Bike Pedals | Flat Platform, Clipless & Dual Function
Bike Pedals: Common Questions
What bike pedals are available at Urban Cycling Apparel?
This collection carries flat platform pedals, clipless pedals, dual-function combos, and road cleat sets for MTB, road, BMX, commuter, and folding bike applications. The lightweight flat platform MTB pedals use an aluminum composite body with chromoly steel axle and 16 hex grip pins per pedal, weigh only 288 grams per pair, and fit standard 9/16-inch cranks. Clipless pedals in this collection are compatible with SPD and Look systems for mountain and road use. Dual-function pedals offer a platform side for regular shoes and a clipless side for performance cycling, with sealed bearings throughout. Road bike pedal and cleat sets are also available for dedicated road cyclists.
What is the difference between flat pedals and clipless pedals?
Flat pedals, also called platform pedals, have a wide surface with grip pins that hold your shoe through friction. You can wear any shoe and step on and off freely without any mechanical connection between foot and pedal. Clipless pedals use a cleat bolted to the bottom of a dedicated cycling shoe that snaps into the pedal mechanism and releases when you twist your heel outward. Despite the name, clipless pedals actually clip you in — the name comes from their historical distinction from old-style toe clip cage pedals. Flat pedals are better for beginner riders, casual commuting, trail riding where frequent foot-down moments occur, and riders who value the freedom of quick dismounts. Clipless pedals improve power transfer and pedaling efficiency on longer road and gravel rides and are preferred by most performance-oriented cyclists.
What are dual-function bike pedals and who are they for?
Dual-function pedals have a standard flat platform on one side and a clipless mechanism on the other, so you can use the same pedals with regular shoes or with clipless cycling shoes depending on the ride. They are ideal for commuters who ride to work in street shoes but also want the option to clip in for longer rides on weekends, for newer cyclists transitioning to clipless who want an easy escape hatch, or for e-bike and urban riders who mix ride styles. The trade-off compared to dedicated clipless pedals is slightly more weight and a less refined engagement feel, but for versatility the dual-function design covers more ground than any single-purpose pedal.
What does 9/16-inch pedal thread mean and will these pedals fit my bike?
The 9/16-inch thread refers to the diameter of the pedal axle spindle where it threads into the crank arm. This is the universal standard for virtually all adult bicycles including road bikes, MTB, gravel bikes, commuters, BMX, and e-bikes. The only common exception is one-piece steel cranks found on some inexpensive kids' bikes and older cruisers, which use a smaller 1/2-inch thread. If your bike has a standard three-piece crank or any modern crank arm, 9/16-inch pedals will fit. All pedals in this collection use standard 9/16-inch thread and are labeled L for left and R for right — the left pedal has reverse threading and must be turned counterclockwise to tighten.
Should I start with flat pedals or go straight to clipless?
Most experienced cyclists recommend starting with flat pedals and transitioning to clipless after developing basic bike handling skills. The reason is practical: clipless pedals require learning a new movement to unclip before coming to a stop, and forgetting to do so results in falling over sideways — a common and humbling experience for new clipless riders. Flat pedals let you focus on riding skills, bike handling, and fitness without adding that complexity. Once you are comfortable stopping, cornering, and navigating traffic or trail features, the transition to clipless is straightforward and the efficiency gains on longer rides are real. Many trail mountain bikers ride flat pedals exclusively their entire careers and have excellent technique — flat pedals are not a beginner-only choice.
What clipless pedal system should I choose — SPD or Look?
SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) and Look are the two most widely used clipless systems. SPD uses a small two-bolt cleat recessed into the sole of the shoe, which allows walking comfortably — making it the standard choice for MTB, gravel, touring, and commuting. Look uses a larger three-bolt cleat that sits exposed on the ball of the foot, providing a stiffer interface for better power transfer but making walking in Look shoes awkward and loud. Look-style pedals (including compatible systems from other brands) are the standard for road racing and most dedicated road cycling. If you plan to walk at coffee stops, at work, or on trails, SPD is the more practical choice. If you are focused on road performance and do not need walkability, Look-style is the road standard. Urban Cycling Apparel ships all pedals direct across the U.S. from its Webb City, Missouri fulfillment center.