PEDALS MTB
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All things pedals, clipless or flat pedals?
Time to take a closer look at one of the contact points between rider and bike, your bicycle pedals. Pedals come in different formats from clipless pedals to MTB flat pedals aka Flat pedals.
Platform Pedals. These bike pedals are probably what was on your bike when you learnt to ride a bike, usually made of plastic or aluminium and are compatible with almost any shoe. MTB flat pedals can vary in price as the ones that comes with an entry level bikes are cheap but increase in price as the materials improve and designs for specific riding disciplines. Platform bike pedals are very versatile as kids ride them in the neighbourhood and commuters use them to ride to work. Some of the worlds best downhill and enduro mountain bikers also prefer them since there is no clip in action needed so you can get on the power faster if your foot comes back onto the pedal. The versatility of these pedals is also reflected in their price range.
Clipless pedals. Although the name suggests that there are no clips involved it refers to the omission of the old style of toe clips and a strap around the shoe. A little bit of history right there! Thes pedals almost work on a key and lock concept where the shoe via a cleat (the “key”) connects to the pedal (the “lock”). These spring-loaded systems come in road and off-road/all-round versions and are usually more expensive, as one must factor in the cost of the dedicated shoes that they need to be paired with. These pedals prevent your feet from sliding off the pedals when riding over technical terrain or sprinting and leaves riding more “in-touch” with their bike. Leading brands to consider when purchasing Clipless pedals are Look, Shimano and Time.
In recent years there has also been an evolution in the quest for performance data of riders by measuring the power output of riders. One of the easiest and logical places to measure this power output is via the bicycle pedals. Systems that have power sensors built in, are from two prominent brands, Garmin and Favero. These bicycle pedals systems are also compatible with the existing Look Keo and SPD Shimano pedals as they use the same cleat system as them.