Qwert

I've never actually payed much attention to pedals, so the only pedals I ever had were pretty similar to the ones in the first pic. What's with the other two? What are all the different parts for? (and don't post something just to insult me because...yes, I know it's a stupid question)

the wonginator

the first pedal is what you would normally use with your shoes. the second and third are designed to clip into shoes, but they're called "clipless"... which is beyond me.

madbiker555

Those are clipless pedals, meaning: you wear shoes that have special clips on the bottom that clip into the pedals. The pedals in the first picture are called platform pedals.

FREERIDEBRAH

the first picture you posted is just a regular platform pedal. The next two pictures are a diffrent type of pedal called the clipless pedal. which is a stupid name because you are "cliped in" to your bike. This pedal makes your feet "stuck" to your pedal. The only way to get out of them is to twist your foot to the side.

the wonginator

anyone know the reason why theyr'e called "clipless" when they clip into a shoe?

madbiker555

No idea why...I would think that platform pedals could also be called clipless.

santiago

These are called clip or strap pedals. When the "clipless" pedals came out they referred to the fact that you had no straps with clips on them.

Qwert

Okay, thanks. I always thought clipless pedals were the ones without the clips..
Anyways, so my pedals are now all twisted from too many sharp turns and I have some BMX pedals lying around. Will they do for a while?

phantomcow2

Yes, as long as the interface is 9/16" i think it is.

Qwert

So, basically any pedal should be fine as long as it fits? Where can I find the size of the interface? Do I just have to try and put it on?

One more thing..do I have to buy a special tool to put the pedals on, or can I make do with wrenches and stuff?

the wonginator

you can just do it with wrenches.

Psyko

Ive always wondered that myself

McGRP01

The 3rd pedal pictured is a road pedal.

a2psyklnut

Most aluminum cranks are most 3 piece (two crank arm bolted to a bottom bracket spindle) are 9/16".

Old style one piece, (metal crank arms that are fit through the bottom brackett) found on cheaper bikes use a 1/2".

You can use regular wrenches, but you'll find the space between the pedals and the crank arms might be tight, so you might not be able to get the wrench on there all the way. An open ended wrench will usually work. Size is 15 mm.

swifferman

Hey, what's that one on the end? Looks like an egg beater but I've never seen it with that kind of platform before...Doesn't look like Candy or Mallet...

Strange...

santiago

It's the roadie Crank Brothers pedal. I think it's called the Quattro.

zx108

the guy at my local bike shop said once i get my bike that i should definatly get pedals with clips on them. he was very inthused and said they are MUCH better and they are GREAT to have. he also said it takes some time to learn, which doesnt bother me.

so my question: what do you have on your bike(s) and why???

oh yea i am going to be doing some XC trail riding

skiahh

Actually, you should put "clipless" pedals on your bike. Clips are what the old cage and straps are called. The newer, ski binding-like pedals are actually called clipless.

There are several types out there and they all have their plusses and minuses. Personally, I like Speedplay Frogs. I had major problems unclipping from the SPD type pedals, but none whatsoever with Frogs. I haven't tried the Time/Eggbeater type, but they'd probably be my second choice based on float and ability to clear mud.

One important safety tip: Your first ride or two should be on nice smooth grass until you have figured out how to reliably get your feet unattached from your bike! Doing so on pavement will result in not only bruised ego (just accept the fact that you're going to look foolish the first couple of times you wind up on your back with your bike, still attached, above you), but a bruised ego, too. On grass, you'll have a nice soft landing and only have the ego to deal with!

Raiyn

Don't we already have like three different pedal threads going in this section already?

iamthetas

yes but ..... I swear by TIMES. they were very easy to learn in . no adjustments, they dont unclip accidently while pedaling from being too loose, and if you want faster unclip speed , put a little triflow( or other evaporating chain lube) and they slide out super quick and shed mud even better but still dont come unclipped unless you twist . Shimanos can unclip while pulling up if they are too loose. Times are like chinese handcuffs,the tighter you pull against them the better they hold. I ride aggresive cross country in good or bad weather

Raiyn

For the love of ....... Mod Merge se vous plait

chris_pnoy

Platforms eh? Hmmm... I imagine some guy wearing platform shoes and using platform pedals...

iamthetas

actually its 4 right now

Killer B

I've never had any trouble with going clipless.... In the beginning, they came as easy as toeclips. I never fell or wrecked once because of them. Some people have trouble spelling their own name....

zx108

sorry for adding to the pedal threads. i am going to go with the clipless ones, just need to look at some at the bike shop.

thanks