Adventure Cycling - SPDs or Flat Pedals?

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Adventure Cycling - SPDs or Flat Pedals?

• Holidaybooked

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There are two distinct types of pedals you may
have seen on a bike, be it a mountain bike or a
road bike, or you may think all pedals are the
same. Well think again! There are clear
advantages and disadvantages for both types, and
you need to decide if SPDs (the clip in type) or
traditional (flat) pedal is better suited for
your adventure cycling.
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SPDs   SPD stands for Shimano Peddling
Dynamic and refers to the clip in type of
pedals. There is a mechanical cleat within the
pedal, which clips into a small metal block
attached to a specific SPD type shoe. The riders
foot will not leave the pedal in an upward
direction, except under extreme force. To
disengage the rider twists their foot in either
direction.
Pros Increase in pedaling efficiency, the rider
can pull up on the pedal, as well as down to give
an increased pedaling motion. No risk of foot
slip.
Cons You may get stuck. Arriving at a set of
traffic lights and fumbling to release your foot
from the clip can result in an embarrassing
situation. Cost of new SPD pedals and shoes to
match.
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Pros Comfort, the rider can use any type of
footwear. Easy to mount/dismount as there is no
clips involved. Confidence for riding as the
rider can place their foot at any point and use
as balance for cornering. Cost no special shoe
required.
Cons Reduced pedaling efficiency as the rider
can only push down and not pull up on the pedal.
Foot may slip out from the pedal.
Flats Flat pedals are commonly sold with new
bikes and consist of plastic or metal blocks,
with grip that allows your foot to be help in
place without slipping. The rider is free to
choose any type of footwear including, barefoot
to be able to ride a flat pedal, there is no
special shoe to clip in like with SPDs, and the
rider can simply remove their foot at anytime, in
any direction.
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  Choosing the right type of pedal will depend on
the type of adventure cycling you are doing. Road
cyclists swear by SPDs as their foot rarely
leaves the pedal and it gives them more
efficiency. Downhill mountain bikers are
constantly removing their feet to help balance
around sharp corners and walking over steps and
obstacles, so there is no right choice. Just try
both and let us know what you prefer.
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Contact Address Holidaybooked 32 Greenacres,
Puddle town, Dorchester, DT2 8GF UK P.H.NO
01305 848039 Email handleyseo_at_gmail.com
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