by Corban Burns

Created on: March 17, 2010

It has been said the bike pedal can make up the most important connection between the rider and their bike. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that choosing the right bike pedal to suit your riding needs is a must.

Let’s take a brief look at some of the various riding styles commonly found on the market today. There are mountain bikes, BMX bikes, and racing bikes just to name a few.

Mountain bikes are generally used for off-road terrain. They are the heart and soul of the rugged mountain biking sport. With this knowledge, you could easily conclude that whatever parts on the mountain bike would have to be very strong and durable. And this is correct! The ideal pedal for this use would be the heavier version of the platform pedal. This type of pedal has a flat surface with ridges protruding on both sides of the pedal. This allows the sole of your shoe to grip onto the pedal and lessens the chance of you slipping off. However, if you are really concerned about your foot slipping while riding, the new clipless pedals are the perfect solution for you. Further on, we will explain more about it.

BMX bikes also offer platform pedals, but with a slight twist. Nowadays, everyone in BMX is concerned with lightening their load so to speak. They opt for lightweight wheels, handlebars, frames and hubs. Even the pedals are given consideration. So in order to accommodate their needs, several companies such as Odyssey have begun manufacturing plastic platform pedals.  Though people were skeptical at first, the idea of plastic pedals has really captivated the BMX community and is a big hit with the pros.

Last but not least are the racing bicycles. As the name suggests, these bikes are all about speed, so once again lightweight materials play a big role in the overall performance of the bike. However, this is not all you should look at. A new type of technology has inspired the building of a clipless pedal. This type of pedal is very different to what you may be used to. It features a mechanism that allows you to lock your foot on the pedal. Twisting your foot to the side unlocks your foot from the pedal allowing you to place your feet on the ground if necessary.  Even when riding the toughest trails, your foot is stabilized on the pedal. Some have even found it useful when hopping over objects.

So then, the part most riders forget about the most has proven to have a profound impact on the way you ride a bike. Be sure to consult your local bike shop for more information on what they have to suit your needs.

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