Many new cyclists become afraid of clipless pedals after seeing stories about riders suffering “zero-speed falls” while using them. Some say they will never try clipless pedals under any circumstances. In reality, clipless pedals and flat pedals each have their own advantages and disadvantages. For riders who want to race or take on long-distance rides in particular, switching to clipless pedals may be an inevitable step in their cycling journey.
Clipless pedals and flat pedals each have their own characteristics, so choose the pedals that suit your needs rather than following the crowd. The advantages of flat pedals are obvious: you can hop on your bike and ride in almost any shoes, and the initial investment is much lower than switching to clipless pedals. Getting on and off the bike is convenient, and there is no need to unclip, allowing you to react more easily in emergency situations.
The advantage of clipless pedals is that they provide a longer pedaling stroke than flat pedals, making them more suitable for long-distance riding. Simply put, they can make pedaling feel more efficient than with flat pedals, while also keeping your feet in a fixed position for more consistent power output. However, compared with flat pedals, using clipless pedals requires dedicated cycling shoes, and you will need to invest a little more money.
Are Clipless Pedals Really More Dangerous?
When comparing clipless and flat pedals in terms of safety, claiming that clipless pedals are unsafe is simply unscientific! The term “zero-speed fall” alone has made far too many people reluctant to use clipless pedals. However, you cannot simply say that clipless pedals are more dangerous than flat pedals. It is true that at low speeds or when stopping, failing to unclip in time can easily lead to a fall. With flat pedals, on the other hand, you have much more freedom to react quickly and put a foot down for support.
The retention provided by clipless pedals can actually improve safety when riding at high speeds. Keeping your feet stable and preventing them from slipping off the pedals can help you avoid more serious hazards. I believe many cyclists have experienced their feet slipping off flat pedals during high-cadence pedaling. If you lose control of the bike as a result, the resulting crash can actually be much more serious than a “zero-speed fall.” Therefore, both clipless and flat pedals can present risks and lead to crashes. Using clipless pedals does not automatically make you less safe than using flat pedals.
There Are Many Types of Clipless Pedals — Try Them Yourself
Clipless pedals come in many styles and types, and the only way to know which type works best for you is to try them yourself. Cyclists often ask me in the comments which type of clipless pedal is better or whether a particular model is worth using. Honestly, these questions are difficult to answer. There are currently road clipless pedals, mountain bike clipless pedals, and even dedicated clipless pedals for gravel bikes. Each category has different designs, and even the mechanisms for clipping out can vary.
Clipless pedals generally offer good durability. Whether they are made of aluminum alloy, carbon fiber, or composite materials, you generally don't need to worry about wear resistance. Since there are simply too many models available, if you really want to know whether a particular pedal is any good, your best bet is to refer to its sales figures and feedback from other cyclists. I've seen plenty of road cyclists using mountain bike clipless pedals, which shows that personal habits and preferences play a major role in the choice.
Compatibility Matters: Shoes, Cleats, and Pedals
If you want to switch to clipless pedals, you need to purchase more than just cycling shoes and pedals. When buying compatible components, make sure everything matches. Many cycling shoes are now sold separately without cleats, so if that is the case, you will need to purchase the cleats yourself. At this point, you need to check that the cleats are compatible with the pedals and that the shoes are compatible with the cleats. Mainstream brands such as Shimano do not all use a single universal standard, and cycling shoes have either two-bolt or three-bolt mounting patterns, so be sure to check compatibility.
Cycling shoes also come with different upper designs and closure systems, so simply choose the style you prefer. In general, both clipless pedals and cycling shoes are highly durable. Cleats, however, have a shorter service life because of their materials and frequent contact with the ground, which causes wear. If clipping in becomes difficult or excessive play develops, it's time to replace the cleats.
Practice Makes Perfect
When you first start using clipless pedals, be patient and practice clipping out. Following a few simple tips can help you adapt more quickly. Clipless pedals come in different designs, but the basic principle is largely the same: slide the front of the cleat under the pedal's retention mechanism and press down firmly. When properly engaged, you should hear a distinct click and feel the cleat lock securely into place.
Although unclipping may seem easy, it is important to practice it repeatedly to avoid crashes caused by failing to unclip in time while you are still getting used to the system. To begin, place your non-dominant support foot on a step and repeatedly clip your dominant foot into and out of the pedal until you become proficient. You may feel nervous when first using clipless pedals. At intersections, traffic lights, or in congested riding conditions, you must react earlier than you would with flat pedals and unclip in advance.
If the spring tension on your clipless pedals is adjustable, try setting it looser to make clipping in and out easier. If the cleats on your cycling shoes are likely to come into direct contact with the ground, avoid walking around in your cycling shoes unnecessarily. Also, remember to clean dirt and debris from the soles of your shoes and the pedals regularly. This will help ensure that clipping in remains smooth and reliable.
Cyclists really don't need to let the fear of “zero-speed falls” put them off clipless pedals entirely. As your riding skills improve, switching to clipless pedals is generally an inevitable step, especially for road cyclists. The benefits they bring are genuinely significant and can even far outweigh the gains from upgrading components such as wheelsets or shifting systems.
Clipless pedals are particularly well suited to long-distance riding and climbing. Once you become proficient with them, you may feel as though your cycling ability has reached an entirely new level.
