Exploring The Great Outdoors

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Do you like to explore the outdoors on your bicycle? The type of pedals you are using makes a world of a difference.

Have you ever been pedaling up a hill, with all of your might, only to be passed by someone who seems to be doing the same thing, yet effortlessly? Have you ever noticed that the biker’s feet seem to stay firmly fixed to their pedals? It’s probably because the person is using clipless pedals.

“Clipless pedals” is a misnomer. A few decades ago, toe clips were basically the only form of improved pedaling, so new pedals that came out that offered a different kind of connection between the shoe and the pedal were called “clipless,” even though users technically still had to clip-in to them. Instead of going out to buy clipless pedals, one should actually go out to buy bike shoes, looking for shoes compatible with the “clipless” system. They will commonly come with the “clipless” system, which you can install, and be positive that you have the perfect fit.

One benefit of the clipless system is that it provides maximum efficiency when biking. You can simultaneously push down and pull up during a pedal stroke. Most bikes simply have flat or “platform” pedals. They are wide, stable surfaces, but do not allow bikers to get any power out of the upward motion of their stroke. Though being “clipped in” may sound frightening, it provides extra safety, because your feet will never slip off the pedals if you’re trying to power through a tough area (similar to ski bindings).  It may take a few trial runs to get used to engaging and releasing the shoes from the bike, which is done by twisting the foot outward.

A cheaper alternative to the clipless system are toe cages or toe straps. These do not require the purchase of special bike shoes, yet provide close to the same efficiency as clipless pedals (the ability to pull up and down in one pedal stroke); however, they are a bit less secure. Again, it takes some time to learn how to get in and out of the pedals naturally.

Thus, if you’re looking to increase the efficiency of your outdoor biking experience, you may not need to look at new bikes, but rather at new bike pedals.