What Are The Differences Between Types Of Cycling Pedals

Bikes have made a massive impact on the world since their early development in the Nineteenth century. The bicycle is the primary method of transport for hundreds of millions of people across the globe. The technical development of the bicycle has increased significantly over the last 40 years and the growth of leisure and sports cycling has accelerated this. Although the fundemental design of a bicycle would be recognisable to the early pioneers the technical innovation in individual elements would astonish them. One of the elements that has seen considerable development is the cycle pedal.

With the first transformation bicycles had what were called platform pedals. These were much like are found today on children's bikes as well as those used in adult leisure recreation. They have spikes, clips, and straps which help hold the foot in place and allow the transfer of energy from the leg to the foot and finally the pedal.

The first big change came about in 1985 when Bernard Hinault modified the traditional bicycle pedal into one that would clip on the cleat found on the sole of the bike shoes. This was the first of the "clipless" pedal models that eventually won him the Tour de France that year. Today a modified version of this model is used for those who are serious about road and mountain biking.

These pedals come in a variety of styles based on use. As a result, the price varies greatly as well. One model is the Shimano SPD M520L that comes with a cleat. Easier to engage and disengage they are also somewhat less expensive and are ideal for novice bicyclist. The smaller cleat also allows for easier walking after stepping off the bicycle. For those who ride on the road this particular model may not be ideal as it can cause vascular restriction and nerve impingement that may be quite uncomfortable during longer rides.

Mountain bikers have significantly different needs. Those who compete in cyclo-cross as well as mountain competitions find the ATAC Roc and cleat ideal due to the higher spring tension. Although it requires the rider to stomp the peddle harder in order to engage and disengage the system, the power it generates is worth the effort. Crank Brothers Candy C and cleat as well as the Crank Brothers Egg Beater is another choice that is great in muddy terrain. The wider platform on the pedal allows for greater power which is needed when resistance is higher.

Those who prefer the open road, whether in competition or not, find that the Shimano Ultegra pedal and Shimano SL cleats have one of the widest pedal-to-cleat interface surfaces available. According to those who prefer this style pedal they provide an increase in stability as well as power which is then transferred from the leg to the foot and finally onto the pedal. The price of the set varies widely depending on where it is purchased.

Similar to the Shimano is the Look KeO pedal with cleat. The biggest difference is the narrower cleat to pedal interface which allows the rider to disengage more smoothly. This model is often preferred by cyclists who have yet to experience a "clipless" pedal. One of the unique features of this pedal is the fact they come in fashion forward colors which can be selected to coordinate with the bike, striping, or accessories.

One of the most unique pedal designs has been created by Speedplay. The Speedplay X-Series, Zero, and Light Action clip to either side of the pedal and offer a 0 to 20 degree float. Feeling similar to the foot slipping on a piece of ice, it does provide more internal and external rotation of the heel which some cyclists prefer. With the smaller pedals and the increased rotation some users have found, however, that they experience discomfort in some form as well as develop rare cases of ITB injuries.

For many finding a free product is a bonus. Platform pedals are still available on many models of BMX bikes. Whether one elects to purchase recreational bicycles or track racers, the advantage of these pedals is the fact they don't require special shoes as well as the fact the rider is not actually attached to the bike. This can be a very disconcerting feeling new to "clipless" pedals especially during sudden stops. It's important to remember that at high speeds the "clipless" model can disengage whereas the toe clips and straps associated with platform pedals prevent slippage while on the bike.

The technological developments of recent years continue to improve not only bicycles themselves, but shoes and cycle pedals as well. For those who are avid hobbyist or competitors in the cycling world, having the right equipment is imperative. Research based on the type of sport preferred can help to eliminate the confusion often associated with the selection process.


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Anna is a keen amatuer cyclist, adventure traveller and green tea drinker who writes about sport and leisure. currently she uses Shimano spd pedals combined with Shimano R063 SPD-SL shoes