The experience of riding a bicycle is defined by how well each of its parts or components function. If any of the components in a bicycle are not in good condition or suffering from some issue, you will experience some kind of discomfort during the ride. You should not just work towards eliminating a sense of discomfort but also make a conscious effort to alleviate your overall experience of riding the bike.

Several decades ago, one did not have many options to choose from when buying a bicycle. Most bikes were built similarly and did not come with any features that would help one distinguish one bike from another. With time, bikes evolved greatly and one started seeing them in a variety of types and forms.

As different types of bikes came to the forefront, the awareness around the different components they are made of started increasing. People who ride bikes started making an effort to gather more information about the different parts or components that make a bicycle and how they contribute towards making one’s ride feel smooth and comfortable.

Before researching bicycle finance or making a list of all the popular cycle manufacturing brands out there, you should have some clarity on the type of bike you need and the type of components you would want it to come equipped with. Having a sense of clarity will help you tremendously in making the right decision.

When one talks about bikes, the one component one cannot miss out on is the pedals. If a bike does not have pedals, you cannot take it anywhere. When you are about you invest in a road bike, the one thing you need to be particular about is the type of pedals they have. If you are planning to get a customized bike home, you will have the opportunity to make a decision on the type of pedals the bicycle will have.

Pedal Types

While buying a road bike, you will get a variety of bike pedals to choose from. Apart from knowing about the different types of medals, you must also have some idea about how each of them operates. When you are well aware of the mechanism and functionality of each of the pedals, you will be able to decide faster as to which one will work the best for you.

Flat Pedal

When it comes to bikes, the one type of pedal that is used the most is the flat pedal. This pedal type is known for its simplicity and functionality. One side of each crank arm features a flat part where you can put your shoe to push down. Flat pedals are known for offering a flat surface that offers adequate support to your foot on either side. Because of this reason, most cycling shoes work very well on flat pedals.

Downhill cyclists tend to prefer flat pedals over other forms of pedals that exist out there. Such cyclists like flat pedals for the extraordinary grip they provide between the pedal and the shoe. Flat pedals also do not require you to be too efficient with the spin. If you opt for flat pedals, you should make it a point to wear shoes that offer good control and traction.

Clipless Pedal

Before you decide to get SPD shimano pedals or invest in pedals offered by any other company, you should read up on clipless pedals. For a large number of cyclists, cycling with clipless pedals and cleats proves to be a major step forward. A lot of people get confused when they come across the term ‘clipless’. Even though you are supposed to ‘clip in’ the pedals, no clips are involved in the process.

Clipless pedals, as a term, originate from the fact that such pedals do not feature straps or toe clips. Such things were used by both professionals and amateurs to ensure their feet remained stable and in control. In the last 10-12 years, one has seen a significant jump in the demand for clipless pedals.

The design and structure of clipless pedals are based on ski technology. This particular technology ensures the foot of the rider and the pedals are well-connected. Many prefer clipless pedals over flat pedals as they believe these are more comfortable.

Clipless pedals come equipped with special cleats and pedals. These are devices that get attached to clipless cycling shoes’ soles. If you wish to update your existing pedal system, you will require clipless cycling shoes and some other important equipment to go along with it.

Three-Bolt Clipless Pedal

When it comes to road cycling, the three-bolt system has always been prevalent. It comprises a big plastic cleat that gets attached to the rider’s shoe with three bolts. Since the pedal’s clip-in mechanism is one-sided, the rider needs to make sure it is right-side up before they clip it in. Three-bolt-clip-in systems are designed to keep the feet of the riders connected to the pedals. This happens because they facilitate a bigger contact area and offer more stability.

While buying Shimano groupset or any other equipment, you should remember that three-bolt clipless pedals enable riders to build a robust link between the pedals and their shoes. As far as efficiency is concerned, these pedals prove to be better than two or one-bolt models. While trying to make adjustments to the foot position, the rider will not be spending much energy.

What Makes Road Pedals Different

The amount of rotational freedom offered by a pedal is referred to as float. The degree of freedom offered by a cleat could be very different from what another cleat offers. If you do not want your knee to suffer from any kind of strain, you should move it side-to-side. If you have had an injury in the past or your knee is sensitive, you should opt for pedals featuring a sturdy lateral float.

You also have the option of going for a multiple-release cleat. It is designed quite similarly to that of a lateral-release cleat. However, it features increasing angles and the process of release is much easier. While using it, you can be sure about the heel moving in different directions comfortably.

Conclusion

While finalizing pedals for your road bike, you need to be mindful of a few important things. Once you are sure about the type of shoes you will be wearing, the process of choosing the right pedals for your road bike becomes much simpler. A flat pedal will be more suitable for commuters. Apart from being versatile, it is also quite accessible. A three-hole cleat, on the other hand, is known for maximizing power transfer and proves to be the right fit for road bikers.