When choosing bike pedals, first think about the type of riding you’ll be doing. Will you be road biking or mountain biking? Are you looking for the pedaling power and efficiency of clipless pedals (where cleats on the bottom of the shoes secure your feet to the pedals) or the ease and maneuverability you get with flat platform pedals? Perhaps you want the benefits of both. Here are 3 considerations when choosing bike pedals:

Decide if you want clipless vs. flat pedals 

Consider the type of riding you do

Decide on the shoes you want

Decide if you want clipless vs. flat pedals introduce.

Choose clipless pedals if you want more efficiency and control; with your shoes connected to your pedals, you transfer power when you pull up and push down. Choose flat pedals if you need to quickly take your feet off the pedals or want comfort while walking in the shoes that don’t have cleats.

Consider the type of riding you do introduce.

Do you want road cycling pedals with a three-hole cleat for the most power transfer? Or are you a recreational cyclist who wants flat pedals that are easy to get on and off?

Decide on the shoes you want introduce.

Sometimes, your shoe preference may dictate the type of pedals you get. If you’re a bike commuter who wants to wear your shoes off the bike as well as on, flat pedals or mountain bike pedals are good choices because you can wear shoes with recessed cleats or regular street shoes.