Which pedals should you choose?

Choosing the right pedals can make a big difference in your comfort, efficiency, and control over your bike. Whether you use your bike for urban rides, mountain biking, gravel, or road cycling, in this article I explain the main types of pedals, their advantages, and when they are most recommended.

1. Platform Pedals

Also known as flat pedals, these are the most common and usually come standard on many bikes.

Advantages:

• No special shoes needed.

• Easy to use for beginners.

• Ideal for city riding, bike touring, or casual MTB.

Disadvantages:

• Less pedaling efficiency.

• May offer less control on technical terrain.

👉 Ideal for: urban riders, casual eBikes, kids, and occasional cyclists.

2. Clipless Pedals

Despite the name (which comes from "clipless" in English), these pedals do have a clip-in system: they attach to cleats installed on specific cycling shoes.

Advantages:

• Direct power transfer.

• Greater control, especially on technical climbs and descents.

• Prevent foot slippage.

Disadvantages:

• Require an adaptation period.

• Need compatible shoes.

Common types:

• SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics): widely used in MTB and gravel.

• SPD-SL: more common in road cycling.

• Look, Crankbrothers, Time, etc.: other brands with similar designs.

👉 Ideal for: advanced MTB, gravel, sportive bike touring, road cycling, and high-performance eBikes.

3. Hybrid Pedals

Combine one side clipless and one side platform, allowing use of cleated shoes or regular footwear.

Advantages:

• Total versatility.

• Perfect for urban use and multi-day trips where you don’t always wear cleated shoes.

Disadvantages:

• Slightly heavier than other types.

• Clipless side can get dirty in extreme conditions.

👉 Ideal for: bike touring, urban or mountain eBikes, mixed-use bikes.

4. Magnetic Contact Pedals

An increasingly popular option in MTB and enduro. They replace traditional cleats with powerful magnets.

Advantages:

• Allow quick release in case of a fall.

• Good balance between grip and freedom of movement.

Disadvantages:

• High price.

• Require specific shoes.

👉 Ideal for: technical MTB riders seeking safety and performance without traditional clips.

Which Pedal Do You Need?

At Bike2Home, we help you find the perfect pedal for your riding style and bike type. Whether it’s a city eBike, an electric MTB, or your gravel bike, I personally advise you and install them on the spot — wherever you are!