Road Bike Pedal Options. There are two main types of road bike pedals: flat pedals and clipless pedals.
- Flat Pedals: As the name suggests, these pedals are flat and have no mechanism for attaching cleats to the soles of your shoes. Flat pedals are simple, easy to use, and can be beneficial for riders who want to quickly and easily get in and out of their shoes.
- Clipless Pedals: Clipless pedals have a mechanism that allows you to “clip in” your shoes, providing a more secure and efficient connection between your feet and the bike. Clipless pedals come in two main types: road pedals and mountain bike pedals. Road pedals are typically lighter and more aerodynamic, while mountain bike pedals are more robust and offer better traction in wet and muddy conditions.
Let’s delve a little deeper in to the options and ‘rules’ of road bike pedals.
Is it OK to use flat pedals on a road bike?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to use flat pedals on a road bike. In fact, many road cyclists prefer to use flat pedals because they offer a larger and more stable platform for the foot, which can be beneficial when starting and stopping, or when riding in traffic. However, if you plan on using your road bike for high-speed riding or racing, it may be more advantageous to use clipless pedals as they provide a more secure and efficient connection between your feet and the bike. Ultimately, the choice of whether to use flat or clipless pedals on a road bike is a personal one, and what works best for one rider may not work for another.
Do any pro cyclists use flat pedals?
Yes, some professional cyclists do use flat pedals. While the majority of professional road cyclists use clipless pedals (100% in the pro road peloton), there are some who prefer the versatility and ease of use offered by flat pedals, especially in certain disciplines such as cyclocross, criterium racing, or for training purposes. Additionally, some professional BMX and freestyle riders also use flat pedals as they provide a large stable platform for performing tricks and stunts.
In the end, the choice of pedals is a personal one, and what works best for one rider may not work for another. Professional cyclists are no exception, and each has their own preferences and reasons for using the pedals they do.
Can you put any pedals on a road bike?
In general, most road bikes are designed to accept a wide variety of pedals, including both flat and clipless pedals. The key factor to consider when selecting pedals for a road bike is the type of pedal thread (9/16″ or 1/2″), which is standard on most road bikes. As long as the pedals you choose have the correct thread size, they should be compatible with your road bike.
Are flat pedals better for knees?
Whether flat pedals are better for the knees than clipless pedals is a matter of debate and can depend on individual factors such as riding style, bike fit, and personal preference.
Flat pedals can offer a more natural and dynamic foot position, which can reduce stress on the knees by allowing for a greater range of motion and enabling the rider to adjust their foot position as needed. This can be especially beneficial for riders with knee pain or knee problems.
However, clipless pedals can provide a more efficient transfer of power from the rider to the bike, which can also be beneficial for the knees. By allowing the rider to pull up on the pedals as well as push down, clipless pedals can help to distribute the load on the knees more evenly. Additionally, clipless pedals can offer a more secure connection between the rider’s shoes and the bike, which can help to reduce the risk of knee injury in the event of a fall or crash.
What pedals do Tour de France riders use?
The pro peloton are all using various types of clipless pedals for safety and power transfer.
Can I use SPD pedals on a road bike?
Yes, you can use SPD pedals (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) on a road bike. SPD pedals were originally designed for mountain biking, but they have since become popular for a variety of cycling disciplines, including road cycling.
SPD pedals have a two-bolt cleat design that is recessed into the sole of the shoe, allowing for a more efficient transfer of power from the rider to the bike. They are also commonly used for indoor cycling and commuting, as they allow for easy engagement and release, and are more efficient than flat pedals when it comes to transferring power to the bike.
When using SPD pedals on a road bike, it’s important to make sure that your road shoes are compatible with the SPD cleats and that the cleats are installed correctly. Additionally, some SPD pedals have a slightly larger profile and can be heavier than traditional road pedals, so it’s important to consider the impact this may have on the overall weight and aerodynamics of your bike.
Is it worth going clipless?
Whether it’s worth going clipless depends on individual riding style, goals, and personal preference.
Clipless pedals offer several advantages over flat pedals, including increased efficiency, improved power transfer, and a more secure connection between the rider and the bike. These benefits can be particularly pronounced for road cyclists who prioritize speed and performance.
Are all road bike pedals universal?
Yes, almost all bike pedals are the standard thread and are interchangeable between disciplines
How much faster will I go with clipless pedals?
It’s difficult to quantify the exact speed increase you’ll see with clipless pedals, as it can vary greatly depending on individual riding style, ability, and the type of terrain you’re riding on. However, in general, using clipless pedals can improve your speed by allowing for more efficient power transfer and a smoother pedal stroke. This is because clipless pedals allow you to pull up on the pedals as well as push down, giving you more leverage over the pedals and making it easier to maintain a consistent, smooth pedal stroke.
Additionally, clipless pedals can also improve your control and stability on the bike, as you’ll be able to maintain a more secure and stable connection to the pedals, especially on technical terrain.
Keep in mind that there is a learning curve when transitioning to clipless pedals, and it can take some time to get used to them. Once you’ve become comfortable with the system, you may see a noticeable improvement in your speed and overall efficiency on the bike.
To summarise:
There are lots of options for cycling pedals and your choice will depend on the type of cycling you do and your current level. Clipless pedals provide many benefits for almost all cyclists once you are used to using them.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to use flat or clipless pedals on a road bike will depend on personal preference, riding style, and intended use. Some riders may prefer the versatility of flat pedals, while others may prefer the efficiency and security of clipless pedals.
“As a kid I had a dream — I wanted to own my own bicycle. When I got the bike I must have been the happiest boy in Liverpool, maybe the world. I lived for that bike. Most kids left their bike in the backyard at night. Not me. I insisted on taking mine indoors and the first night I even kept it in my bed.” — John Lennon, British musician
