The things you push your feet against to make the bike go. Pedaling technique, and other stuff related to pedals. Clips and clipless pedals.
22
votes
7answers
1k views
What should I look for in clipless pedals and shoes?
I am just thinking about investing in some clip-in pedals (and presumably shoes). I want to use them mostly on my older road bike but in the future I might want to move them over onto my mountain ...
20
votes
3answers
4k views
Cycling uphill on a road - sitting or standing on pedals?
When cycling uphill on a road, what are the pros and cons of cycling while standing up on pedal versus sitting on saddle?
16
votes
5answers
1k views
How can I improve my pedal stroke?
I know a part of biking endurance and speed come from having a perfect pedal stroke. What should I do to improve my pedal stroke?
15
votes
2answers
723 views
How should I angle my foot throughout a pedal stroke?
When I say "angle my foot," I mean in relation to the ground. Is it best to keep your foot level throughout the stroke? Should I point my toes downward or upward at any point? I'm wondering what's ...
13
votes
3answers
5k views
When and how tight should you adjust your clipless pedals?
So I'm new to clipless pedals. I got some Shimano ones, with Specialized MTB shoes. They are an SPD clipless pedal, and the shop adjusted them as loose as they go to unclip from them. Myq questions ...
12
votes
16answers
3k views
What is a simple mnemonic for remembering the thread direction when removing pedals?
Given that pedal threads are different on the left and right pedals: the right side pedal has a right-hand thread (removes counterclockwise, installs clockwise); the left side pedal has a left-hand ...
12
votes
7answers
10k views
How much of a difference do Toe Pedal Clips make in comparison to Platform Pedals?
I am a novice cyclist, using my bike to travel to work with a round trip of about 15 miles in moderate to heavy traffic. I have been thinking about upgrading my bikes platform pedals to a set of ...
12
votes
8answers
879 views
How can I pedal in circles?
I couple of years ago I switched from using a normal pedal to using a clipless pedal. It takes a little while to get used to. Now, to be able to use it optimally I need to learn how to pedal in ...
12
votes
10answers
4k views
How to get my feet out of SPD pedals?
I just bought some SPD shoes and pedals last night and I was trying them out (on one foot) while balancing in my living room. I ended up falling over because I couldn't get unclipped. What suggestions ...
11
votes
4answers
2k views
Can someone give me a short description and comparison of the different road cycling pedal / shoe systems?
I am looking at buying a pedal/shoe system as the clips and straps I am using are hurting my feet again.
It's been a long time since I have bought a road pedal / shoe system, and I have forgotten the ...
11
votes
2answers
160 views
What are the bumpy parts around the spindle of some pedals?
Does anybody know what the bumpy part near the threads of this pedal are for? They look like they might fit a special wrench, but I can't find any that would fit.
I feel like I must be missing ...
11
votes
3answers
1k views
Is there any advantage to using pedal straps over clipless pedals?
Other than not having to buy special biking shoes, is there any clear advantage to using pedal straps over clipless (aka clip-in or step-in) pedals?
10
votes
4answers
551 views
Are there any scientific studies proving the benefits of clipless pedal systems?
Has there been done any scientific studies that proves that clipless pedals actually improve pedaling efficiency etc. over flat pedals? Clipless pedal enthusiasts are quick to say that you must use ...
9
votes
9answers
3k views
Why is a proper road bike pedal preferred for road bikes?
I've been riding road bikes for a couple of years, but with mountain bike pedals, I've been thinking about switching over to a road bike pedal, but what's the reason? Is the performance improved or is ...
9
votes
4answers
5k views
Removing a stuck pedal
I'm sure this question must have already been answered somewhere here, but it doesn't show up in any search results I make...
I'm changing the pedals on a 40 year old bike. Pretty sure the pedals are ...
9
votes
6answers
2k views
Recommendations for clipless pedals that can be used with regular shoes
Does anybody have recommendations for clipless pedals that can be used with regular shoes? I only have 1 bike, but I use it enough that I think clipless pedals would offer a nice advantage. However, ...
9
votes
2answers
1k views
Clipless Pedals - Float
In
this question
I asked about clipless pedals. The term float came up. I think that float refers to how far you need to turn your shoe in order to release it from the pedal. Q1: Is this ...
8
votes
4answers
347 views
How to weight pedals?
I have some odd kind of track pedals on my bike. I believe they are clipless pedals; but for description, on one side they are flat and comfortable to pedal with. On the other side there is a raised ...
8
votes
1answer
695 views
what is this protrusion on one side of my platform pedal for?
I've bought new pedals like on the picture. They are good, but i'm confused about the part, marked on the picture.
I've always thought that pedals have no 'up' and 'down' sides, so i can't realize ...
8
votes
6answers
3k views
Why not place the cleats further back on the foot?
I've found a number of articles saying there is no advantage in having the cleat under the ball of your foot as opposed to further back towards the arch. The reasoning is that the calf muscle is not ...
7
votes
1answer
5k views
Do both SH51 and SH56 cleats work with all SPD-compatible pedals?
This answer mentions that Shimano makes two kinds of SPD cleats, one that allows unidirectional release (SH51) and one multidirectional (SH56).
Are there other differences between the two? Will both ...
7
votes
2answers
182 views
What's the foot retention used by pro track cyclists?
I have recently started hitting my local velodrome in Herne Hill and it's great fun.
I notice the majority of experienced riders use road pedals such as Look or SPD-SL. The rental bikes just have ...
6
votes
3answers
581 views
Solutions for pedals screwed in the wrong sides?
I have a Focale44 fixie with a single speed on the other side of the gear (this is called a flip-flop I think?) and I LOVE it so far! I've ridden it for about six months and haven't had to fix ...
6
votes
3answers
7k views
Difference between road pedals and MTB pedals
I am interested in buying some pedals I can clip into for my bike. I currently ride a mountain bike/hybrid but I ma looking to get a road bike next year some time.
What are the differences between ...
6
votes
3answers
446 views
What are the advantages of the different clipless systems?
In the past I have used the Look road pedals and the SPD system, however I know that there are many other systems, including some that work purely on magnets.
What are the advantages of the various ...
6
votes
2answers
310 views
Which mountain bike pedal is most suitable for racing?
Which kind of mountain bike pedal is most suitable for racing? It needs to be pretty light, but also durable to be able to resist a tough race.
5
votes
4answers
138 views
Uncomfortable SPD pedals
I have just started using the SPD system.
Having ridden without for years, it's proving to be a challenge and sometimes uncomfortable.
A challenge, because the stop/start through traffic is a hassle ...
5
votes
6answers
579 views
Benefits of toe grips/toe straps
I'm considering getting some toe grips or straps for my bike.
What are the benefits of these over normal pedals?
5
votes
4answers
7k views
Is there an optimal postion for SPD cleats?
I bought some SPD clipless pedals and shoes at the beginning of the season, and I want to make sure I'm getting the most out of them. There is quite a bit of distance I can move the cleat forwards ...
5
votes
2answers
7k views
Pedals and cleats compatibility
I started riding road bikes seriously a couple of years ago at which point I acquired Exustar pedals and shoes. The pedals have kept up well, but my shoes are getting a bit tired and I'm wanting to ...
5
votes
4answers
2k views
Replace Brompton folding pedal - what tool is needed?
I've managed to completely break the folding left-hand pedal on my Brompton. The bit where it fastens onto the crank* is fine, but the rest of it gone.
What tool(s) do I need to remove the broken ...
4
votes
3answers
227 views
Good pedal and shoe combination for summer touring
First off given that I will be sightseeing as well is it worth the extra weight to take a dedicated cycle shoe and a walking shoe or is the extra hassle of having something else that can go wrong not ...
4
votes
3answers
299 views
Broken pedal on an old french bike
I broke the pedal of an old french bike (Peugeut Mixte 70's). The threading doesn't fit the one in modern pedals.
Now I am wondering if I should insist in finding an old french pedal or if I should ...
4
votes
4answers
887 views
Correct way to pedal
I've managed to break my bike frame, and after doing some reading, it is possible that I'm not pedaling correctly by putting too much into my power stroke (see the related question I keep breaking my ...
4
votes
2answers
263 views
What to look for in quality mountain bike pedals?
After a few rides in mucky trails, I am finding my Norco Bush Pilot pedals are getting rough and do not spin very well. Additionally, the plastic of the pedals are getting pretty beat up.
I realize ...
4
votes
2answers
361 views
How to get enough leverage to remove pedals when their cranks are not attached to a bike?
I'm trying to troubleshoot a weird barely-felt click on my cruiser. The nest step of the process is to swap out the pedals and see if the problem goes away (if not, the problem is likely the bottom ...
4
votes
2answers
400 views
Speedplay Zero Engagement Force
I just bought a pair of Speedplay pedals and was trying to set them up today. Once I got the cleats on with the included shims, I tried to clip in and had to use an absurd amount of force to get into ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
How to set up bike so that back-pedalling stops the rear wheel?
My first bike was a 1976 Raleigh Strika. It was brilliant and was distinguished by having only a front brake lever. To get the rear wheel to stop one simply back-pedalled. This was a v. efficient way ...
4
votes
1answer
162 views
Understanding MTB Pedals
This question is bugging me for a very long time. Look at the picture below.
notice the area i have denoted with red circles. What is that? Does it represent something ? May be something like ...
3
votes
6answers
1k views
Why does my bike make a noise when I pedal hard?
When I pedal forcing a little with my right leg, the bike makes a noise that I don't know how to describe. I'll try to do it. It's like:
a short "ting"
a tiny bell
if a small rock hits the down tube
...
3
votes
5answers
9k views
Clicking sound coming from pedals/pedal spindle/crank
I recently bought a Trek 4300 series MTB, but after only several weeks of use, I'm getting a clicking sound coming from both sides of the pedals.
It seems particularly pronounced when more torque is ...
3
votes
5answers
222 views
Are there pedals that are both flat and cleated on each side?
I use the same bike for commuting, fast lunch-time rides, and not-very-fast weekend touring. I recently switched from flat pedals to clipless (Shimano PD-M520) but am finding them impractical on my ...
3
votes
2answers
4k views
What's difference between 1/2 and 9/16 inch pedals?
I've this bike MTB hardtail Marin Bolinas Ridge 2012.
And it has generic composite pedals which I want to change.
So while choosing pedals I saw two different choices, 1/2 and 9/16 inch pedals.
I ...
3
votes
2answers
345 views
Removing surface rust from my Eggbeater pedals?
So I did a couple of wet rides last month, and I guess I didn't dry the pedals as well as I should have. I have Crank Brothers Eggbeater pedals, and I noticed a bit of surface rust on them that I'd ...
3
votes
2answers
341 views
How to reassemble spring assembly on Shimano M520 SPD pedals
I have a pair of shimano m520 pedals which were damaged in an accident. The springs rotated past the tension bolt and now the back section, usually under tension, now hangs free. How can I ...
3
votes
1answer
549 views
How can I adapt my pedals to account for a difference in leg length?
I have a leg length difference of as much as 1cm due to a non-biking accident. Adding padding to my shoe doesn't help. A friend recommended that I get pedal stacks (and a longer bolt) to my SPD-style ...
3
votes
5answers
479 views
Which footwear is the safest for summer cycling?
This morning I could not find my training shoes. So, I used my sandals. I found that the sandals not only kept my feet cool but there was no pedal slippage as I had expected. The more I think about ...
3
votes
1answer
798 views
How to maintain platform pedal bearings?
I have a pair of Redline platform pedals with plastic end caps and I notice one of them does not turn freely.
They look about like this:
...
3
votes
0answers
72 views
Size of Pedal Threading on old German Glockenlager?
I removed the pedals of a Göricke bike from 1934 or 1935 (according to the bike number). It has a Glockenlager (What is that in English? Bell shaped bottom bracket?) as seen in the picture. The crank ...
3
votes
1answer
797 views
Shimano PF-M545 pedals Mavic Alpine All Mountain Shoes how to fit the cleats
I just bought Shimano PD-M545 pedals and Mavic Alpine All Mountain Shoes (links below)
Shimano M545 Free Ride Pedals
Mavic Alpine All Mountain Shoes
I did do some research and "think" I got the ...
