While cleated pedals increase your pedalling efficiency, the surface area of a platform (non-cleated) pedal can improve your balance and stability. How do you know which pedal to chose?

Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of cleated pedals and platform pedals:

Cleated pedals:
• Improved balance in rough riding (feet stay put)
• Can make you feel more safe, secure and improve control
• Increased power output and pedalling efficiency
• They’re slightly pricier and you’ll need to get specific shoes
• Cannot mix flat and cleated shoes and pedals
• Crashing in clips can get you into tricky positions

Flat pedals:
• Great starter and learning pedals, they boost confidence
• They’re fun and easy – compatible with any flat shoe
• You can easily move your feet on the pedals (or off if you crash)
• They’re cheaper and you don’t need a specific shoe
• Lack of pedalling efficiency and power output
• Not as grippy as cleated pedals – less control.
• There’s nothing worse than a pedal smacking your shin.

Depending on your type of riding and what you’re trying to achieve with your riding, there’s a pedal for you.