Pedals

Pedals

Bicycle pedals are one of the three points of support, i.e. those that are responsible for your contact with the bicycle. However, unlike the seat or the handlebar, they are responsible for the direct transmission of your power to the drivetrain in the bike. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right pedals. Of course, nothing stands in the way of using platform pedals throughout your cycling career, but it is also worth trying other solutions, such as, for example, clipless pedals, i.e. the popular SPD pedals. They allow the foot to be fully connected to the bicycle. This solution has many advantages - one of the most important is the certainty that the foot will always remain securely in place, without the possibility of it sliding off when riding in difficult terrain or during heavy rainfall.

Of course, firm footing is not only the domain of clipless pedals. Platform pedals can also provide excellent support in all conditions. Some of them are equipped with rubber inserts to prevent the foot from slipping, and the pedals for enduro and gravity sports have special "spikes" that prevent the foot from detaching even on the most difficult descents.

Which pedals to choose?

It is difficult to answer the question regarding the choice of pedals in a clear way - it is a matter of how you feel on the bike and your confidence while riding. That is why it is worth explaining the advantages of individual solutions:

• Platform pedals - this solution is known to every cyclist, because it is the basic choice of every beginner. Also, new bikes are delivered with these pedals. Their great advantage is their simplicity - everyone will instinctively know how to use them. They provide a stable support for the foot and if you lose control on the bike, you can easily try to regain your balance with your foot.
• Clipless mountain pedals - or generally speaking, SPD pedals. They are chosen by a large number of cyclists - not only those in love with mountain biking. SPD pedals are also often used by road cyclists and in trekking cycling. This is due to the design of shoes dedicated to such pedals - the block enabling the attachment of the sole to the pedal is hidden between the protectors. It makes it easier to walk - not only in terrain, but also around the city. This type of pedals provides a much better power transfer to the drivetrain, and thanks to the permanent connection to the bicycle, it is easier to get a higher cadence.
• Clipless road pedals - just like SPD pedals, these also act like ski bindings and ensure a secure connection to the bike. The main difference between the two types of pedals is the wider platform that supports the foot. This allows for even better power transfer to the drivetrain, but also for greater comfort during long-term riding. The biggest disadvantage that cyclists using this solution pay attention to is... the shoe. Road shoes are extremely stiff, which makes walking in them very uncomfortable. Additionally, it is made difficult by the completely exposed block.