Cycling Pedals

Pedals

• Most higher end bikes Don't come with pedals

• Bike pedals are very user specific and you have many options

  • Plain Rubber Pedals 

    • These work for most causal riding whiles wearing most walking or hiking shoes

    • If your bike came with these, keep them - we can talk about other options after a few rides

      • There is a small benefit to upgrading to all medal pedals

      • There is a significant performance benefit to switching to clipless if you are racing or going long distances

      • Economy pedals can break on high adventure - this can be a catastrophic event

        • Extra pedals should be carried in the SAG Wagon

      • Upgrade

        • Race Face Chester

          • Not expensive

  • Platform Pedals

    • These are flat pedals, often with protruding screws around the perimeter of pedal to allow pedal to "bite" into sole of shoes

    • Used when riding with "street shoes" or hiking shoes/boots

    • Some mountain bike riding through rough terrain may be safer with Platform Pedals compared to being locked in with cleats

      • Search and rescue folks will often used Platform Pedals so they can also wear hiking boots

    • Pins do add the risk of cutting your skins in a crash or if you stand improperly and lean your skin against your pedals

      • Not great for younger Scouts going on shorter rides

    • Name Brand Platform Pedals are generally smoother and more durable than economy rubber pedals 

  • Clipless Pedals 

    • These are designed for specialized bikes shoes with cleats

      • Requires specialized bike shoes with cleats - which tend to be expensive

      • Increases efficiency when riding long distances

      • Helps when sprinting 

      • Add stability to shoe when riding on rough terrain 

    • These were used by our main Adult and Scout Bike Leads on our 2025 Biking High Adventure

      • These are overkill for most Scouting Adventures

      • Scouts need to "learn" how to use these - so NOT a good options for the occational rider

    • Long distance riding and some racing will benefit from "clipless pedals" 

      • Really makes a difference when sprinting

        • Helps you maximize force into your pedals

        • Helps you stay on your pedals - huge safety benifit 

    • There are several different styles and brands of cleats

      • MTB Cleats

        • Designed for off pavement use

        • These come in two Main Designs

          • SPD pedals (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) 

            • Manufactured by Shimano as well as other companies

            • Secure Engagement

            • More Durable

          • Crankbrothers

            • Open design is good for clearing mud

      • Road Cleats

        • Intended for road use

        • NOT intended for walking

          • Unless you are doing a LOT of Road Riding that doesn't require walking, we recommend against these

        • Often referred to as SPD-SL or LOOK style

  • Combo Pedal

    • Clipless on one side and Platform on the other

    • Allows you to wear both street shoes and cycling shoes

    • Allows to you to clip and unclip as terrain dictates 

    • These are an OK compromise when you don't want to wear clipless shoes ALL the time

  • Toe Clips

    • These are attached to flat pedals and form a cage around each foot

      • To use, slide in your shoe and then tighten the strap to lock in your shoe

      • Unclipping requires that you loosen the strap 

    • This is an option when non-bike shoes are required

      • Wearing work shoes to work

      • Search and rescue where you want hiking boots for dismounted ops

    • These can be challenging to get out of in urban settings

      • NOT recommended for Scouts