Clip-in pedals and other bike pedals: what you should know

Three pedal types – an overview

There are roughly three different types of pedals: clip-in pedals, platform pedals and combi pedals. The key features of each type are detailed below.

Clip-in pedals – various different systems

There are essentially two standard systems for clip-in pedals: in the case of road cycling shoes, there is a plate that is attached to the front foot with three screws. It’s very hard to walk when wearing these shoes. You’ll be able to manage a short stroll to the café and the toilet during your bike tour, but that’s as far as you’ll get, otherwise the plate will wear out. The SPD-SL systems from Shimano (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics Super Light) are widely used.

Cycling shoes for gravel bikes and mountain bikes, by contrast, have a treaded sole. The ‘cleats’ are screwed into two places at the height of the ball of your foot. It’s easier to walk – say if you need to push or carry your bike for a short distance – in these clip-in shoes. The Shimano Pedaling Dynamics system (SPD clip system) is a tried-and-trusted option.

Clip-in pedals with the two-hole system are more robust and are easy to clip out of. By contrast, three-hole systems transmit the power to the pedals more directly.

When buying plates and cleats, make sure they work with your cycling shoes. Even though different systems may be compatible, it is advisable to use pedals and plates from the same brand for safety reasons.

Benefits of clip-in pedals

The fixed connection between shoe and clip-in pedal ensures a secure grip and stops you from slipping off the pedals. Thanks to the clip-in system, you can not only push the pedals down, but also pull them up, creating a cyclical, powerful pedal movement. This uses your leg muscles in all kinds of ways and helps you get fatigued less quickly.

If the shoes and clip-in pedal have been adjusted appropriately, this also ensures correct posture on the bike, which can prevent joint discomfort and pain. The shoe plates can be screwed in at different angles to suit your natural foot and leg position.

How clip-in pedals work

Shoe plates and cleats connect the shoes to the pedal. To clip in, press the shoes onto the pedal from above until they click into place. This takes a bit of practice, but over time it’ll become second nature. To clip out, turn the heel outward or inward. A screw on the clip pedal enables you to adjust how easy this is. To start with, a low level of release difficulty is good, so you can unclip yourself without any issues.

Platform pedals: the classic

Most bikes come with platform pedals, i.e. normal pedals, as standard. The surface is often slightly rubberised, roughened or slightly jagged, so that the shoes have a good grip on the pedals even in wet weather. You can use these pedals day to day with any kind of shoes.

Gravel bikes and mountain bikes often have platform pedals with small metal pins that latch into your shoes’ tread and thus provide more grip. Mountain bike shoes have particularly robust and stiff soles that can withstand the pins and ensure power transmission is transmitted directly. Additionally, if you’re going on a cycling holiday and just want to take a single pair of shoes with you, these pedals mean you’ll be comfortable when wandering around a museum or strolling through town.

Combi pedals: the best of both

One side of the pedals is a clip-in pedal, the other a platform. Feeling athletic? Ride with clip-in shoes. Prefer comfort? Opt for regular shoes. Combi pedals come in particularly handy for cycling trips or gravel biking, as different shoes are suitable depending on the terrain and tour. And when you’re on a trip, you might also want to wear sandals during your cycle if it’s a hot day.

Magnetic pedals: platform pedals with the power of attraction

Magnetic pedals are less common. To use them, attach a small steel plate to the sole of the shoe (which is possible with all bike cycling shoes with the SPD system); a magnet is affixed to the pedals. Depending on your body weight, you might need a pedal with a stronger or weaker magnetic strength: 200 Newtons corresponds to about 20 kilos of traction and is suitable for people who weigh over 80 kilos; 150 Newtons, about 15 kilos of traction, is for lighter people.

The magnetic pedals offer more grip than platform pedals, but less than clip-in pedals. To detach from them, you have to jerk your foot upwards – which takes some practice. The disadvantage? Dirt reduces the strength of the magnetic attraction.

Pedal maintenance

Maintenance is particularly important for clip-in pedals to ensure that the release mechanism works well. Regularly remove mud and dust with a soft brush and a little warm water. A bike cleaning product can help if they’re very dirty. Leave to dry in a warm place to prevent rust, then lubricate everything with chain oil or another suitable lubricant.

If you have platform pedals with pins, check them regularly to make sure they are still properly screwed in. Replace missing or bent pins.