Choosing bike pedals isn't easy; it depends on your preferences, riding style, experience, and budget. Whether you ride occasionally, seasonally, or are a cycling enthusiast, choose the pedals that are right for you and don't succumb to pressure.

But let's get back to the point where you have to choose them. While browsing forums and online stores, you've probably come across terms like platform pedals and clipless pedals—these are the two most common types of bicycle pedals. Now let's find out what choosing one entails.

Platform bicycle pedals

They are the most common bicycle pedals. They are characterized by a flat surface on both sides, and depending on their size, they provide stability and support for the foot. They are usually made of plastic or aluminum. These pedals don't require special footwear, so they can be used at any time. If you know how to ride a bike, you know how to use them. Their versatility is so broad that they are used by world champions to win enduro and downhill competitions, as well as by children riding around the neighborhood. Obviously, the pedals used by racers differ significantly from those used by children in terms of materials and weight. There are so many types of platform pedals, you're sure to find something for yourself. Prices for platform pedals can range from around 30-40 PLN to as much as 800-1000 PLN for top brands like Shimano, Look, or Crankbrothers.

Clipless bicycle pedals

This type of bicycle pedal stabilizes and holds the foot by engaging a shoe with a special clip/cleat into the pedal body. This means that using this type of pedal requires special shoes that allow the clips/cleats to be attached to the sole. This ensures improved pedaling efficiency by maintaining constant pressure on the pedal. This means that, in addition to pushing down on the pedal, you also pull upwards.

Road clipless pedals

When looking for clipless bicycle pedals, you'll find two main types: road and mountain bike. Road pedals typically feature a wide base into which a triangular clip/cleat clips in. Shoes for this type of pedal typically have a flat sole with only road pedal cleats. As the name suggests, they're used for road riding, where they're rarely clipped out and rarely walked on.

MTB clipless pedals

Clipless mountain bike pedals are designed for off-road riding. They're equally effective for everyday city riding or adventures. They're currently gaining popularity in gravel riding. These are compact pedals with puzzle-shaped cleats. Shoes designed for this type of pedal feature a passive sole that covers the cleat and allows for walking. Clipless pedals can be found in a wide range of prices. From 100 PLN to as much as 1500 PLN for ultralight and durable titanium pedals, which certainly doesn't make choosing the best ones easy.

Which one to choose?

In short, choose the ones you feel are right for you and don't listen to others. If you feel safer riding with platform pedals, stick with them. Don't be embarrassed if your friend uses clipless pedals and you don't. However, if you choose clipless pedals, don't be discouraged if they don't work for you. Learn how to clip in and out, and that will be the beginning of your next adventure.