the new Kore pedal has its roots in BMX.

Just like our love affair with flats, the new Kore pedal has its roots in BMX.​

Kore Rivera

The Rivera pedal was originally sold with a durable nylon body that is most popular with BMX riders. But this year Kore is launching an alloy version. This new model is a 6061 forged alloy body with nine removable pins per side. It uses a combination of sealed bearings with a DU bushing and a chromoly axle to improve durability. Claimed weight is 412 grams. Pricing is not set yet. Learn more at www.kore-usa.com.

The new Maglock Pedals rely on the magic of magnets.

These new Maglock pedals rely on the magic of magnets.​

Maglock

The Maglock pedal was invited by a rider who wanted to reap the benefits of being clipped in - without the embarrassment of failing to clip out. The design uses adjustable magnets to simulate the tension of being mechanically attached, but allows the ride to instinctively detach without twisting the foot. The magnets have an adjustable attractive force of 30-35 pounds, but add a significant amount of weight. Without magnets, the pedal weights 547 grams. Fully loaded, the total weight is 974 grams. Price for the pedals is $140 and you will need a pair of SPD shoes. Learn more at www.maglockbikepedal.com.

Affordable is the new black.

Affordable is the new black.​

VP Aim

While we love reporting on the latest and greatest halo products, it's often just as exciting to see companies produce rad stuff that we can all afford. VP's new AIM is slim, reasonably sized, and retails for $60. The 105x105mm platform pedal has an 18mm thick concave platform with 10 replaceable steel pins per side. The body is made from die cast aluminum and spins on a forged and heat treated chromoly axle that has been CNC machined. Claimed weight is 425 grams. Learn more at www.vp-usa.com.

The Zed is the largest platform pedal Xpedo has ever produced.

The Zed is the largest platform pedal Xpedo has ever produced.​

Xpedo Zed

Weighing 260 grams and priced at $79, the Xpedo Spry might have the best weight-to-price ratio of any flat pedal on the market. However, its magnesium cast body isn't as durable as aluminum models. For riders looking for a slightly larger pedal capable of taking even more abuse, Xpedo is launching the new Zed. It has a 6061 aluminum body that is 12mm wide and has nine pins per side. It has a chromoly spindle that spins on two sealed bearings and a bushing. Claimed weight is 388 grams. MSRP is $100. To learn more, check out our Interbike coverage here and visit xpedo.com.