if you ride with light sneakers like onitsuka mexicos, pedal type becomes even more important for rides over forty miles. i installed the vo platform pedal on my bikes, using both their city pedal on shorter rides and the touring pedal for longer ones. these replaced the old rat traps you normally see on '70s bikes. the vo pedals are pricey, but they're so light and pretty, the price is just. and you can often find them a little cheaper at online retailers like universal cycles or outside outfitters. they take straps too, which, unlike helmets, are required equipment.