Ultimate Guide to Choosing Bike Pedals: Flats vs. Clipless

Choosing the Right Bike Pedal: Your Guide to Comfort, Performance, and Control

Selecting the ideal pedal is vital for enhancing your comfort, improving your performance, and ensuring you have control while biking on trails. The best pedal for you hinges on various factors such as budget, personal preference, riding style, and even the terrain you're exploring. Supported by Crank Brothers, we delve into the essential aspects to consider when purchasing new pedals, applicable to many brands, and compare flat versus clipless pedals, their compatibility with shoes and cleats, and maintenance tips.

Flat Pedals: A Beginner and Advanced Rider Favorite

Flat pedals are preferred by beginners due to the lack of a clip-in system, eliminating the fear or learning curve associated with clip systems. However, advanced riders also favor them for the ability to ride aggressively and easily remove the foot on technical terrain. These pedals may come in different sizes and models, with materials ranging from composite to metal, affecting both price and performance.

Clipless Pedals: For Efficiency and Control

Contrary to what the name suggests, clipless pedals do require a cleat on the shoe to attach to the pedal. This system is favored by cross-country and enduro riders for its efficiency, allowing for a circular pedal motion and potential power improvement. Clipless pedals come in various models, each designed to cater to different riding styles and preferences.

Compatibility with Shoes and Cleats

When selecting pedals, it's crucial to ensure they are compatible with your cycling shoes. Cross-country pedals, for instance, are designed to work with stiff-soled cross-country shoes for optimal performance. However, more flexible trail shoes may not perform as well on these pedals. It's also important to match the cleat system with the pedal brand, as they are brand-specific.

Adjusting and Maintaining Cleats

Keeping cleats well-maintained and properly adjusted is key for a smooth riding experience. Cleats are designed to wear out and should be replaced when they start unclipping accidentally. It's advisable to grease the bolts when installing new cleats to prevent water ingress and potential seizing.

Pedal Maintenance and Rebuilding

Different brands offer varying levels of maintenance and rebuilding options for their pedals. Some pedals can be fully rebuilt, allowing for a long service life if properly maintained. This can make investing in a higher-value pedal worthwhile if it means the ability to rebuild and maintain it over time.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pedal involves considering your riding style, the terrain, and your budget. Whether you prefer the freedom of flat pedals or the efficiency of clipless systems, ensure your pedals, shoes, and cleats are compatible and well-maintained for the best biking experience. Don't hesitate to try different options through demos or recommendations to find what works best for you.

For more detailed information on installing and setting up cleats, check out this helpful video.