Flat or Clipless Pedal (2)

When interpreted directly, clipless pedal means a pedal without a clip, which may sound strange because as we know, this pedal has a clip. Long time ago, the term clip on bicycle pedals was used for pedals that had a strap or some kind of holster, or a kind of shoe fastening to the pedal.

 

A new innovation makes it possible to attach the shoe without the strap, so it is called “clipless” or without a clip.

Clipless pedals require special shoes with cleats or additional accessories on the shoe to hook or lock the bike on the pedal. There are many types, shapes, and clipless pedal systems and mechanisms, such as 2-hole, 3-hole, SPD, Look, and others, which are not all compatible.

The advantages of clipless pedals:

It’s easier to maintain Cadence
One of the things to make a fast bike is to keep Cadence consistent. The pro racers train specifically to maintain a high tempo cadence. With a clipless pedal, it’s much easier to get a larger cadence value.

Pedaling on uneven/rough terrain
Without a clipless pedal, when cycling on uneven/rough roads, we have to press the foot on the pedal to keep the foot from leaving the pedal, so that we can keep pedaling and maintain balance. The clipless pedal ensures your foot is always stay on the pedal.

More integrated with the bicycle
With the clipless pedal, every foot movement will be responded to by the bicycle, thus providing a more sensitive feeling to the bike, power flowing to the pedals without any wasted motion or energy.

Better control for rear wheels
In certain conditions, sometimes we need to lift, hold, or push the rear wheel. It takes special techniques that are trained to get good control, with clipless this is easier to do the techniques.

Disadvantages of clipless pedals:

Need cleats (special clipless shoes)
Not only do you need to buy or replace the pedals, you also have to wear special bicycle cleats or shoes that have a clip under them so you can stick to the clipless pedal. And clipless shoe cleats don’t come cheap either.
After cycling, walking or running with a cleat is uncomfortable, because the sole of the foot is not level. And it will look and sound weird when the cleat is worn in public.

Easy to fall
We can see this everywhere, especially beginner cyclists. Stopping, maintaining balance, reflex movements, with the leg motionless, often ending in a fall with the bicycle.

Adaptation
Falling from a bicycle will usually disappear due to getting used to it after a long period of use. Until at the stage our brains will automatically and naturally move our feet to open the clip first before moving freely.

Incorrect selection or fitting of cleats / shoes can result in injury. The clip pedal will keep the foot in one position (there may be some wiggle room but very limited), which may not suit everyone. Is it because of the unique posture or because of wrong use, it can result in injury for long-term use.

Thicker pedals / shoes
Actually not a serious problem, but for cyclists who every mm can matter, this may need attention. The shape of the pedals and thicker shoes will result in a higher foot position when pressing the pedal, even if only a few mm. The effect is the center of gravity of the bicycle and the position of the higher leg.

There are many other choices for clipless pedals designed specifically for road bikes, only different in shape/detail but similar function. Cleat types SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamic), SPD-SL (Super Light), Speedplay, Look Keo, Crank Brothers Eggbeater are clip systems on clipless pedals from different brands, which must be attached to compatible cleats as well.

Even though in reality not all cyclists prioritize the performance. Cycling on a jammed road, have to stop, getting off the bike, going to a cafe, having a coffee, walking around and so on. In those activities, it is more uncomfortable to walk if you use clipless pedals. Many choose to use the flat pedal, because of its convenience and flexibility.

That’s it!

Hope this little guidance can help you to understand more, and choose what you need. Please come to Sports Bike Factory for further information.

Happy Pedaling!!

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