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Clipless or flat pedals?
Let’s start by taking a look at the pedal types.
Platform Pedals. These bike pedals are probably what was on your bike when you learnt to ride a bike, usually made of plastic or aluminium and are compatible with almost any shoe. They can vary in price as the one that comes with an entry level bikes are cheap. Pricier bikes do not come with pedals as riders usually have a preferred clipless pedal system that do not come standard. Platform bike pedals are very versatile as kids ride them in the neighbourhood and commuters use them to ride to work. Some of the worlds best downhill and enduro mountain bikers also prefer them since there is no clip in action needed so you can get on the power faster if your foot comes back onto the pedal. The versatility of these pedals is also reflected in their price range. Plastic basic commuter version pedals are inexpensive while the top-level lightweight performance versions like the Crankbrothers Stamp 2 variants demands a higher price practically in line with many clipless bike pedals.
Clipless pedals. Although the name suggests that there is no clips involved it actually refers to the omission of the old style of toe clips and a strap around the shoe. A little bit of history right there! Modern Clipless pedals like the SPD Shimano pedals. Thes pedals almost work on a key and lock concept where the shoe connects to the pedal (“lock”) via a cleat or (“key”).
These pedals come in road and off-road/all-round versions. Clipless pedals are usually more expensive, and one has to factor in the cost of the dedicated shoes that they need to be paired with. In essence your shoes with the cleats attached clips into a spring-loaded pedal system, this prevents your feet from sliding off the pedals when riding over technical terrain or sprinting and leaves riding more “in-touch” with their bike. Leading brands to consider when purchasing Clipless pedals are Look, Shimano and Time.In recent years there has also been an evolution in the quest for performance data of riders. One is to measure that provides great insights is the power a rider generates and transfers into the back wheel. One of the easiest and logical places to measure this power output is via the pedals and there are now several pedal systems that have got power sensors built in, two prominent brands to do this are Garmin and Favero. These bike pedals systems are also compatible with the existing Look Keo and SPD Shimano pedals as they use the same cleat system as them.
