We’re continuing on our geneology on types of bike pedals on our mission of cat skinning. If you missed yesterday’s introduction on platform and toe strap/clip pedals, don’t fret young grasshopper, check it out here.

While I remember the first time I saw a set of clipless pedals I thought to myself “self, uhhhhh WTF are these things and where are the pedals?”

While clipless pedals may not only appear alien for the first-timer and take time to master, utilizing your bike with modern-day clipless pedal technology will offer you greater efficiency as power is stored and maintained on the upward stroke of your leg to pedal.

How Clipless Pedals Work & Why Opt for Them

By the means of mounting a small metal (sometimes plastic) cleat on the sole of your biking shoes, clipless pedals work virtually identical to ski bindings attaching to ski boots. The cleat snaps into a set of spring-loaded “clips” on the face of the pedal.

Let’s not even get into why they’re called “clipless” and function by the means of clips…

Aside from not only giving you the ability to pull up and push down during a pedal stroke to maximize energy efficiency, clipless pedals offer control while executing moves like hopping up on curbs or over debris while on a mountain path. They improve your overall safety, where your feet are unable to bounce off the pedals while riding through bumps and will not slip off if you’re battling harsh conditions like rain or snow and won’t weigh your bike down.

Two Types of Cleat Designs

Clipless pedals come in two types of systems, which is usually broken down into two different types of rides on your bike, mountain biking and road cycling. Those who opt for mountain biking are best suited for the 2-hole cleat design, while those who are road cyclists, the 3-hole cleat design.

Mountain Biking & the 2-hole Design

Aside from being the most versatile clipless pedal system that can be used for all types of riding—mountain biking, everyday commuting, road cycling or touring—it’s fitted with a simple axle, retention mechanism and dual-sided action, these pedals operate with a small cleat that is recessed into the bike shoe.

Allowing the rider to walk around with ease while off the bike, this design is most commonly seen on mountain biking shoes and utilized by mountain bikers because it enables you to slide the cleat back and forth slightly to achieve the proper angle and placement for maximum comfort and ease of engagement to the pedal, not to mention get on and off your bike easily when on your trail.

Road Cycling & the 3-hole Design

Most frequently used by road cyclists because of their large shoe contact area that requires wide cleats for quicker engagement and the most efficient pedaling, the 3-hole design takes pedaling power, efficiency and stroke to the next level.

These types of pedals reduce pressure on your connection points and allows for a fully secure connection during even the most stressful of loads.

Head over to our website and checkout our huge selection of all types of bike pedals today!