Road bikes are designed to provide a smooth and easy ride over paved surfaces. These bikes work best when equipped with special pedals that maximize performance improve cycling efficiency. The right pedals allow competitive riders to increase their speed while providing a more enjoyable ride for recreational enthusiasts. To select the best pedals for your road bike, consider factors like design, comfort, fit and safety.
Step 1
Choose pedals based on your riding skill level. Select basic flat pedals if you're new to riding and just want a simple, fun riding experience. Competitive riders should choose toe-clip pedals with cages or clipless pedals. A cage design provides a secure hold for your foot but may not provide the same high performance associated with clipless pedals. The clipless pedal design allows for the most efficient pedaling motion, and is used by most high-level cyclists.
Step 2
Match your pedals to your preferred shoe style. If you want to wear sneakers while you ride, stick with caged or flat pedals. Clipless pedals require special cycling shoes that fit snugly over the cleat on each pedal. If you go with clipless pedals, you must match the pedal design to the size and shape of the cleats built into your cycling shoes.
Step 3
Decide between double-sided or single-sided clips. Double-sided pedals have clips or both sides, which means you can easily attach your feet to the pedals without looking down or making adjustments. Single-sided clips mean you have to look down and fit your feet onto the correct side of the pedal. With a single-sided clip, however, you can use the flat side of the pedal to ride with your sneakers or sandals. Double-sided pedals will only work with cycling shoes.
Step 4
Pick the largest pedals possible for more even weight distribution and better comfort. This is particularly important for clipless pedals. Larger cleats spread your weight over a larger area of the foot, and reduce discomfort on longer rides.
Step 5
Take a test ride and try out pedals before committing to a purchase. Ensure that cage-style pedals fit your foot properly without pinching or causing numbness. Make sure clipless pedals fit your cycling shoes, and that the cleats are positioned comfortably in relation to your foot. For flat pedals, ensure the unit is wide enough for your entire shoe to rest flat on the surface of the pedal.
Step 6
Test all pedals before buying to check for safety. The right pedals will provide a secure hold as you ride, but will be easy to get out of in a crash or other emergency. If your feet slip out of the pedals or you are unable to dislodge your foot quickly upon command, try a different pedal design.
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