Rolling With The Right Pedals
Pedals are pushed by the rider’s foot so as to propel the bike forward, and come in four different styles.
Platform Pedals
Commonly found on mountain bike and BMX bikes, platform pedals basically just let you step on and start riding. Unlike, for example clipless pedals, these are the easiest type of pedal to use and do not call for any special technique when it comes to putting the foot on or off the pedal.
Clipless Pedals
In contrast, clipless pedals require a little more practice and some technique before they are mastered! Normally found on road bikes, to be effective clipless pedals need a special-fitting cycling shoe that literally clips in. Clipless pedals promote a very clean and efficient transfer of power when you are pedalling. The only catch is to be sure you have mastered the clipless pedal before you head out on the road! Getting the shoe ‘stuck’ can result in the occasional embarrassing fall… But it can happen to the best of us so don’t worry!
Toe Clip Pedals
The idea with toe clip pedals is that they allow your foot to slip into a cage that sits over the pedal, thus enabling you to slide in and out of the cage fairly easily.
Combination Pedals
This is for the rider who wants to have their cake and eat it, too! As the name suggests, combination pedals are great for riders who prefer the option of clipping in as well as riding in normal shoes. A great example would be someone who takes their bike out on long weekend rides, and therefore uses clip-ins, but will then rely on the same bike to commute short distances to work, thus calling for normal pedals so they can wear their work shoes. Convenience!
Egg Beater Pedals
Aside from having a great name, egg beater pedals look much like their description suggests. Essentially another type of clipless pedal, egg beater pedals are smaller in size and can be used for on/off riding.
