Choosing the right bike pedals can significantly improve your riding experience. Not all pedals are the same, and selecting one type over another depends on both the bike you own and how you intend to use it, as well as compatibility with your shoes and cleats.
Here's a simple and quick guide to the main advantages of different types of bike pedals currently on the market, along with some useful tips to help you choose the ones that best suit your needs. A little spoiler before we begin: if you opt for clipless pedals, make sure that your cleats and shoes are fully compatible. Different pedal, cleat, and shoe systems exist depending on the type of bike and, in some cases, the manufacturer. One possible solution is to go for dual-function pedals—flat on one side and clipless on the other—so you can decide later which option best suits your riding style.
Types of Bikes Pedals and Key Considerations
When choosing the most suitable pedals for your bike, the first question to ask yourself is whether you prefer to clip your foot into the pedal or leave it free. The two most common types of pedals are:
- Clipless pedals (known as SPD, Shimano Pedaling Dynamics)
- Flat pedals (traditional platform pedals)
Clipless Pedals
Clipless pedals consist of a plastic or metal cleat that is mounted on the sole of the cycling shoe and locks into the pedal via a clipping mechanism. To release the foot, simply rotate it laterally. Road cycling cleats usually have a three-bolt plastic design, whereas mountain bike cleats feature a two-bolt metal construction. Although clipless pedals may seem tricky at first, they are actually very practical, and it only takes a couple of rides to get used to them.
Why choose them? Clipless pedals provide greater pedaling efficiency and control, especially when riding at higher speeds or standing out of the saddle. In mountain biking, they help keep the foot securely anchored to the pedal even on rough terrain. While the idea of being clipped in might seem intimidating at first, once you try these pedals, you'll likely find them completely natural—and you won’t want to go back!
How to Use Clipless Pedals?
Although riding with clipless pedals is highly efficient, many cyclists may initially struggle with balance and even experience a few falls. That's why it's important to practice first before hitting the road with full confidence. A good way to start is by having someone hold the handlebars and assist you with your first movements. It's also recommended to practice on a flat, grassy surface to minimize the impact of any falls. This is especially useful in the beginning when it’s easy to forget that your foot is clipped in—something that can catch you off guard at traffic lights or stop signs. With a bit of practice, however, clipping in and out will become second nature, allowing you to fully enjoy the benefits of a more efficient and controlled pedaling experience.
How to Clip into Pedals:
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secure your front brake – Squeeze the front brake and position your right or left shoe over the pedal's cleat mechanism;
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clip in – Press down firmly with your foot until you hear a satisfying "click," indicating that the cleat is properly engaged;
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practice stationary clipping – If you're not confident about clipping in while moving, have someone hold your handlebars and repeat the process with your other foot while staying still;
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clipping in while riding – If you're comfortable, clip in your first foot, give the pedal a strong push to gain balance, and then clip in the other foot while in motion;
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finding your balance – It's generally easier to practice on flat terrain or a slight downhill. However, with experience, you'll be able to clip in even during a hill start.
With practice, clipping in will become second nature, allowing you to start and stop smoothly in any situation.
How to Unclip from Pedals:
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prepare to stop – As you approach your stopping point, slow down and ensure you’re in a safe position;
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shift your heel outward – Move the heel of the foot you’ll place on the ground outward before coming to a full stop (failing to do this will almost certainly result in a fall);
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feel the "click" – As you rotate your heel outward, you’ll hear a "click," indicating that your cleat has disengaged from the pedal. This frees your foot to touch the ground—typically, riders unclip their dominant foot first;
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mountain biking tip – If you're a mountain biker, it's a good idea to practice unclipping both feet to be prepared for unexpected situations;
- key movement – The motion to unclip is a small but firm outward rotation of the foot.
With a bit of practice, unclipping will become second nature, allowing you to stop smoothly and safely every time.
Some Useful Tips:
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cleat float options – For three-bolt clipless pedals, different cleat options provide varying degrees of foot rotation. You can choose cleats that keep your foot completely fixed or allow more movement ("float"). If you're new to clipless pedals, start with cleats that offer more float for added flexibility and comfort;
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precise cleat positioning – If you use fixed cleats, ensure they are mounted correctly. A poor cleat position can lead to knee discomfort or injuries over time;
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pedal maintenance – Always keep your pedals clean and lubricated when necessary. Just like any other bike component, pedals require regular maintenance to ensure smooth and secure engagement.
Flat Pedals
Flat pedals are the traditional "flat" design with a broad surface that allows the foot to rest comfortably.
Why choose them? Flat pedals are designed for a different riding experience compared to clipless pedals. They are the preferred choice of downhill and mountain bikers, often featuring small metal pins and paired with grippy, non-slip soles for excellent traction. This setup allows for quick foot release in case of a fall or to prevent one.
Flat pedals are particularly suited for their ease of use. Occasional cyclists and urban riders may find them ideal since they allow for the use of comfortable footwear, making it easier to transition from cycling to walking.
When deciding which pedals to buy, consider the following factors:
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do you prioritize maximum power and efficiency? Choose clipless pedals to transfer power through both phases of the pedal stroke;
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do you want comfort and simplicity? Opt for flat pedals to ride freely with the same shoes you use for walking;
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consider your riding style: clipless pedals are ideal for road racing, while flat pedals are better for casual weekend rides with family or friends;
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think about your footwear: your choice of shoes can influence your pedal selection. Urban cyclists who embrace the Bike-to-Work lifestyle may prefer flat pedals for compatibility with regular shoes. Alternatively, mountain or gravel bike shoes with recessed cleats can provide a balance between efficiency and walking comfort.
Tell Me What Pedals You Use, and I'll Tell You What Kind of Cyclist You Are
Clipless Pedals for Road Bikes: Most road cyclists prefer clipless pedals because having your feet attached ensures maximum pedaling efficiency and power. The stiff cycling shoes—often with carbon fiber soles—are designed to maximize energy transfer. Road bike clipless pedals typically use three-bolt cleats, known as "Look" (from the company that pioneered them) or "SPD-SL." These cleats are wider and protrude more than two-bolt cleats, but their larger surface area distributes force more efficiently, improving power output.
Clipless Pedals for Mountain Bikes: Mountain bike clipless pedals use two-bolt cleats, which are recessed into the shoe sole for easier walking on rough terrain. These cleats, usually metal, are directly screwed into the shoe. Mountain bikers favor clipless pedals for improved efficiency, bike control, and extra power when tackling steep climbs. However, in downhill riding, many riders prefer flat pedals to keep their feet free and maintain better balance.
Flat Pedals for Casual Cyclists: If you ride occasionally, flat pedals are the best choice—or, at most, mountain bike clipless pedals if you want a bit more efficiency.
Pedals for Commuters: if you use your bike for commuting, flat pedals are ideal since they work with any type of shoe. However, if your commute is longer, mountain bike clipless pedals may be a better option—though this means you'll need to change shoes at work unless you’re also using public transport.
Pedali ibridi: esistono pedali ibridi che garantiscono tutto il comfort di un pedale “flat” da una parte e la massima efficienza di un pedale a sgancio dall’altra. Questo permette di avvicinarsi più lentamente al sistema dei pedali a sgancio. Sono l’ideale per chi non pedala sempre con le scarpe da bici.
Hybrid Pedals: hybrid pedals offer flat functionality on one side and clipless efficiency on the other, allowing for a gradual transition to clipless pedals. They’re ideal for cyclists who don’t always ride in cycling shoes.
