Choosing pedals for a bicycle

A bicycle is a transport that allows you to travel short distances without spending a lot of money on maintenance. In order to make the trip convenient, you need to have comfortable pedals, a seat and a steering wheel. Today we’ll talk about bicycle pedals: what they are and how to choose among many options.

These are standard and not the most reliable pedals. As a rule, they are made of plastic and with long use begin to crack. These can be found on cheap or children's bicycles. Also, some people install them for a while until they get better options.

Better and more expensive bike pedals. Their structure they are not particularly different from walking, but much stronger and more durable. They are made from alloys of various metals, often from aluminum. You can meet models that make titanium or steel. These pedals are designed for heavy loads, as in the conditions of a mountain surface you need to use more physical force. Also for them there are colloquial names - “Treadmills” or “platform pedals”.

Bike pedals that are a variation of pleasure. Of the pluses, a more solid structure can be noted, since metal alloys, compactness and a small price are used in the manufacture. If you want a regular walk without inconvenience, then these pedals are perfect. When transported by public transport they can be pushed into the bike and will not interfere with the side.

A very popular type of pedal among cyclists. Contact models are used in competitions, over long distances and so that the whole leg is actively involved in the work. A feature of these pedals is that to use them you need to have bicycle shoes. It is attached using contacts, which are of two types: either in the Look variant, or SPD.

These mounts are made in order to additionally load the legs when you ride a bicycle. If in the case of using ordinary pedals you can simply push in your foot (and they will reach the top themselves), then for contact-type pedals you need to pull the pedal up so that the other falls. To overcome long distances you need to have strong legs that can be trained using this type of pedal.

This approach is for those who are planning or already professionally involved in cycling. The Look method is designed so that the leg is fixed as tightly as possible. You can fix the foot and not even remember that your foot can move off or fly off the pedal. This mount is used for road racing, where there is no heavy load and the likelihood that the fasteners may not withstand. SPD option is more diversebecause it is great for mountain and highway routes.

This is a great option for those who combine sports tracks with regular walks. Such pedals can be fixed as contact ones, but at the same time they can be twisted without bicycle shoes, as folding or walking. The fact is that the surface of these bicycle pedals is different. On the one hand there are mounts, but on the other, they are not.

Cheap analogue contact pedals. This type is different in that the straps are not taken as a basis. With their help, you can fix the foot, and the main load will be on the platform, which is held on belts. Compared to contact pedals, these have both advantages and disadvantages. Of the benefits, this lower price, ease of mounting the foot and convenience during a normal race. Of the minuses - less strength, insufficient fastening power and a small assortment for those people who have large foot sizes. There are no contact problems with these parameters.

To choose high-quality bicycle pedals, you need to understand their structure. This will help those who are just starting to get involved in cycling or on-piste rides.

This part is screwed into the connecting rod and holds the platform in it. The axis has different types of threads so as not to confuse the parts during their installation on the bicycle. The letter L stands for the left pedal and R stands for the right. In order to set the left, you need it twist counterclockwise, and unscrew - clockwise. With the right thread, the opposite is true. The axis can be elongated or shortened, depending on what part of the weight the manufacturer wants to make.

The main part, due to which all the work of the pedal. It is on this mechanism that the foot rests while riding. Each manufacturer sees the case design in its own way, so it is made from different materials and create distinctive designs.

With their help, the body rotates along the axis. Mostly service life depends on bearings. If all the other components of the pedal are made of high-quality materials, but the bearing does not have great strength, then the whole structure will stop working in the near future.

Most often found in the walking version of bicycle pedals. The main function of the reflector is the work of reflectors, which are installed on the side of the case. This thing is useful because at night, it will help drivers see the cyclist.

Device for contact pedals.There are two types of spikes: interchangeable and built-in. Replaceable are a bit more expensive, because if they break down or are inconvenient, they can be replaced, and for this you do not have to buy new pedals as a whole. They can also be given a specific height.

Used only on folding pedals. Frames are attached to the body and are a decorative part. They come in various shapes, colors and overhangs to attract the attention of the buyer.

Also found only in folding pedals. It is they who attach the frame to the body.

It all depends on the size of your feet or the shoes you use. Some manufacturers make the case very wide so that there is more contact area between the foot and pedal. If you want to choose contact models, then do not forget about bicycle shoes. It is attached to the body and should fit snugly against the foot.

It is also necessary to consider the manufacturer. Some make bicycle shoes in the form of small-sized ones, while others sell models that are one size larger so that nothing stops the foot. On this basis and choose the size of the pedals.

The case is made of either polymers or aluminum.

Polymer compositions are good because they are inexpensive, lightweight and can dampen vibration. You can safely use polymer pedals during a city trip. Some motorists are confused by the quality and structural strength of such pedals, but some manufacturers give a guarantee of 4-5 years, so polymer models can last quite a while.

Aluminum is the main material from which the body is made. Metal types of pedals are stronger and more durable than plastic ones. Such material is suitable for those who like an aggressive driving style, use tricks and often jump on a bicycle. Of the shortcomings can be distinguished greater weight, price and the inability to dampen vibration.

Also, the cases can be iron and steel.

The axis is made of chromium-molybdenum or simple steel. This material makes the structure strong and durable. Chromium-molybdenum coating is much more expensive, but it protects well from dirt and rust.

Bearings come in several forms, namely: bulk, industrial and hybrid.

Bulk option is the simplest. It does not differ in special durability or long service life, but it is much cheaper and easier to assemble. Such analogues are installed on the cheapest and children's bicycles.

PIndustrial bearings - this is the main option for the motorist. They are quite durable, can last a long time and have an average price. This type of assembly is most often found in expensive bicycles or mid-priced models. Industrial types are used only with a metal pedal case, since the polymer can work much less than the bearing itself.

Hybrid combine sleeve and industrial option the details. This provides very high endurance in extreme conditions, strength and durability.. If you like a particularly difficult ride and perform tricks with a heavy load on the bike, then this option is best for you. Hybrid parts are used by professional athletes in disciplines such as Freeride and Downhill.

First of all, choose according to what style of travel you will have.For ordinary walks, there is no need to choose a pedal on industrial bearings, since there will not be much load on the part. In this case, you can purchase a walking or folding model. with polymer housing and bulk bearing. It comes out cheaply and is easy to use.

If you prefer an aggressive driving style, then Better choose among aluminum or titanium models assembled with industrial or hybrid bearings. There is no particular difference whether these pedals are contact or tulklipsovym. It all depends on what characteristics you want to see on the device. Do not forget about cycling shoes and the fact that their length should fit the spikes of contact pedals.

For those who like to ride in the rain, it’s better to buy anti-slip pedals so your foot cannot slip off.

The best model from a cheap segment. It was created exclusively for city driving. The main part of the pedal is made of a polymer composition that can withstand all loads in urban conditions. Included are plastic spikes that can hold shoes during the trip. Bulk bearings are installed, therefore too active and abrupt use of the bicycle is excluded.

Price - 550-600 rubles. The advantages include light weight, good strength and a fairly long service life (4-5 years). Of the minuses - insufficient strength and slipping of the foot when the surface of the pedal gets wet.

A very cheap and simple model that is well suited for children's bicycles. Are present reflectorsTherefore, you can not worry about the fact that the child will not be noticeable for cars. The base is made of aluminum, the bearings are bulk, there is a frame.

The price is about 350 rubles. Of the advantages - lightness, ease of installation and high strength for its price. Among the disadvantages are poor bearing quality, low load transfer and short service life.

One of the best walking models. The body is made of aluminum, which gives strength and makes the service life longer. These pedals have built-in spikes that will make the grip better even in the rain. Hybrid bearings are used, which are known for their durability and strength. These pedals are suitable not only for the city, but also for walks in the forest, because this allows their performance.

Of the additional devices, there are side reflectors. The axis is made of chromium-molybdenum steel, therefore can do jumps and some light tricks. The price is 1500 rubles. Strengths, beautiful design and reasonable price are pluses. Cons - the fact that they can be beaten against stones, you can not change the spikes.

Model from a famous German brand. This part has a very strong base, made by special technology. Industrial type bearings, and there are two of them at once. They provide good rotation and durability. The whole structure is closed, so moisture and debris are not possible.

It is very difficult to disassemble this model to replace some parts. This is not so necessary, because the manufacturer gives a guarantee of 5 years. The price is 3000–3200 rubles. Of the advantages - high strength, long life, good price for its quality, the presence of interchangeable spikes and an interesting design. Of the minuses - inability to make out.

One of the most popular types of pedals from the Japanese manufacturer. This model is very versatile. It is durable, lightweight, can be used in extreme conditions and is made using modern technology. The bearings are sealed, so there will be no corrosion. Strong spikes are present that increase traction even in rain. The service life is 5–7 years, which is much longer than the previous pedal options.

The price is about 3700 rubles. Of the many advantages, the main ones are durability, the ability to withstand heavy loads, long life and beautiful design. One minus - and this is the cost.

Attractive and original appearance, quality, reliability - all this about this model of pedals. The main advantage is efficiency under heavy loads.. This result was made possible thanks to a solid housing base, effective bearings and high quality materials. The main part of the bicycle pedal is protected from moisture or dirt.

The price is 5400–5500 rubles, and the service life is 5–7 years. A plus can be called strength, efficiency and durability. The only negative is a certain amount of marriage due to assembly.

Has characteristics for severe conditions. Professional athletes often use these pedals in competitions. Very high strength and quality blend well in this piece. The difference from other contact options is that it is possible to quickly unfasten the spikes. This will help when you can fall.

To ride with these pedals you need only bicycle shoes. The price is in the range of 11000–11500 rubles. Of the pluses are quality, efficiency and low weight. The downside is that you need a special type of shoe to ride.

The most expensive and effective pedal model. It is used only by professionals and has been tested in many world competitions. The housing is made of high-strength alloy, the bearings are hybrid, there is protection against dirt and moisture. The service life is 5–7 years, even under the most severe loads. The unique design makes this model better not only from the inside, but also from the outside.

Price - 14000-14400 rubles. There are no cons, for its price it is the best choice.

Browse bicycle pedals in the next video.