Pedals and Cranks

Although they all set bike cranks in motion, not all bicycle pedals are created equal. Some bicycle pedal models are better suited for particular types of cycling. For example, recommendations for mountain bike pedals will vary from those for stunt riding bicycle pedals.

Bike Pedals and the Bicycle Crank

Many people know what a bicycle pedal is, but some don''t know the bicycle pedals'' purpose.

Cyclists push their feet on the bike pedals in order to turn the bike crank. A bicycle crank (sometimes referred to as the bike''s arm) then moves the chain, which propels the bicycle forward.

In order for a bicycle pedal to be effective, it should be properly attached to the bicycle crank. Many riders use bike pedals no only to turn bike cranks but also to balance themselves on bicycles.

Bicycle Pedal Basics

The three basic types of bike pedals are:

• clipless: These pedals allow the rider''s feet to attach to the pedals through cleats on his shoes. Clipless pedals make each stroke of the pedal more efficient and are good for riding uphill and gaining speed. Clipless bike pedals are the most popular type of bicycle pedal for experienced cyclists and are very popular mountain bike pedals.Because the foot is attached to the clipless pedal, the rider can''t put his foot on the ground as quickly as he could if he were using another type of pedal. This could cause injury if the person doesn''t know how to properly remove his foot from the bike pedal while riding.There are two main models for clipless bike pedals: exposed-cleat pedals and recessed-cleat pedals. Both models allow the shoe to connect to the bicycle pedal. However, exposed-cleat pedals require shoes that have cleats protruding from their soles, which snap into the clipless pedal. Recessed-cleat pedals feature cleats that are hidden within the shoe''s sole. This makes walking easy.
• platform (or flat): Platform pedals have ridges that help the rider keep his foot in place. These bicycle pedals are usually one-sided, with the supporting components of the bicycle pedal located on the underside.Platform pedals are best for beginners, as they are easy to use and do not connect the foot to the pedal. Plus, these bike pedals can be used with any type of shoe.Platform bike pedals are primarily used by beginners, downhill riders, freeriders, riders who want more freedom of foot movement and stunt riders.More experienced riders, especially those who undertake more technically challenging and arduous rides, do not like platform bike pedals because they compromise pedaling efficiency.
• toe clip (or cage): Typically made of metal, toe clips bike pedals are similar to platform pedals, but, instead of featuring ridges, these pedals feature teeth-like protrusions, offering better grip. Also, these pedals are two-sided.Originally, a cage pedal was a bicycle pedal that had a cage attached to it. Now, many refer to bike pedals onto which you can attach a toe clip. The toe clip has a strap that adjusts around the top of the foot to hold it in place.With the creation of clipless bike pedals, cage bike pedals have lost much of their appeal. If strapped properly, the toeclip can increase the rider''s pedal efficiency, but not to the level of clipless bike pedals. Manufacturers will often use cage bike pedals on their low-end bicycle models, as they are less expensive then clipless models.

Resources

About.com (n.d.). Clipless pedals for bicycling. Retrieved December 5, 2006, from the About.com Web site.

Noble, J. (n.d.). Selecting the best pedals for bicycle touring. Retrieved December 5, 2006, from the BicycleTouring101 Web site.

Pasion, L.J. (n.d.) Mountain bike pedals types. Retrieved December 5, 2006, from the ABC of Mountain Biking Web site.

Speedplay.com (n.d.). Choosing the perfect clipless pedal. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2006, from the Speedplay Web site.

Tisue, K. (n.d.). Cranks. Retrieved December 5, 2006, from the About.com Web site.

Tisue, K. (n.d.). Pedal. Retrieved December 5, 2006, from the About.com Web site.

Tisue, K. (n.d.). What type of bike pedals should I use? Retrieved December 5, 2006, from the About.com Web site.