What Are The Different Styles of Pedals?

There are different types of pedals available in the market. And yes, if you have not encountered them yet, it is just because you have failed to notice them all along. But, for bikers, it is an altogether different story as each type of pedal allows them different kinds of liberty during the ride. Hence, if you are a biker in the making, then equip yourself with the different types of pedals and what are there uses!

Different types of pedals

Broadly speaking, pedals can be classified into two types-

• Clip-in/ clip less pedals
• Flat pedals

The flat pedals are the ones that we usually associate with when we talk of pedals. The clip-ins are the higher-end sophisticated versions that are crafted with the aim to secure the pedal and the feet and hence require specialized shoes. Let’s briefly look over them to find one that will suit your needs.

The flat pedals!

They are the usual type of pedals you see in the free-ride bikes. They are versatile in nature and don’t demand many specifications from the users.

They consist of a composite platform secured by pins or grip tape, which is responsible for the traction. The traction is light, and hence, it is not an ideal bike when you are considering an off-road adventure. However, the light padding ensures that your shoes won’t run out for a long time, making them a perfect choice for your daily commutes!

However, if you want to adapt these for the mountain rides, it is better to go with one that allows better traction, as you cannot risk losing your grip as you are maneuvering through the rough terrains. Also, since the normal commuting pedals are made of plastic, they might not sustain the wear and tear that the bikes experience up on the mountains. Hence, it is better to look for an alloy platform with bigger pins and a larger surface area.

If you feel that the standard flat pedals are insufficient for you in terms of grip, then you can think of buying shoes. Shoes, especially specific shoes, give you a better grip on the pedals. In addition, these are more durable than others and protect your soles while giving you added grip!

Pros of flat pedals!

1. You don’t require unique footwear
2. Easy to use
3. Versatile
4. Inexpensive
5. Apt for beginners

Cons of flat pedals

1. There is a chance of losing footing.
2. It is not the most efficient one in the market.

The clipless pedals!

These types of pedals are usually used in high-performance demanding bikes. Here the pedals are secured to the cleats on the shoes, which increases the traction. This system works in synonym with the toe clips or cage pedals, except that there are no apparent structures. Instead, the design used to secure your feet to the pedals with regular footwear is replaced by cleats and counter grooves that work like a lock and key mechanism. They fit into each other, making sure they give the same benefit as the toe clips.

The pedals consist of specialized grooves which can be mounted and secured onto specially designed shoes. As the shoes clip onto the soles, your feet are fastened tight to the pedals, ensuring you have better control over them no matter how rugged the terrains are. Depending on the cleats, the clipless pedals can be classified under two:

• Mountain clipless pedals
• Road clipless pedals

The clipless pedal system requires your feet to be clipped with the pedals. Though the system of clipping and unclipping is easy, the rider takes time to get accustomed to the fact. Hence if not careful, you might find yourself toppling down when you have sudden halts.

Road clipless pedals

These are made keeping in mind the traction required by bikers for roads. The shoes with cleats fitting into the pedal design give the users efficient power transfer and good traction. Since they don’t need as much functioning as the mountain ones, they are designed to be light in comparison.

The cleats are made of plastics, covered by a layer of rubber, improving the traction. The pedals are generally made of alloys and are broader in size. The cleats make them unfit for use in muddy terrain, as it is difficult to remove them due to cleats’ poor durability. Additionally, they are not great for walking. Finally, the larger size and the cleats type make it difficult for the riders to adjust to them.

Mountain clipless pedals

The off-road ones are designed with rough terrains in mind. But one thing different from the other is that the cleats don’t hinder off-bike mobility. This is because the cleats are smaller in size and can be recessed into shoes.

The cleats are fitted into the soles, which in turn attach it the pedal. This is even more important in off-road biking as the slippery and bumpy terrains can let your feet slip off the pedal. Hence, in such cases having a physical attachment helps in a more controlled ride. However, you should have good practice about clipping in and out not to lose footing.

The cleats are smaller than the ones present in road clipless pedals. This ensures not much dirt is stuck to it. Moreover, the cleats are much more durable here (figures!). They can be used interchangeably with other terrains as long as you have the matching shoes with them!

Pros of clipless pedals

• You get better control over the pedal.
• Much efficient power transfer.

Cons of clipless pedals

• Proper training is required before setting off on the off-road journey.
• Expensive.

The middle ground between the two!

If you want to taste the best of both without worrying about switching them, then try the hybrid pedals. As the name suggests, these hybrid models come with a flat surface on one end and a clipless one on the other. This increases the bike’s functionality if you have a little practice with the working of the pedal. In addition, this saves you from the hassle of buying multiple pedals and changing them depending on your ride!